TheSun01072021

TELLING IT AS IT IS

ON THURSDAY JULY 1, 2021

No. 7812 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

SIGNAL FOR AID .... A villager
raises a ‘white flag’ outside her home in
Sarawak to indicate her need of assistance
as many others affected by hardship
nationwide do the same under a
widely received people-initiated Full
help movement. – BERNAMAPIX story on

—

page 4

Pushed to the edge
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI the number of calls received by Befrienders
[email protected] omaPnryestsouartetepmrepctiptihteateeadsbyywCaoyvoidu-t19 has led Kuala Lumpur.
Its executive director Kenny Lim said 10,412
PETALING JAYA: Depression got the calls were received from March to May,
better of 27-year-old Aniq (not his real compared with 6,858 during the same period in
name) several weeks ago. The Covid-19 2020, accounting for a 52% increase.
pandemic has not only left him in “About 30% to 40% of the callers had
financial ruin, but also taken his parents’ lives. death was reported as an accident, my sister Covid-19 took the life of her father, the sole expressed suicidal tendency or have attempted
could use the insurance money to pay off some breadwinner in the family. suicide in the past,” he said.
Unable to take the stress, he decided to end of the debts and lessen the burden on her Today, the 24-hour helpline receives about
it all. But as fate would have it, his sister found shoulders,” he said, in tears. The recently jobless graduate said her 120 calls a day.
him on the ledge outside their high-rise mother began to sell nasi lemak just to earn The most common complaints raised by
apartment and managed to pull him back. A total of 336 suicides were recorded from enough to put food on the table every day and callers involve mental health issues such as
January to March this year, averaging four a day. to send her younger siblings to school. depression and anxiety, relationship and family
In a way, the pandemic has been fatal in problems.
more ways than one. Many have been ruined In 2020, 631 people took their lives, an “I thought that without me to depend on her, “Since the pandemic began, we
financially and emotionally by the health crisis. average of just under two cases per day. There the burden on my mother could be lessened have been getting an increasing Turn to
were 609 cases in 2019. and she could focus on my siblings,” she said. numbers of calls from those who
The few, like Aniq, who survive such —
attempts end up with debts to pay and pieces of As in the case of Aniq, the financial and She tried to end it all by taking an overdose of are struggling with financial issues page 4
their lives to pick up. emotional ruin wreaked by the pandemic had medication, but survived. due to loss of job and income,
been devastating.
“I am not proud of what I attempted to do The toll Covid-19 has taken on mental
but I was at my wit’s end. I had hoped that if my Another suicide survivor told theSun that well-being is clearly reflected in an increase in

2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Perak Sultan consents to assembly sitting

IPOH: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah Sultan of Perak together with state secretary Facebook and YouTube,” he said during a assemblymen as well as related matters.
has given his consent for reconvening of the Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and legal virtual media conference. On whether media personnel would be
Perak State Legislative Assembly for four days advisers. According to initial plans, the
starting Aug 25, said Mentri Besar Datuk assembly sitting will be held physically with all Saarani said as the sitting will take place allowed to cover the sitting, he said he would
Saarani Mohamad. elected representatives attending, while during the movement control order, the state seek the advice of the NSC and Health Ministry
department heads and observers will government will meet the National Security on the matter.
The Perak ruler had also agreed to officiate at participate virtually. Council (NSC) and security forces to seek
the ceremony on the first day of the sitting, advice on standard operating procedures, It was reported that several states had
Saarani said. “According to the usual practice, the sitting number of representatives allowed to attend, announced state assembly sittings, including
can be viewed on social media, including physical distancing rules, seating positions for Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Pahang and
“On Tuesday, I had an audience with the Terengganu. – Bernama

Domestic tourism spending dropped 60% last year Education fees to
be maintained
KUALA LUMPUR: Domestic tourism Mohd Uzir Mahidin said movement decline of 55.8% compared with 2019. purposes accounted for 42.3% (35.4%
expenditure last year fell by 60.8% to restrictions to curb the spread of Shopping made up the highest in 2019), surpassing contributions NILAI: The Higher Education
RM40.4 billion compared with Covid-19 affected domestic tourism from trips to visit relatives and friends, Ministry has confirmed that there
RM103.2 billion in 2019, according to last year. contribution in visitor spending at which was 32% (42.3% in 2019). will be no fee hike for students in
the Domestic Tourism Survey 2020 52.6% (37.8% in 2019) from the overall higher education institutions.
Report issued yesterday by the “Domestic visitor arrivals were expenditure of domestic visitors. This was followed by contributions
Statistics Department. down 44.6%, with 131.7 million from holidays and leisure at 16.9% (9% Its minister Datuk Seri Dr
visitors compared with 239.1 million This was followed by food and in 2019). Noraini Ahmad said the ministry
It was the first decline since 2008 visitors in 2019, resulting in a fall of beverage at 18.6% (14.3% in 2019) and had also requested universities
when the department started 60.8% in total spending to RM40.4 vehicle fuel at 9% (15% in 2019). Selangor was the most visited state not to impose fees on other
collating statistics for the survey, said billion compared with 103.2 billion by domestic tourists, recording 19.7 activities because most students
the chief statistician’s office in a the year before.” “This is the first time expenditure million visitors, followed by Perak were not present at campuses
statement. on food and beverage was higher than (13.2 million), Kuala Lumpur (12.4 during the pandemic.
Mohd Uzir said domestic visitors vehicle fuel.” million), Sabah (10.3 million) and
Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr only made 147 million trips in 2020, a Kedah (10.1 million). – Bernama “But it depends on respective
Mohd Uzir said for the first time varsities because they have
since 2008, travelling for shopping autonomy regarding tuition fees. I
learned that some universities
Accept moratorium with provide discounts,” she told
eyes open: Experts reporters after visiting a mega
vaccination centre at Universiti
o Respite in loan repayments only beneficial if your salary has been reduced, or your compound interest and late penalty Sains Islam Malaysia.
banks agree to waive compound interest, fees business is struggling to survive, it is fees. The reality is that any extension of
best to continue your loan repayments the agreed terms of repayment for Noraini said 30% of lecturers in
█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR However, financial experts say, under existing terms,” he told theSun. loans taken will usually lead to higher education institutions
[email protected] lack of planning could haunt compounded interest, he added. nationwide had been vaccinated.
PETALING JAYA: The moratorium borrowers at the end of the Kwo said many people have made
on repayment of bank loans has repayment period, even if banks the mistake of using the short-term “An individual will therefore need to She welcomed the Health
come as a relief to many. agree to waive compounded interest reprieve to put their money in evaluate his own financial Ministry’s efforts to provide jabs to
and late penalty fees as suggested by speculative investments despite having circumstances before accepting it.” all tertiary students apart from
A short-term break from paying Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul little or no knowledge of financial medical students during the third
the monthly instalments for car or Abdul Aziz. markets. A moratorium is just a deferment of phase of the National Covid-19
home loans has given borrowers loan repayment, he pointed out. “It Immunisation Programme.
much-needed breathing space to Zafrul said borrowers could He said borrowers who opt for the means that you still owe the bank some
deal with more immediate needs, discuss the terms of repayment, moratorium should come up with a money. It’s just that you have been “Lecturers in the high-risk
such as putting food on the table including interest charges, with their long-term financial plan to help given a longer time to pay up.” group have received their
while taking home smaller pay respective banks. themselves recover from their current vaccines, especially those in the
packets. predicament. “This includes adopting He stressed that this does not mean medical and dentistry faculties.
Malaysian Financial Planning the right financial behaviour.” that banks are waiving the interest Priority is now for students who
For those who have lost their jobs, Council president Vincent Kwo Shih accrued but are only collecting it later. are on campus due to not having
it is an issue they do not have to Kang said it is best for borrowers to A factor to take into consideration in internet access (at home) for
worry about for up to six not accept the moratorium offer if a financial plan is cash flow projections. Neoh said any delay in payment will online lessons.” – Bernama
months, enabling them to focus on they are not adversely affected by the Proper planning can change an lead to interest charges, underscoring
finding new jobs. Covid-19 financial fallout. individual’s economic situation and the rationale of not taking the BRIEFS EPF OPENS BRANCH
help him attain financial well-being moratorium unless one is genuinely SERVICE COUNTERS
“Unless you have lost your job or once the country recovers, he said. having cash flow problems. KUALA LUMPUR: The
Employees Provident Fund
Another financial expert, Felix Those planning to channel the extra (EPF) will open its branch
Neoh, said banks will first have to agree cash in hand into investment office service counters
to roll out Zafrul’s proposal to waive opportunities, risk losing their capital, nationwide from 8.30am to
he cautioned. 2pm on weekdays for
certain services, beginning
today. Withdrawals for age
50, 55 and 60, withdrawals
for health reasons or
following death, as well as
collection of payment
orders (PO) or banker’s
cheques are the services
available. “Members are
required to schedule their
appointments through Janji
Temu Online via
kwsp.gov.my/janjitemu,” it
said, adding that EPF will
contact members to arrange
for collection of PO and
banker’s cheques.
– Bernama

‘HOLD DEWAN
SITTING BY AUG 1’
KUALA LUMPUR: Senate
president Tan Sri Rais Yatim
FIT FOR A and Dewan Rakyat Speaker
PALACE ... Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun
Ipoh-based have proposed to the prime
blacksmith Mohd minister that a special
Imran Hadiri Parliament meeting be held
showing spears he before Aug 1, in accordance
made for Istana with existing laws. They
Iskandariah in Kuala made the proposal
Kangsar, Perak. following an audience with
– BERNAMAPIX the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Al-Sultan Abdullah
Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa
Billah Shah on Tuesday. They
also said that during the
audience, Al-Sultan
Abdullah decreed that
Parliament convene before
Aug 1. – Bernama

3theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

More city folk using digital finance

█ BY HAKEM HASSAN o Surgeine-wallettransactions,mobile There is potential for growth with the case,” he said.
[email protected] banking driven by Covid-19 pandemic the introduction of initiatives such as Sathiamurthi said this could be
PETALING JAYA: More Malaysians the Digital Banking framework by
are ditching cash for digital wallets to However, the uptake in digital Apart from e-wallet transactions Bank Negara Malaysia and the due to regulatory challenges,
make purchases, but they are mostly financing has not been evenly spread and mobile banking, crypto increased attention by global venture availability of funding as well as the
urban residents. across the country. Apart from two in exchanges also saw a surge. There capitalists. tendency to favour government-
Penang, most of the big names in the were eight times more new accounts linked companies and large
In the past year, the number of game in Malaysia are concentrated in last year compared with the year The Securities Commission has corporations over start-ups.
transactions through e-wallet has the Klang Valley. before, and funding has also increased also introduced several regulatory
gone up by 131%. Mobile banking has with rising interest in Malaysia’s initiatives to enable new fintech “Fintech in Malaysia has struggled
also seen a surge - by up to 125%. The overall uptake of digital fintech start-ups shown by investors. business models in recent years as to truly make an impact or grow like
finance here has been slower than in they continue to study the market to our regional competitors or even take
This has pushed Kuala Lumpur’s many other countries. Among Fong believes the trend is here to introduce market-friendly policies. advantage of the pressures of the
position in the Global Fintech countries polled, Malaysia dropped stay as consumers get comfortable pandemic,” he added.
Rankings 2021 to 67th spot, up 11 10 rungs to settle at 46th spot. with the digital channels out of Sathiamurthi Ramanaidu, chief
rungs from the previous year. necessity and eventually getting used executive officer of digital insurance He believes the window of
The ranking, powered by cloud to the convenience it brings. technology start-up GFlex40, said the opportunity is fast closing for financial
As expected, the acceleration in banking platform Mambu, examined discrepancy in rankings is a reflection technology firms. However, more of
the adoption of digital finance has the fintech ecosystems of more than “However, there still is room for of the unnatural skew in Malaysia’s them are building resilience and
been driven mostly by the Covid-19 264 cities across 83 countries. improvement. Industry players overall economic development. showing their persistence in
pandemic, Vincent Fong, chief editor should ramp up efforts to educate overcoming challenges. “We’re also
of Fintech News Malaysia, told It stated that the sector has users given that along with the “Although it is natural in many becoming more ingenious and
theSun. expanded globally, building upon a increase in usage, there has also been economies that major cities tend to creative in finding solutions and talent.
surge in demand for technology that more scams and frauds,” he said. get much of the economic activity, I expect Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur
According to the publication’s increases access to digital finance. invariably with the passing of time will, in three to five years, show lasting
2021 report, there were 233 financial other regions across the nation tend and tangible improvements both in
technology firms in Malaysia last to grow. Unfortunately, it appears to ranking and real life performance in
year, up from 193 the year before. be that in Malaysia, this has not been digital finance.”

Cops probe BRIEFS NAJIB’S 1MDB TRIAL
WhatsApp chats RESUMES MONDAY
between woman TIGHTER CONTROL ...
and ‘policeman’ Armed forces personnel installing KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of
barb wired around Taman Murni former prime minister Datuk
KUALA LUMPUR: The police are in Sepang, Selangor after it was Seri Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia
investigating a claim by a woman, placed under a two-week Development Bhd (1MDB) case
which was widely shared on social enhanced movement control will resume at the High Court
media on Tuesday, that she had been order effective yesterday. – ADIB here on July 5. Deputy public
contacted by a police officer via RAWI YAHYA/THESUN prosecutor Ahmad Akram
WhatsApp after submitting her Gharib said the case was
interstate travel application. Full trial for suit by 10 Gombak voters against Azmin initially scheduled to resume
on Tuesday before Justice
Wangsa Maju district police chief KUALA LUMPUR: The law suit Counsel N. Yohendra, 27 last year against Mohamed Collin Lawrence Sequerah, but
Supt Ashari Abu Samah said the brought by 10 Gombak voters representing the voters, said the Azmin for alleged deceit and breach was postponed due to phase
investigation is being carried out against Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin judge fixed June 7, 8, 9 and 10 next of fiduciary duty through the one of the movement control
following a tweet about the incident Ali for alleged deceit and breach of year to hear the suit and April 7 for “Sheraton Move” that caused the under the National Recovery
by the 26-year-old woman. fiduciary duty in his capacity as their case management. Pakatan Harapan government to Plan. “We received an email
MP is set to go on full trial. collapse in February the same year. from the court yesterday
“The woman informed (us) that Mohamed Azmin filed the (Tuesday) afternoon informing
she went to the Setapak police station High Court Judge Datuk Akhtar application to strike out the suit on In their statement of claim, the that the trial of the 1MDB case
to obtain interstate travel permission Tahir dismissed Mohamed Azmin’s March 12 on grounds that the suit plaintiffs, aged 37 to 65, are seeking, has been postponed.
before being contacted by the application to strike out the suit did not disclose a reasonable cause among others, a declaration that According to the schedule set
personnel. The investment analyst yesterday. He also rejected the of action, and regarded it as Mohamed Azmin, as the Gombak earlier, the next trial date will
then lodged a police report at voters’ application to strike out defamatory, frivolous, vexatious and MP, had breached his fiduciary start from July 5 to 8,” he said
Gombak police station at 7.30pm several paragraphs of Mohamed an abuse of the court process and obligations, deceived them during when contacted via WhatsApp
today (Tuesday) and she would be Azmin’s statement of defence. The violated his fundamental right to the election in the constituency as yesterday. The case was last
called to have her statement recorded judge made the ruling via online freedom of association. well as breached the representation heard on May 27. Najib’s lawyer
soon,” he said in a statement. proceedings yesterday. made to them. - Bernama Wan Aizuddin Wan
The 10 voters filed the suit on Nov Mohammed is expected to
He said police have also identified continue cross-examining the
the policeman who allegedly 10th prosecution witness
contacted the woman and would not Mohd Hazem Abdul Rahman,
hesitate to take stern action against 49, former 1MDB chief
any personnel if they were found executive officer when the trial
guilty. The investigation is being resumed. Najib, 67, is facing
conducted by the Kuala Lumpur four charges of using his
contingent police headquarters’s position to obtain bribes
integrity and standard compliance totalling RM2.3 billion from
department, Bernama reported. 1MDB funds and 21 charges of
money laundering involving
Earlier, the woman shared a the same amount. - Bernama
screenshot of a WhatsApp
conversation between herself and an ONLY 8 ALLOWED IN
individual who claimed to be a NUPTIAL CEREMONY
policeman, questioning the action of KUCHING: Only eight persons,
the personnel in contacting her. including the marriage
solemniser and witness, are
allowed to be present at a
marriage solemnisation
ceremony in Sarawak during
phase one of movement
Deepak gets to restrain Bakti Wira from disposing shares control under the National
Recovery Plan. According to
the Sarawak Islamic Council
PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal Court on July 17 last year. Deepak’s Development and Boustead Holdings and Bakti Wira (MIS), the number of attendees
here granted businessman J.R. appeal to reinstate that civil suit has Holdings from dealing with 223 acres Development. also depends on the capacity
Deepak Jaikishan an interim been scheduled for hearing at the of land in Kapar and Bukit Raja in of the space. Prior approval
injunction order to restrain Bakti Court of Appeal on Oct 8. Selangor, Bernama reported. He said the balance of should also be obtained by the
Wira Development Sdn Bhd from convenience and justice lies with the potential bride and
disposing 19% of his shares in At yesterday’s proceeding, Deepak’s lawyer Alex De Silva granting of the interim order to bridegroom and the ceremony
Astacanggih Sdn Bhd, pending conducted virtually via Zoom, a sought the interim injunction to preserve the integrity of the appeal to be held only at the office of
disposal of his appeal. three-member bench comprising restrain Bakti Wira Development and prevent its outcome from the district Islamic religious
Justices Datuk Hanipah Farikullah, from disposing 80% of the shares becoming academic and nugatory. offices or MIS premises. Those
The interim injunction was Datuk Azizah Nawawi and Datuk which belonged to Deepak. present are required to
granted to Deepak pending disposal Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim heard Deepak filed the suit on Oct 12, observe the standard
of his appeal to reinstate a civil suit Deepak’s application for an interim However, lawyer Robert Lazar, 2018, against the two companies, operating procedures, such
which he had filed against Bakti Wira injunction order against Boustead appearing for the two companies, Najib and Rosmah, claiming that he scanning body temperature,
Development, Boustead Holdings Holdings and its subsidiary Bakti told the court that Deepak only had suffered losses due to the wear face mask and exercise
Bhd, former prime minister Datuk Wira Development, pending disposal owned 19% of the shares and the conspiracy, fraud and undue physical distancing. It said the
Seri Najib Razak and his wife Datin of his (Deepak’s) appeal in the civil other 61% belonged to nominees. influence by the defendants in a duration of each marriage
Seri Rosmah Mansor over a land deal. suit. property deal that allegedly caused solemnisation ceremony
In his motion, Deepak claimed his company to suffer huge losses. should not exceed 20 minutes,
The civil suit pertaining to the Justice Hanipah, who led the that there were elements of including the recitation of the
land deal that allegedly caused bench, had however, dismissed conspiracy, duress, fraud and undue He sought RM600 million in taklik. - Bernama
Deepak’s company to suffer huge Deepak’s application for an interim influence in the course of executing general damages, RM50 million in
losses, was struck out by the High injunction to restrain Bakti Wira the share sale agreement and the exemplary damages and RM26
land sale agreement by Boustead million in aggravated damages.

4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021 ‘White flag’ initiative flying high
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Loneliness
among factors

businesses being affected by the o Social media post advocating dignified people-for-people and don’t know what to do, my brain is numb.
lockdown, loneliness from way to seek help starts ‘aid tsunami’ Not looking for a shortcut, just hoping there are
being separated from loved From caring people. May God facilitate our deeds. My
ones and several other factors, front children are still young and my wife is
including fear of infection and page pregnant.”

the vaccine,” Lim added. █ BY HAKEM HASSAN It is unclear who started the initiative, but The initiative has received wide acceptance
He said many who are suicidal find [email protected] since Tuesday, the hashtag has garnered more and praise in the wake of reports that there has
it difficult to talk to others due to the fear of PETALING JAYA: All it took was a white flag than 35,000 tweets. been a surge in suicides and deterioration in
being judged and stigmatised. placed in front of a house to start a nationwide mental health as a result of the economic
The Mind Psychological Services and campaign to help those hit hardest by the Proponents of the initiative urge those fallout caused by the pandemic.
Training director and clinical psychologist Covid-19 crisis. struggling financially and in need of food and
Dr Joel Low said he has also seen an other essentials to place a white flag (or simply Ambee said he decided to help the family in
increase in the number of patients seeking The white flag initiative, now viral as a piece of white cloth on a pole) outside their Sri Damansara after he was informed that the
mental health services. #benderaputih on social media, has inspired homes to indicate their need for aid. son had recently fallen to his death.
“While we do not have exact data, I many to help those who no longer have the
believe the increase has definitely been means to put food on the table. A Facebook post by “Kamarul Ariffin Nor “The parents of the deceased are both
happening since last year,” he said. Sadan” that was shared by “Warga Taman Putra visually impaired and they have two other
“Most complain about the big three – Ambee Zamri, who answered a white flag Perdana Puchong” stated that the move allows daughters. The pandemic hit the family hard, so
depression, anxiety and stress – caused call to help a family in Sri Damansara, managed aid to be provided without the need to “plead or I visited them to give them some necessities.”
by the same issues everyone is dealing to get donations for the distressed family. feel ashamed”. The post was apparently in
with now.” response to someone who posted: “I’m tired It was then that Ambee decided to spread
the family’s plea for help through social media.
“We have also seen a surge in the NOBLE GESTURE ... Tanah Aina Cafe chief executive officer Datuk Included in the plea was the bank account
number of people with relationship and Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil tending a stall set up outside the eatery in number of a member of the family.
parenting issues. I believe the fact that we Shah Alam, Selangor to provide complimentary meals and drinks to
are forced to face the cracks in our those who need them. – ASYRAF RASID/THESUN Within 24 hours, the flood of funds into the
relationships on a daily basis means that account forced the bank to block it temporarily.
it has become much harder to ignore It has since been unblocked.
issues that were once more easily
avoidable,” he added. Ambee expressed hope that the movement
would inspire unity among the people,
RM6m for Phase 3 irrespective of race or religion, and inspire them
of Pahang aid drive to help those in need.

KUANTAN: The Pahang government has However, some netizens expressed ire that
announced an allocation of RM6.03 million opportunistic politicians have made use of the
for phase three of the Bantuan Prihatin initiative to publicise themselves.
Pahang Covid-19 programme for those
affected by the pandemic, said Mentri Besar Ambee said the initiative is best left in the
Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. hands of the people, without interference or
comments from politicians.
He said the assistance would be
channelled through the distribution of food Meanwhile, the ARBA Foundation, a
baskets to registered fishermen, canteen platform founded to provide cash assistance to
operators and workers, as well as school those in need, said the movement has grown an
hostel dining halls and hawkers who are not increase in the number of people applying for
registered with local authorities. aid as well as funding.

“This is in addition to assistance Its chief executive officer Azlan Shah Nabees
channeled previously through the service Khan said the foundation provides cash
centres of the respective state generated through public donations.
representatives,” he said yesterday.
“The sentiment of this movement is very
Phase three brings the total allocation by strong. In 24 hours, we have seen 340
the state government to RM23.13 million. nationwide applications and have received
The first phase involved recipients from the three times the amount of funding we normally
hardcore poor category, people with receive,” he said.
disabilities and senior citizens above the
age of 80 who are Social Welfare Hope for Malaysian-made vaccine
Department aid recipients.
KUALA LUMPUR: Producing our own Covid- the second dose. vaccine, it would be able to resolve various
The second phase was targeted for, 19 vaccine is the best way to reduce However, a recent statement by Health crises such as inadequate supply.
among others, boat operators, tour guides, dependence on international suppliers.
school canteen operators and their daily Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba that “It is a global health crisis and all, developed
wage workers, delivery service providers This has become more urgent as countries Malaysia is developing the first Covid vaccine in countries or poor countries, are affected. As a
and e-hailing drivers. It also included orang which do not have the capacity to produce the collaboration with the Institute of Medical developing country, we can reduce our
asli, army veterans and police retirees. vaccines are now paying a higher price and Research and Universiti Putra Malaysia gives dependence on external suppliers by
– Bernama experiencing short supply. hope of continuity of vaccine supplies. developing a local vaccine manufacturing
industry to enable our society to have direct
In a report on June 19, the World Health Senior lecturer at the Environmental Health access to it,” she added.
Organisation said a large number of poor Cluster, Department of Earth Science and
countries, including in the Indian sub- Environment at Universiti Kebangsaan Nurul Yuziana is currently working on
continent, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America Malaysia, Dr Nurul Yuziana Mohd Yusof, said developing a biosensor platform for Covid-19.
and West Asia, had to postpone their the emergence of new variants should make
vaccination programmes due to shortage of Malaysia realise the need for proactive action to She added that Malaysia could learn from
vaccines, causing individuals who have already intensify efforts to produce the vaccine. the example set by India, which is using local
received the first dose to have to wait longer for expertise to develop and produce its own
She said if Malaysia is able to produce the Covid-19 vaccine. – Bernama

UC PVDIAD -T1E9 confirmToetadlcases PERLIS 5 KELANTAN 159 LABUAN 132
TERENGGANU 20 242
As of noon yesterday 751,979 KEDAH 226 PAHANG 210
PENANG 131 N.SEMBILAN 644
activToetcaal ses recToovtearlies Death toll
PERAK 137 223 SABAH
64,129 682,680 5,170 SELANGOR 2,836
New cases JOHOR SARAWAK 376
New recoveries New fatalities K. LUMPUR 625
6,276 PUTRAJAYA 11

MALACCA

299

Total in ICU 4,929 62

905

5theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Rejected by ‘ill-equipped’ varsity

oPhysically-challenged studentstunned by president V. Murugeswaran. very hard to get a place in a public “It is time to take proactive steps to
institution that turned her away because its “The ministry is sidestepping the university to ease the financial hold discussions with all
premises are not disabled-friendly burden on her parents. stakeholders to ensure that students
real issue by saying that she only had are not rejected because of their
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI programmes and 20 community a “B” for Biology,” he told theSun. “They have already spent a lot of disabilities.”
[email protected] college certifications in another money on my treatment and I do not
PETALINGJ JAYA: People with university that they said was “The ministry should have want them to spend more on my He said such institutions should
physical disabilities learn quickly that disabled-friendly. addressed that point and not try to education.” also be made disabled-friendly.
options for them are limited. sweep the discriminatory policy
While the Higher Education under the carpet,” he added. Murugeswaran described the “Like others, students with
Nonetheless, it still came as a Ministry has denied rejecting ministry’s reason for denying disabilities also have dreams of
shock for Karishma (not her real Karishma’s application to pursue Karishma described the rejection Karishma entry as an afterthought to succeeding as a member of the
name) when she was informed that tertiary education based on her as “very disappointing”. justify discrimination against community.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia disability, the Damai Disabled disabled students.
would not accept her for its Asasi Persons Association Malaysia “In its email response to me, the “They can be a force to reckon
Pintar Pre-University programme (DDPAM) pointed out that the UPU stated that because I am a “Look at it closely and you will see with if given equal opportunities,”
because it was not disabled-friendly. university had stated clearly its disabled person, I could opt for that the ministry director-general he added.
reason for the rejection in messages community colleges or Universiti Husaini Omar’s statement was
This was despite the fact that she exchanged with Karishma on UPU Pendidikan Sultan Idris if I wished to contradictory. On one hand, he said Murugeswaran stressed that the
had scored nine A’s in the Sijil Online, the university intake unit. further my studies,” she said. the government has an inclusive government has to ensure that
Pelajaran Malaysia examination, was policy. enough funds are allocated to ensure
shortlisted for the programme and “It is clear from the messages that “How can a university not be all public universities are equipped
even attended an interview. she could not join the programme disabled-friendly when there are “On the other, he cited Karishma’s with facilities for students with
mainly because she is wheelchair- many disabled students who should score for Biology for the rejection, special needs.
Instead, she was told that she bound and that the campus does not be given an equal chance to pursue ignoring the fact that she had scored
could choose between two diploma have suitable facilities,” said DDPAM tertiary education,” she said. nine A’s, thus exceeding the He said Karishma is not an
minimum criteria of seven A’s.” isolated case.
“It hurts to know that we are
always underestimated because of Murugeswaran said the “We know of other students with
our disability.” government should acknowledge disability facing the same problem.
the core issue, which is the lack of
She said the university has yet to access to institutions of higher “The government should set up a
get back to her with a possible learning for the disabled. task force to investigate such
solution. complaints so that we do not
encounter such problems in future.”
Karishma said she had worked

A customer Teacher starts food
choosing a bank for needy
durian at a stall in
Taman Medan, KUANTAN: The Covid-19 pandemic and the
Petaling Jaya sufferings it has caused have brought out the
yesterday. best in many people.
– ASYRAF
RASID/THESUN One such person is Murnizam Muda, 42, a
teacher of Sekolah Kebangsaan Assunta
Durian farmers bypass middlemen to sell online Convent.

KANGAR: It has become a trend to sell sell them cheaper to customers,” he told Also sharing his experience was Nordin Unable to bear the sorrow of seeing people
products and goods via social media Bernama recently. Salleh, 64, who said he also planted durian for going hungry because they have lost their jobs,
platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, his grandchildren. Murnizam set up a food bank in front of her
TikTok and others since the country was hit by Musa said he had no problems marketing house in Indera Mahkota.
Covid-19 and came under the first movement durian during phase one of the National “I only started selling when there were
control order (MCO) on March 18 last year. Recovery Plan as the response was good. excess fruits, otherwise priority was for the She said she would purchase essential
family, and most of my fruits were kampung foodstuff such as rice, flour, sugar, eggs, cooking
Durian traders have also jumped on the “There would be online orders everyday, durian,” said Nordin, who has a 1.7ha farm. oil and soy sauce and place them on a table
bandwagon to market the king of fruits online, and my son would help manage via his under a tree to be picked up by those who
bypassing wholesalers or middlemen, to sell mobile phone,” said the government retiree, He said apart from selling online, he also need them.
the fruits from their farms. who is fondly known as Pak Andak. sells them at his farm.
The food bank functions like a mini sundry
Musa Nayan, 66, a durian farmer in Wang The father of five said initially he planted “I am trying to obtain approval from the shop, but “purchasers” do not have to pay
Gunung near Bintong, in Kangar, said he durian for his grandchildren but when the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority to anything. She sets up daily from 8am to 7pm.
chose to market the durian online as it was durian price rose, he decided to do it as a sell durian and to open a durian stall,” he said.
easier to deal with customers directly without business. Murnizam makes four to seven shopping
having to depend on wholesalers. The father of four, who is also known as trips a week, spending about RM500 each
He said among the types of durian in his Pak Din, said Perlis durian taste different from time. However, she sees her contribution as a
“I find it more satisfying to sell the fruits of 1.78ha farm, which he inherited, were durian in other places as they are sweeter and small sacrifice.
my hardwork as it is more profitable, and I can kampung durian (D168) as well as Musang more aromatic, which could be due to the soil
King. and weather. “It makes me happy to know that they will
not go hungry, especially children,” she said.
Anguish of frontliners separated from loved ones
Affectionately known as Cik Murni, the
ROMPIN: Multiple trips in choppy waters just smaller boats to take them upriver to Family support has come in handy for teacher’s effort has caught the attention of
to set up “instant clinics” in remote areas is all communities, where they set up their clinics. family physician Dr Zulkifli Harun. He is neighbours and colleagues, who have also
in a day’s work for Norizan Ab Hamid. grateful to his in-laws for helping his wife to started to contribute to her food bank.
It is a call of duty for 45-year-old Norizan, look after their five children, aged six to 12, in
It is having to leave her three-year-old son who is a dental therapist. Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, during his An English and Arts teacher helps out by
for several days that is heart-wrenching. absence. delivering the foodstuff to those who are unable
“But seeing my son Ahmad Muqri Mohd to travel. – Bernama
Norizan is among 50 frontline health Nofion wail and struggle in his father’s arms Nursing assistant Mohd Imran Abd Jabar,
workers from the Rompin district health clinic because he wants to come with me is painful,” 41, said since arriving in Pulau Tioman, he Relief for creative, arts
who have been assigned to meet the she said. has kept in touch with his family through industry players
vaccination needs of people living in Pulau video calls.
Tioman. “But I know I have to be strong to fulfil the KUALA LUMPUR: The RM100 million
task entrusted upon me.” “I have been making video calls to them assistance under the National People’s
The programme, which kicked off last every night, especially to put my two-year-old Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package
Sunday, will see 1,700 residents on the resort Norizan said her husband agreed to take daughter Nuriz Aleeya to bed because I’m the (Pemulih) to help the local arts and creative
island receiving the Sinovac vaccine. leave from work to take care of their children. one who usually does that,” he said. industry players affected by Covid-19 has
Their eldest, Nur Auni, who is 18, will look – Bernama brought relief to those involved.
Norizan said her team would take the ferry after her younger siblings when their father
across the channel before disembarking for has to return to work. Malaysian Television Producers Association
president Datuk Jurey Latiff Rosli said the
assistance will alleviate the burden of the
industry players, especially production crew
who have lost their jobs after the sector was not
allowed to operate.

He said it also shows that the government is
concerned about their well-being.

“We are grateful to the government for the
allocation. Various assistance have also been
channelled to us. However, we hope the
distribution of this aid will be done in a more
comprehensive manner involving all workers in
the industry, whether they are working with a
company or freelancing,” he told Bernama.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on
Monday announced a RM100 million allocation
in funding facilities and financial assistance to
help 8,000 artists, musicians, actors, theatre
activists, writers and production crew.

6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

7 killed, 11 missing STRAY JUMBO ... Villagers gathering
in ferry sinking at a beach to watch a wild Asian
elephant near the southern coastal
JAKARTA: Indonesian rescuers were town of Teknaf in Bangladesh. The
searching for 11 people still missing animal is believed to have entered the
after a passenger ferry sank off the country from Myanmar by wading
coast of Bali in rough seas, killing at across a river. – AFPPIX
least seven, authorities said
yesterday.

Dozens of survivors were plucked
from the water on Tuesday evening
after the KMP Yunicee, carrying 57
passengers and crew, went down
near Gilimanuk port at the western
end of the holiday island.

It had been travelling across a
narrow strait from Java island.

But 11 people remained missing
yesterday while authorities
confirmed that they had pulled seven
dead from the waters, updating an
earlier toll.

“We are still searching for the
missing,” said Bali search and rescue
chief Gede Darmada.

“The rescue was hampered by low
visibility and high waves.”

It was unclear what caused the
accident. – AFP

BRIEFS CHINA CERTIFIED
MALARIA-FREE
Boy injured in judo class
GENEVA: China was certified taken off life-support
malaria-free yesterday by the crime, prosecutors said in a saying he was thrown about 27
World Health Organisation o Seven-year-old went into coma after statement. times.
(WHO), following a 70-year effort being slammed on floor by coach in April
to eradicate the mosquito-borne The coach instructed other Prosecutors said his head
disease. The country reported 30 TAIPEI: A seven-year-old He had been in a coma for 70 children to practise with Huang repeatedly hit the floor but did not
million cases of the infectious Taiwanese boy who was in a coma days with brain haemorrhages and even when the boy was not familiar specify how many times.
disease annually in the 1940s but for over two months after he was developed respiratory problems as with basic judo movements, and he
has now gone four consecutive repeatedly thrown to the floor well as multiple organ failure before started to use several throwing Huang begged the coach to stop
years without an indigenous case. during a judo class has died, a his parents decided to take him off techniques on the child after he said multiple times, saying he could not
“We congratulate the people of hospital said yesterday. life support on Tuesday, a hospital “the coach is a big idiot”, according bear it anymore, according to
China on ridding the country of official said. to the statement. Taiwan’s Central News Agency.
malaria,“ said WHO The boy, who was only identified
director-general Tedros Adhanom by his family name Huang, was His coach, identified by his The boy complained of a bad The boy’s uncle reportedly
Ghebreyesus. “Their success was rushed to Feng Yuan Hospital in surname Ho, was indicted headache but Ho proceeded to attended the class but failed to stop
hard-earned and came only after central Taichung city on April 21 earlier this month on charges of throw him a dozen more times that the coach.
decades of targeted and after he was reportedly thrown 27 inflicting severe injuries on children caused him to vomit, it said.
sustained action.” China becomes times by his judo coach. and using children to commit a “Wish you can rest in peace and
the 40th territory certified The coach did not stop until the justice system can finally bring
malaria-free by WHO. – AFP Huang collapsed unconscious on comfort to your family,” Taichung
the floor, prosecutors said. Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who visited
WORLD’S OLDEST the boy in hospital, said in a
LIVING MAN Local media cited his family as Facebook post. – AFP

LONDON: Emilio Flores Marquez
from Puerto Rico has become the
world’s oldest living man, at 112
years and 326 days, Guinness
World Records announced
yesterday. Marquez, who was
born in Carolina, east of the
Puerto Rican capital of San Juan in
1908, was recognised by
Guinness and awarded a
certificate. Asked about his
longevity, Marquez said the
secret lay in compassion. “My dad
raised me with love and taught
me to love everyone. He always
told me and my brothers and
sisters to do good, to share
everything with others.“ – AFP

Indian state challenges bar on Scores dead as record-breaking
police action against Twitter boss heat wave grips Canada

NEW DELHI: An Indian state has challenged ruling in the Supreme Court, court records OTTAWA: Scores of deaths in Canada’s 233 deaths between Friday and Monday,
in the Supreme Court a bar on police action showed yesterday, but further details of its Vancouver area are likely linked to a gruelling compared to 130 on average.
against Twitter Inc’s country head, after a appeal were not immediately available. heat wave, authorities said on Tuesday, as the
lower court protected him against arrest over country recorded its highest ever temperature Canada set a new all-time high temperature
an accusation that the platform was used to The records also showed Maheshwari had amid scorching conditions that extended to the record for a third consecutive day on Tuesday,
spread hate. urged the Supreme Court, in a filing, not to act US Pacific Northwest. reaching 49.5°C in Lytton, British Columbia.
on the police appeal without hearing him.
The tussle, coupled with discontent over At least 134 people have died suddenly since “Vancouver has never experienced heat like
increasing regulatory scrutiny of other US tech Twitter declined to comment. Friday in the Vancouver area, according to this and sadly, dozens of people are dying
firms such as WhatsApp and Amazon, has As acrimony grows with Indian authorities, figures released by the city police department because of it,” said police Sgt Steve Addison.
soured the business environment in a key Twitter faces at least five police cases. and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
growth market. Modi’s government has slammed Twitter Other local municipalities have said they too
for not complying with new infotech rules to The Vancouver Police Department alone have responded to many sudden death calls,
Police in northern Uttar Pradesh, ruled by appoint new compliance officers. said it had responded to more than 65 sudden but have yet to release any figures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, issued The non-compliance has fuelled worries deaths since Friday, with the vast majority
a summons this month to the official, Manish that Twitter may no longer be able to claim a “related to the heat”. Some Vancouver locals said they had never
Maheshwari, over a video they said incited sort of safe-harbour protection allowed by experienced such temperatures before.
“hate and enmity” between Hindu and Indian law for content posted by users. The chief coroner for the province of British
Muslim communities. Other cases were triggered by complaints Columbia, which includes Vancouver, said it “It’s never this bad. I’ve never seen anything
that some politically-sensitive regions were had “experienced a significant increase in like this,” said a Vancouver resident who only
Last week, a court in Maheshwari’s home depicted outside India in a map on Twitter’s deaths reported where it is suspected that gave her name as Rosa.
state of Karnataka ruled that police should careers website, and that child pornography extreme heat has been contributory”.
take no coercive action against him. was present on its platform. – Reuters “I feel for those in the elderly demographic
The service said in a statement it recorded or people who live on the downtown eastside of
Uttar Pradesh has now challenged that Vancouver who don’t have a cool spot to live or
sleep,” said swimmer Graham Griedger. – AFP

BRIEFSCAMBODIA WARNS 7theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
OF STRICTER CURBS NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia yesterday N. Korean officials sacked
reported record daily rises in after ‘crucial’ Covid incident
coronavirus deaths and cases,
reaching what its government called o Analysts say latest caused a “crucial” incident, “creating a great It did not provide names, but the KCTV
the “red line” in its biggest outbreak development a clear crisis in ensuring the security of the state and footage culminated in a near-unanimous show
so far. The nation reported 27 deaths indication of outbreak safety of the people and entailed grave of hands on the podium – when one
and 1,130 cases yesterday. “We are consequences”, Kim told a politburo meeting, previously-occupied seat was empty, and
now at the red line for Covid-19 virus PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim according to state news agency KCNA. marshal Ri Pyong Chol, among the most senior
transmission in the country. Jong-un replaced several senior officials after a officials in the country, did not take part in the
Everyone must act responsibly “crucial” coronavirus incident, state media It did not specify what had happened. vote, as Kim turned to stare at him.
together in order to suppress virus reported yesterday, potentially signalling a But Kim added that cadres’ “lack of ability
transmission now,“ said Or Vandine, breach in the country’s epidemic defences. and irresponsibility” had hindered important The KCNA dispatch “basically means North
secretary of state and Health Ministry work, accusing them of “self-protectionism and Korea has confirmed cases”, defector and
spokesman. “We do not want to pass Pyongyang closed its borders in January last passiveness”. researcher Ahn Chan-il said.
the red line, which will require year to try to protect itself against the virus that Footage on state broadcaster KCTV showed
lockdown again,“ she said. – Reuters first emerged in neighbouring China. a stream of officials entering the central “The fact that the politburo discussed this,
committee building, and Kim pointing angrily and that the KCNA reported about it, signals
SEOUL DELAYS EASING OF It has not publicly confirmed any cases of as he addressed the meeting on Tuesday. Pyongyang is probably in need of international
SOCIAL DISTANCING RULE the disease at any point, either in state media or His sister and key adviser Kim Yo-jong was aid,” he said.
in the test statistics it has disclosed to the World also among the speakers.
SEOUL: South Korea’s capital and its Health Organisation. The impoverished country’s ramshackle “Otherwise, they would not have done this
neighbouring regions will delay by a health system and lack of medical supplies as it inevitably involves acknowledging the
week the relaxation of social But analysts said the latest development was would leave it struggling to cope with a major regime’s own failure in its anti-epidemic
distancing rules due to a sudden a clear indication there had been infections in Covid-19 outbreak. efforts.”
increase in Covid-19 cases. The the isolated North, which is under international Members of the presidium of the politburo –
government had said it would allow sanctions for its nuclear weapons and ballistic the highest decision-making body of the ruling Park Won-gon of Ewha Womans University
private gatherings of up to six people missile programmes. Workers’ Party – and the politburo were in Seoul pointed out that the meeting’s
in the greater Seoul area starting recalled and new ones named at the meeting, attendance was unusually large and said the
today as the inoculation drive has Officials had neglected their duties and KCNA reported, adding that government reference to “grave consequences” meant it was
been picking up speed. South Korea officials were “transferred and appointed”. “possible” that the North had confirmed cases.
reported 794 new cases on Tuesday.
Most were from the greater Seoul “It does look like Pyongyang is going
area. Authorities said application of through something serious that’s related to
the revised rules in the current Covid-19,” he said. – AFP
situation of “severe and critical crisis”
may lead to confusion and more FIGHTING FIENDS ... A performer dressed as Thailand
transmission. – Reuters a Covid demon is ‘doused by vaccines’ by prepares for
children taking part in a vaccination awareness Phuket
Troops deployed to rally in Chennai, India yesterday. – AFPPIX reopening
enforce lockdown
Coronavirus infections among children BANGKOK: Thailand prepared yesterday to
DHAKA: Bangladesh is deploying troops in Indonesia triple since May reopen the holiday hotspot of Phuket to tourists
from today to enforce a strict lockdown quarantine-free, even as the country registered
amid a record spike in coronavirus cases JAKARTA: The number of Indonesian children “Last week, there was more than 6,000 cases.” its highest single-day death toll from Covid-19.
driven by the Delta variant first detected in contracting the coronavirus has almost tripled The percentage of overall cases that were
India. since May, with infant deaths from Covid-19 under 18 years has risen to 12.6% this month High hopes have been pinned on the
rising sharply as the country suffers its most compared to 5% in July last year, according to so-called “Phuket sandbox” – a model that will
“No one will be allowed go out except in severe wave of infections so far, a senior official data, although Aman noted children allow vaccinated travellers to visit without a
case of an emergency during this period,” paediatrician said yesterday. were now being tested more. quarantine period in an effort to revive
said the government in a statement President Joko Widodo this week Thailand’s battered tourism industry.
yesterday, adding that troops alongside Indonesia has been hit by a surge in cases announced that authorities had given the green
law-enforcement agencies would be this month, with new records on six days since light for children age 12 to 17 to be inoculated But the lead-up to its launch today has been
deployed to enforce the lockdown. June 21, including a daily high of over 21,807 with the Sinovac vaccine. plagued with uncertainty amid delays over
yesterday, putting pressure on the government Aman said paediatricians were already government approval.
All offices and transportation will be shut to impose tighter measures. seeing cases of “long Covid” – debilitating and
while factories will be allowed to remain lingering symptoms months after infection – Thailand has been trying to contain a third
open if they follow health protocols, it said. Dr Aman Pulungan, head of Indonesia’s among Indonesian children. wave of the coronavirus by imposing
paediatric society, said weekly child deaths He believed the rising infections among restrictions in the capital Bangkok and its
Bangladesh has seen a record surge in from Covid-19 rose to 24 last week from 13 in children was more likely pandemic fatigue and suburbs, which have seen the Alpha and Delta
cases this week, with 7,666 new cases the previous week, many aged under five. lack of knowledge than the impact of more variants spreading.
reported on Tuesday as well as 112 fatalities. transmissible variants.
That was a larger rate of increase than the “It’s not the Delta variant, but the system. Yesterday saw the kingdom’s highest
Police have warned to arrest those who overall rise in Covid-19 deaths from 1,783 to “Less testing, less tracing. And people still single-day death toll yet of 53.
leave their home without a valid reason. 2,476 nationwide over the same period. don’t think that children can suffer and die
from Covid. Awareness is still low.”– Reuters However, authorities say the Phuket
“The stricter we are, the safer you will Aman said infections among minors were sandbox move will proceed as planned.
be,” said Dhaka city police chief Shafiqul rising fast.
Islam. – Reuters About 250 passengers are scheduled to land
“It is increasing now. In mid-May, there was on the island today on four flights, according to
about 2,000 to 2,500 cases per week.” Covid-19 taskforce spokesman Taweesin
Visanuyothin.

The return of tourists will bring welcome
relief for businesses.

Thailand usually welcomes about 40 million
tourists every year and about 18% of the
country’s gross domestic product comes from
the sector.

But for over a year, Phuket’s pristine sandy
beaches have been unusually quiet and more
than 80% of hotels have been shuttered.

To prepare for the reopening, two-thirds of
Phuket’s population have been inoculated.

In the notorious Patong Beach
neighbourhood – once humming with a
thriving nightlife scene – vendors were busy
preparing for a return to action.

“Everyone and every profession associated
with tourism has been affected,” said Thewan
Phromyang, 49, who leases sun beds to tourists.

“I agree 100% with the Phuket sandbox
scheme. We don’t have anything else to support
us other than tourists.”

But there will be restrictions in place for
those choosing Phuket for their holiday.

Visitors will have to stay on the island for 14
days if they wish to travel elsewhere in
Thailand, and they must take three Covid tests
during that period.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Phuket
also cannot exceed 90 in one week. – AFP

8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
SPEAK UP

COMMENT by John Arul Phillips COMMENT by YS Chan

Supporting learners Tourism expenditure
with poor or no internet dropped by 61% in 2020

THE findings in a report by among several siblings (assuming they inserted which gets learners to do things RIGHT on schedule, the 6.2%, accommodation 5.2%, visited
UNICEF and UNFPA, recently can afford the data plan), to talk with the and to actively engage with the key Department of Statistics has again households 4.4%, other activities
launched by Minister in the teacher and their classmates. These concepts, principles and theories. released on June 30 the Domestic 2.9%, and entrance fees, tickets and
Prime Minister’s Department, learners are crying out for help. Tourism Survey report for the value packages 1.1%.
Datuk Sri Mustapa Mohamed on online Here’s a solution. Let’s revisit the early Quizzes, exercises and questions are preceding year.
learning among the urban poor, is most days of distance education where print- introduced enabling learners to assess For comparison, the
disturbing. based learning materials were the main how they are doing and based on the No surprise that total percentages for expenditures in
resource in learning a subject area. feedback to take remedial action on their expenditure by domestic visitors 2019 were shopping at 37.8%,
As many as 80% of urban poor This was the practice by the Open own. plummeted by 60.8% from automotive fuel 15%, food and
children struggle to focus on their school University United Kingdom which RM103.2 billion in 2019 to only beverage 14.3%, visited households
work and 60% of parents say children provided learners from all over the world With the SIM, learners are able to RM40.4 billion last year. 10.2%, accommodation 8.4%,
have lost interest in studying. in the 1970s with excellent Self- monitor their progress on their own and transport 6.2%, other activities 5%,
Instructional Modules (called SIM) that know what they understand and what Total expenditure comprises and entrance fees, tickets and value
Unfortunately, even with EduTV, were posted to them. they do not understand about the spending by both excursionists that packages 3.1%.
which was thought to help learners In Malaysia, University Science material. made trips to another town or city
without internet access or digital devices, Malaysia was the pioneer in this area and returned home on the same To the uninitiated, some of the
43% of parents said their children do not followed by Open University Malaysia Throughout the SIM, learners are day, and tourists that stayed figures may appear to be incorrect
understand the programmes offered. and Asia e University. given advice on how to study the subject overnight away from home at as highly popular states for holidays
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency area, how to apply the content learned licensed hotels, unlicensed such as Penang and Malacca lost
There are three types of interaction in specifies that a SIM should be developed and make connections with their prior accommodations or private out to Sabah and Kedah. This is
online learning, namely learners talking for courses taught online. experiences. residences of relatives and friends. because domestic tourism includes
(or interacting) with their teachers, The SIM could be wrapped around both interstate and intrastate travel.
learners talking (or interacting) with their the prescribed textbook or, better still, The SIM is designed to be attractive Most excursionists drove their
classmates and learners talking (or rewritten to enable learners to study on and appealing to learners, and the own vehicles. They included Hence, excursionists travelling
interacting) with the content they are their own. workload specified is aligned with the people staying in Kuala Lumpur from one district to another in
learning. With the SIM, learners have a time they are able to allot considering the and travelled to Pandamaran or Perak, or division in Sabah, without
“Teacher-in-Print” explaining the subject number of subjects taken each semester. Port Klang for seafood. And vice- staying overnight away from home
The first two types of talk (or area, telling them what to do, giving versa, Klang residents went to are deemed domestic visitors, and
interaction) rely heavily on stable feedback, monitoring their The material in the SIM is segmented Kuala Lumpur for shopping in one their activities and expenditures are
internet connection and the availability understanding, motivating them, into short and manageable chunks to of the larger malls or streets lined included in the Domestic Tourism
of devices while the third type of talk (or guiding them how to study, suggesting facilitate learning (which is how new with traditional shops. Survey.
interaction) can be done with minimal appropriate remedial or enrichment generation learners like it).
internet connection. help and so forth. Other excursionists, such as Over two-thirds of people
It is proposed that SIMs be developed The Education Ministry can organise those from the Klang Valley, employed in the tourism industry
Do bear in mind that in online for all subjects in primary and secondary groups of experienced teachers and travelled long distances to cities like are in the food and beverage sector
learning, about 75% of student learning schools based on Einstein’s famous subject matter experts to get together Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu at 34.7% and retail trade at 32.5%.
time is spent on the third type of adage that “everything should be made online and write SIMs for the different for business by taking return flights Coffeeshops, restaurants, eateries
interaction, which is self-learning or as simple as possible but not simpler”. school subjects. on the same day. Shorter distances and shops cater mainly to local
independent learning. The SIM should be developed were covered by bus, train or driving residents and reputable ones
assuming that learners do not have stable Instructional designers, editors and their own vehicles. attract domestic visitors, while
It is here that learners try to internet access, do not have other graphic designers should be posted for those located along tourist belts
understand the prescribed textbook support materials except the textbook, or each SIM who will collate and organise Those travelling for business draw tourists.
through their own efforts without direct may be academically weak with poor the materials into a comprehensive and staying overnight at hotels are
supervision of the teacher. reading comprehension skills. learning package. also termed as tourists. Contrary to Loosening standard operating
Content standards and performance popular belief, those travelling for procedures such as allowing dine-
For those who can afford it, they may standards should be clearly stated where The SIMs can be downloaded by holidays constituted only 10% of all ins would give an immediate boost
have various commercially prepared learners know what is expected and how learners and printed for use and for those domestic visitors. In fact, those who to the food and beverage sector.
workbooks, worksheets, short-notes, they are faring. who do not have internet access, the balik kampung contributed the Likewise, the retail trade would
summaries, past-exam questions, model Content in the SIM is organised and print materials can be posted to them. largest number of domestic boom if shops were allowed to
answers and others to support their sequenced whereby structure is made tourists. operate normally again, and
learning. clear to learners, explained in simple Of course, this exercise will cost restrictions of inter-district travel
language using a conversational and money but the money spent far In 2020, the top five main lifted.
Those with an internet connection encouraging tone. outweighs the learning loss experienced purposes for trips made by
and devices may be able to watch video Wherever appropriate, illustrations, by poor urban and rural learners, which domestic visitors were shopping Eventually, people in the
clips, listen to audio clips, complete diagrams and infographics are used accumulates with each passing day while 42.3%, visiting relatives and friends country must be permitted to travel
quizzes, do exercises or do experiments instead of words to facilitate waiting for internet access and devices. 32%, holiday, leisure or relaxation freely within Malaysia to allow
online. understanding. 16.9%, medical treatment or domestic tourism to flourish once
At strategic points in the SIM, learning I have written about 60 SIMs for my wellness 4.2%, and entertainment, again. We must also make a success
Now, take the scenario of learners activities (at various cognitive levels) are diploma, undergraduate, masters and events or sports 1.7%. of domestic tourism so that our
from poor urban or rural households doctoral learners who do not necessarily country is deemed safe for foreign
who cannot afford commercially have good internet connection and who Before the pandemic, the visitors.
prepared materials, do not have an are most happy at being able to read percentages in 2019 were visiting
internet connection or devices and rely offline the “must-know” content relatives and friends 42.3%, YS Chan is an Asean Tourism
solely on the one textbook for each independently for each course. shopping 35.4%, holiday, leisure or Master Trainer for travel agencies
subject provided for free by the relaxation 9%, entertainment,
Education Ministry. ProfDr John Arul Phillips is Dean of events or sports 4%, and medical and a master trainer for Travel
School of Education and Cognitive treatment or wellness 4%. and Tours Enhancement Course
Occasionally, they may use their and Mesra Malaysia. He is also a
parent’s handphone, which is shared Science at Asia e University. Comments: In 2020, the expenditure tourism and transport industry
letters@thesundailycom components were shopping at consultant and writer. Comments:
52.6%, food and beverage 18.6%,
automotive fuel 9%, transport [email protected]

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

Message THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
miun hsisic
Daniel Mok shares
Upcoming rap star Kayczar has his thoughts about
something to say about society and his artworks
the music industry in his debut
album scheduled for year-end release >>> Page 6

>>> Page 7 Baker offers a slice
of Malaysian flavour
PICTURE COURTESYOFKAVINISHNAIR
>>> Page 8

ENTERTAINMENT

2 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021

█ BY JOHN TAN nNeawttvyoice

UNLIKE many musical artistes out o Nathanie Ngu pursues her
there, Nathanie Ngu’s calling for newfound passion in music after
music came at a later stage in life. winning acclaim for her original
In fact, as a child, the budding songs
musician from Kuching was not exposed to
any music or television. Her early figure out too. At the moment, I upload Ngu does
interaction with music were in school snippets of songs on TikTok to see if it not have a
competitions. resonates with people. And if it works, I television at
build on it from there. But this approach is
Her interest only grew once she home. –
relocated to Arizona in 2017 to pursue her a bit dangerous because you do not PHOTO
education. want to make music that is only for COURTESY
the masses. You also want to make OF ADEIBEL
“I was alone a lot. So, I turned to music music that you enjoy. MASRI
as a point of comfort. And when I was So, I guess it is kind of
writing, I would write based on my difficult for me. I have a lot of
observation of the people around me. I songs that I just do not feel like
pretended like I knew them. It made me feel I will ever release because I do
less alone.” not know if it is good or bad.
So, that kind of gets in the
In hindsight, her imagination paid off as way of my creative flow.
her latest track Sunscreen was a result of an But I have been trying my
overnight success. A snippet of the song, best to get out of that
which was posted on TikTok, garnered so mindset.
much attention that it prompted her to
release the full version.

“Getting love from people
back home was really cool.
Initially, I was a bit afraid of
disclosing that I was
Malaysian because of the
saying on how you are
never a prophet in
your hometown. But
people have been
very kind to my
music.”

How do you
decide which
song to
release?
I am What is the story
trying behind
to Sunscreen?
That was
honestly about
the time I forgot
to wear
sunscreen
when I went friends texted me and asked if I was going to How has TikTok helped you connect with
out cycling. finish the whole song. So, I finished it and your listeners?
After coming sent it to a few people. They liked it and told I get to show my personality on my
home, I Ngu got the me to release it as a single. So, I started platform. Instead of just posting about my
thought it inspiration making tik toks about it. songs, I get to show them my writing
would be for Sunscreen Do you think it is easier now for local process, my life and my family. It definitely
funny to write after cycling artistes to break into the industry? helps to connect us because sometimes
a song about it. out with a I will say yes and no. With the number of people just like you and not your art.
So, I posted a friend. – platforms, it is a lot easier to release
short clip of PHOTO independent music now. And with social That is fine too but I think it is super cool
me singing COURTESY media, you can really put your name out because now, it is not just about selling your
about how I OF ADEIBEL there. But at the same time, because it is so art. Now, your listeners can kind of attach
forgot to wear MASRI accessible, there are so many people doing your work to you. And you can provide
sunscreen. it. value in that way too. That is pretty cool.
I did not Are you looking to release an album
expect a lot of So, there is so much choice that maybe soon?
people to like it. you do not get listeners because there are so I am looking to put out more of a six-song
But even then, I many options for people to choose from. project by the end of this year. I am
still did not For me, I try not to think about it too much. currently working with a videographer to
finish the song. It can get quite intimidating. So, I just take it get out some visuals. Right now, the songs
It was only one video at a time and keep going from are demos.
when one of my there.
I just hope we get it done correctly.

Chef Wolfgang Puck on new movie and not retiring
CELEBRITY chef Wolfgang Puck, known felt still my old life in the inside, it didn’t
for feeding Hollywood stars at the post- escape me. It’s still in there. And it almost
Oscars Governor’s Ball feast, stars in his like came to the surface. But then
own film Wolfgang, which looks back on his afterwards, we went to ... our restaurant in
life and career. New York and had a dinner and we drank
enough ... But I think it was an interesting
The documentary, which premiered at experience to see it so big in front of you.”
the Tribeca Festival this month, sees the 71-
year-old recount his journey from cooking Was there much weight gain during Puck stars in
as a teenager in Austria as a form of production? his own film
escapism from his difficult relationship Gelb: “Oh, my God, I mean, first there is the Wolfgang.
with his stepfather to moving to the United weight gain of the shooting and eating
States aged 24 and building a restaurant everywhere with Wolfgang ... then there is
empire with locations around the world. the stress eating when you’re doing the
post-production and trying to make the
In an interview with Reuters, Puck and movie work. And then there’s the going
director David Gelb spoke about making to release the movie and having big
the film, released on Disney+ recently. dinners for that. So, I think I’d say a good
20% gain.”
Below are excerpts.
Why did you want to make the film? Do you plan to retire?
Puck: “I want young people to know that Puck: “If you take away what I do, I think
adversity sometimes makes you stronger. part of me will die and I think I could not
You just have to fight through it ... and don’t sit at home, watch TV, that’s not who I am.
give up. I think a lot of young people give up I cannot play tennis six hours a day
too fast and too easily. Success doesn’t because I think my muscles are too old for
come overnight.” that, or my bones. So, to me, doing what I
What was the film’s premiere like? love is the best thing. Why should I
Puck: “I was holding the hand of my wife change?” – Reuters
and sometimes I started to shake because I

ENTERTAINMENT

3theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021

WITH a top Hollywood Pure, escapist The Tomorrow veteran, the film fulfils two key
star, a dark entertainment War stars Pratt, functions: pure, escapist
“ Te r m i n a t o r ” - e s q u e that we had in the back of our mind post-production editors’ homes. Edwin Hodge entertainment and “slipping in” a
sci-fi premise and a – like ‘what’s your responsibility for The parallels of a world suddenly and Sam message or two about our duty to
reported US$200 million price tag, future generations?’” said McKay. Richardson. the planet’s future.
The Tomorrow War would turned upside-down by a threat
ordinarily be shaping up as one of “And then Covid comes along,” requiring a unified response were o Chris Pratt “That also really drew me to this
the summer’s biggest and smartest he recalled, forcing a film shot not lost on the filmmakers. battles future aliens script – that it seems like it’s going
blockbusters. mainly before the pandemic’s in small-screen to be this mindless popcorn movie,
arrival to be finished remotely at “It’s dovetailing ... we process TheTomorrow War and then it really has some smart
But the Chris Pratt-led movie things through movies, because things to say,” she told AFP.
won’t be troubling box offices at all, they can put them in a distance, and
having been sold to Amazon for a especially when it’s a genre movie,” Gilpin is best known for GLOW,
whopping fee back in January, when said the director. a cult Netflix show about a real-life
movie theatres were shut in Covid- ‘Movie star’ 1980s California female wrestling
slammed California and beyond. For Betty Gilpin, who plays the troupe.
therapist wife of Pratt’s military
Now, it will stream globally on Her path from TV comedy to
Prime Video from July 2, making it blockbuster movie echoes that of
one of the biggest blockbusters ever co-star Pratt, who broke through as
to skip theaters entirely. the chubby, loveable goofball Andy
Dwyer in NBC sitcom Parks and
“Please don’t watch it on your Recreation.
phones! Watch it on the biggest
screen you possibly can with the Pratt has since beefed up for
loudest sound – crank it up,“ leading roles in some of
director Chris McKay told AFP. Hollywood’s biggest franchises,
including Marvel superhero
“Invite the neighbours over so movies like Guardians of the
that they’re not annoyed that you’re Galaxy and the Jurassic World
cranking it up – but just watch it films.
with a lot of people because you’re
going to have a good time.” He is married to the daughter of
action-movie legend Arnold
The film’s explosive premise is Schwarzenegger, Katherine.
quickly established: time travellers
suddenly appear from the near “I think a lot of people respect
future, where a horrifying alien that he went from that (sitcom) guy
invasion is on the verge of wiping to the Guardians of the Galaxy,”
out humanity. said McKay, who also previously
worked with Pratt on The Lego
They beg their own parents and Movie.
grandparents to travel with them
three decades into the future to help “He’s a movie star but he can do
fend off hordes of the nightmarish, so many different things and be so
endlessly ravenous “white spikes”. incredibly vulnerable.”

The movie combines effects- In his latest role, Pratt plays a
laden action scenes shot on former special ops soldier who
locations including Iceland with feels trapped in a suburban teacher
horror tropes, family drama, and job – before he gets drafted to
even environmental themes like battle aliens in the future.
climate change.
“I’m such a huge Parks and Rec
“When we were making the fan,” said Gilpin of her on-screen
movie, there were existential threats husband. “So I feel, to me, he’ll be
Andy, always.” – ETX Studio

George Clooney to launch Los Angeles Lynn Spears.
high school film programme
HOLLYWOOD star George announced last week by music the overwhelming majority of
Clooney will launch an academy producers Dr Dre and Jimmy white nominees honoured year
for Los Angeles high school Iovine. after year.
students as part of a new scheme The Los Angeles Unified School In a sign of positive change, a
to teach movie industry skills to District teaches some 650,000 report in April found female and
children from disadvantaged and students, who are mainly from minority actors were
minority communities, it was low-income backgrounds and proportionately represented in
announced Monday. predominantly Latino or Black. Hollywood for the first time last
Clooney and fellow A-listers Hollywood’s poor record on year in a “watershed moment for
Don Cheadle and Eva Longoria diversity both in front of and diversity”.
will spearhead the programme behind the camera has come But it warned that films with
initially available next autumn for under close scrutiny in recent female or racial minority directors
14 to 16-year-olds at a downtown years, including the still have far smaller budgets, and
high school, with plans to expand #OscarsSoWhite campaign that groups including Latinos
to other ages and pilot locations launched in 2015 on social media remain severely underrepresented Sister says she is proud of Britney
throughout Los Angeles’ public to denounce and draw attention to on screen. Spears for speaking up
school system. The new programme will offer
“Our aim is to better reflect the “internships that lead to well-
diversity of our country. That paying careers,” added Clooney,
means starting early,” Clooney who along with his co-founders is JAMIE LYNN SPEARS, younger sister away to a rain forest and have a
said in a statement announcing set to serve on an advisory board. of Britney Spears, said she was proud zillion babies in the middle of
the Roybal School of Film and It will “pair teachers with of the pop superstar for speaking out nowhere, or if she wants to come
Television Production. renowned storytellers, along with about her life under the back and dominate the world,” Jamie
“It means creating high school industry professionals and conservatorship overseen by their Lynn Spears said.
programs that teach young experts” and aim to “build a father and supported whatever
people about cameras, and more inclusive pipeline of would make the singer happy. The younger Spears, an actor who
editing and visual effects and career-ready talent to the film appeared in the Netflix series Sweet
sound and all the career and television industry,” LA In a video posted on Instagram, Magnolias, added she would support
opportunities that this industry Unified Superintendent Austin Jamie Lynn Spears said she felt she Britney Spears “ending the
has to offer.” Beutner said. could now comment publicly about consevatorship or flying to Mars or
The programme follows The latest initiative is backed the situation because her sister had whatever else she wants to do to be
similar star-backed by executives from Hollywood testified about it in court. happy.”
collaborations with Los Angeles studio Working Title Films and
public schools, including an inner- the powerful Creative Artists “Since the day I was born, I’ve The legal arrangement began in
city educational facility Agency. – ETX Studio only loved adored and supported my 2008 when Britney Spears suffered a
sister,” Jamie Lynn Spears said. mental health breakdown. A year
Clooney will launch the later she made a comeback, released
programme next “I’m so proud of her for using her new albums and performed live for
autumn. voice,” she said, adding that “I am 10 years until late 2018.
only concerned about her
happiness” and “have nothing to gain In 2020, Britney Spears began the
or lose either way.” legal process to remove her father,
Jamie Spears, from handling
Last week, Britney Spears, 39, told personal affairs ranging from her
a Los Angeles judge the medical care to who visits her
conservatorship had been abusive secluded villa outside Los Angeles.
and that she had been prevented Jamie Spears also is a joint
from removing a birth control device conservator of the singer’s finances.
so she could try to have a baby. – Reuters

“I don’t care if she wants to run

LIFESTYLE

4 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021

Israeli chef Shachar Yogev serves a burger made with ‘cultured chicken’ meat. Reinventing
its cuisines
Israelis taste the future with lab-
grown chicken ‘food revolution’ o After Covid break, star Danish
IT looks like chicken and tastes like chicken, and Agriculture Organisation. restaurant goes domestic
but diners in Israel are tucking into SuperMeat is not the first to develop the
laboratory-grown “meat” that scientists A six-month Covid-19 closure has months without customers provided time
claim is an environmentally friendly way to technology. In December, a Singapore been tough for Noma, one of the to better explore the minutiae of dish
feed the world’s growing population. restaurant made history when it became the first world’s top restaurants, but also a creation.
to sell lab-grown chicken meat. chance to reinvent its cuisine to
In a small restaurant in a nondescript better suit Danish tastes. “We spend a little bit more time with
building in a science park in the central The Israeli firm has developed a versatile some of the stuff that we would maybe
Israeli town of Ness Ziona, diners munched product, blending muscle, fat and connective Despite regularly ranking among the normally spend just a couple of days on ...
burgers and minced meat rice rolls made tissue cells to create different cuts – even top 10 on “The World’s 50 Best We had a whole week where we were just
with “cultured chicken” – meat grown in the including pet food. Restaurants” list, including number two in working on how can we carve vegetables,”
adjacent SuperMeat production site. 2019 and number one for three years she says.
Zhuzha, a white bull terrier attending the running from 2010 to 2012, Noma was not
“It was delicious, the flavour was great,” meal along with its owner, enthusiastically spared by the pandemic. On the menu until September, in
said Gilly Kanfi, a self-described “meat eater” devoured the SuperMeat dog food it was addition to Norwegian scallops,
from Tel Aviv, who had signed up for the meal handed. A dinner menu costs 2,800 Danish redcurrants stuffed with herbs and
months in advance. kroner (US$450), with another raspberry ice cream tarts, the few who can
“Pets love our meat as well,” Savir said with a 1,800 for a wine pairing, but the place secure a reservation can enjoy courgettes
“If I didn’t know, I would have thought it smile. doesn’t make money if patrons don’t in a new form.
was a regular chicken burger.” come.
The human diners said the product was as “We have sculpted a courgette in a
The Chicken, as the eatery is called, is a good as the real thing. As it reopened this month, the special way, which makes it easier to grill,
testing ground of sorts for SuperMeat, restaurant that has been hailed as because there is more surface area. And it’s
hosting periodical test meals to generate “It really surprised me,” said Lisa Silver, a reinventing Nordic cuisine, reworked its also beautiful, a bit like a flower,” she says
customer feedback while waiting for regular meat-eater. “If I can get that in a menu – in part to take into account the lack with a smile.
regulatory approval. restaurant, I will go vegan, totally. It’s a game- of foreign tourists.
Rapid growth changer.” This year, seafood usually reserved for
The restaurant’s dark and elegant interior is “I’m really excited. I need this. I need to winter has also been added to the summer
framed by large windows looking onto a For her sister Annabelle, it was the first time have guests again. I need to feel like I’m menu as it appeals to the Danish palate,
bright-lit laboratory, where technicians in years she had eaten meat. here and I’m doing something, you know, I Redzepi adds.
monitor large stainless-steel fermentation really, really desperately need it,” Rene
vats. “One of the reasons that I became vegetarian Redzepi, who has been running the Opened in 2003, Noma has helped
originally was because it’s not ethical, it’s not Copenhagen establishment since 2003, make Copenhagen a destination for
“This is the first time in the world people sustainable,” she said. tells AFP. gourmands.
can actually have a taste of a cultivated meat
product, while observing the production and “To get meat minus the cruelty is just The restaurant closed on Dec 9 and for In 2019, an estimated 38% of foreign
the manufacturing process in front of their amazing, it’s perfect, I could eat this every single its first dinner service since then, he chose tourists visited Copenhagen because of its
eyes,” said Ido Savir, SuperMeat’s chief day.” to offer an exclusive menu to “heroes” of culinary offerings before virus restrictions
executive. Vegetarian-friendly? the pandemic: doctors, teachers or shut down the travel sector.
But the question whether the product should be volunteers on the frontlines during the
Here, at least, the laboratory has made considered meat is one faced not only by Covid-19 pandemic – with candidates A lack of tourists forced the restaurant
redundant the age-old question of whether vegetarians – but also Jewish rabbinic selected by a public vote. 108, also founded by Redzepi, to close.
the chicken or the egg came first. authorities. Reservations
The kitchens, bathed in sunlight, bustle Getting a table at Noma is no longer quite
The process involves cultivating cells Producing meat in a cruelty-free way that with activity, accompanied by lively pop as challenging now.
taken from a fertilised chicken egg. does not harm the environment is a positive music, and the staff is busy arranging
development that will “save the world problems”, flower bouquets, washing strawberries and “We’re still full, but we’re not full like we
Cell cultures are fed a plant-based liquid said Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weisz, a member of chopping up ingredients. used to be,” Redzepi says.
including proteins, fats, sugars, minerals and Israel’s Chief Rabbinate Council. ‘Curious again’
vitamins. As they work in harmony and with Whereas a new menu typically resulted
While rabbis would have to learn the novel in full reservations almost immediately,
With all the feed going directly into process and supervise it, Weisz said he expected astonishing fluidity, Redzepi says that now “it takes us three weeks, four weeks,”
production, it grows rapidly, with the mass the product would eventually receive a kosher creating a new menu was very he adds.
doubling within a matter of hours, the designation. straightforward.
company says. “This time around things are But the chef believes things will return
Tal Gilboa, a prominent veganism activist more fluid, it seems a little more to normal quickly.
Savir, a vegan with a background in who served as an adviser to former prime effortless. We didn’t struggle as
computer science, sees himself as being at minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel was much to get to this point,” he He doesn’t plan to change his focus on
the “forefront of a food revolution” trying to leading the way on cultured meat technology. remarked. an exclusive experience either – even
help supply food while limiting the In fact, the two-Michelin-star though he turned the restaurant into a
impact on the planet. Gilboa would like the world to turn to a plant- wine and burger bar for a month in mid
based diet, and sees cultivated meats as a chef thinks the break might have been 2020.
Developers said they are working to pragmatic way for people to take the first steps to beneficial.
provide more ethical and sustainable ways But he does not rule out also welcoming
to create cruelty- and slaughter-free meat, vegetarianism. “Maybe it’s because we had six months less wealthy patrons to Noma’s gardens on
with the product grown without using “The world population is increasing at where we could actually rest the Copenhagen harbour.
genetic engineering or antibiotics. a break-neck speed,” she said, adding and our minds could be curious again,” he
that the only way to keep up will be says. “We actually did this barbecue menu
The company is currently able to produce “through technology”. – ETX where it was meant for people to come
“hundreds of kilogrammes” each week, Savir Studio For R&D chief Mette Brink Soberg, six here, sit at long tables, eat barbecued
said. meats, vegetables and fish ... I can see that
potentially happening,” he said. – ETX
‘Game-changer’ Burgers and rice rolls made with ‘cultured Studio
But he hopes to earn regulatory approval chicken’ meat.
from the US Food and Drug Administration,
and would then increase production to a
“commercial” scale.

“This way we’ll be able to reduce the
amount of land, water use and so many other
resources, and keep the product very healthy
and clean,” he said, noting the high
prevalence of diseases among chickens
produced in factory-style production.

Global meat production is projected to
rise 15% by 2027, according to the UN Food

LIFESTYLE

5theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021

Americans consume an average of over 20 pounds of fresh tomatoes each year per person.

50 shades of tomato for this summer

(above) Redzepi, ROUND, plump and mouthwatering ... We’re its firm but juicy flesh and its adorable folds
chef and co-owner talking of course about tomatoes, the star of that give it a crumpled look. We’re also fans of
of the world class summer tables. However, we often associate its plump cousin, the Marmande, less wrinkled
Danish restaurant the food with the beautiful, red, juicy kind, we but just as tasty, as well as the Brandywine with
Noma. shouldn’t forget about its green, yellow, orange its purpley-pink flesh.
(left) R&D chief and even stripey cousins. So, this summer, let’s
Soberg used the go wild and try the most beautiful of the 10,000 A more unusual tomato is the Andine
six-month break to varieties of this amazing vegetable-fruit. Cornue, which, ends in a point not unlike the
explore the better-known Roma, which is also elongated
minutiae of dish It’s the star of the summer and a favourite and tapered.
creation. across cultures. Tomatoes are ubiquitous on
outdoor dining tables and picnic spreads As for colours, we like to bring in some
everywhere. Produced in greater quantities contrasts with the Black Krim and its delicate
than any other fruit, over 170 million tonnes flesh, the Black Prince with its deep red colour,
are grown around the world each year. or the Black Russian with its gradation from the
dark stem to the redder skin.
In 2019, the average American consumed
over 20 pounds of fresh tomatoes each year. Then we make our way slowly towards
California and Florida come tops among the yellow tomatoes, such as Lemon Boy or Dixie
US states in terms of cultivating the most but a Golden Giant, followed by the slightly orange
lot of home gardeners also grow them in their Auriga.
vegetable gardens.
With its beautiful green colour, the
And the tomato is no one-trick pony! Esmeralda lives up to its name, while the
Nicknamed the “love apple”, the tomato has Evergreen and its cousin Green Zebra bring a
more than one flavour in its bag and it would surprising touch of marbled stripes.
be a shame to deprive ourselves of all the
nuances of this amazing fruit packed with Finally, for picnics and snacktime, don’t
vitamins and minerals. forget cocktail tomatoes, small and firm,
A tomato rainbow cherry tomatoes, sweet baby tomatoes, or the
For flavour, we love the beefsteak tomato, with rounder grape tomatoes.

These varieties will add colour and taste to
your summer lunch, not to mention impress
guests! – ETX Studio

(below) There are
plans for sitting
people at long
tables to eat
barbecued meats,
vegetables and fish.

The Cook-e on display at the Viva Technology show in Paris.

The machine that makes lunch in 20 minutes

FRENCH startup Cook-e demonstrated its examples of take-out lunch dishes. In other
robotic kitchen at Viva Technology. This words, it doesn’t compete directly with classic
vending-machine-like device is capable of restaurants and bistros.
cooking a variety of dishes simply by mixing
and cooking the ingredients it has in stock. Cook-e is currently still at prototype stage. It
can be customised and adapted to change the
Once the selected ingredients are carefully number of ingredients stored in the machine.
loaded into the machine and various recipes Depending on the ingredients, the machine
are recorded in the device’s dedicated would need to be recharged every two to three
software, Cook-e is able to dose, cut, weigh, days. An application gives caterers real-time
mix and cook these ingredients to make tasty information on the level of the machine’s
dishes, served in less than two minutes. various containers and tanks.

For the time being, the variety of options For both professionals and consumers, the
remains relatively limited. The machine cooks objective here is clearly to save time. Cafeterias
dishes with combinations of hot or cold and company kitchens are the startup’s main
ingredients, without requiring complex targets for this device. Its makers are counting
culinary techniques. It favors small-sized on a maximum output of about 100 dishes per
pieces, used to make salads, stir-fry dishes, hour, via three pans, with cooking times of just
pasta or even Chinese fried rice – all typical 1.5 minutes. – ETX Studio

FEATURE

6 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021

The dark side of life
oViral art sensation Daniel Mok shares his thoughts about his
artworks and his own dreams for the future

T█ BY ANANSA JACOB messages that would Mok’s unique Where do you Do you have any plans to take your art
HE ongoing pandemic has affected otherwise be too hard to artworks. – think you get your ‘storyteller’ spirit further?
us all, but fortunately, we still have approach. It’s interesting how PICTURES from? “Indeed, the virality of this particular series
our sense of humour. And over the people are sometimes at their COURTESY “Perhaps it’s a mix of reading storybooks has shown me that I do have messages or
past two weeks, netizens have most honest when they laugh. OF DANIEL when I was young, and having friends from stories people enjoy hearing. I still have lots
gotten a good laugh thanks to the drawings MOK different walks of life when I was older. to improve, especially in drawing faster and
of freelance copywriter and scriptwriter “Though some of the Storybooks were good to broaden my more accurately – I’m still spending way too
Daniel Mok, whose collection titled Don’t themes in this collection were imagination, while friends helped me stay long on details
Let Your Dreams Become Memes offered a rather politically incorrect or down-to-earth. Both of these elements help that are hardly noticeable!
dark but humorous take on childhood unnerving, I’m glad the me when I come up with stories – simple,
ambitions. majority of readers were able funny insights on what makes people tick, “Another task for me is to grow a proper
laugh at it as just an observation told in exaggerated and fantastical ways. page for my drawings, rather than just
While his newfound viral status is a on the realities of adulthood.” posting them under my personal account. It
surprise to Mok, the 35-year-old is taking it What made you decide to take “My background working in advertising was something I had been procrastinating
all in stride. In an email interview with up art as a hobby? also helps, as it teaches me to convey on for years, but it finally came to life
theSun, Mok – who counts Doraemon and “I’ve actually always drew simple messages in a simple and straightforward recently on Instagram and Facebook under
Crayon Shin-chan as his inspirations – gives stickman comics since my way. Sometimes artists can be a little too ‘The Mokumentary.’”
us an idea of what lies ahead for his art schooling days. However, I ‘syok sendiri’ with ideas that laymen would Do you have any advice for others who
career. wouldn’t say that art is my main not understand. So I always ask my wife if may also be considering taking up art as a
Why do you think people were so drawn forte. I prefer writing, especially short she thinks a particular idea is funny. If she hobby?
to the collection in the first place? stories. Drawing is a way to make these doesn’t get it at first or second try, then I just “Pick a style or topic you like, and keep
“I guess that we are living in pretty cynical stories accessible to more people, accept it’s not good and move on to drawing it till you get better. Don’t be shy to
times, so people enjoy laughing at the especially on social media today.” something else.” copy a drawing you like, as long as
harshness of reality. Everyone relates to this What are the tools you use to draw? you don’t post and take credit for it. Art is a
idea of exciting childhood very time-consuming affair, so unless
dreams dashed by the “Procreate on iPad. I only started you’re being paid, the only way to stick
mundaneness of drawing digital art two years ago, to it is by doing something you enjoy.
adulthood. Add in when I got my first iPad.” Having said all that, just get started and
popular Which of your works have been have fun!”
superheroes or your personal favourites?
cartoon characters, “I like one which I drew for last
and you had a year’s Merdeka, which plays on
visual hook that the word ‘Mutuality’ being short
was easy to recall.” for Mutu, Ali and Tee – three boys
Do you think the from different races with one
humour helps to common goal. It’s simple, silly
take the dark edge and a heart-warming reflection
off for audiences?
“Yes! I always believe of us as Malaysians.
in the power of “Another is a story based on an
humour to observation that when we were in school,
deliver 20 minutes was more than enough for
recess, but as an adult, one hour is

hardly enough. Many people,
even from other
countries, related a lot
with that and
reminisced about
how their younger
days. And that is
what good art
should be – it
makes people
feel, then
think.”

He credits his
childhood
love of
storybooks
and his wide
range of
friends for his
storyteller
nature. –
COURTESY OF
DANIEL MOK

YOUTH 7

theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021

Next Gen Message in his music \TRIVIAWyLTwaowaWhJhmrhuHesaTeeahaWtSihryBhluosndttajoGDoilouueZhwscidciitumfssaeitsyho.eaibccdissttcHdttsm,?sueehrh.eshSshaoaiesIhesrumaamtayepsalayhatbyoeplppeIabhoturoaisvopisaivtepeuaonsnueuaemeenrsrernignrfst,tntrdofrfdtoIfyoyemwsprioaots.noeitcwietaustmisyxgntyeotahnsrsicheonenmrsneuiidpiaotniutdg.tlomeeseiyrunwIntdnatrtdbudshcagoshsodaielnraonepctaetemdaysf,dyeepcrwnacdlnwriekecioegtraeorvooreti.?oesbdnobteiItrdtvsrcodolltenwhtldiehodakghudsteys.asueue.oetwottnsatroamthuucelcbthoardlian?toonteoinbhnl,.urtlgsdmWeeeehttsid?estfuefohososcloIriycu.s Kayczar
wear. admires Jay
oUpcoming rap star Kayczar has something to say about Z and Joe
society and the music industry in his debut album How do you balance your career as a Flizzow.
scheduled for year-end release content writer and your passion for Kayczar
music? cannot
█ BY BISSME S. singles in the past six years. (Laughing) I do not sleep much. I give my imaginea life
The rapper released his first single Wild full attention to my career as a content without
WHEN words alone are not writer during the day. After dinner, my full music. –
enough to put across our Style in 2015. attention goes to my music and nothing PICTURES
feelings, music helps to take What motivates you to be in the music else. COURTESY
its expression to a new world? What is the biggest change you would KAVINISH
level. There was always music in my house when like to see in music scene? NAIR
I was growing up. My dad is a music lover Most Malaysians love listening to pop
Rapper Kavinish Nair, better known and loves to play all kinds of music, from songs on the radio. My kind of songs do
as Kayczar, is releasing his debut album, rock and roll to jazz. I had my first piano not get played on air. I would like to see
with 11 new songs, in December. lesson when I was four years old. more diversity in the Malaysian music
What attracted you to rap and hip hop? industry. There should be more exposure
“The album is a summary of My first exposure to the music was during and space for underground artistes like
who I am as a person,” says my early teenage years. me.
Kayczar, 26, who has a degree
I was listening to rappers like 50 Cent, Over the last two years, I am glad that
in cinematic arts. Joe Flizzow and hip hop duo Too Phat. I some music listeners are getting
“It touches on certain have the highest respect for Joe Flizzow. adventurous with their choices.

issues that are close to me.” He and Too Phat popularised hip hop I would also like to bring my music
In the opening song in Malaysia. One of my ultimate dreams is outside Malaysia. With advancement of
to work with Joe Flizzow. Most people technology, this dream is possible to
Thievin’, the Johor Baru- have a negative impression of hip hop and achieve. Today, you can reach music
born artiste expresses his rap music, as being all about money, cars listeners in every part of world
dismay at how the and women. What is your life philosophy?
music industry steals If we live our lives with truth and integrity,
from performers. In reality, the songs carry great the world will be a better place. My dad is
His hip hop messages in their lyrics. They are like my idol in this department. He has always
album also gives poems with a music beat. These songs can been truthful with everyone around him.
a glimpse of teach you about life and what is going on He has always taught me to live my life
how society in different parts of the world. with integrity.
looks at him What are your future plans as a rapper?
as an Currently, my music career cannot sustain
Indian me financially. I am working as a content
man writer for an e-commerce website while
living in pursuing music as a passion. I would love
Malaysia. to change that. I would like to make music
He as a full-time career. I would love to be
wrote more active as an album producer and
most of the even produce songs for other artistes.
songs in the
album, that
comes after
more than 20

POSTGRAD

The key to success is to first start somewhere.

PUBLICATION DATE 27 JULY, 2021 (Tuesday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 13 JULY, 2021 (Tuesday)
digital, video and print advertising.

MATERIAL DEADLINE 23 JULY, 2021 (Friday)

FOOD

8 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021

█ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI A slice of Malaysian flavour (above, from
o Intrepid baker adds mouth watering flavours of Malaysian food right to left)
MANY cake bakers have and drinks into delicious cakes and cupcakes Pandan Kaya
successfully infused the Cheese Cake
taste and flavours of buttercream, drizzled with Kaya Gula purple-coloured flower in water as a customised cakes. made with
Malaysian food – such as Melaka and topped with Bunga natural colouring,” said Khalilah. “I hope to expand my Kaya Curd and
ondeh-ondeh – into cakes. Telang or Butterfly Pea Flowers. From home to cafe cake business by opening a Chantilly
“I was inspired by Nasi Kerabu, a After tasting success, Khalilah boldly few branches,” said Khalilah, Cream and
But Khalilah Mohamad can be explored into new territory – Shredded
described as standing out from the experimenting with popular local Cheese.
crowd as she offers not only an drinks such as Sirap Bandung Rose, Pandan Gula
extensive variety of inspired flavours Rose Lime and desserts like Cendol Melaka Slice
but also in an array of colours, taste Durian to whip up irresistible cakes. Cake.
and textures. Seri Muka
The multi-layered pastel coloured Cheesecake.
“My family love traditional kuih,’’ Rainbow cake or the Vanilla Lime
she said. That inspired her to join the cake are must-try for any ice-cream
trend towards kuih-flavoured cakes. lover.

“I continuously do my own The reduced sugar in her
research and development (R&D) to cakes is also part of the
come up with new recipes, until I am appeal for sweet lovers
completely satisfied with the end of all age groups.
result,” said Khalilah.
“Many of my
The proof is in the eating, so her customers
creations come with minimal repeatedly order the
decoration. same cakes,” said the
35-year-old about her
Khalilah has created pretty and customers’ feedback.
enticing cakes and minicakes with a
variety of local flavours such as the Their comments encourage
Pengat Pisang Cheesecake, Seri Muka Khalilah to explore more new
Cheesecake, Pandan Gula Melaka, flavours. “I hope to create flavours,
Pandan Kaya Cheesecake and which are creatively different and not
Chempedak Creamy Cake. easily available in Malaysia,” said
Khalilah.
Khalilah’s signature cake and the
most in-demand one is the Bunga “My passion for cakes started as a
Telang Coconut Cake – a multi- hobby while I was studying in
layered Coconut butter cake, tinted university,’’ she revealed.
with blue colour which comes in
Bunga Telang juice and Hawaiian Khalilah, who has a masters in
coconut layered with coconut computer education, started an
online cakes business in 2010, and
popular dish in Kelantan, opened Kafe Kly Cafes in Seremban who also makes sugary
especially the blue-coloured just a few months ago, offering confectioneries like
rice. I used the same cinnamon rolls,
technique of quiche, pavlova
soaking the and strudels.

Sirap Khalilah’s
Bandung signature cake
Rose Cake. and the most in-
demand one -
the Bunga Telang
Coconut Cake. –

PICTURES
COURTESY OF

KHALILAH
MOHAMAD

CAREERS

Ready for a career change in 2021?

PUBLICATION DATE 21 JULY, 2021 (Wednesday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 7 JULY, 2021 (Wednesday)
digital, video and print advertising.

MATERIAL DEADLINE 16 JULY, 2021 (Friday)

9theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
* SPEAK UP

COMMENT byLeonFoong

SOCAR Mobility Asia warmly welcomes SOCAR welcomes support
the government’s commitment to for low-carbon mobility
strengthening and widening
sustainability-related financing in the and IoT Institute, as well as the Environment of EV players is most helpful, the affordability and usage data is also pivotal for the successful
upcoming Budget 2022. and Water Ministry and its agency, the gap between internal combustion engine expansion of charging infrastructure.
Malaysian Green Technology and Climate vehicles and EVs is expected to persist beyond
As Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Change Centre, in addition to the Finance that and there are also challenges when it comes Incentives have been announced to
Abdul Aziz recently said, a whole-of-nation Ministry. to the availability of fast chargers. encourage the private sector to build
approach is crucial in developing key policies for At SOCAR, we are keen to contribute our We are hopeful that the government can infrastructure for the national fast-charging
sustainable development. resources and expertise towards this work with industry participants to create an network under the Green Income Tax
collaborative effort. Learning from success electric vehicle digital one-stop shop where all Exemption 4, but having the correct data to
As a company committed to expanding stories in EV adoption globally is also key. Malaysians can easily understand the total cost identify the right locations for installing
access to mobility options and also a believer For example, in Liuzhou, China, a localised of ownership savings from EVs, find their closest appropriate charging points to cater to both city-
that transport can be fully carbon neutral in the focus on the fast charging points, based and long-distance driving, and to have
future, SOCAR is firmly committed to and highly requirements of pay for charging and efficient load balancing across strategic
supportive of policies and incentives that residents has proven “Malaysia needs better EV claim the tax benefits locations, is a must.
encourage low-carbon mobility and that smaller and more infrastructure to avoid anxiety that come with buying
investments into the sustainable infrastructure affordable two-seaters on road trips and we look an electric vehicle. For example, we understand that drivers are
that supports green transport systems in a like the Baojun E100 forward to this being a lot more likely to spend 30 minutes in a
vibrant green economy. can be a huge catalyst For SOCAR, our supermarket than 30 minutes in a petrol station
for the electrification of flexible distributed and this should determine the type of chargers
In particular, we at SOCAR have long fleets. China’s electric mobility option can to be installed.
believed that private-public partnerships will be car capital has lessons make driving an EV
key in accelerating the switch from fossil fuel- for the rest of world. formalised by the cabinet more affordable and We have also observed that most SOCAR
powered vehicles to electric vehicles, including When it comes to seamless, thus not only users do not drive more than 60km per booking.
driving investment in the battery and charging incentivising the reducing the number
industries. of cars on our roads but In this, mobility service providers such as
switch to EVs and also cutting emissions SOCAR and TREVO have a role to play in
We urge the Finance Ministry, through the expanding availability of charging from cars that are on the roads. contributing data as a key resource for
Sustainable Financing Roadmap, to incentivise infrastructure, the announcement of the Low Our technology is able to ensure seamless improving the EV driving experience and
the automotive sector and consumers in Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030 earlier sharing while giving SOCAR users full visibility subsequently in promoting EV adoption.
Malaysia to invest in the massive growth this year was a highly positive and key step. on the charge levels of each car that they are
potential of EVs – from the production of EVs, its Malaysia needs better EV infrastructure to booking. There is undoubtedly still much work to be
chargers and batteries, to the creation of a avoid “anxiety” on road trips, drivers say and we Our people-to-people car sharing platform done to achieve green transport and sustainable
vibrant ecosystem of support services for EV look forward to this being formalised by the TREVO further enables EV owners to share the development on the whole, but at SOCAR
users and even the recycling and repurposing of cabinet. financial burden of buying an EV by listing their Mobility Asia, we are firmly committed to doing
retired EV batteries for secondary use. While the exemption of import duties for cars and sharing their charging stations with the our part to support the government’s green
fully electric vehicles and the low-carbon public. initiatives to ensure we create an electric vehicle
With TNB’s plans for a renewable energy mobility blueprint to drive larger participation Having a comprehensive pool of demand ecosystem that meets the requirements of our
composition target of 31% by 2025 and 40% by nation’s driver community.
2035, we believe that mobility players and
government stakeholders will also need to play Leon Foong is Group CEO of SOCAR Mobility
their parts in ensuring our vehicles can tap into Asia. Comments:[email protected]
this greener “grid of the future”.

In driving private-public partnerships, it is
also crucial for private enterprises and relevant
ministries and agencies to come together to
strategise efforts when it comes to policy
standardisation.

We look forward to working with the
International Trade and Industry Ministry and
its agency, the Malaysia Automotive Robotics

LETTERS [email protected] Online learning
with gamification
Nail industry dissatisfaction with govt ruling
IN a world where so much has changed in such a
THIS letter is with regard to the recent press callus, athlete foot etc. There is no touching of face or any contact short time, seemingly every industry is struggling
release that has classified pedicure and Most of the above issues require immediate with customer that requires the face mask to be to keep up. One such industry is remote
manicure, which are services provided under removed. education, or online learning, which has recently
nail salons or nail industry as we group intervention to prevent nail condition from been put under a great deal of stress due to abrupt
ourselves, to be a high-risk industry. worsening that might eventually cause other Therefore, it is inappropriate to classify the changes as a result of Covid-19.
problems in the body. nail industry under the high-risk industry.
In efforts to save our industry, the Malaysia We need support and clarity However, drastic times also call for new
Association of Nail Industry (Mani) was formed The most common solution that clients get According to the latest media statement, the approaches to learning. Already, the world is
to represent the people and to make our voices is often for the whole nail to be removed. nail industry – pedicure and manicure – was seeing strides from teachers, schools, and remote
heard. This is what we would like to express. listed as one of the three high risk industries learning platforms brainstorming and achieving
Understanding our job Some clients are reluctant to do so and together with spas and pubs. dynamic ways of educating students from home.
Similar to other service industries, the nail hence they come to us for treatments and
salon is an industry that takes care of people’s solutions that they might not get elsewhere. It was also pointed out that we are not One particularly effective method of learning
outlook and well-being. allowed to operate even at Phase Three. that has arisen with better technology is
We are not just about beautifying nails for gamification – adding typical elements of game
For example, hair salons cut and treat hair, styling purposes. Our job requires us to be This is unreasonable as we are providing play to lessons to make them more engaging and
beauty salons provide skin care solutions, nail equipped with skills and knowledge on how to professional services to treat and help our effective for students.
salons cut and treat nails. clean, treat and maintain the nails in good clients.
health. This service is an essential. Gamification is the idea of applying elements
In a time where personal grooming and first We put a lot of effort to ensure safety We have only operated for two months since of game playing to a particular subject matter to
impressions are much talked about, it is We are 100% committed to protecting our beginning of this year. make it more engaging.
essential for most people to visit a hair salon clients’ health and safety. Because our job
than to have their hair cut on their own. Same requires us to have bodily contact to perform Many nail salons and suppliers have either However, to create impactful gamification,
goes with nail services. the services and treatment, we take the shut down or downsized since the first MCO. both teachers and educational platforms need to
standard SOP very seriously. have a clear definition and research behind what
We cater to many groups of client: With all the fixed cost of rental, salaries and they’re trying to build and the outcome they want
0 Pregnant women need our services to take As a matter of fact, even before the other expenses piling up, we definitely foresee students to achieve. Additionally, to be effective,
care of their nails and feet. As the tummy grows pandemic, we have been carrying out many more salons forced to close down even the game needs to meet three basic gamification
bigger, it becomes challenging to bend down to compulsory sanitising such as wearing face before November. principles: autonomy, value, and competence.
do a pedicure, which includes cutting nails, mask, gloves, disinfecting and sterilising
cleaning the cuticles and dead skin, and processes before and after every client, and There are more than 2,000 nail salons Autonomy helps learners feel in charge of
removing calluses. have continued to do everything asked of us nationwide. If the whole industry perishes, something, making them more likely to stick to
0 Ingrown toe nails are also something we and more, such as temperature checks, there will be about 10,000 people out of a job. something and stay engaged. Value means
deal with a lot, mainly caused by improper wearing face mask on both manicurist and The nail industry is a skilled profession and ensuring that the game provides value to the users’
trimming of nails, inappropriate foot wear and customers, face shield and disposable aprons. mainly female dominated, especially single life, such as making someone smarter, helping
pressure on foot from sport activities. mums and young women working hard to earn them memorise a lesson, and so on.
0 Geriatrics nails often require extra attention We have worked hard to eliminate a living to sustain themselves and their families.
due to age-related changes such as impaired infections at our workplaces. Having said that, Competence ensures that the user realises that
circulation that will cause nail alterations or based on actual data and statistics, the nail Therefore, we would like the government to if they keep trying at the game, they can get better
nail abnormalities. industry has never contributed to any clusters engage with us and understand our industry and, hopefully, learn more each time they try
0 Diabetic patients need special care to avoid up to date. better before coming down with such a harsh again. All of these elements are of utmost
risk of infection if they get cuts or cracks from decision on our industry. importance for platforms and classrooms
improper handling. At the nail salon, we serve not more than five planning to adopt gamification.
0 Other foot and nail-related issues include: customers per manicurist per day. If additional SOP is required, we would
fungal nails, weak and broken nails, corn and gladly comply. Please do not put a blanket ban Learning through gaming allows both children
For pedicure services, we are literally one on us. We are part of Malaysia too. and adults to acquire and, most importantly,
foot away from the customers while for remember a large amount of knowledge.
manicure services, we are shielded by a divider Sereen Eng
on the manicure table. Representative and co-founder of Mani R. Murali Rajaratenam
Petaling Jaya
And Founder of POSH Nail Spa

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ THURSDAY
JULY 1, 2021
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Email: [email protected]
Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888
30/06/2021 Fax: 03-7784 4424

Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected]

% RM m RM m RM m

41.5 Institutions 1179.2 1041.8 137.4

34.5 Retail 955.4 886.8 68.6

24.0 Foreign 538.7 744.7 -206.0 15.68 166.15 21.08
KLCI HANG SENG NIKKEI
100.0 2673.3 2673.3 0 1,532.63 40.97 18.02 28,791.53 157.27 10.00 11.79
STI 28,827.95 SCI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 17,755.46 3,296.68
Source: Bursa Malaysia 3,130.46 3,591.20 7,313.02

KL MARKET SUMMARY
JUNE 30, 2021

INDICES 11,156.20 CHANGE -93.44
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,532.63 -15.68
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 593.08 -2.62
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 186.30 -1.03
CONSTRUCTION 167.66 -0.28 Workers
FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,098.30 -53.15 installing solar
ENERGY 789.40 -6.26 panels. Hong
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 688.99 -7.69 Leong Bank
HEALTH CARE 2,884.82 -76.13 offers a
TRANSPORTATION 867.47 -6.31 financing facility
PROPERTY 699.89 -6.97 specially
PLANTATION 6,401.48 -68.37 developed for
FBMSHA 12,178.20 -129.60 Malaysian SMEs
FBMACE 6,949.35 -128.00 looking to install
TECHNOLOGY 78.78 -0.22 small-scale solar
photovoltaic
TURNOVER VALUE systems. –
4.645 BIL RM2.673 BIL AFPPIX

5 MOST ACTIVES Hong Leong Bank views
JUNE 30, 2021 RE in positive light

STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen)
SERBADK 379,577,200 33.0 +1.0
SEDANIA 203,836,000 72.5 +22.5
VC-WC 138,429,400 2.5 UNCH
JETSON 119,112,800 34.5 +5.5
SAUDEE 104,303,200 20.5 +2.0

5 TOP GAINERS o Believes renewable developed for Malaysian SMEs looking to generation capacity of their projects.
JUNE 30, 2021 energy is a commercially install small-scale solar photovoltaic HLB business corporate banking
viable investment, systems.
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM especially for SMEs managing director Yow Kuan Tuck said
EURO 60,694,900 0.93 0.30 “We aim to encourage more businesses sustainability as a mindset and culture is a
SEDANIA 203,836,000 0.725 0.225 PETALING JAYA: Hong Leong Bank Bhd to look at sustainability as an investment necessity in every business and industry,
HIGHTEC 2,450,500 2.45 0.21 (HLB) has approved up to RM1.3 billion which can bring long-term competitive including financial institutions.
HEIM 23.60 0.20 in renewable energy financing for solar, advantages and as a gateway to build
APOLLO 125,800 3.87 0.17 biomass, biogas and small hydropower business resilience against future “The links between a financial institution
138,000 projects through its climate-positive disruptions, cushion against future rise in and climate change or low carbon footprint
financing programme introduced in energy costs as well as meeting the rising may not be as intuitive at first glance but
5 TOP LOSERS 2018. demand of conscious consumerism for where and how we invest, loan or channel
JUNE 30, 2021 sustainable businesses,” it said in a money impacts the way businesses are run
The bank has identified renewable statement yesterday. and how well our economy performs in the
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM energy (RE) as a commercially viable long run.
GENETEC 1,915,700 8.50 0.51 industry with significant growth potential On top of providing tailored financing
PETDAG 18.60 0.38 and introduced the HLB SME Solar specific to RE projects, the bank has “As a bank, we have a responsibility in
DLADY 492,700 33.60 0.36 Financing Programme in February this year, expanded its RE team of specialists to steering the sustainability transition and
AEONCR 3,300 11.62 0.26 a green energy financing facility specially further grow this promising portfolio. The mindset amongst our SME and corporate
MPI 66,600 38.80 0.20 RE specialists work closely with customers customers. We do this with the provision of
94,600 and provide value-added services, working together where we find
including advisory in guiding new energy opportunities and solutions to balance
EXCHANGE RATES JUNE 30, 2021 players on warranties and guarantees profit, people and the planet, as well as
coverage for equipment as well as helping enable households, businesses and the
clients evaluate the feasibility and economy to become more resilient to
climate change impacts,” said Yow.

Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy Sarawak Consolidated share capital
reduction plan gets shareholders’ approval
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2130 4.0880 4.0780 PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Consolidated Rosland reiterated that the group’s target of potential projects to cushion the impact
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1840 3.0590 3.0430 Industries Bhd (SCIB) has received hitting RM2 billion market capitalisation from the stretched schedule of an existing
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1310 3.0400 3.0320 shareholders’ approval for the reduction of still stands, barring any unforeseen project.
1 EURO 3.3950 3.3040 3.2920 its issued share capital amounting to RM40 circumstances.
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 5.0220 4.8600 4.8400 million at its extraordinary general meeting At the same time, he noted that there
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9580 2.8500 2.8340 yesterday. However, he noted its operational have been a lot of clarifications made and
1 STERLING POUND 3.1310 3.0400 3.0320 progress has been restricted due to the actions taken by Serba Dinamik Holdings
1 SWISS FRANC 5.8420 5.6600 5.6400 The group said the credit arising from the reimposition of the movement control order Bhd regarding its audit issues.
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.5610 4.4570 4.4420 share capital reduction will be used to by the government.
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 116.0400 110.0400 109.8400 eliminate its accumulated losses. On the matter, Rosland stressed that
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0670 4.7350 4.5350 “Hence, we have been constantly SCIB and Serba Dinamik are two separate
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR Its group managing director & CEO, engaging with our clients, suppliers, and companies and business segments that
100 INDIAN RUPEE N/A N/A N/A Rosland Othman, said the reason for the subcontractors for site progress planning share a common shareholder but they have
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 54.8500 52.1200 51.9200 capital reduction is to offset the losses that and rescheduling to minimise independent and separate management.
100 JAPANESE YEN 5.4100 5.2100 the SCIB has accumulated from 2006 to disruptions to operations and manage
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 5.7600 0.0272 0.0222 2018. the costs.” He added that SCIB’s exposure to Serba
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 0.0301 3.6960 3.6860 Dinamik’s project is currently limited to a
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 3.8150 “This will enhance the company’s The CEO said the group is focused on recurrent related-party transaction in Abu
100 QATAR RIYAL N/A N/A financial profile with our bankers, meeting clients’ expectations and its cost Dhabi, which has yet to commence its piling
100 SAUDI RIYAL N/A 2.5400 2.3400 customers, suppliers, investors, and other rationalisation while looking to secure work. Thus, it faces no financial risk on the
100THAI BAHT 2.7100 8.3100 8.1100 stakeholders as the elimination of project.
8.8200 109.2500 109.0500 accumulated loss would reflect the
115.0800 107.8300 107.6300 current value of underlying assets and Rosland said the group is focused on its
113.5900 12.1700 11.7700 financial position,” he said in a statement domestic and international expansion
13.7200 yesterday. plans as its prospects remain intact and
business is going on as usual with the
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on construction division as a core revenue
the Malaysian economy notwithstanding, contributor.

DNeX raises stake in BRIEFS 11theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
Ping Petroleum to 90% * SUNBIZ

o Group acquires Ping’s long-term growth potential. NESTCON AWARDED
additional 60% of He pointed out the shift in RM230M SERVICE
upstream O&G player investment of major oil players to APARTMENT CONTRACT
for RM314.3m the energy transition and
renewable energy sector has PETALING JAYA: Nestcon Bhd’s
PETALING JAYA: Dagang presented us with opportunities to subsidiary Nestcon Builders Sdn
NeXchange Bhd’s (DNeX) equity acquire mature and producing Bhd received a RM230 million
stake in Ping Petroleum Ltd rose to O&G fields at attractive prices. contract for a 46-storey service
90%, following the completion of “Ping’s expansion plans will be apartment project in Damansara
the acquisition for an additional directed to expand and unlock the Perdana, Selangor. According to
60% stake in the upstream oil & gas potential of other brownfield the group, the project will
(O&G) player, valued at US$78 assets within the UK and commence today with a
million (RM314.3 million). Southeast Asia region.” construction period of 40
The managing director opined months.
Of the sum, it noted US$40.95 Ping’s expansion plans will be directed to expand and unlock the potential of the group’s overall outlook in the
million will be settled in cash while other brownfield assets within the UK and Southeast Asia region. – PING energy sector looks promising with WAN ZAKI RETIRES AS
the remaining US$37.05 million PETROLEUM WEBSITE the lineup of developments AZRB’S VICE-CHAIRMAN
will be settled via the issuance of
new ordinary shares in the group barrel. energy segment. coming on-stream and the rise in PETALING JAYA: Ahmad Zaki
and new redeemable preference In the previous three financial “Against this favourable oil prices driven higher global Resources Bhd announced its
shares in its wholly owned demand as economies reopen executive vice chairman Tan Sri
subsidiary DNeX Energy Sdn Bhd. years, the upstream player has backdrop, we will be expanding around the globe. Wan Zaki Wan Muda will retire
Thus making Ping a subsidiary of delivered a cumulative net profit of our business in the upstream O&G DNeX stated former from his post today. According to
DNeX via DNeX Energy. US$34.7 million. Given that Ping sector to capitalise on the upcycle,” ExxonMobil executives Zainal the group’s disclosure, the
will now be deemed as a he said in a statement. Abidin Jalil and Datuk Robert outgoing executive vice-
With the completion of this subsidiary compared to an Fisher will serve as Ping’s CEO and chairman will stay on as a non-
exercise the group will consolidate associate previously, the “To enhance our production chairman respectively. independent non-executive
the O&G player into its earnings consolidation of Ping’s revenue levels at the Anasuria Cluster, we Simultaneously, Fisher director of the board as well as
from July 2021 onwards. and earnings will contribute have earmarked about US$71 currently serves on the group’s assume the role of group adviser
positively to DNeX’s overall million for redevelopment board as an independent non- on the same date.
Since its 30% stake acquisition financial performance. activities over the next five years.” executive director, while Zainal
in Ping in 2016, the company has holds the executive director post. PERTAMA DIGITAL FILES
consistently delivered profits and With regard to its newest The development activities “With their track record and DIGITAL BANKING
positive cash flow due to a low subsidiary, DNeX’s group includes the drilling of infill wells, deep expertise in the energy APPLICATION WITH BNM
operating cost of under US$20 per managing director Tan Sri Syed debottleneck exercise and sector, we believe they are able to
Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed facilities improvement work. drive Ping to become a leading PETALING JAYA: Pertama Digital
Tahir commented the upswing in global upstream oil and gas Bhd announced that it has
Brent oil prices to above US$70 per Syed Zainal stated being in the company,” said Syed Zainal. submitted its digital banking
barrel level augurs well for its driver seat will allow greater licence application to Bank
flexibility to plan and implement Negara Malaysia. In its bursa
longer term strategies to realise filing, the group stated its
consortium envisaged an Islamic
CTOS Digital aims to raise RM220m from IPO digital bank which places the
financially underserved at its
PETALING JAYA: CTOS Digital Bhd fees and expenses. the largest number of institutional At the launch of its prospectus heart and aims to provide
(formerly known as CTOS Holdings On the distribution of the 200 investors participating in a Malaysian today, group CEO Dennis Martin said affordable and ethical financing
Sdn Bhd), a credit reporting agency, IPO. CTOS Digital’s growth story, products.
aims to raise RM220 million from its million new shares, 44 million will be combined with an innovative,
initial public offering (IPO) on Bursa made available for application by the A total of 23 cornerstone investors comprehensive product offering has PPI for local
Malaysia’s Main Market. Malaysian public via balloting, 120 participated in the institutional proven to be a compelling one. production hits
million will be made available for offering of the IPO including new high in May
The company will issue 200 application by the group’s eligible renowned names such as the “CTOS Digital’s product offerings
million new shares and an offer-for- directors, employees and persons Employees Provident Fund, have expanded beyond credit PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s
sale allocation of 900 million existing who have contributed to the success Permodalan Nasional Bhd, Aberdeen reporting instruments to include a Producer Price Index (PPI) for local
shares, which are priced at RM1.10 of the group, while the remaining 36 Standard Investment, AIA, Eastspring breadth of digital solutions to support production jumped 11.9% year-on-
per share. million will be offered to Malaysian Investments, FIL Investment every stage of the customer lifecycle. year (y-o-y) to hit a new high of 111.6
and foreign institutional investors. Management, and JP Morgan Asset All of this comes on the back of steady index points in May 2021, according
Out of the RM220 million IPO Management. financial growth, making us the to the statistics department.
proceeds, RM155.2 million will be Meanwhile, the 900 million offer- leading credit reporting agency in
used for the repayment of all bank for-sale allocations will also be made CTOS Digital is the holding Malaysia,“ he said in a statement. “The incline was driven by the
borrowings to free up debt available to Malaysian and foreign company of CTOS Data Systems Sdn substantial increase in primary
headroom, while RM59 million will institutional investors via a private Bhd and has an associate stake in Applications for CTOS Digital’s industry products which led to the
be earmarked for synergistic placement exercise. Business Online Public Company IPO opens on June 30 and will close spike of mining (68.5%) and
investment and acquisition of target Limited in Thailand, making the on July 6. CTOS Digital is expected to agriculture, forestry & fishing (60.0%)
companies. The remaining RM6.1 Its IPO exercise has garnered group Asean’s leading credit list on the Bursa Malaysia Main indices,” according to a statement by
million will be utilised to defray listing strong support from local and global reporting bureau. Market on July 19. the country’s chief statistician Datuk
institutional investors, constituting Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.

Mah Sing receives glove orders that will take up four production lines Furthermore, he noted the
manufacturing index posted a
PETALING JAYA: Mah Sing Group Hon Sang said the strong orders the first and final single-tier dividend milion or 40% of its 2021 sales target,” significant increase of 5% spurred by
Bhd’s healthcare business unit Mah reflect market confidence towards of 1.66 sen per ordinary share for the he said. the rise in primary and construction-
Sing Healthcare Sdn Bhd has Mah Sing as a credible new glove financial year 2020. related commodities prices.
clinched long-term glove orders manufacturer in producing quality The group strives to achieve
which take up to four glove dipping gloves to meet pent-up demand The group has been consistently RM1.6 billion sales target this year Utility indices, water supply and
lines’ production capacity. globally. paying dividend rates of at least 40% and will launch affordable homes in electricity & gas supply also
of net profit over the last 15 years, strategic locations in second-half increased by 1.5% and 0.1%
At the same time, two more “We will focus on expanding upholding its commitment to reward 2021. respectively.
production lines have been capacity at our glove factory to meet shareholders while maintaining a
completed at Mah Sing’s highly these secured orders, and so far we prudent and disciplined approach The planned new launches for the “On a monthly basis, the PPI local
automated factory in Kapar – ready are operationally on-track. for long-term sustainable growth. second half of 2021 include Tower E production rose 1% in May 2021 as
to take on more orders which are of M Vertica, Cheras; remaining compared to 0.8% in the previous
coming in. “We have also continuously Mah Sing briefed its shareholders phases of M Arisa, Sentul; phase two month. The increase was supported
received enquiries from distributors on the group’s initiatives, market of Cerrado Suites and Tower B by the index of mining (2.1%),
Besides these six lines, another six and customers around the world and outlook, operational performance, Sensory Residences at Southville City followed by agriculture, forestry &
production lines are scheduled to are currently in negotiation with and strategy through the live in Bangi; phase three of M Aruna and fishing (2%), manufacturing (0.7%),
come on-stream in the third quarter more interested parties to lock down streamed AGM. M Panora in Rawang; M Senyum in electricity & gas supply (0.7%) and
of this year. their orders. We are planning to Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang; water supply (0.1%),” said Uzir.
explore further expansion if the Mah Sing founder and group and double storey link homes in
These 12 lines make up phase one demand continues to outstrip nanaging director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Meridin East, Johor Baru. Going by stage of processing, the
of Mah Sing’s glove manufacturing supply,” he said in a statement issued Kum said there was an improvement department revealed that all stages of
business which is expected to after the group’s virtual AGM. in sentiments towards the property The group continues to maintain processing recorded an increase in
contribute positively to the group’s market early this year. its healthy balance sheet with cash price in May 2021.
earnings for the financial year ending Meahwhile, the group’s and bank balances and investment
2021. shareholders approved all of its “It can be observed through the in short-term funds of RM901.2 The index of crude materials for
resolutions at the AGM, including positive sales figures in the group’s million as at March 31. further processing rose 53.6% and
Mah Sing group CEO Datuk Ho first five months, hitting RM650.5 the index of Intermediate materials,
supplies & components also
increased 6.9%.

Subsequently, with the higher
price in raw and intermediate
materials, the finished goods index
edged up 0.2% mainly involving
consumer goods, which as a result
may reflect in the upcoming monthly
consumer price index.

12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
SUNBIZ

BRIEFS HONG KONG MEDIA GROUP China’s Didi raises US$4.4b
NEXT DIGITAL CEASES in upsized US IPO
OPERATIONS FROM TODAY
HONG KONG: Hong Kong media
group Next Digital, owned by
jailed tycoon Jimmy Lai, will
cease operating from today after
the company’s assets were frozen
as part of a national security
investigation, according to an
internal memo seen by Reuters.
Next Digital did not immediately
respond to a request for o Ride-hailing firm sells 317 million American Depository sector by transport authorities in the future.
comment. The company is the Shares against the planned 288 million at US$14 apiece There was also uncertainty over how an
publisher of Apple Daily, a
popular pro-democracy antitrust probe into Didi, revealed by Reuters
newspaper that closed last week this month, would impact the business. Didi
after its newsroom had been said at the time it would not comment on
raided by 500 police officers “unsubstantiated speculation from unnamed
investigating whether some NEW YORK: Chinese ride hailing company after the Didi investor order book was source(s)”.
articles breached the security law. Didi Global Inc raised US$4.4 billion (RM18 oversubscribed multiple times, one of the
Beijing imposed the legislation in billion) in its US IPO on Tuesday, pricing it at sources said. The company is expected to debut The listing, which will be the biggest US
Hong Kong on June 30, 2020. It the top of its indicated range and increasing the on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30. share sale by a Chinese company since Alibaba
punishes acts deemed by China number of shares sold, according to two raised US$25 billion in 2014, comes amid
to be subversive, secessionist, sources familiar with the matter. Didi did not respond to a request for record and volatile IPO activity this year as
terrorism or collusion with comment. firms rush to capture the lucrative valuations
foreign forces with up to life in Didi sold 317 million American Depository seen in the US stock market.
prison. Critics say it has been Shares (ADS), versus the planned 288 million, Didi’s IPO is more conservative versus its
used to crush dissent, while its at US$14 apiece, the people said on condition initial aim for a valuation of up to US$100 “The volatile IPO environment helped to
supporters said it has restored of anonymity ahead of an official billion, Reuters has previously reported. The lower (Didi) IPO price and valuation looks
order in Hong Kong after months announcement. size of the deal was cut during briefings with attractive,“ said Douglas Kim, a London-based
of pro-democracy protests. – investors ahead of the IPO’s launch. independent analyst, who writes on
Reuters This would give Didi a valuation of about Smartkarma.
US$73 billion on a fully diluted basis and Investors baulked at the US$100 billion
GOOGLE TO CLAMP DOWN US$67.5 billion on a non-diluted basis. target given concerns the company’s future Didi’s IPO was covered early on the first day
ON FINANCIAL SCAMS ON growth prospects could be curbed by the of the book-build last week and the investor
ITS PLATFORM IN BRITAIN The decision to increase the deal size came chance of greater regulation of the ride-sharing books were closed on Monday, a day ahead of
schedule..
BENGALURU: Google will clamp Didi’s listing will be the biggest US share sale by a Chinese company since Alibaba raised US$25 billion
down on financial fraud on its in 2014. – REUTERSPIX An over-allotment option, or greenshoe,
platform in Britain, saying exists where another 43.2 million shares can be
yesterday that all financial sold to increase the deal size.
services will need to be verified
by the regulator before they can Didi was co-founded in 2012 by former
advertise. Britain’s financial Alibaba employee Will Wei Cheng, who
watchdog issued 1,200 currently serves as CEO. Cheng was joined by
consumer warnings last year Jean Qing Liu, a former Goldman Sachs banker
about scams advertised via and the current president of the ride-sharing
social media platforms by fake company.
companies, double the number
in 2019. Google said in a blog The company counts SoftBank, Uber
post it will begin enforcing the Technologies Inc and Tencent as its main
new policy, which follows calls backers.
from the Financial Conduct
Authority to vet paid Didi is also known for successfully pushing
promotions, from Sept 6. Bank of Uber out of the Chinese market after the US
England Governor Andrew Bailey company lost a price war and ended up selling
has been lobbying the its China operations to Didi for a stake. Liu
government to introduce a legal Zhen, the head of Uber China at the time, is
requirement for internet giants Didi’s Liu’s cousin.
to take down financial fraud
websites, the Sunday Times Didi is the dominant player in China,
reported in March. – Reuters although ride-hailing services by automakers
such as Geely and SAIC Motor are picking up
market share. In Europe and South America,
where Didi is expanding, Uber has a presence.

Like most ride-hailing companies, Didi had
historically been unprofitable, until it reported
a profit of US$30 million in the first quarter of
this year. – Reuters

SINGAPORE SOVEREIGN Scandal-hit Credit Suisse mulls creating single private bank
FUND INVESTS US$1B
IN US UNIT OF GRIFOLS ZURICH: Credit Suisse is considering Targeting the client managers who deal market value makes it a foreign takeover
centralising the management of its bankers to with its wealthiest clients, many of whom are target.
MADRID: Singapore’s wealth fund the world’s wealthy, replacing a regional worth tens of millions of dollars, would scrap
GIC agreed to invest around US$1 structure, three sources said, as part of efforts a regionalised structure introduced in 2015. A domestic merger with UBS, something
billion (RM4.1 billion) dollars in to fast-track an overhaul after a series of that has been discussed in the past, is viewed
Biomat, a US-based plasma scandals. Such a change would reel local managers as a more palatable option, three sources also
collection company owned by in Asia and internationally, who have enjoyed told Reuters last week.
Grifols, thus becoming a strategic The Swiss bank and its board are looking considerable autonomy, under tight Swiss
investor in the Spanish to decide on a fresh strategy as soon as control as well as making it easier to cut costs. By combining its wealth management
pharmaceutical company, Grifols October after meeting in the mountain town businesses, Credit Suisse would be able to
said yesterday. GIC will have a of Bad Ragaz, two sources familiar with the Credit Suisse declined to comment. streamline products, while also becoming
minority stake in Biomat USA, thinking of senior executives said. Its larger Swiss rival UBS adopted a unified more attractive to a potential merger partner,
which has a network of 296 global wealth management structure by one source said.
plasma collection centres in the Reimagining the most prized part of combining its businesses servicing American
US through the acquisition of Credit Suisse illustrates how deep this and international clients into one global Credit Suisse lost more than US$5 billion
newly issued non-voting shares. overhaul is likely to be, with executives division in 2018, allowing it to trim costs. (RM21 billion) in the rush to unwind trades
The company didn’t disclose the discussing folding the private banking Credit Suisse executives are concerned by family office Archegos and faces legal
stake GIC will taking in Biomat. business and other services managing money that the bank, which has been hit by two action for helping clients invest US$10
Barcelona-based Grifols will use for the world’s rich into one global division, scandals this year, could face break-up calls billion in bonds issued by collapsed supply
proceedings to reduce debt, the three sources told Reuters. from investors, or that its shrinking stock- chain finance firm Greensill Capital. –
which at the end of March stood Reuters
at €6.2 billion (RM31 billion). –
Reuters

Taiwan tells US it hopes to ‘gradually’ move towards free trade deal

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s chief trade his successor Donald Trump’s trade The US Trade Representative’s Taiwan has long angled for a free trade agreement, or other
negotiator John Deng said yesterday representative, Robert Lighthizer, office said during the talks US officials trade deal with the United States, preliminary agreement, with Taiwan”,
he told the United States he hopes the focused his attention on China, the emphasised the importance of the though any such agreement with according to a copy of the letter seen
two can sign a free trade agreement, a world’s second-largest economy. US-Taiwan trade relationship and Taiwan would likely irritate Beijing, by Reuters.
deal which would be a strong show of both sides expressed support for joint which says the island is Chinese
US support in the face of relentless Deng told reporters he had work to enhance critical supply chain territory and does not have the right While Taiwan is a member of the
Chinese pressure against the island. directly raised the issue of a free trade security and resilience. to state-to-state relations. World Trade Organisation, many
deal during the eight hours of talks. countries are wary of signing trade
Both sides held the long-delayed The Biden administration has A bipartisan group of 42 US deals with the tech powerhouse
talks on the Trade and Investment “We expressed to the US that moved to reaffirm its commitment to senators wrote this week to US Trade fearing objections from China,
Framework Agreement virtually. These Taiwan hopes to sign a trade the democratically governed island Representative Katherine Tai asking though Taiwan does have free trade
were stalled after former US president agreement,“ he said. “We believe that in the face of pressure from Beijing to her to “take steps to begin laying the deals with Singapore and New
Barack Obama left office in 2016 and if we continue to work hard we will try and assert its sovereignty. groundwork for negotiation of a free Zealand. – Reuters
achieve our goal one day.”

13theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
SPORTS

No public for BRIEFS
torch relay Sisters to the fore

PARTS of the Olympic torch relay in SISTERS Nelly and Jessica Korda are
host city Tokyo will be taken off expected to lead the American
public roads, officials said yesterday, women’s golf contingent at the
in another virus setback for the Olympics in Tokyo. The International
flame as it travels across Japan. Golf Federation released the list of the
The Olympic torch relay due to 60 players in the Final Olympic Golf
begin on July 9 in Tokyo will mostly Rankings yesterday. The list was
be displayed at closed ceremonies cemented after the completion of the
for the first eight days of its time in KPMG Women’s PGA Championship,
the capital, in line with virus which Nelly Korda won last weekend to
countermeasures, Tokyo move to No. 1 in the world and in the
government official Koichi Osakabe rankings for the Olympics. Both the
told AFP. United States and South Korea qualified
“Instead, we will have a four athletes, while other countries
ceremony each day at the final spot were limited to a maximum of two,
of the day’s (planned) relay runs,” he based on the world golf rankings. Also
said, adding that roughly 100 invited to compete for the United States
runners per day would be affected were Danielle Kang and Lexi Thompson.
by the change. The qualifying South Koreans are Jin
The change mostly affects Young Ko, Inbee Park, Sei Young Kim
portions of the relay outside Tokyo’s and Hyo-Joo Kim.
23 central neighbourhoods.
Osakabe said a decision on how Tokyo may extend
to hold sections in more densely Covid curbs
populated parts of the relay would
be made later. JAPAN is considering an extension of
The flame will make its entrance two weeks to a month for coronavirus
at the National Stadium in Tokyo on prevention measures in Tokyo and
July 23 – the opening of the other areas, Japanese media said
Olympics – after traversing Japan’s Kaede Masaki, suffering from a spinal cord injury, receives the torch flame from Fumihiro Iwasakim during a torch yesterday, with less than a month to go
47 prefectures. kiss event, after the relay on public roads was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, during Tokyo 2020 Olympic until the Tokyo Summer Olympics open.
But it has regularly been forced torch relay celebration in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan. – REUTERSPIX Japan’s capital and other areas are
off public roads because of virus under a “quasi” state of emergency set
concerns, with torchbearers having cast a long shadow. to happen behind closed doors. An entire team may now be to be lifted on July 12, but a recent
to settle for passing the flame from Tokyo and several other Two members of Uganda’s required to quarantine if a single uptick in infections has officials
one to another in closed prefectures have cancelled public Olympic delegation tested positive member tests positive, and concerned and could affect the number
ceremonies at single sites. viewing events for the Games, and for the virus, prompting a rethink of delegations could be instructed to of spectators allowed into Olympics
With just weeks until the Games Japan’s top infectious disease rules for teams arriving early, eat in silence, the Yomiuri Shimbun venues. The Mainichi Shimbun daily said
open, the pandemic continues to experts have pushed for the event according to local media. reported yesterday. – AFP the government was considering an
extension of two to four weeks, which
DESPITE previously claiming they Power play would overlap with the Olympics, due
would not bend to the whim of their to open on July 23 after a year’s delay
driver; Mercedes have been forced to over the pandemic. “Any decisions
backtrack on their previous claims regarding quasi-emergency measures
will be taken based on policies we have
over Lewis Hamilton’s (pix) request for car in place,” Chief Cabinet Secretary
upgrades. Katsunobu Kato told a news
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had originally Hamilton demands force Mercedes to conference.
stated how the team would not be devoting
resources to this year’s car, instead backtrack as Verstappen battle heats up Woakes, Root star for England
concentrating on next year’s efforts.
However, technical boss James Allison of things that will make our car faster in the next year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t CHRIS WOAKES set up a comfortable
contradicted those claims, coming races. Let’s hope they prove things still in the food chain from prior to that five-wicket win finished by Joe Root as
explaining: “We have a number sufficient.” focus switch. England again proved too strong for Sri
Allison insisted there was no “And furthermore, it isn’t all of the factory, Lanka in the opening one-day
contradiction between his remarks and furthermore we are only one of two international at the Riverside yesterday
and Wolff’s comments, but when the factories – there is also the power-unit (PU) to go 1-0 up in a three-match series.
322 Notices latter was asked whether he factory and there is a little more to come from Woakes, in only his third international in

IN THE MATTER OF meant that there would be no the PU. over nine months, finished with
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 more upgrades to the car in “So, there’s some more aerodynamic change excellent figures of 4-18 from his full 10
2021, he replied: “That’s overs as 50-over world champions
AND basically what I’m saying, in the offing, a little bit of PU we hope on the England dismissed Sri Lanka for a
IN THE MATTER OF yes.” delivery side, and a few things that are not quite meagre 185 at Durham’s headquarters.
GOLDLION DISTRIBUTION (M) SDN. BHD. as tidy as we would wish that we still have the Root, in his 150th match at this level,
Company No. 200001029350 (531957-M) The technical boss continued, opportunity to put right while this season is still then made 79 not out as England
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) talking to official F1 Nation podcast, very much alive and hot.” cantered home with more than 15
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to section revealing: “I don’t think the two overs to spare after a brief wobble.
439 of the Companies Act 2016 that the things are at odds with each other Hamilton’s rival, Red Bull racer Max
Special Resolution set out below was duly Verstappen, has won three of the last contests,
passed by the members of the Company
at the Extraordinary General Meeting duly
convened at No. 43 (First Floor), Jalan
Sarikei, Off Jalan Pahang, 53000 Kuala
Lumpur on Thursday, 01 July 2021:-

“SPECIAL RESOLUTION - MEMBERS’ and I don’t think Toto has said the most recent of which he secured in Shamsi shines for Proteas
VOLUNTARY WINDING UP precisely that (there will be no more dominant fashion.
That the Company be wound up voluntarily upgrades). SOUTH AFRICA’S left-arm wrist spinner
pursuant to section 439 of the Companies “What Toto points out is that next After the race, Hamilton claimed that Tabraiz Shamsi took 2-13 in four overs as
Act 2016 (“the Act”) and that Mr. Yong Phang year’s rules are a big and hairy affair and without upgrades to his vehicle that outcome the tourists edged West Indies by one
Kueng of No. 43 (Second Floor), Jalan Sarikei, would only be repeated, as Mercedes look to
Off Jalan Pahang, 53000 Kuala Lumpur be they demand a huge amount of our catch up on league leaders Red Bull.
and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the
purpose of such winding up.

That the Liquidator be authorised pursuant to attention. The seven-time champion said: “If we are run in the third Twenty20 International
section 456 of the Act to exercise the power “Most of the focus of our not going to develop and improve our car this is to take a 2-1 series lead at the National
specified under the Eleventh Schedule in a factory has switched the result you are going to see. Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada
voluntary winding up. over to next year, yesterday. After being sent in to bat,
That the Liquidator be authorised to the performance “Naturally, I would love to have upgrades South Africa managed a below-par 167
distribute either in cash, specie or in kind discovery for and improvements but I don’t think that is for eight in their 20 overs, but
any surplus assets of the Company as he currently on the cards.
thinks fit to the contributory of the Company
in accordance with his respective rights and
interests therein.”

Dated this 1st day of July, 2021 “When we do our debrief we will chat about successfully defended the total as West

LAU CHUN CHEAK it, but that is how it is at the moment. In terms of Indies fell one run short for the loss of
MAICSA 7054237 baseline performance this is all we have got.” – seven wickets.
Secretary Express Newspapers

IN THE MATTER OF Red Bull play down hopes of Austrian GP repeat
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016

AND
IN THE MATTER OF
GOLDLION DISTRIBUTION (M) SDN. BHD.
Company No. 200001029350 (531957-M)
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors RED BULL team principal Christian Red Bull have taken victory at each of underlining Red Bull’s strategy to we’ve just got to keep doing what we’re
of the abovenamed Company which is being Horner has suggested that Max the last four Grands Prix to swing this approach the season on a race-by-race doing. To have won the last four races
wound up voluntarily are required on or Verstappen could lose out to Lewis year’s title fight in Verstappen’s favour as basis and avoid getting carried away on the tyres of circuits that we have, it’s
before 01 August 2021 to send their names Hamilton at this weekend’s Austrian he eyes a maiden end-of-season with the bigger picture. the best run we’ve had since 2013.
and addresses with particulars of their debts Grand Prix despite strolling to a triumph.
or claims and the names and addresses of comfortable victory at the same circuit “We’ve just got to take things one “We’re back here (at the) weekend.
their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, on Sunday. Despite the impressive efforts, step at a time,” Horner told an official We saw last year that even though you
the Liquidator of the said Company; and if Horner is not entirely convinced that press event. “The team is performing have two races at the same circuit, the
so required in writing from the said, are by The Dutchman pipped his Mercedes this weekend’s outing in Spielberg will incredibly well. second race can be quite different to the
their solicitors or personally to come in and counterpart to the chequered flag by produce the same result. first.
prove their debts or claims at such time and over 35 seconds to seal his fourth race “Max is driving with great maturity
place as shall be specified in such notice or win of the year and stretch his lead to 18 The 47-year-old has urged his team and consistency. We’ve got to keep “Track conditions, weather etc. We’ve
in default thereof they will be excluded from points at the top of the Drivers’ to operate with caution ahead of turning the screw. Keep our heads down just got to take each race one-by-one
the benefits of any distribution made before Championship. Verstappen’s next opportunity to down and keep doing what we’re doing. and try to optimise our performance.” –
such debts are proven. Hamilton at the Austrian Grand Prix, Express Newspapers
Dated this 1st day of July, 2021 “Just keep doing the basics well,
YONG PHANG KUENG
Liquidator
No. 43 (Second Floor), Jalan Sarikei,
Off Jalan Pahang,
53000 Kuala Lumpur.

14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
SPORTS

Clinical Djoker glides past Anderson into third round TRAMLINES
Centre Court appearance
TOP SEED Novak Djokovic clinically dispatched Twice Grand Slam runner-up Anderson, who to make the least unforced errors as possible. compensation for Barty
big-serving South African Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6- is battling back after knee problems, did not “I knew Kevin was going to serve big and I
3, 6-3 yesterday to glide ominously into the play a bad match but Djokovic was at his LIFE in the Wimbledon’s Covid-19
Wimbledon third round. ruthless best as he won in an hour and 41 wasn’t not going to have too many chances to bubble is not everyone’s cup of tea but
minutes. break his serve. I’ve done much better that I women’s top seed Ash Barty is happy to
Defending champion Djokovic, bidding for a thought I would do. reside in at as long as required if it
sixth Wimbledon and record-equalling 20th “Kevin is a terrific player, very dangerous on means more Centre Court appearances.
Grand Slam title, was imperious during a grass courts, fast courts,” Djokovic told BBC “I believed in myself but it was almost The 25-year-old was handed the
grasscourt masterclass on Centre Court. Sport. flawless performance today. I’m just super prestigious opening slot yesterday for
happy to see all of you on the court. her first-round clash with Spain’s Carla
In a repeat of the 2018 final, the Serbian broke “Obviously a straight-set victory today but Suarez Navarro after defending
Anderson’s serve once in each set and offered up still only one break each set was enough, I held “Also I seem to have a really nice connection champion Simona Halep withdrew due
only five unforced errors. His only minor concern my serve really comfortably with the grass. I don’t recall falling this much in to injury. “The bubble is all worth it to be
were a couple of tumbles to the turf on the lush the first two rounds of Wimbledon. I have a able to experience moments like today
grass, but he remained unruffled. “Once we get into the rally I have a better good connection with the crowd and the on a beautiful Centre Court,” said Barty.
chance. That was one of the tactical goals – try grass!” – Reuters/AFP “My first time playing under the Centre
Court roof as well. When it was closing,
Final farewell? Carla and I both were kind of looking,
‘Heartbroken’ Serena quits Wimbledon in tears peaking outside and looking at it. It was
AMERICAN legend Serena Williams’s just unbelievable. To play my first round
dreams of winning an eighth Serena Williams on there against Carla was awesome.
Wimbledon singles title and equalling of the US reacts The bubbles are worth it. It’s what we
Margaret Court’s Grand Slam record after sustaining have to do to be able to experience this
of 24 ended in tears yesterday as further doubt an injury before tournament.”
was cast on her future in the sport. retiring from her
first round match Medvedev warms to task
The 39-year-old was leading 3-1 in the first against Belarus’
set of her first round match against Aliaksandra A FEW days after claiming his first
Sasnovich of Belarus when she slipped and Aliaksandra grasscourt title in blazing Mallorcan
Sasnovich at the sunshine, second seed Daniil Medvedev
injured her right leg. All England Lawn could easily have been caught cold in
Williams returned from receiving medical his Wimbledon first-round match
attention but called it a day at 3-3 and walked off Tennis and yesterday. But on a chilly and damp
Centre Court in tears. evening at the All England Club he
“I was heartbroken to have to withdraw Croquet Club in showed he is not just a fair weather
today after injuring my right leg,” she said in a London. – player on the lawns to overcome
statement posted late evening on her Instagram REUTERSPIX German powerhouse Jan-Lennard Struff.
Struff was hardly the easiest of draws,
account. having beaten Medvedev on grass in
Perhaps tellingly, she waved to all four sides Halle this month, but the world No. 2
of the court as she left. avenged that loss with a 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 7-
However, she gave no indication in the 6 victory. “I was surprised I won the first
statement of how serious the injury was nor two sets so easy but then he started
about her future. showing some unbelievable tennis,”
It is the first time that Williams has bowed Medvedev said on court. “Until the last
out in the opening round of Wimbledon in 20 point it was not over. It was a
appearances. rollercoaster of a match.”
She had only once previously lost in the first
round at any Slam, in the 2012 French Open. Fed Ex delivers kudos
The tears said it all as with the withdrawals of to football team
2019 champion Simona Halep and of Naomi
Osaka prior to the tournament the American TENNIS great Roger Federer said
would have fancied her chances of at last Switzerland’s shock Euro 2020 victory
equalling the controversial Court’s landmark. over world champions France yesterday
“Brutal for @serenawilliams but centre court showed that the tournament underdogs
is extremely slippy out there. Not easy to move can move mountains. Speaking at
out there,” tweeted British star Andy Murray. Wimbledon, where he edged through
Williams, who also had strapping on her his opening match yesterday, the Basel
right thigh, hasn’t won a Slam since the 2017 native said Switzerland should now take
Australian Open losing in four finals, twice at it to the next level against Spain on
Wimbledon and two at the US Open. Saturday. “It was a great football day
Sasnovich said she felt for her “a great yesterday overall just in terms of quality
champion, and it’s a sad story.” of matches,” Federer said of Switzerland’s
“It was very slippery, I felt, as well. penalty shootout win after the last-16
“When she did the angled shot, I couldn’t game ended 3-3. “I just thought they
run because it was so slippery. fought super well. With the situation of
“But, okay, it’s the same for everyone,” added being up 1-0, missing the penalty, then
Sasnovich. “You do have to move very, very carefully out Despite the criticism, the All England Club everything changing within half an
Her heart-stopping fall came not long after there. If you push too hard in the wrong insisted that the courts are up to standard. hour. It would have been so easy just to
French player Adrian Mannarino had slipped moments, you do go down.” “The preparation of the grass courts has let go. I was really proud of the way they
and hurt himself on the same part of Centre However, Federer insists the courts are no been to exactly the same meticulous standard fought. It just shows in sports, in football
Court. different from other years. as in previous years,” the club said in a in particular, when the team pulls
He too had to retire with his “I don’t think it plays very different. It’s statement. together, really believes, that you can
match against Roger Federer always been like this. I feel for a lot of players, it’s “The weather conditions on the opening two move mountains really.”
level at two sets apiece. super key to get through those first two rounds days have been the wettest we have
“I do feel it feels a tad because the grass is more slippery, it is more experienced in almost a decade, which has Gauff feel for idol
more slippery maybe soft. required the roof to be closed on Centre Court after forced exit
under the roof,” said “As the tournament progresses, usually it and No. 1 Court for long periods.” –
Federer. gets harder and easier to move on.” Reuters/AFP AMERICAN teenager Coco Gauff said
she had to turn away from the TV screen
Suarez Navarro pays tribute to mother after her idol Serena Williams was forced
to retire from her first-round match
CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO’S (pix) “My mum has been to Wimbledon Wimbledon had been at the French yesterday because of injury. The 17-year-
mother Maria two or three times,” said Suarez Navarro. Open. old Gauff was in the gym when seven-
Dolores times champion Williams appeared to
“She tries to record everything and I The popular 32-year-old Spaniard slip on the lush Centre Court turf and
wiped guess she gets a bit emotional too,” had retired last year and was diagnosed retired at 3-3 against Aliaksandra
away tears added Navarro before lowering her with cancer only to announce in April Sasnovich of Belarus. “It was not easy to
as her head and sobbing before going on “for she had been cured and would return watch. Actually I turned away… stuff like
daughter walked off all these months we’ve had to go for a final tour of hand-picked that makes me, like, really emotional,”
Wimbledon Centre Court to a through. tournaments culminating in the US Gauff said after winning her first-round
standing ovation yesterday. Open in September. match against Britain’s Francesca Jones.
Her daughter later “It’s special to have her here, I really “I wish that hopefully she can have a
thanked her for being her appreciate it and don’t ask me about my Her mother watched from the speedy recovery. You could tell she was
constant companion mother any more please.” players’ box and filmed her 11th and really emotional. Nobody ever wants to
while she underwent final Wimbledon. retire, but especially at a Grand Slam, a
treatment for cancer but with Suarez Navarro put up a remarkable place as special as Wimbledon after
emotions raw she broke down performance against world No. 1 “For her it was a really good moment. waiting two years to come back.”
in her post-match press Ashleigh Barty losing in three sets – 6-1, She really wants to be on Centre Court,”
conference. 6-7 (5-7), 6-1 – on her least favoured said Suarez Navarro. Well, I think she’s
surface of grass. proud. I want to say thank you to my
mom every day.” – AFP
Her only competitive outing prior to

TOURNAMENT fortunes often turn on 15theSUN ON THURSDAY | JULY 1, 2021
individual moments of magic or folly
and Sweden’s exit from the European SPORTS
Championship yesterday was down to
the latter. Sweden shot self in foot
Danielson red-card turned game in favour of Ukraine, says Ljungberg
Just as the Netherlands authored their own
demise against the Czech Republic when contest before the possibility of penalties. They almost got there in a nervy rear- home from close range right at the end.
Matthijs de Ligt handled the ball in Budapest on Yet suddenly down to 10 men, and having guard effort. One of the absurdities of tournament
Monday, so Sweden bought their own early to replace the banished centre back, they Ukraine were surprisingly timid in taking football is how far you can get without actually
ticket home some 48 hours later. abandoned their attacking plans and took the on a weakened opponent until Artem producing any convincing performances and
decision to hold out for a shootout. Dovbyk, who had just come on, headed Ukraine must rank among the weaker side ever
The dismissal of Marcus Danielson nine to reach the last eight of the Euros.
minutes into extra time, for a studs-up, high They lost twice in the group phase, to both
challenge that might not have been malicious the Netherlands and Austria, and it was only a
but still injured his opponent and was clearly a Sweden’s Marcus Danielson (left) fouls Ukraine’s Artem Besyedin 2-1 win over rookies North Macedonia that
red-card offence, turned the game in favour of before being shown a red card by referee Daniele Orsato provided them with a pass into the knockout
unconvincing opponents. (unseen) during the Euro 2020 round of 16 match at Hampden stage.
Park in Glasgow yesterday. – REUTERSPIX
Yet, Ukraine will travel to Rome to meet But they are still in the competition and most
England on Sunday (3am Malaysian time) while certainly hoping there might be more moments
the more exciting and enterprising Swedes that go their way.
head home. Former Sweden midfielder Freddie
Ljungberg said Danielson’s sending off was the
The game-changing tackle, which appeared turning point of yesterday’s match.
to cause serious damage to the knee of Artem “They did well, of course Sweden had a
Besedin, who had been on the pitch for 10 sending off that’s the biggest talking point,
minutes, could not have come at a worse time Ljungberg told the BBC.
for the Swedes. “It probably was (the correct decision). Then
the game changed. Ukraine were by far the
Having come from a goal down to equalise better team and scored a great header in the
before halftime and then seen two efforts from end.”
goalscorer Emil Forsberg rattle the woodwork in Reflecting on their tournament as a whole,
the second half, they set about finishing off the the ex-Arsenal player added: “We felt with the
opposition in extra time. draw Sweden were first in their group, they had
a good draw into this game compared to what
Coach Janne Andersson made three they could have had.
attacking changes two minutes before
Danielson’s moment of madness, clearly
signalling Sweden’s desire to finish off the

RESULTS

“I felt Sweden did quite well, but that
sending off was vital.”
Former Wales defender Ashley Williams
praised Sweden for the way they defended after
being reduced to ten men.
He said: “They (Ukraine) kept probing and
pushing against a Swedish team that defended
their box really well with ten men.
“It was a shame, Sweden defended the box
well and the centre of the pitch. Ukraine were
struggling to find something.” –
‘Empty, frustrated and depressed’ Reuters/Agencies

Round of 16 █ JACK RATHBORN more gloomy. The farewell as national coach in years, the era of Joachim Low has come to an
IT WAS ecstasy for England but the end of an era his 198th game was indeed a dignified one over end in one of the most traditional places in
2:0 for Germany after their 2-0 Euro 2020 loss to exit a long season, but the demands on a German football. The national team presented a
the tournament at Wembley. national football team are higher than being disappointing performance in a comparatively
ENGLAND GERMANY eliminated in the round of 16.” weak round of 16 duel.”
Sterling 75 Gareth Southgate’s side struck late with
Kane 86 Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane to move into Empty, frustrated and depressed, that’s how While another Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
the quarterfinals. Bild saw the defeat for Germany. headline read: England wake from German
1 :2 nightmare.
After extra-time And with it came the end of Joachim Low’s With Thomas Muller’s big miss at 1-0,
SWEDEN UKRAINE 15-year reign in charge of Die Mannschaft. Suddeutsche Zeitung’s headline read: Radio The term “self-deception” was also used by
Forsberg 43 Zinchenko 27 Muller loses frequency. Bild, with the paper also tearing into the German
Dovbyk 120+1 Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack players in their player ratings with their system
described the defeat as “sobering” and that he Die Welt added: After 15 long years the of one to six with one as the best and six the
felt “powerless”, while accusing Germany of emptiness comes, and despite a collection of worst.
making it “too easy” for the Three Lions and outstanding young talents, Der Spiegel are not
criticising Low for “waiting so long with changes”. optimistic about the future, they believe: Low Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner picked up
leaves, but the problems remain. fives, while Kai Havertz and Manuel Neuer
As for the newspapers, Der Tagesspiegel’s impressed in a losing effort with twos.
headline was, 15 years as national coach - that Hansi Flick now takes over and will be met
was the Low era, while adding below: “Germany with a huge challenge of convincing the likes of As for England, Bukayo Saka was handed a
now only watches the European Championship Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, who levelled four as the worst player for the hosts, with a two
– and that is not enough. delusion against the national team: The self- for Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Luke Shaw,
deception has been exposed. John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips and
“Joachim Low’s era could not have ended Jordan Pickford. – The Independent
They continued: “Last Exit Wembley. After 15

Get the latest Euro 2020
updates daily

Download app now from

FROM JUNE 10 to JULY 12, 2021

EURO 2020
Daily special

Download theSun app from

THURSDAY • JULY 1, 2021 or go to www.thesundaily.my

Captain Marvel returns
Kane emerges from periphery to send England into ecstasy

█ VITHUSHAN EHANTHARAJAH Harry Kane (centre) celebrates scoring England’s second goal with teammates during yesterday’s getting used to.
Euro 2020 round of 16 match against Germany at Wembley Stadium. – REUTERSPIX In the 42nd minute, he received
IF YOU have ever been at the
bottom of a pile-on, you’ll know the ball about 35 yards out, turning
the anxiety. The darkness. The to run at the German defence for the
claustrophobia. The fear of not first time. Maybe turning to run at
knowing how long you will be there any defence for the first time over the
for. Sometimes, as the weight of last few weeks only to be fouled by
everyone else’s bodies presses Matthias Ginter.
longer against yours, you doubt if
you will even come out at all. For a The applause at the referee’s
situation that emanates from glory, it whistle gave an indication of where
can be a scary place. we are at with the England captain.
Some will have cheered the free-kick
But in one corner of Wembley just in a promising position. But it felt
off the marked pitch, the man at the like encouragement.
bottom found relief.
The forced kind you might
The darkness was welcomed, reserve for an ageing rock star who
nothing but love and warmth from can’t quite access that old juice
the bodies above as the dense of anymore, even when everything else
mass of flesh and sweat distorted the looks and feels the same. But heck,
eruption from the surrounding once those opening chords to
stands. Satisfaction hit, you’d be a fool not to
pop.
Finally, Harry Kane has his goal.
The currency of his craft, his raison But Harry Kane is only 27 years
d’etre. Elusive for the first few weeks into a life spent exclusively on the
of this tournament, through straight and narrow, off the back of a
awkward, heavy-legged displays. 2020/21 season with 35 goals for club
and country, along with a career-
Just five attempts on goal across best 14 Premier League assists.
all three Group D matches. Only one
of those asking anything of a The vices non-existent, the spirit
goalkeeper. A shooter not just and mind still willing. Football has
shooting poorly, but barely shooting been his only excess, which may be
at all. the problem.

Or to frame it another way – Kane Very few have racked up more
scored with only his second effort on minutes than him, and even fewer
target. England two, Germany nil, will have approached each one with
and, most importantly, a spot in the the same kind of vigour. Kane might
quarterfinals of what over the last rank as one of football’s worst
couple of days has become one of coasters.
the most open international
tournaments in memory. At times, the game was
happening around him – an
This was what we have come to observer in parts of the field where
expect from Kane. Long term, it’s he is usually the headline act.
been goals, this being his 35th for Adjacent to play when he used to be
England. But the short term of the play itself.
positional discomfort and just plain
lethargy were evident, too. As with all pile-ons, the end
marked a literal and figurative return
And the relief contained within to the light.
the bedlam was 40,000-fold in the
stands, spiked with copious amounts As the players peeled themselves
of goodwill from them and the away one by one, Kane was revealed
bodies on top of him. at the bottom to receive a pure,
undiluted dose of acclaim.
There was a moment at the end of
the first half that spoke of both the England have their knockout win
Kane that England fans know and over Germany and a quarterfinal
the Kane we were all reluctantly berth. Perhaps they are also that little
bit closer to getting their old Harry
Kane back. – The Independent

Muller miss shatters Germany’s aura of always delivering on big stage

█ MELISSA REDDY dragged his shot wide from the edge of the started in a composed and assured manner, sense Germany would not react as they
THOMAS MULLER collapsed to his knees, his penalty area. cutting through the hosts centrally, but needed to.
neck tilted backwards and hands over his without troubling them.
head, anguish plastered across his face. It was That was it. A missed opportunity. A When the ball was at Muller’s feet, that was
a portrait of missed opportunity, of a moment moment gone. The game surrendered. That superiority was short-lived before painted as a big lie… until he brushed his
gone and the game surrendered. Bukayo Saka ignited England, who came alive effort wide.
In the background, Sterling let out a at deadball situations.
With 80 minutes on the clock, Kai Havertz scream and seemed to say a little prayer. Kane, anonymous for the greatest swathe
superbly released the Bayern Munich forward Germany, having not really looked like they It seemed quite counter-intuitive for of play, added a second shortly after.
after a stray Raheem Sterling pass. had an idea of how they were going to score Germany to continue providing set-piece
against a defensively geared England, were opportunities for Gareth Southgate’s side, who There was irony and a lesson in that for
Five minutes earlier, Sterling had been gifted a way and bungled it. count it as a strength. Germany, who had more of the ball and more
England’s hero, their decisive edge as he total shots.
finished off Luke Shaw’s brilliant cross to put This was the anaemic version of With England opting for an overly cautious
them ahead in a tense encounter. themselves, as seen against France in their line-up to stunt their opponent’s overloads England turned up with a plan – even if it
opening group match. out wide, and featuring a hologram of Harry was a cautious and unpopular one – that
But as Havertz worked the ball to Muller, a Kane up front for the majority of the followed the blueprint.
disbelieving Sterling bent his knees and The atmosphere was hostile for Germany, a encounter, Low’s side could have upped the
covered his mouth. Surely not? Germany sea of white coating Wembley – bar a tiny ante and gone for the kill. Germany, with all the versions we’ve seen
couldn’t respond so quickly. Not so soon and clutch of black, red and gold flags that of them at this Euros and over the past four
not like this. persistently swayed. But they had more stagnant domination in years, have reduced the Turniermannschaft
the second half, with nothing to show for their myth.
Straight through on goal, ahead of the two Their national anthem and every touch was control of the match but a Havertz screamer
defenders chasing him, Muller astonishingly booed, every tussle being screamed as a foul that was wonderfully saved by Pickford. As Muller dropped to his knees, so too did
for England. that aura of them always knowing what, how
Once Sterling scored on 75, there was a and when to do what is needed on a major
Despite the toxicity, Joachim Low’s men stage. – The Independent

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected]