INSIDE
TELLING IT AS IT IS Traditional page MACC to study page
foes may form Ku Nan’s discharge
2 6
new pacts in graft case
ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2020
No. 7676 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my
LAIRFTE .I.M. AITgAroTupEoSf
nurses taking a wefie
against the backdrop
of a frontliners-
themed mural at a
clinic in Shah Alam,
Selangor. – ASYRAF
RASID/THESUN
MEF: Take the haircut
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI oStaff of struggling firms advised to all employees, it amounts to a breach of
[email protected] accept lower pay in order to keep jobs contract, leaving the door open for employees
to take (legal) action against their employers.”
PETALING JAYA: The situation for most However, he also pointed out that if
employees is dire. As the economic employees refuse to take pay cuts, the employer
fallout of Covid-19 deepens, the fight to may be forced to opt for a retrenchment
keep their pay checks coming escalates. exercise, and this does not require employees to
While trade unions are critical of businesses said that pay cuts are not the best solution. some losing their jobs. cooperate.
that target the workforce in their austerity drive, “Employees, who are already struggling with As MEF executive director Datuk In the end, most employees take the safer
there is little they can do to save the day for option.
employees. rising costs, are forced to take on a heavier load. Shamsuddin Bardan warned, employees will “You either keep your job but take home a
“Some people have already started dipping have to deal with pay cuts at least until June 2021. smaller pay packet, or you lose everything,”
It has reached a point where the Malaysian Effendy pointed out.
Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is forced to into their savings, which will last them six It boils down to employees having to make Unfortunately, this is not the end
advise employees to take the lesser of the two months at best,” he added. difficult choices. If a company wishes to game yet for employers. Even if
evils, pay cut or retrenchment, even as the introduce a pay cut, it needs the nod from all employees agree to have their Turn to
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) warns He pointed out that 60% of employees in employees. The refusal of even one employee salaries reduced, some
the surge in infections is portent of worse to Malaysia do not have any savings to fall back on can scupper the deal. —
come. in times of need, apart from their Employees
Provident Fund nest egg. “Pay cuts cannot be done unilaterally,” employers can still go for a page 3
MTUC vice-president Effendy Abdul Ghani Shamsuddin stressed. retrenchment exercise.
On the other hand, it has become a choice
between many employees taking pay cuts or “If it is implemented without the consent of
2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
Traditional foes may form new pacts
o Umno courting other parties, including DAP, say analysts Ming said the party is prepared to work with any Political scientist Dr Wong Chin Huat said
party, “even Umno” in the “best interest of the there could be several options for the silver
█ BY NICOLAS ANIL including DAP, to form a new state government, people”. state, including the restoration of the collapsed
[email protected] a move one analyst described as “drastic and coalition consisting of Umno-Bersatu-PAS.
PETALING JAYA: These are unprecedented shocking”. Senior fellow at the National Council of
times for Malaysian politics. Old alliances are Professors, Dr Jeniri Amir, said Ahmad Zahid’s “However, this could prove the best outcome
falling apart as traditional foes forge new On the other hand, a political scientist does willingness to consider a new alliance is for PAS and Bersatu, but the worst for Umno.
partnerships. not rule out an alliance between Umno and “shocking from Umno’s perspective”. For PAS and Bersatu, it’s a chance to prove their
Pakatan Harapan (PH), of which DAP is a part. ‘Malay unity’ agenda is supreme. Umno will be
The fall of Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri “I cannot comprehend how Umno can work the junior partner despite having more seats
Ahmad Faizal Azumu effectively spelled the Ahmad Faizal, one of only five Bersatu men with others, especially DAP. Are they so than Bersatu and PAS,” he said.
collapse of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) state in the Perak state assembly, lost a confidence desperate to set aside differences?” he said
government, formed less than a year ago by an vote last week. yesterday. Wong said the stakes here are beyond getting
alliance of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia the mentri besar post, but the allocation of
(Bersatu), Umno and PAS. On Saturday, Umno president Datuk Seri Despite Nga’s assurance, Jeniri remains parliamentary seats in the 15th general election
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the party doubtful that DAP was genuine about its and the prime minister post after that.
Umno is already courting other parties, would not rule out the possibility of a coalition preparedness to work with Umno. As recently
with PH parties, including DAP. as September, the Chinese-majority party had “If Umno can’t afford to be seen as defying
stated clearly that it would never work with a PAS and Bersatu, it would have to accept
In response, Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Malay-based party as long as Ahmad Zahid is in Muhyiddin’s allocation of constituencies in
charge. GE15, which guarantees him staying on as PM.”
RAJVINDER SINGH ATDEWAN RAKYAT
Assurance on
adequate Covid
vaccine supply
BUDGET TALK ... Tambun MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (right) and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman sharing a light moment in Parliament. THE government will ensure there will be
enough Covid-19 vaccines for the country
next year despite manufacturer Pfizer
cutting its vaccine production target for this
year, Science, Technology and Innovation
Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said.
The current supply chain problems Pfizer
is facing is only for this year and there
should be no problem for the company
next year, he said, adding that Pfizer had
informed the government its vaccine
production for Malaysia will not be affected.
“The country will be receiving 20% of its
Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer in the first
quarter of next year. To ensure there will be
adequate supply, the government will not
be relying on one or two companies,” he
said in reply to a question from Fahmi Fadzil
(PH-Lembah Pantai).
He said relying on a single supplier
could result in the government not
receiving enough doses to vaccinate
everyone.
Fahmi had asked about the
government’s plan should it face a
last-minute problem in acquiring sufficient
Covid-19 vaccines.
BRIEFS RM152.5M LONGHOUSE Open tender for road charge, entry permit systems
LOAN SCHEME
KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of a and 17 absentees. for the case that claimed all 298 passengers
THE federal government has allocated road charge (RC) system and vehicle entry Wee also announced that the service age and crew members, comprising 43
RM152.5 million to the Sarawak permit (VEP) project for the northern zone Malaysians, 193 Dutch nationals and 27
government for a longhouse loan will be carried out next year via open tender, limit for public vehicles, especially taxis, will Australians.
scheme, and 8,915 longhouse units have said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka be automatically extended for another year to
so far been built or repaired, said Deputy Siong. help those affected by the pandemic. The Transport Ministry was allocated
Finance Minister II Mohd Shahar Abdullah. RM6.05 billion in Budget 2021, comprising
The Finance Ministry has channelled “The Cabinet has decided that we will He said if the service age of public vehicles RM1.88 billion or 31% for operating
RM10 million for the scheme this year, he introduce the RC/VEP for the northern zone was 10 years previously, it would now be expenditure and RM4.18 billion or 69% for
said in reply to a query by Datuk Robert but not through direct negotiation. It will be extended for another year as owners might development expenditure.
Lawson Chuat (GPS-Betong). The loan made via open tender. The allocation not have any money, and this is the ministry’s
scheme is meant for borrowers from the provided (in Budget 2021) is to implement the way of assisting them, Bernama reported. Wee said the development expenditure
low-income group to build and repair RC/VEP project,” he said when winding-up was for the implementation of 78 projects, of
their longhouses. Chuat wanted to know the ministry’s Budget 2021 debate at the In another development, Wee said which 20 were new ones while 58 others were
the total amount allocated for the scheme committee stage. RM23.32 million was allocated for legal costs extension projects.
in 2020, and whether the federal in the case of the MH17 aircraft shot down by
government intended to increase the sum The allocation was later passed through a BUK missile while flying over conflict-hit He said the overall allocation increased by
as there is a rising demand from the bloc voting with 109 MPs in favour, 94 against eastern Ukraine on July 14, 2014. 67.5% compared with RM3.61 billion
longhouse community. – Bernama allocated in Budget 2020.
He said Malaysia bore 30% of the trial cost
S’WAK INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECTS ON THE CARDS Budget allocation for three ministries approved
THE Rural Development Ministry has THE budget allocations of three ministries 17 absentees. maintenance works.
various infrastructure projects to boost namely Works, Transport, as well as Science, Anthony Loke (PH-Seremban) asked for The Science, Technology and Innovation
water and power supply as well as build Technology and Innovation, were passed at
rural roads in Sarawak under the 11th the committee stage. bloc voting after Transport Minister Datuk Ministry’s budget was also passed through
Malaysia Plan. Its minister, Datuk Dr Abd Seri Wee Ka Siong refused to answer his voice vote at the committee level
Latiff Ahmad, said these include 15 The Works Ministry’s RM7.35 billion question about a review of the government’s
projects under the Rural Electricity Supply budget was passed by voice vote, with decision to withdraw the cancellation of the This makes it five budgets passed with
Programme. “We are in the midst of 109 MPs supporting it, 94 against and cabotage exemption for undersea cable bloc voting so far and eight with voice votes
appointing consultants for four projects, at the committee stage.
while one project is in the design stage,
five in the implementation phase and five Over RM200 million aid for smallholders
others have been completed,” he said in
reply to Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak MORE than RM200 million was allocated under tranches, the first RM300 this month and the Risda smallholders and 61,763 smallholders
Kumbong (GPS-Hulu Rajang). On the Budget 2021 to help smallholders to deal with balance in January, he added. registered under the Sabah Rubber Industry
Rural Water Supply Programme, he said the monsoon season, said Rubber Industry Board.
there are a total of 40 projects, some of Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) “The application for this aid will remain
which have been implemented at a cost chairman Datuk Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif. open until Dec 31 as the government wants to Only smallholders and rubber tappers with
of RM2.4 billion. There are 64 projects help reduce problems they will suffer due to a land ownership of 2.5ha each were eligible
under the Rural Road Programme. He said the aid known as the Monsoon the drop in productivity during the monsoon for the aid, Salim said, adding that Sarawak had
– Bernama Season Aid will benefit close to 300,000 season.” the highest number of recipients at 58,048,
smallholders and rubber tappers in the country. followed by Kelantan (49,328) and Kedah
Speaking during a media conference in (45,297).
They will be given a RM600 aid in two Parliament, he said the aid will help 237,207
3theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
31 selected to receive state awards
SHAH ALAM: Thirty-one individuals have been the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Paduka Mahkota Datuk Paduka Mahkota Selangor, with the title police, Malaysian Insolvency Department and
selected to receive state awards, honours and Selangor award, which carries the title “Datuk of ‘Datuk,’” Mohd Amin said in a statement the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission,
medals in conjunction with the 75th birthday of Seri”. yesterday. he added.
the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris
Shah, on Friday. “Two others will receive the Darjah Another 16 will be honoured with the Darjah Mohd Amin said this year, the state
Kebesaran Datuk Setia-Sultan Sharafuddin Kebesaran Datuk-Sultan Sharafuddin Idris government received 3,000 applications, 1,096
Selangor State Secretary Datuk Mohd Amin Idris Shah, which carries the title ‘Datuk Setia’ Shah, which also carries the title “Datuk”. of which were for state awards and honours,
Ahmad Ahya said of the total, two would receive and 11 will be awarded the Darjah Kebesaran while 1,904 were for state medals. – Bernama
All recipients have passed screenings by the
Easier now to get The vaccine conundrum
business licence
oGovt must create priority list of those selected against “rushing to get vaccinated”, given that
PUTRAJAYA: Small and medium to receive first batch of Covid drug: Expert clinical trials are still incomplete.
enterprises (SME) can now visit the
newly-launched MalaysiBiz portal to █ BY ELLY FAZANIZA list should be those who have an increased risk “Doubts on the safety and effectiveness
register their business and apply for a [email protected] of being infected, such as prisoners, inmates of against infection remain. We don’t want to put
licence. PETALING JAYA: The first batch of the Covid-19 immigration detention centres as well as 6.4 million people at risk.”
vaccine is expected to arrive in Malaysia in early workers living in dormitories.
The portal, which was officially 2021, and the government has been urged to She said Malaysia should instead wait a few
launched by Prime Minister Tan Sri decide quickly who gets vaccinated first. “Third on the list should be those aged 60 months to see how others react to the vaccine.
Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday, was and above with pre-existing serious medical She pointed out that in the United Kingdom,
developed by the Malaysian Some health experts want the government to conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney or large-scale vaccination exercises will soon be
Administrative Modernisation and draw up a priority list. heart diseases.” launched.
Management Planning Unit (Mampu).
Azrul Mohd Khalib, a proponent for an early Malaysia has signed a preliminary purchase “If those in the UK who have been vaccinated
The objective is to create a trade- start, said there should be a publicly accessible agreement with Pfizer for 12.8 million doses of are still alright a few months from now, (only
friendly environment to encourage priority list, and the first on the list should be the vaccine, enough for 6.4 million Malaysians, then) should we start taking it.”
competitiveness in the country and spur people working in critical services such as or about 20% of the population.
local economic growth. healthcare and law enforcement, as well as the Loh said Malaysia should not start
elderly. The shipment is expected to be spread over vaccinating those in categories that have not
Muhyiddin said the portal has been four quarters, with a million doses to be been “tested” elsewhere.
developed based on the realisation that The priority list is essential given the limited delivered in the first quarter, followed by 1.7
digital platforms have been essential in number of doses available, said Azrul, who is million, 5.8 million and 4.3 million doses in the “For instance, those aged 80 and above will
conducting business as well as the chief executive officer of the Galen Centre for subsequent quarters. not be vaccinated in the United Kingdom, so we
significant contributions of SME to the Health and Social Policy. should not put our senior citizens at risk,” she
national economy. Malaysian Medical Association president added.
“Assuming the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is Datuk Dr M. Subramaniam said instead of
“Last year, SME contributed 38.9% to the first to be deployed, we will have only a limiting the vaccines to only those aged 18 and She also advised against vaccinating those
gross domestic product (GDP) compared million doses. At two doses a person, that above, the age limit should be lowered to 12. with immuno-deficiencies or immuno-
to 38.3% in 2018 and are targeted to means only 500,000 will get vaccinated,” he compromised diseases, such as Common
contribute 45% to GDP by 2025 and 50% pointed out. He also proposed that those in localities with Variable Immune Deficiency or Severe
by 2030.” outbreaks be given priority. Combined Immune Deficiency, because they
Azrul said the second group in the priority are unable to develop protective immunity even
He said growth in online purchasing is Meanwhile, virologist Prof Dr Sandy Loh of after being vaccinated.
an area SME should focus on, and the University Nottingham Malaysia cautioned
government will continue to make the She said those who have not been vaccinated
growth of SME a priority. can depend on “herd immunity” for protection
against Covid-19, but acknowledged it could
He added that under the recently take a few months.
tabled Budget 2021, business continuity
will be one of three main targets. MARINE MIGHT ... Paskal Special Forces
servicemen testing newly acquired Rigid Hull
“Special attention has been given to Inflatable boats at the Malaysian Navy base in
SME through financial assistance, Lumut, Perak yesterday. Eleven of the assets
training, digital equipment and grants, were purchased at a cost of RM8.2 million for
including an allocation of RM1 billion to use in patrols against encroachment in the
boost digitalisation activities until Dec 31 Straits of Malacca. – BERNAMAPIX
2023,” he added. The MalaysiaBiz portal
(https://malaysiabiz.gov.my) is an online
system that integrates 17 government
agencies to enable traders to get services
through one gateway. – Bernama
Floods situation in ‘Consider staff welfare in enforcing austerity moves’
two states improve
“It’s not right. We understand hospitality sector had his come by at this time.” Covid-19 infections.
KUALA LUMPUR: Flooding in that times are hard but the livelihood taken from him He estimated that 70% to 75% Another hotel employee who
Terengganu and Kelantan continue to welfare of employees must when the hotel he was
improve as more evacuees return home. also be taken into From working in closed down in of his friends have either lost their has also lost his job now regrets he
consideration,” Effendy front July. jobs or taken pay cuts. had not agreed to a pay cut.
In Kelantan, the number of evacuees in said. page
Pasir Mas dropped to 37 as of 8am “I now depend on my Saiful found a job as a Just like many others in the
yesterday, down from 44 people the day Saiful Nizam is one of savings to survive and I am swimming coach but lost that too same situation, he is prepared to
before. many who lost their jobs. The actively looking for a new job. But when the conditional movement reinvent himself to enable him to
former employee in the as you know, jobs are hard to control order was implemented in serve in other sectors. But for
Pasir Mas district Social Welfare the wake of the recent surge in now, that may still be a long shot.
Department officer Azizan Aziz said the 37
individuals from eight families, including
two infants, are still at the Sekolah
Kebangsaan Tok Deh floods relief centre.
“The victims have been forced to stay
on as floodwaters have not subsided,
probably due to the occurrence of
stagnant floods,” he said when contacted
yesterday.
In the Rantau Panjang district, the
water level in Sungai Golok recorded a
reading of 8.81m, exceeding the 8m
warning level but was receding as of 8am
yesterday.
The district Fire and Rescue station
chief Imran Ismail said the water level was
at 9.23m, above the danger level of 9m on
Sunday.
“The rain has stopped, so we expect the
water level to drop further and the
situation to improve,” he said.
As of Sunday, only a few low-lying
areas remained inundated. They are
Kampung Gual Tok Deh, Kampung
Pengkalan Rakit and Kampung Padang
Licin.
In Terengganu, only nine people from
four families were left at the only
remaining relief centre, as of 8am
yesterday. – Bernama
4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020 1,600 new infections and
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS two deaths recorded
Lucky duo win o Negri Sembilan registers highest daily figure of 541 cases, extended after the Health Ministry (MOH)
RM22.9 million national cumulative tally now stands at 74,294 assessed the risk of Covid-19 infections in the
jackpots two localities.
PETALING JAYA: Covid-19 cases in the surge in infections in the Bakti cluster, with
PETALING JAYA: A total of RM22.9 million country remained at four digits yesterday, 500 cases, which was isolated in a prison “As of Dec 4, MOH has conducted 1,582
in Sports Toto jackpots was won by two with 1,600 new infections. area,” he said in a statement. screenings and 964 positive cases have
punters from Sabah and Kuala Lumpur on been detected at the prison involving
Nov 15 and Nov 28 respectively. Negri Sembilan accounted for the highest Two fatalities were recorded, bringing the inmates and staff.
number of cases, with 541 detected in the death toll to 384.
The first winner from Sabah won the last 24 hours. “MOH confirmed that the results for
RM17.5 million Toto 4D Jackpot 1 with a Both deaths were reported in Sabah, the remaining 185 screening samples
lucky pick ticket. Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor involving a 76-year-old woman with a history taken in the second tests are pending,” he
Hisham Abdullah said the figures of high blood pressure and anaemia, and a said.
The 71-year-old businessman told brought the cumulative positive cases to 59-year-old man suffering from diabetes and
Sports Toto that it was an unexpected 74,294. high blood pressure. Ismail Sabri also said the EMCO in
windfall during this challenging times of Kampung Sabah Baru, Lahad Datu, ended
the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the number of active cases now “A total of 129 cases are being treated yesterday as scheduled.
stands at 11,604, with 1,033 recoveries in the intensive care units, with 57
“My wife and I started playing the lottery reported, bringing the total recoveries to requiring ventilator support,” Noor Hisham In another development, Ismail Sabri said
20 years ago but we are not hardcore fans, 62,306. said. 487 individuals were arrested last Sunday for
so we only bet when we feel good and violating the MCO, with 470 issued
lucky,” he said when collecting his Noor Hisham said 1,597 of the new cases Meanwhile, the enhanced movement compound fines and 17 remanded.
winnings. were through local transmissions and the control order (EMCO) for the Seremban
rest were imported. Prison and its quarters in Negri Sembilan The offences included failure to practise
“My wife is my goddess of fortune as she has been extended by two weeks, until social distancing (205), entertainment
was the one who told me to buy the lucky “Negri Sembilan reported the highest Dec 21. centres engaging in activities (94), not
pick ticket on that day.” daily figure at 541 cases, followed by wearing face masks (77), failure to provide
Selangor with 426 and Sabah with 248. Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri log-in equipment for customers (59) and
The winner said he learnt about the Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the EMCO was other offences (52).
great news the following day when he was “The spike in Negri Sembilan was due to a
checking the draw results on his phone. In Ops Benteng last Sunday, 25 illegal
immigrants and one boat skipper were
“We have decided to use part of the nabbed, he added.
winnings to help the people in Sabah who
have been badly affected by the pandemic The Penang
by donating to charitable groups and Military
frontliners who have been working Reserve Force
tirelessly to keep us safe,” he added. installing
barbed wires
The punter bought a System 8 lucky at Desa Bistari
pick ticket and won a RM17,534,807.75 Flats in Batu
with the pair of winning numbers “6624 Uban,
and 2293”, as well as an additional Georgetown
RM2,016. yesterday after
an enhanced
The second winner, a businesswoman movement
from Kuala Lumpur, won the RM5.3 million control order
Toto 4D Jackpot 1. was enforced
in the area.
The 53-year-old winner said her pair – MASRY CHE
of winning numbers – 5056 and 3421 – ANI/THESUN
was her lucky numbers, that she always
bet on. RapidKL rapped for terminating bus services
“I don’t bet regularly. I feel I am really █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI added up to about 190km. “It will separate “We did not expect it to justify terminating
lucky to have won the jackpot,” she said, [email protected] neighbourhoods and districts from the city the services,” it said.
adding that she would save the winnings PETALING JAYA: Transit Malaysia, a group that centre as public transportation becomes less
for rainy days. advocates for better public transportation, has easily available, less reliable and less frequent.” To RapidKL’s other reason of overlapping
criticised RapidKL for its decision to terminate routes, the group suggested that it “untangle”
She bought a System 5 ticket, which won its services for 13 routes in the Klang Valley. Apart from Route 754, the service for Route the overlaps rather than terminate the services
her RM5,342,174.90 and an additional 852 from Titiwangsa LRT to Solaris Dutamas is for an entire route.
RM1,008. It said if buses stop plying those routes, it another essential route also to be terminated.
would leave many commuters in the lurch. “Terminating services will lead to more
Big drop in Transit Malaysia pointed out that students passengers opting for alternative solutions. It is
tourist arrivals “For instance, if the service for Route 754 and underpaid essential services workers will also ironic that RapidKL has 30 to 40 passengers
due to Covid from Seksyen 2 in Shah Alam to UiTM in make up the majority of those having to bear in a bus. This would make physical distancing
Puncak Perdana is terminated, students will the burden of overpriced transportation if these difficult.”
PUTRAJAYA: Only 4.29 million tourists have to pay up to RM20 to get to college,” it said cost-cutting measures continue.
arrived in Malaysia from January to in a statement yesterday. It also criticised RapidKL for the lack of
September, a 78.6% drop from the The group was surprised that RapidKL cited public consultation before making the decision.
corresponding period in 2019. “That would be five times more than the bus low ridership as a reason for terminating the
fare,” Transit Malaysia said. services along those routes. “Public transport users deserve better. We
According to the Malaysia Tourism cannot improve public transportation without
Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), With the bus service for those routes According to RapidKL, this was caused by improving policy and governance. We also
the drastic drop is attributed entirely to terminated, more commuters will be forced to the conditional movement control order cannot improve public transportation if the
the Covid-19 pandemic. drive, leading to traffic congestion, it added. (CMCO) that was imposed in the Klang Valley. financial and structural models favour
cost-cutting over quality of service, which is a
Spending by tourists also suffered a Transit Malaysia estimated that the 13 routes Transit Malaysia said the CMCO is necessary mediocre compromise,” it added.
severe setback. Receipts from tourism to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
added up to RM12.6 billion until
September, down from RM66.1 billion in
the same period last year, a decline of
80.9%.
The per capita spending by tourists
declined by 10.7% – from RM3,289.30 in
2019 to RM2,938.40 this year.
Tourism Malaysia said in a statement
yesterday the closure of international
borders since March 18 as part of efforts
to curb the spread of Covid-19 had
contributed to the significant decline.
Singapore remains the top contributor
in terms of number of visitors. More than
1.5 million Singaporeans visited Malaysia
during the period.
The other top markets are Indonesia
(710,118 visitors), China (403,055),
Thailand (372,075), India (155,448),
Brunei (135,848), South Korea (119,364),
Japan (73,891), Australia (72,369) and the
Philippines (65,601).
There was a 78.8% decline in the
short-haul market, 80% in the medium-
haul market and 70% in the long-haul
market.
There were only 1.73 million day
visitors until September, a drop of 74.9%
from 6.9 million in the same period last
year. – Bernama
5theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
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bhCoeodlupyldbimogoaasrgdteey?noiunrgistamsw“optYaadiIdkpeeompmstbslifntu’acnoiashuospoorstCywaoeetcsusatwdDhoeprluaSalhmasowwiat█neaeftern2tnheuTalihcohantonlSlodne4iheelnceilehronroBictdlnnhdsdnaailisen.ttaeahwnlhnYnhyugeuehrhca,sfrsestiaeoeoggoschtItofceiaiwSsosboth’‘tsellsadi,uwtmusHwtrerveelsn’o.s.dfluisneaeeecerrsaesarvocSuIeEotelpasnasrsadNnseamlhptRnpc-ypedlnsybrgsDshnliswereao‘iulteehnteeeaeltoisafoawRheninrkdoley?sHehcdnnnhgseseAsditslpoaobiryfoglsdtosirJeknoniajmulmemoueessaSplodevehrom.iheordndjtieAsousoaaav’pstbmasdthnT’lhlr(mnespiiasaevaettenOec(,HmeosegplenyiaDwreOfen.rwuhIIhdai-wysscAynlhigoebhHrsaeyehJae.feduB.x’aefeanarrdto)eorn(eiSoph.aiAn.slyaoaKetwirthlthmwaaJhnarLJ,cinsoyoonoutenaJeAgioiaedljofsnrgnbaeoordnNcoeeopAntkessmceSseSineiduvleiianst.natsytnnneihesioturcacaotienggswuescDmnrrdeidutterioyviai,TgribisintisoenennswdhuoofVeaacypi)icw-snwcstnahr,)ooyre2hoiuicahehdeongvat0pqeiuetsh(narYaiaseegvil1rutrwecwenndn“ne,eoerteaTrnHr7nnhemeIetoyoeysdurhgyd“dAV’HrdiaposaytWmomwrtoaIertgesoAo,soglttochpewoutpuphtcd’ikinvsereo“shuhoirnaseW&waorimt.fyainnmIskmamyh]rle.riepoensstsgtnmniosaedin“ieiohcctdtbhIhexvnprdetsl,nilttgcceteonbdSIdatfrl.uenhutuegwaetreeeoolea’oeoeokidahfunutskoyepduBvttradortlaamiaaburtcswamlih“u’ioyeoandncruedysoacsoncaiutIlnltltlihywIrsiooi.aoieyweelauoaiigotanih,nnlpttnstismoplgsnneiesufnItwogndyhtyrnerlIeunowdgtfeiedptienahtpadoglgtw,yaneryrocsuge’ygbfompgenisearrteehede,hootenpesttmntsgglhohopHlftmadeyeyRtouoRheirhheelotlureemtagbMrhfeboeatdsnodepbrhlorrepasoeeonfaakeaaohtrm’ytlvteateoaggniyiertodwoeieanatheimiulitueslefryhewnnteehkiesnaainebai,kiflieshorlhrnilyvcemboaennvdchennrtIiieoglnieatsilsims,tsnupelfetepsretgyouyeuhsgadyaihgewyfrripdnhealekwspretamgsnoloiliwaaneliynteid,octtarwnghnermanalin,nchnpodirdshuirdaeaanitylkoronereacntnmapyamgtesiJitmrSoeotaaaieilnrlennpkrnaaotdsese.ktilenpo.tllbaiadt”tlsaywiybet.nheunndihpoph.leuiiloumn.sriafnetrnnbbcsinitaopnseehhaggslwIa1esienidswetdTatthsoaiegwatdnnuefttoussgl.hhilneao9nesoeteieonawtdeltd,andfegtetwgdoIsup,ssottereehmepsueoentultkdtilrhariwtgo.?eablnahhrwisteanynepstoIttfinnricysofeidceesiroeI.pueteniomnhyisesraermioopoeaumt[e,oheoeq’,rspofsltIasp’ntgsrsagteglsusntsltasmtnnnaw.wo.aewuo”miptrelolonirt’yresitstltclngyIssanrngnithdrtaeoshihsoiIhiitho)ooletoilkohntlnhnowheeeebydsaeeu.evvhiarehecausrdemvsisafrtuggsetwroiAboedsnntailaivnttaregcsescasthhlhawulrtlutaYos.odseddytpoeig?hrynyfd,?dghhhoseoaesognliettucoto.eoeauasorteett,eheeevceawaah.tpiIohuepedrthulnIelliohdlteIatiawfdrklncddoseeeemne’tsno’tp’l.arr”trste,reieaaadofah,hehwgentedtlrsoryrlypipovaieleeigoaibarnsinvltlnevfaIenitenihsercem“gekrhDnlewksuyioladerIrnentyewgseoyaoeptanhuhhcattehbmgyiudlhpeeoormohetyparcrempsrmeareunwev“ucoenhoaxrosfefeyrbbrWxe“eaaoounwlaincgouppee““erleiteoypWnTtielssvtnonouuitlShteTlesnparoavh“uchleepiponddperroctedea.durdsrtomhIyhoeubunniyresbesariecoawWnnfmfnsts.fensriereealontteeocfaulsssfiwfeatattdmogy,ssaimnSnetiarriihuhietetdirlsasnwydlxvstangmeesnontngmtasirlantihitaoslmis.elrvoidlyaslirthsleyoevsnyoedtsltleistRiion.i”bogtoytynortotseeeiwtnfstayrsshlotewvyneehelhwmeeburimshoIrzpsigcienarep.bigpa”stgnveinen“bsdarptnariamAaelhynodfginhadmenooae.rceeWisyeil”tkanrglorgeneeadnaeentongetmnwthoyafnisegletamoieebtliuwnrsarsnwinmxottrohwpahswwhttmasywtxtfianouedr.sa,aptse“rna’.oeertsaehotgdweontotehsetepepipfeimnrBrnntILoaehosenht?hr,ihgsrodvtei.ttiahrnenSnirein.enteqhyceeweaptidntromihfai.honipmainlaeItofnheesdrencsibnclcsuantttrrptweginotgnthmi.ewnayiueWemaohgo’ehctetaeeeeinghgnreesgit.aefailhasoeLlrgdartsooubs,sinieelces,vngniepfyItasotheeucnanaiaeltabsegwyeyeahnietucretntwithtwdtlraecsaaseboliindtcthtgosswnseawshhcitai,ntsbeopstoin!ecedtaahlhfnnruohh,ihiuttkwvhhucsitaeotbcgeenaoearrysasnt.eyaiipuciyogoeesvaehrnsosnaoifcyfpotirlsogopratowfomT.utrimtteo,are”,taoaunaesgautonieeeideedhuhfnopeufpoyhqvpnsarihsruoqeebgwountrc.veeiybtoaflogoesryeytyueerutssgxscuheusir’aeostvpj’hioleosreynuuommrepsraebiohhaehreaefnbmcrwrhtsieemanroeyuelvivapurtsasnecmyeesaestohdinlarnnaoupty,uniaaiersntececommIgilnpmwhtaatniaeshavhbboncedwcgbanpraethuhe?ecaudronalnliiliinyoihowuiriftigpecunveloxasreoedvnnnsehnosltnitthiiadouem.h.andleonht”sweotnhitumrowfwgtdeoutyen.drue?nsaotisdaoigirrhonataestefneheioitrlaktailaibrnanolhlyceirlsceygerneoltonsntotweo,ggeeihoptnhhdghfnhdgluauoeugaefewaeontueleorfrer,bfrhupeosesPepirsbhatnniisbrlpimnnuebtpooelo“phcbiscaragoogPdeetnnswtfreespmehnelf“heaheoapt.sfynlEpeuvnMtairoeoieebfAipseranaseolmicatoecsfgieunladdemnTdsnsurtohiinoystpopleyleiInttvgennmroKntitchhlmNifneoipruToeismedpnrpen,rhnhotsaelv,vatbtppiricen.ieenhhewfwTsEhnfseiyoelorggaogiespesratiiogRLarelSpprfciye-rmahcdegtonWrogsiidwnerifetnouhriegnwoaegfcniaeretrbcuoeastm.oeaertetwvd,bdgoodingfhdidsaprtrnisnaeanssmorsctitaahwvnacidoreuo,iefvnepmohbr,aeohniiloelpsihttepdmeblttaotidaliwfafeeidwmqaile,lgldhtaaonauiineiirnssooyodhutyvoyroetnvycelnmacrytrurneieyiihchtgsaohgingtcey,.ncaetacfnnnotnsnhmniiAhcbhaemiina“ihelnimhcishrehpyhnn,sngctasnocbecdhiilTbreasenionoodosg,n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Celeb Speak aofbomoalflenrordaeytahyeom“alEedlnhvencaidaecinlsttialulppithaztroepebtisndlonlelioecgsrartiv,teesntowi.dh”scd–eoauathsstlucAlu.aeolpOFdstpttePnehabpo-neiReeonpsewrleltuoetlhdauarnreixynsocgn,aiotu-tetoctimhgeewcaehsremsmcrsftehosuhficronteeoogrivtpesaeynt,rroavtdbhtvieutuiianssrrdl,ieionaenngnd
A weekly column, published every Monday, featuring popular thheeraaSplhinyegatnuedasicnohgtehsyeorpgeeaxo,epsrloceiussenesdl.f
and on-trend local celebrities talking about their career,
personal life, and what drives them, as well as current theSUN OEN NMOTNDEARY |TAPARIILN27M, 20E20N1T5
and future projects. The celebrities featured come from a
wide range of disciplines and include actors and directors, CEALgEBSlPiElrAKlapboowuter tbawhewsetaeefwthlfhtbrniiohoareeeso“racveonSetouttetrltwaniwgWee“IDbphvw“bedmncbhDsvateBsnaameethalosheee,a“leyngdaieefaklyIanuLgtynaio,lypwenksaout.nsltjaisnmteustbpoaouiwuvsataioutn“trttrtsybunweuirisiht,eytoBdeeeanpitgvetytahescrt.slesemaeu’elrgrobuepgfonerhyouoakp,rweafxitlnrrSnetweaesenttohoxuiabemuaitththndanbtoaisacccniwtrchtavdamtnnrhpryfaeooet“matemuteeypioiatiuleeebspcniemeEasnnfwtnlesmaitssooecmimn.lvoe“ereigemmgcvagubidtgoatefonuetessBn;mcahatrreauiiecshne,trspmsc,eiaatrtmrceoiueibohelaehmeInalticalteinfebolrimnoo,uwysdlhtbeubvanttoeoeobeubnegewiodeymdenpgoeteueifnlunsumatcjunooiteesoahvmsy?tubsusnsoi.leeoaualithotttntnytltfsi,ta?meiseluwyrYmsrrsdusifunaafi“SarncuioesotonoenaivvamtAswonansblfgsbtlgoonnhhrdygnbuieertriaetuigt,cnutltifaeditrfeheauegpsobmahrdiotedttntdneirgoniutyeoeegaadrealoeharthlrbeyrea.breehthigeo’atnmelmlmupuaaltaclsegsroemeowtimngoaoleofoeftttaatpsnootgorhwolgteonwcvehhduitaaceheuptadaiinsotytvopangoaeaaudotgterfobosrohempIohahlnanaoer,eeIkeoog.eahkhyhdyerusipgttpnegoagnrkarnmytretanemerotewdhsteogswolseeeeteatapeehlhgylyheaduchliiosrmighbtdha.iutsdotwwrmonnatanceatoiiem’olrheikalgoe,stvmwosectesbolirlieoniiig“IsnahlwrigahgmtlvavuslewemnebnionasloorroalIa.regaThhybtsedyc..steyieoatnneattsmggurhctemuntIttyineohliphwWa.’ahmywatothosr’yoyIinositdnsluattrtertimt,nsccsainotlerht..lgohnhis”a,nmtfowleusaelomeksofvoawenyakeeeIcryaoeefiemb.sf?ste”aunwetopnietthonrrey.resnihaothhhstonedgrtdieroeaoryttvobdeneuIeaehfhataiannuoesragintgvrflw,onletpnhtlgo,tiicieo,sdhsvhturceheraeyeeeeewdtedsednratoseosd,
musicians, chefs, models and comedians. Celebrities orbeydBeuemcaepuptoyrweqejuurdeineicgnewJaeognmasienCnshteboenaguhtyoppeasgetoants
previously featured include Tiara Jacquelina, Carmen Soo, J THIISNOBKIINTEWERATVNUUHEWLTERYIIAFYRYUO.LNE█tfephrbutrdswbtsrpodhaBaorchbaoraniaehWeemaqlatsoe“emYtsbenem,asahdmierppgBItTisuemAnnoaetedunhhpppseeeJeerlEedmpehoeatuausweatjHeACetsyrarepesairaterbveatiyNesres.cretgssSihgdrtnSesaehsasoeocftrbydiueneereeeckhpaScuenhueonassvtOrtiewavlutcidnesnts?srnratssayynteroidtry’Cilfwau,pNteettteynealntneogtei,miamooaHthrtwnrnpybpvcneocestorgiLpitptsbeenhooroelaagianaepcoiEatweIlaobronp,erM-nrnnsugoyfesrrIejtO,tgonabrywkuCgneo,oekalstooetwaeascirsweea,NsamtgashsonnthtnwsahpeitdttilohtntaieenhuGfnthhetcsee,vhrnw’aoobhlhrmatetttbtnaaosrgeedeteiestettthyhseetfyonoinarhletefssanihrteeeolaahtaabiesrunpthratiitepmoabgansetugsfdnttenhiiaeeatguhamiMorehvtrrehtoallvttgjamnchosteahleognyutecetytohtaiewsdovvarba,peafdtsp.atsrasopalefbiesblhlgtisomcnostelenrmihiu2cheeeovfdvweiaalchoi0hetdasnoeemowrdneeAseee1nmueawaertlnnkgdroer9oaismcvltsta,gomio,tsgiyted.luhleunilojdohrpafmtuodelroqegayft.citedbinobme,n,uahnsrIbeiwceohnteoitwib–e.eajanyncaetaosscunJaadahuh?bgispengeerqioestnuendteoynenes,utymssdtseytphiyjwoCd“tupawoethWIt“oidgltnpewhknehmhfTtetogtrharntrehnpifbiahinaaneeffolatsoomlatnoaTogaetuimeknonedleoecmcnrtutywrttrithI“omotkeeewteecngtog,gIBbIe.lkjemurimrsrorguehIresbceiaumIatysreekgt’nten,’dastmoveaobahnyonamaelinhvtsismytngeeu’lstruurenddxnssholotewoetkeae,dyglebpsatoybmtrowed.lacohepooaaIoltlsafemteubesaiwbitThdadfgweaatrnnpnmrrtoatjaeenolwkhtaountgiyai,weugebehIunrnliettsdeerrteipiyo’e;istonshheponwbjremehhontmkocnlibdjItsaouttnrsiadg,iiuxoalvlotemwohuiaeflciitilsengwcuiawrnrniehaopptoeethcttcuemrggeetgeote.ptnhjirnoegadttr,qeovosaaeaoo,anrhnnpie?lrrsspshrdcennnnriiutsrmiuigoisette.remnnnonfeItreasattohdteiereiaeyIaott,e’wfergtotrrsdn’Iotytanehitddaeiemendo.hseimrobIeni?hkkwkmsee..e’s”ftlgiievyg.eetfdgn”atshutaoeIooele,hre,tt.ioyotrsxaTrryeifotIpoeenIuwekecwotsovnthne-Iigtrnsdbeu,tytoanliefjeontsuateototteIodhen,yyluiwdefbgtioet
Maya Karin, Shalini Balasundram and Haneesya Hanee. Wpoashtplboenregdmuonvtiiel May 2021Oofrrcien2RetnMoWdhlA8saeIrAirp,GaoWalrilunoehlsnIylegecNn2leaabtt0vrsodAew7eei2fe,dorLri1IsucglPLnltrisiYaafdhiaprrfnnetaanorsaboidivcmdrtknnyeehedgotebtoetudyohmntunehpwtliieeconPad.seiittctpmtouuooonrlnanenteuisgtlhnohMtscihanhiasnegy WtMP1ottp“oia5ihmdittIntrtsgw,co.’aaaaheumwnassotecmltdnapwiiOhaepnhpiadomtnorcrscnapnnntaaseh“oCineniWsehtuakthegmrsge“uHtzgpoetrwhistihnis“haalaaIcuitfnern,tphesdstneRooiiacpthtscitptdhwmhetnnvtgianenrergwaeimepeooebstIeonumdnnhal’eIrfsbhgeHotarsnetewiinla?feoitsdtaiyatreyrcivwcfseiohntytaneticratesstetfthhe?mghntonoeutdhllaaea,ttncmheriethieetusrrnsgboal,ahunItIcadeihaedmsteqetlnnsniedeacrke.vKtlwnss”he.ctsyduhnIIkahtpneyrshd.eoRoaa.eowleangoc2eianslnirutartpnlnaHotlentav0hhfgtinasptg’glfmpofhklwseshos2faaereoebniglaao,holertaeoent0fecanwoglietayfroetrtddtetnrioitpnen,sote’esyofhosqTsiranrtiadyndndetFooahnmshhItauoebVnhtoih’eueefnuaitbnatnfaovieeotBaout.wbtottaeea’nsyerigolwtlayosenntsIlyrryllubcteyoa,muwteihfsualtt’iosn wilfalliannwdgstotoiWsp“aosdntwpaatjpattisrfocpeBfuethtljanhfhosuoeorhuwhhhishoeeaedgeectttegrrrthdyiebecneahgaha“houtem“gfat“swmoorgletseytdTuhItaeuaeNrrliaorewtsaencsdehetehmdnlhmgoytsjidyloeance,tmmiuateeneoaobthcmvnrtltlhsitrpestlndluvopoieeb.sn”vagese?mmyneatateagegravue,yeppwhlarotygntsesspvnleesahrupupcsnoetyeusieyraarsnsaheuttyeebto,oaetsasghguhhyieowarlvbnvyul,psreetpiefrmafrais,twatputcleiaeueeaawdrisaeuwnlsssescrnsutwasxnontthurfhuwbehed,hootfouoantaefmcdo.eidpajsbetiipmirsopmmteyrtecollrvroojhfleleiecgjsnimieeoeentueonsaiea.etnboihsctnrnevstlntihlrbo.entatheotoeiehadiepntase,ancevibunsgrenesetdg,
FPhirucctieascqrodsPituspuariaotsrro.opa,ennmslwsaceahnohivusahctnniaohrtgseuitnhse ttnbohouetnhswieentoehprserlsodlel’oswssncilghilneoedrpemicsnulaogmss.tuehHraeoitnlolbyfomwmxo-iodoos-fdtJfiuocilsefy
Celebrity Causes has led 2LaE0Pehdcart2MsWeaheihaaW0ccgpnpveii.HhasrMTcreeyttohiiueharhdtzausldtrnaaeorb.eiihpeeckrepenfsbieaolrrssrthsoeoam.ogcb,prfenmfkr)Ieoysna,nyz,amnrws,atttIcttihTehearhhmaelelnenheioldervsaeieif2ewanrSeoCnRit0snnhafSoibh.ef0ldttocaDolisiui9(hnadacwrusprpryewrFnotcernfehlelftanfrlaoCdmaoeooaeyticirhaynenaeemvnoRraneetafntleigdoiseelaumndsegelCdntlndtrng.haabbiJoooeOowoExrtyeromnER–wnnhfj’iieeirkiBDevluiennfhotionvlsssoaahArwp.tibfomaoi,lnroaoFet,eyslnhtsrfrnP,o,te-
This column comes out every Wednesday, and
features a local personality speaking about a social Wahlberg.
cause, either as an ambassador for a social/ – AFP
charity organisation, or as an activist. The column
serves to create awareness of the cause, and to
inspire readers to make a change themselves.
Causes/organisations that have
been highlighted include
a school for refugee
children, teaching people
how to live a zero-waste
lifestyle, and helping
underprivileged
students stay in
school.
crC–EeoChNfniOenTsoitUEnanRRgngTTtwAbEjoISheNuYloiMrenOwvEeeFeNysRaTotOrhfeaCg. tKrolEifweTFiinsUgaEaLnd
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6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
MACC to study factors in Ku Nan’s graft case discharge
█ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN Tengku Mansor yesterday over a again to the Attorney-General’s Mohd Ghazali yesterday allowed the Tengku Adnan remains pending. It
[email protected] corruption case involving RM1 Chambers (AGC) for its prosecution’s application to had nothing to do with the court’s
million. consideration,” MACC said. discharge Tengku Adnan, who was decision yesterday.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian accused of accepting a bribe of RM1
Anti-Corruption Commission “MACC is made to understand The commission said the High million from a businessman, Datuk In that case, Tengku Adnan is
(MACC) said it will investigate certain that there are new developments that Court’s decision yesterday did not Tan Eng Boon, after being informed accused of soliciting RM2 million
new developments that resulted in a were raised by the accused, and that a grant Tengku Adnan unconditional that there were “new developments” from businessman Tan Sri Chai Kin
discharge not amounting to an report lodged against a witness of this freedom and he can face charges in the case. Kong, who is the director of Aset
acquittal of former federal territories case requires further investigation. again if and when the AGC decides to Kayamas Sdn Bhd, with the trial
minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan reinstate the case. MACC said the verdict of another completed and the decision due on
“We will begin investigation and unrelated corruption case against Dec 21.
will forward the investigation papers High Court Judge Mohd Nazlan
New online business trend Cops score big with
gaining traction arrest of 16 snatch
thieves, robbers
o Many venture into
dropshipping as means to PETALING JAYA: In just over a month,
generate extra income district police scored a huge success in
during tough times clamping down on snatch theft and robbery
cases here following the arrest of 16
█ BY HAKEM HASSAN suspects.
[email protected]
Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Nik Ezanee
PETALING JAYA: When times get tough, the Chan found success selling bubble tea plush toys. Mohd Faisal said yesterday with the arrest of
saying “necessity is the mother of invention” the suspects, comprising 15 men and a
rings so true. It is during these times that “I am one of the dropshippers for a local fully maximise his margins. woman since last month, police have solved
many people become innovative at makeup brand and I started in Chan found the inspiration to become a 19 snatch theft and robbery cases in the
generating income. mid-November,” she said. district.
dropshipper during his internship in
In this respect, a new business trend on the It is difficult right now to do business, Singapore. He said to date, the suspects in four of the
rise is dropshipping, a model based on the especially since some of the target audience 19 cases have been charged in court.
sourcing of products online from suppliers might not be earning money anymore, she “Besides the low start-up costs as
and then selling to customers at a higher price added. compared to other businesses, my decision to Nik Ezanee urged the public to be on
for profit. start dropshipping was also mainly to guard at all times and not fall victim to
Fortunately, sales have been constant. compensate for my below-average results in snatch thieves and robbers.
Dropshippers often act as middlemen “I can earn an income while gaining university. I had to find a way to stand out
since they do not keep stocks, and will get knowledge in business. Dropshipping is the from my peers,” added Chan. He advised the public not to wear
sales from customers and then pass the sales best step for those who want to start their own excessive jewellery, refrain from leaving
to a third-party supplier, who then ships the business,” said Nur Ashiqin. The dropshipper and co-runner of a belongings in the front passenger seat of
order to customers. Meanwhile, 23-year-old finance and micro-activewear brand believes that cars or carry handbags in the carrier
marketing graduate Tze Hing Chan has found dropshipping is an excellent stepping stone to compartment of motorcycles.
They create their own website or business massive success after several failed attempts. start an online business.
social media pages and market the products “I started in June 2019. After seven failed In a separate case, a 25-year-old preacher
through online advertising via Facebook and websites/stores, I finally got my big break this But he also warned it might not be very and TV religious reality show personality,
Google advertisements. year when I did over US$100,000 (RM407,000) sustainable because most products who was arrested by Shah Alam police on
in sales selling bubble tea plush toys with my eventually lose their appeal and dropshippers Nov 26 over multiple rape allegations, was
Cassandra Daphne Mathews, a 20-year- current store,” said Chan. have to constantly source for new products. remanded for five days yesterday by the
old flight attendant, decided to venture into He did this by focusing on countries with Petaling Jaya magistrate’s court.
dropshipping to earn extra income after her higher purchasing power such as the US to “My first advice would be to be prepared to
work was affected by Covid-19. handle risks – mentally and financially. The The suspect was earlier handed over to
best way to be prepared is to make sure you Petaling Jaya police by its Shah Alam
“I was once a dropshipper for a Malaysian can handle the risk of failing,” Chan said. counterparts for investigations into two
makeup brand. We were placed in a Telegram sexual assault cases lodged against him last
group that contained marketing tools and week.
content to be promoted. When a customer
makes a purchase, I would submit the order A total of eight police reports alleging
to the person holding the stock, who would rape, unnatural sex and molest have been
then ship it to the customer.” lodged by victims so far.
She told theSun she stopped after two Two cases were dropped after
months due to lack of sales. investigators found no criminal elements.
“I think people should give it a go as there The alleged victims, who are in their 20s,
are no fees involved. You can generate an had said they befriended the suspect on
income as long as you are consistent,” she social media and were invited for an outing
added. before being taken to the man’s house,
where they were sexually assaulted.
Nur Ashiqin Md Yunan, a 21-year-old – by Charles Ramendran
student from Johor Baru, ventured into
dropshipping to challenge herself in the field 15 plead not guilty
of marketing. to rioting charge
Record drug haul in Penang, two smugglers held KUALA LUMPUR: Fifteen men were charged at
the magistrate’s court yesterday with rioting
GEORGE TOWN: Two suspected drug before diving in.” in the sea for more than 10 hours before they with the aim of causing harm to four employees
smugglers turned swimmers when law He said the officers recovered eight black were picked up by fishermen and handed to of an entertainment outlet last month.
enforcement officers intercepted their boat, the authorities for investigations.”
from which they seized drugs worth RM10.53 suitcases and found that they contained They are V. Gobi Ramanan, M.K. Kannan,
million. methamphetamine and another bag He said the two men did not have any S. Somasundaram, M. Pushpanathnan,
containing Ecstasy pills. travel documents on them. C. Thayalan, M. Thiru Vijaya Kumar,
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency M. Mathan, V. Batmanthan, S. Ganesh,
(MMEA) officers, who were patrolling the sea “There were 240 lumps of crystallised The boat, worth about RM150,000, was Muhammad Shahrul Anuar Sharizan,
between Teluk Kumbar and Gertak Sanggul, items, each weighing about a kilogramme, all also seized. D. Nathan, Muhammad Shanker Sekaran,
became suspicious when they spotted what packed in packets of Chinese tea, hidden in S. Pirabu, R.S. Muguntan and A.J. Nicholus,
looked like a recreational boat at about the suitcases,” Abd Razak said. The two men have been remanded for 12 aged between 24 and 47.
7.30pm on Thursday. days to facilitate investigations under Section
“In addition, we found 9.3kg of Ecstasy 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act. They pleaded not guilty after the charges
Penang MMEA director Abd Razak pills. We believe the drugs had been brought were read out before magistrate Tawfiq Affandy
Mohamed said at a press conference in from Indonesia to be distributed in Abd Razak said they were still investigating Chin.
yesterday the boat sped off when the officers Penang.” where the recreational boat was registered
approached, leading to a 30-minute high- and whether the drugs were brought to The accused, who are members of an illegal
speed chase. The seizure was MMEA’s largest drug haul Penang directly or had been transferred in gang, were charged with three others who are
this year. international waters because there was no still at large with intention to cause hurt to Chan
“Two men in the boat then threw various registration number on the boat. Kam Lung, Tan Chia Moon,
objects, including suitcases, into the sea Abd Razak said the two men, in their 30s, P. Thiruvasan and Azman Sidek. They had also
were arrested. They were also tracking the drug trafficking damaged properties and used force against the
syndicate network, he added. – Bernama victims.
“They had lifejackets on and were floating
They were charged with committing the
offence at an entertainment outlet at Menara
UP, Jalan Puchong, Brickfields, at 11.25pm on
Nov 25, under Section 147 of the Penal Code,
read together with Section 34, which carries a
jail term of up to two years or a fine or both.
Each were allowed RM3,000 bail in one
surety. – Bernama
7theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
Mystery illness strikes India BRIEFS ‘TURKEY WILL NOT
BOW TO THREATS’
NEW DELHI: One person has died o One dead, hundreds more hospitalised with quoted a medical officer from Eluru
and at least 315 have fallen sick after wide range of symptoms that stump authorities Government Hospital as saying. ANKARA: Turkey will not bow to
what officials called a possible threats in its dispute with Greece
outbreak of an unexplained illness in the situation, with chief minister according to the Press Trust of India. A series of tests, including blood and Cyprus over maritime claims
the southern Indian state of Andhra Jaganmohan Reddy pledging more The man died hours after tests, brain scans and cerebral spinal in the eastern Mediterranean,
Pradesh. medical resources during a visit to fluid tests, have been performed on President Tayyip Erdogan said
hospitals in the town. hospitalisation in the evening. the people affected, but the results yesterday as European Union
Authorities are yet to ascertain The state’s health minister, Alla are yet to support a diagnosis. foreign ministers met in Brussels
the cause of illness which saw a huge An investigation into the cause of to discuss the issue. But Erdogan
spike in the numbers of people the illness continues, after the state’s Kali Krishna Srinivas, has also ruled A district official did say that also said Turkey wanted
hospitalised in the town of Eluru. deputy health minister said tests out Covid-19 as the cause of all the results were awaited for E-coli, an negotiations over the conflicting
ruled out widespread water symptoms, saying every patient infection caused by coming into claims to continental shelves and
Around 170 of the patients have contamination. tested negative for coronavirus. contact with infected faeces. rights to potential energy
since been discharged, but those still resources. The EU ministers were
in hospital include women, children The person who died was a “The people who fell sick, Milk and food samples have also due to evaluate grounds for
and the elderly, officials said. 45-year-old man who was admitted especially the children, suddenly been sent for examination while sanctions against Turkey. The
to the Government General Hospital started vomiting after complaining local authorities are conducting bloc’s leaders will then decide on
The people affected showed a in Eluru on Sunday morning with of burning eyes. Some of them house-to-house surveys to identify Thursday whether to make good
wide range of symptoms, including symptoms of nausea and epilepsy, fainted or suffered bouts of seizures,” more prospective patients. on their threat, after Turkey sent
fits, nausea, shivering and some the Indian Express newspaper an exploration vessel into waters
passing out. The mystery illness comes as the claimed by Greece. – Reuters
state grapples with a Covid-19
The state government said it had outbreak that has seen 850,000 cases TRUMP LAWYER TESTS
set up a 24/7 control room to tackle recorded. – The Independent POSITIVE FOR COVID
UNWANTED WASHINGTON: President Donald
ACCESSORY ... A Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani has
crocodile with a motorbike tested positive for Covid-19,
tyre around its neck is seen Trump said on Sunday,
in a river in Palu, Central prompting one state legislature
Sulawesi province to close for a week after Giuliani
yesterday, months after visited to try to persuade
Australian television lawmakers to help reverse
presenter and crocodile Trump’s election defeat. The
expert Matthew Nicholas former New York mayor, 76, is the
Wright failed to trap it to latest in a long string of people
remove the tyre. – AFPPIX close to the White House,
including Trump himself, to get
Covid-19. “@RudyGiuliani, by far
the greatest mayor in the history
of NYC, and who has been
working tirelessly exposing the
most corrupt election (by far!) in
the history of the USA, has tested
positive for the China Virus,“
Trump tweeted. – Reuters
Unicef seeks
US$2.5b for
Mideast children
Indonesia receives 1.2 million doses of vaccine AMMAN: The UN children’s agency
yesterday appealed for US$2.5
JAKARTA: Indonesia has received be examined by the food and drug properly to ensure public health and “We expect that multilateral billion (RM10 billion) in new funds
1.2 million doses of a Covid-19 agency, with plans to distribute them safety, and the efficacy of the vaccines (from other countries) will for 39 million children in the Middle
vaccine made by China’s Sinovac, to medical workers and other vaccine.” also start to arrive gradually in 2021,” East and North Africa impacted by
officials said, as the world’s fourth high-risk groups. foreign minister Retno Marsudi said war, poverty and the coronavirus.
most populous nation struggles to In August, Indonesia launched yesterday.
get soaring case rates under control. The country’s top Muslim clerical human trials of the Sinovac-made “The region is home to the
body, the Indonesia Ulema Council, jab, with around 1,600 volunteers Indonesia has been in talks with highest number of children in need
The doses arrived in Jakarta late will also check the first consignment, taking part in the six-month study. other pharmaceutical firms, in the world,” said Ted Chaiban,
on Sunday on a flight from Beijing, officials said – to ensure it meets including United Kingdom-based Unicef regional director for the
with another 1.8 million expected to halal requirements in the world’s The Indonesian government has AstraZeneca. Middle East and North Africa.
be sent again next month. largest Muslim-majority nation. paid some 637 billion rupiah
(RM183 million) for the three million The country is one of the Asian “This is largely due to man-made
Although Chinese regulators Late on Sunday, President Joko Sinovac doses. Another 100,000 nations worst hit by the pandemic, crises including armed conflicts,
have yet to clear any of country’s Widodo welcomed the delivery. more are set to be delivered by with Covid-19 infections topping poverty and economic stagnation.”
vaccines for mass distribution, they another Chinese firm, CanSino. 575,000, and more than 17,000
have approved some advanced “We are grateful that the vaccine deaths. He said the latest appeal “aims to
candidates for emergency use. is now available and we can China has promised to make its reach children with critical
immediately prevent the spread of vaccines available as a “global public However, the true scale of the humanitarian assistance and
Indonesia’s Covid-19 response the Covid-19 outbreak,” he said. good” as it seeks to counter global crisis is widely believed to be much continue responding to the massive
team chief Airlangga Hartarto said criticism for its early handling of the bigger, as the country has one of the needs emerging as a result of the
yesterday the first batch of doses will “(But) I have to reiterate, first, that pandemic. world’s lowest testing rates. – AFP Covid-19 pandemic”.
all procedures must be followed
Children are most in need in
Surfer survives great white shark attack war-torn Yemen, in and outside
conflict-wracked Syria, and in
SYDNEY: An Australian surfer Sunday on Kangaroo Island – off let go and disappeared,” the surfer Rushby told Nine News he helped Sudan, Unicef said in a statement.
yesterday told the media how he Australia’s southern coast – when he said. stabilise the man, who was suffering
managed to paddle back to shore had a sensation of “being hit by a from “serious lacerations” before In Yemen, 12 million children, or
and walk hundreds of metres to get truck” on his left side. Police said a member of the organising an emergency airlift to almost every child, need assistance
help after being attacked by a great public took the man from D’Estrees the mainland. after five years of conflict, it said.
white shark. “It bit me around my back, Bay and was met by paramedics
buttock and elbow and took a chunk while on route to the island’s main “I’m feeling incredibly lucky and In Syria, 4.8 million children need
The 29-year-old said he had been out of my board. city of Kingscote. grateful, and I’m optimistic I’ll make aid after a civil war has killed more
enjoying a “normal days surfing” on a full recovery,” the surfer said. – AFP than 380,000 people, displaced
“I got a glimpse of the shark as it Ambulance leader Michael millions and ravaged the economy.
A further 2.5 million live as
refugees in neighbouring countries
after their parents fled the conflict.
In Sudan, 5.3 million children
need aid because of unprecedented
floods, an economic crisis and a
sweeping political transition from
autocratic rule toward democracy.
In Lebanon, 1.9 million children
now rely on assistance as the
economy has plummeted and
following a massive blast in Beirut
that killed 200 people and ravaged
large parts of the capital in August.
Most of the funds requested
would go towards the children’s
education, while the rest would
ensure access to water, sanitation
and healthcare, it said. – AFP
8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
US to sanction more China officials
o Up to 14 individuals likely pressure on Beijing in his final weeks in office. domestic affairs through the Hong Kong issue,” said in November the expulsion showed the
targeted over alleged role President-elect Joe Biden takes over on Jan 20. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua “One Country, Two Systems” formula, under
in HK crackdown: Sources Chunying told a news briefing yesterday, in which Hong Kong’s autonomy had been
Up to 14 people, including officials of China’s response to a question on the Reuters report. promised since Britain handed the territory
WASHINGTON: The US is preparing to impose parliament, or National People’s Congress, and back to China in 1997, was now “merely a fig
sanctions on several Chinese officials over their members of the CCP, would likely be targeted Washington has already put sanctions on leaf” and promised further American action.
alleged role in Beijing’s disqualification of by measures such as asset freezes and financial Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam, the
elected opposition legislators in Hong Kong, sanctions, two sources said. territory’s current and former police chiefs and That month, the State Department and
according to multiple sources. other top officials in August for what it said was Treasury Department imposed sanctions on
A US official, speaking on the condition of their role in curtailing freedoms in a crackdown four more Chinese officials in Hong Kong’s
The move will target officials from the anonymity, said multiple individuals would be on the territory’s dissidents. government and security establishment,
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as President sanctioned. A person familiar with the matter barring them from traveling to America and
Donald Trump’s administration keeps up said the group would likely include officials Hong Kong’s government last month blocking any US-related assets they might have.
from Hong Kong as well as the mainland. expelled four opposition members from its
legislature after China gave city authorities new Biden has promised to take a tougher line
The sources did not provide names or powers to curb dissent. The move triggered than Trump over human rights in China, so his
positions of those being targeted for sanctions. resignations by other opposition lawmakers. response to the crackdown in Hong Kong could
be an early test of that resolve. – Reuters
“China has always firmly opposed and US national security adviser Robert O’Brien
strongly condemned US interference in China’s
BRIEFS HOTTEST NOVEMBER
ON RECORD IN EUROPE
PARIS: Last month was the hottest
November on record as Europe basked in
its highest autumn temperatures in
history, the European Union’s satellite
monitoring service said yesterday. The
Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)
analysis of surface and air temperatures
found that November 2020 was 0.8°C
warmer than the 30-year average of 1981-
2010 – more than 0.1°C hotter than the
previous record. “These records are
consistent with the long-term warming
trend of the global climate,“ C3S director
Carlo Buontempo said. – AFP
MADURO GETS TOTAL ARMED RALLY ...
CONTROL OF VENEZUELA A Black Lives Matter
protester with an
CARACAS: President Nicolas Maduro assault rifle marches
seized total control of Venezuela’s political to honour Kevin
institutions on Sunday with a sweeping Peterson Jr in
victory in legislative elections that were Vancouver,
boycotted by the main opposition parties. Washington. Clark
Maduro and his allies had 67.7% of the County Sheriff
vote with over 80% of ballots counted, deputies shot and
while the opposition bloc which broke the killed Peterson in
boycott had 18%, the National Electoral October, sparking
Council said. Sunday’s triumph gives vigils and counter
Maduro’s ruling Socialist Party control of an protests by far-right
expanded 227-seat National Assembly, the groups. – AFPPIX
only official body held by the opposition. It
weakened US-backed opposition leader
Juan Guaido, who led the boycott. – AFP
Police shoot dead six supporters of firebrand cleric
JAKARTA: At least six supporters of a firebrand using guns and sharp objects,” he told reporters. A spokesman for the Islamic Defender’s should be investigated by an independent
Indonesian cleric were shot dead yesterday as Police officers shot in response, leaving six Front (FPI), the group led by Rizieq, denied fact-finding team.
they tried to reach a police station where their their entourage was armed, saying the cleric
leader was to be questioned. people dead, he said. and his family had been travelling to a dawn The FPI leader had only returned to
Four others managed to escape during the prayer event when they were attacked by Indonesia days earlier from Saudi Arabia, to
Jakarta police chief Fadil Imran said his men “unknown thugs’” where he had fled in 2017 after police named
were forced to defend themselves when 10 early morning shootout. him as a suspect in a pornography case.
supporters of Rizieq Shihab attacked them at a Rizieq was due to be questioned yesterday He said six of Rizieq’s bodyguards were
toll road some 50km east of the capital Jakarta. victims of “extrajudicial killing”. Tens of thousands of his supporters had also
for allegedly violating coronavirus restrictions flocked to Jakarta’s main airport to welcome
“When our officers were following the cars of last month when tens of thousands of his Indonesia Police Watch said in a statement him home, defying coronavirus regulations
followers, they came closer and attacked us followers gathered at his home to attend the that given the conflicting accounts the incident banning crowds. – Agencies
wedding of his daughter.
Iran says ‘AI-controlled gun’ killed scientist
DUBAI: The killing of Iran’s top nuclear “The machine gun was placed on a pick-up
scientist last month was carried out remotely truck and was controlled by a satellite.”
with artificial intelligence and a machine gun
equipped with a “satellite-controlled smart Fadavi spoke after Iranian authorities said
system”, Tasnim news agency quoted a senior they had found “clues about the assassins”,
commander as saying. though they have yet to announce any arrests.
Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination Shortly after Fakhrizadeh was killed,
of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was seen by witnesses said a truck had exploded before a
Western intelligence services as the group of gunmen opened fire on his car.
mastermind of a covert Iranian programme to
develop nuclear weapons capability. Tehran Last week, Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the
has long denied any such ambition. Supreme National Security Council of Iran,
said the killing was carried out with “electronic
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied devices” with no people on the ground.
responsibility for the killing, but in the past
has acknowledged pursuing covert, Experts and officials told Reuters the killing
intelligence-gathering operations against the exposed security gaps that suggest Iran’s
nuclear programme of its arch-enemy Iran. security forces may have been infiltrated and
that it is vulnerable to further attacks.
Tehran has given contradictory details of
Fakhrizadeh’s death in a daytime Nov 27 “Some 13 shots were fired at Fakhrizadeh
ambush on his car on a highway. with a machine gun controlled by satellite.
During the operation artificial intelligence and
“No terrorists were present on the ground. face recognition was used,“ Fadavi said.
Martyr Fakhrizadeh was driving when a
weapon, using an advanced camera, zoomed “His wife, sitting 25cm away from him in
in on him,”Tasnim quoted Iran’s Revolutionary the same car, was not injured.”
Guards deputy commander Ali Fadavi as
saying on Sunday. Fakhrizadeh, identified by Israel as a prime
player in what it says is an Iranian quest for a
nuclear weapon, was the fifth Iranian scientist
killed in targeted attacks since 2010. – Reuters
9theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
* SPEAK UP
Biden can’t solve climate crisis alone
█ BY ANDREA VENZON standards cannot be underestimated, intentionally or not – abandoned leaders were expected to agree on the The good news is there are
AND COLOMBE CAHEN-SALVADOR and the consequences of its four-year several of their commitments to the fundamental and pivotal “Article 6” of currently many inspiring initiatives
disregard of international treaties climate. In a turn of events, the the Paris Agreement, namely rules for around the world of people coming
LATELY, it seems like the future cannot be overestimated, the planet Climate Transparency Report carbon markets and other forms of together to stop the climate
of the planet and the hope to will not be saved by Biden. pointed out that India is the only G20 international cooperation. emergency.
stop the climate crisis hinges country on track to meet its
on two Georgia US Senate Granted, the US is the highest emissions targets. However, no agreement on the There is hope from climate strikes
races in January that could tip the producer of greenhouse gases per matter was reached, and those key by Fridays For Future or educational
balance of Congress towards Joe capita, but alone it cannot turn the Beyond the need to set more talks were pushed to Cop26, back platforms such as Earthrise Studio, to
Biden and the Democrats . tide on the climate crisis. radical and ambitious targets that are then scheduled to take place in 2020. Green December by Now!, a month
actually met, the uncomfortable truth in which thousands of activists from
However, the preconception that That’s partly because the current is that people of the world need to Even the UN secretary general, all across the globe take individual
the climate emergency can be tackled treaties in place are not ambitious stop looking to one country or leader Antonio Guterres, said that at Cop25: coordinated actions to counter the
successfully simply by the US enough. Take the Paris Agreement to solve the climate crisis. “The international community lost climate crisis and showcase that
rejoining the Paris Agreement and targets that are the bare minimum: an important opportunity to show collaboration leads to better results.
implementing Biden’s ambitious most experts agree that it will not be The climate crisis is the perfect increased ambition on mitigation,
climate plan is highly misguided. enough to prevent the global average example that our lives are adaptation and finance to tackle the The people of the world have
temperature from rising 1.5C. interconnected across the world, and climate crisis.” shown multiple times that they are
Carbon Dioxide reached record that collective and coordinated ready to take action, beyond
levels despite the global lockdowns “Countries need to double and radical actions are needed. Cop26 did not happen this year as cultural differences, borders, and
caused by the coronavirus pandemic. triple their 2030 reduction the Covid-19 pandemic made it political interests. World leaders,
The amount of action to cut commitments to be aligned with the Even India’s nationalist prime difficult to meet in person, and world including the new US
emissions is far from what is needed Paris target,” said Sir Robert Watson, minister, Narendra Modi, said it: leaders could apparently not figure administration, should follow their
to avoid the worst impacts of the former chair of the “Climate change must be fought not out how to meet on Zoom to stop the lead and start collaborating across
climate emergency. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate in silos, but in an integrated, climate crisis. borders to bring back climate on top
Change (IPCC). comprehensive and holistic way.” of the world agenda, and stop the
While the importance of the new While governments are climate crisis once and for all. – The
US administration engaging and Yet, in the last year governments However, so far the truth has been notoriously slow in cooperating, time Independent
abiding by international climate around the world have prioritised the a radically different one. Take the is of essence: people from all over the
fight against the virus, and – example of Cop25 in 2019: world world can and must take the lead.
COMMENT by Jason Loh and Ameen Kamal LETTERS
Promoting transparency and accountability [email protected]
A PERSISTENT and embedded problem in the reports provided to the MoE. are public funds and there must be accountability Malaysians, don’t
government procurement process for The issue, therefore, could be attributed to at on the issue. talk to strangers
construction has been abandoned projects
resulting in the loss of millions of ringgit – the least three factors. Nevertheless, the construction business is MALAYSIA is most susceptible to internet
sheer waste is whereby magnified by the current Firstly, the consultants failed to do proper and known to be plagued with unscrupulous scams among other Asian countries
Covid-19 crisis that’s crying out for more money to contractors that frequently use different company according to a report by Telenor Group.
be spent of which infrastructure is a critical artery thorough due diligence checks and screening of names which makes it harder to keep track. The notorious Macau Scam first appeared
to boost the multiplier effect in the economy. the contractors during the tendering process. This three years ago and continues to prevail
Every year, the Auditor General’s Report would be could either be due to negligence or corruption. As such, to promote transparency and over the trust of Malaysians.
replete with cases of wastages and leakages accountability, the government and in this case
resulting from failed projects due to Secondly, the consultants also failed in terms the MoE ought to enhance its due diligence The Macau syndicate “specialised” in
mismanagement by the ministries and of their role in on-site management and process and test by working closely with the impersonating official authorities such as
government agencies. supervision of the job scope. For example, there Companies Commission of Malaysia, Malaysian police officers and bank officials, claiming
could have been design issues whereby certain Department of Insolvency, Attorney-General’s the victims were being investigated for
A concrete example is in the construction of specification changes were made based on the Chambers, National Audit Department, criminal activities and at risk for litigation.
schools. variation order (VO). However, it would seem that specialists consultants such as SGS Malaysia, The victims were then advised to transfer
probably no proper instructions had been given private investigators, etc. to weed out roguish and huge amounts of money into unknown
Only recently in a Dec 1 parliamentary to the main contractors. unethical contractors; and that such information bank accounts.
statement, the Ministry of Education (MoE) is shared and exchanged with other ministries
acknowledged the construction of three public Although VOs are common in construction and government agencies so that the necessary It has been estimated that 40% of the
schools have grounded to a halt due to poor due projects, it is also one of the causes for action can also be taken. victims are elderly and pensioners. This is
diligence checks of the financial background and disagreements and delays in the construction partly due to their cognitive impairment,
status of the contractors. process. This is particularly true if the VO has a The monitoring and surveillance system for mental fragility and need for a quick
significant impact on the original budget, leading project management involving the following financial remedy.
It was reported that the construction of to payment issues to subcontractors because of stakeholders should be reinforced and bolstered:
national-type high school SMK Bandar Saujana costs overruns. 0 ICU, Prime Minister’s Department; While these explanations are plausible,
Putra and primary school SK Bandar Saujana 0 Ministry of Works through the Public Works how can we justify the remaining 60% of
Putra had to be delayed after the contractor for To pre-empt this, the consultants should have victims among the younger generation?
both projects was found to be insolvent and ensured the contractors have firmed up the Department (PWD); and
forced to wind up. As of now, the progress for the designs before submitting tenders to avoid 0 MOF with support from the Public-Private These cases have been widely reported
high school and primary school stood at 95.8% changes down the road. all over media platforms, yet Malaysians
and 45%, respectively. Partnership Unit (Ukas), Prime Minister’s continue to fall prey to scams. Ultimately,
Thirdly, in some cases, the main contractors Department; and in collaboration with the; this calls for a new perspective. The past
A third school, SJK (Tamil) Heawood, was are not able to proceed until and unless the costs 0 MACC – either broadly within or partly based few months have emphasised the
allocated RM13.88 million to build 12 classrooms to the changes proposed by the subcontractors on the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) deception that too many suffer has nothing
and other amenities. But the Tamil national-type have been confirmed and mutually agreed. 2019-2023 framework with specific reference to do with the shortcomings of the public
primary school remains unfinished as the However, there are cases where subcontractors to the IT-based Project Monitoring System “being caught off guard” but the trust
contractor failed to complete the project proceeded with the works when dealing with (PMS/SPP) II as further enhanced by the towards official authority.
according to stipulated milestones. The reputable main contractors on the basis that they deployment of artificial intelligence software
contractor failed to show progress with only 42% could claim the costs later. and blockchain technology. A journal article entitled “The Role of
being completed. Not least, one practical suggestion is for the Familiarity, Trust and Awareness Towards
Under the present circumstances relating to MoE (or relevant ministry or government agency) Online Fraud”, interprets how scam victims
As a result, the MoE will have to re-tender all the three schools, the main contractors to brief and share specific project management would come to believe that their
three projects, which represents an inefficient and responsible for the school construction might details with the local Member of Parliament and perpetrators are credible since they are
ineffective way of using financial resources, that have faced an issue whereby the increased costs state assembly person concerned. familiar with the role of the Malaysian
are taxpayers’ money, to fund public projects. went beyond their existing financial capacity. Late This is so that the elected representatives too, police officers fighting against crime.
payments to the main contractors could in turn can play their democratic part on behalf of or in Understandably, if we trust somebody, we
What’s the cause and how can the problem be delay payments to the sub-contractors. conjunction with interested citizens in would not second guess their orders.
meaningfully and definitively addressed? monitoring the development and progress of the
However, should there be no issues on the part construction projects. In reference to Hofstede’s Power
Construction projects are normally paid of the client i.e. MoE, then the MoE must have Any remiss on the part of the MoE (or relevant Distance Index, Malaysia scored 104. This
according to on-site progress. This will usually be been dealing with questionable consultants and ministry or government agency) can be quickly indicates a high-power distance, which
based on an approved work programme that ties contractors which throws the spotlight on the remedied or rectified on the ground with reports explains why we are referred to as law-
construction progress with financial milestones. tender selection process. to the MACC and police, thus drawing early abiding citizens. Not to say that we abide by
attention (like an early warning system in its own all the rules and regulations, but we are
There would have been regular progress On the consultants, the MoE should have right) to the issue. fairly compliant to our leaders.
reports submitted to and approved by the client, outsourced the appointment process to the By extension, such move will contribute
which is the MoE or its representatives such as Ministry of Finance (MOF) or Implementation towards promoting transparency and In these perilous times, fellow
appointed consultants. Coordination Unit (ICU), Prime Minister’s accountability and help to minimise wastages Malaysians need to think before we speak.
Department. And this should apply to the other and leakages. When people identify themselves as police
The low-level of progress in the completion of ministries and government agencies also. Jason Loh Seong Wei and Ahmad Ameen Mohd officers, we still do not know them
the construction projects (only 45% and 42% for personally or their intentions, which makes
the two schools referred to) – despite receiving an When it comes to the contractors, although Kamal are part of the research team of EMIR them a stranger. If there is no trust, then
extension on the timeline – is unexpected and cost is certainly a criterion, there would be other Research, an independent think tank focused on there is no scam. It is as simple as that.
shouldn’t normally be factored in as a probable criteria for selection such as the project track
case scenario. This is because school construction record and financial standing, including gearing strategic policy recommendations based on We would always teach our young ones
projects are generally considered a ratio and outstanding liabilities. rigorous research. Comments: about “stranger danger”. Maybe it is time
straightforward and simple building construction. [email protected] that we practice our preach. Seriously
If it turns out that the contractors for the three Malaysians, don’t talk to strangers.
This brings to question the credibility of schools have a questionable track record, the
project consultants who are in charge of verifying Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Adlin Mohamed
the works and the supposedly regular progress must immediately open an investigation file to Kuala Lumpur
ensure there are no elements of corruption. These
10 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
SPEAK UP
Republican insiders worry about Trump
█ BY ANDREW FEINBERG the vice-president, Kamala Harris, alleged that any fraud took place), his “They’ve got to demand publicly, even in defeat because “the man got
able to break ties on any votes that fall legal team and hangers-on to it have repeatedly, consistently: Brian Kemp, 73 million votes” and remains “a
JUST over one month to the day along party lines, top GOPers – continued to push more and more call a special session of the Georgia powerful force in the Republican
since Georgia voters handed an including party chair Ronna outrageous conspiracy theories to State Legislature. And if they do not Party” who cannot be ignored, but
unexpected victory to Joe Biden, McDaniel – have tried keeping voters explain his loss to Biden. do it … they have not earned your said the decision to roll him out as a
Donald Trump is going back focused on the stakes of the vote.” surrogate for Perdue and Loeffler is a
there to campaign. Not everyone upcoming contest. In Georgia, attorneys Sidney “critical error” because of “how he’s
thinks it’s a good idea. Powell (the noted releaser of Krakens A group of Georgia GOP railed against the Republican
Iowa senator, Chuck Grassley, the who was kicked off the official Trump luminaries – including Loeffler’s establishment in Georgia, including
Despite losing the state by 12,670 upper chamber’s longest serving legal team after alleging that Georgia predecessor, Senator Jonny Isakson – going after [governor] Kemp and
votes, the defeated lame-duck Republican, laid out the GOP’s hopes governor Brian Kemp and secretary rejected such calls in a statement secretary of state Raffensperger.”
president of the United States will for the campaign outing during a of state Brad Raffensperger were released late Wednesday, saying that
return in order to stump for Thursday appearance on Fox bribed by voting machine “without every vote cast for president Rick Tyler, a Republican strategist
candidates in a pair of must-win Business Network. companies) and Lin Wood are still Trump and all our Republican who served as communications
races. clinging to the fantasy that Georgia’s candidates on Nov 3 also being cast director for senator Ted Cruz’s 2016
“The president should do voting machines were designed to in the US Senate runoffs, the presidential campaign, also bluntly
This, even as he and his lawyers everything he can on Saturday when allow a long-dead Venezuelan trajectory of our state and nation will dismissed the possibility that Trump
continue to argue the Nov 3 election he has his rally to get every caudillo to steal elections, and are be irreparably altered on Jan 5.” could put his own resentments aside
was rigged and two of his most Republican that voted for him – and enlisting Georgia Republicans into and work to unite Georgia
prominent legal boosters are some people that maybe didn’t vote their fantasy world. But while Grassley said he hopes Republicans.
encouraging his supporters to sit out for him – out to vote,” he said. “Do Trump will “forget ad libbing” and
the Jan 5 runoff election. everything to unite Republicans in During a press conference-slash- “not talk about how … he was “We don’t have to wonder what
Georgia so that we have a firewall rally in Atlanta on Wednesday, both cheated out of being president of the Trump’s going do. He’s going to go to
What could go wrong? According against the progressiveness of this lawyers encouraged Trump United States”, others close to Trump Georgia, get in front of the crowd, and
to one source familiar with the Biden administration.” supporters to boycott the January aren’t sure he’ll follow their advice. for 90 minutes, it’s going to be a
president’s mental state, everything. runoff unless state election officials grievance-fest, about how the
Grassley’s suggestion would be de overhaul their voting procedures and One close associate of the election was stolen, it’s all fraud, and
“There’s probably a better than rigeur for any other president in ditch the Dominion Voting Systems president – a former senior White it’s all rigged,” said Tyler, who
50-50 chance that this all goes to sh*t Trump’s situation, except for the fact machines which the state adopted for House staffer who requested expressed surprise that Trump would
and he becomes the first president to that Trump has not acknowledged this year’s elections. anonymity because of his penchant deign to visit a state that did not vote
blow up two Senate campaigns at there will even be a Biden for litigation – predicted that Trump for him in November.
once,” they said. administration. “I would encourage all Georgians “is going to be more of a liability than
to make it known that you will not an asset in going to Georgia”. The result of Trump’s visit, Tyler
Over the 27 days since most In an unscheduled, rambling 45- vote at all until your vote is secure – said, would be similar to what
reputable news organisations called minute rant posted as a video to the and I mean that regardless of party,” “He will not stay on message, he is happened in Arizona. There, late
the 2020 election for Biden, White House’s official Facebook page Powell said. going to use it as an opportunity to attempts by the president to
confidantes say Trump has vacillated this week, the president let fly a cloud rant against what he believes is a campaign for the now-former
from disbelief to anger, to an almost of outright lies and mistruths which “We can’t live in a republic, a free stolen election, and he is going to Arizona senator, Martha McSally, fell
delusional insistence that his legal have been rejected by judges in more republic unless we know our votes make his appearance there in flat when he hardly allowed her any
team could undo the result, to a than 41 separate court cases since are legal and secure. So we must have Georgia all about him. It will not be speaking time at a rally that was at
strange and bitter combination of Nov 4. The common thread? The voter ID and we probably must go about getting those two Senate seats; least in part meant to turn out the
private acceptance and demands election was plagued by fraud, and back to paper ballots that are signed it will be about getting even for his vote for her race against now-senator
that allies join him in refusing to the real winner was Donald Trump. and have your thumbprint on them. defeat,” they warned. Mark Kelly.
publicly acknowledge his loss. We certainly should be able to find a
“If we are right about the fraud, Joe system that can count them, even if it The potential for Trump to be a “He’s going down there, and he’s
Such a nonsensical response Biden can’t be president. We’re has to be done by hand.” liability is evident in how going to get his supporters angry at
could have long-term consequences talking about hundreds of thousands conservative activists are attacking the establishment party, meaning the
for the Republican Party thanks to the of votes, we’re talking about numbers Wood went even further, attacking even the most loyal of Trumpists for governor and the secretary of state …
Peach State’s peculiar election laws, like nobody has ever seen before,” both of the candidates for whom being more supportive of runoff and he’s going to drive away the
which require the top two finishers in Trump said. Trump will campaign on Saturday. efforts than his election challenges. voters who Perdue and Loeffler need
the November contests to compete in to win, because Trump drove away
a January runoff if neither gets more While the courts have almost “If Kelly Loeffler wants your vote, if One of the figures of the so-called educated white women in the
than 50% of votes cast. uniformly rejected the claims offered David Perdue wants your vote, “Stop the Steal” protests which have suburbs in droves (in November),” he
by Trump’s attorneys (who have not they’ve got to earn it,” Wood said. featured Wood and Powell – self- said. “And guess what’s all around
Republicans only need to win one described “National Organiser for Atlanta? Educated white women.”
of the two contests to allow Senate Stop the Steal” Ali Alexander (a
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to sometimes GOP consultant formerly Grassley, the Republican Senate
retain his post (and the ability to known as Ali Akbar who last year stalwart, said Trump “will make a big
maintain his legislative “grim reaper” achieved some notoriety for claiming difference” on Saturday if he “basically
status while exercising an effective that Harris, whose father was keep(s) to script,” but when asked
veto over Biden’s cabinet and other Jamaican, is not “African-American”) whether Trump could be an effective
nominees). – told The Independent that he is surrogate if he stuck to his pre-scripted
excited for Trump to visit Georgia remarks, Tyler just laughed.
Most GOP luminaries, then, are and is confident that “Republicans
hoping Trump’s Saturday trip to are going to be on the same page “You think Donald Trump’s gonna
campaign with candidates, David come Jan 5”. But, he said, McDaniel be there for the party? Give me a
Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, will allow “has really chilled excitement with break,” he said.
his popularity among Republican her comments about solely focusing
voters – which led him to win the on the runoff when Georgia voters “All he cares about is solidifying
second-highest vote total of any are still trying to resolve November this idea that he didn’t lose the
presidential candidate in history – to issues”. election, that it was stolen from him.
rub off on them. And therefore he’s got to perpetuate
And a former White House official this myth of corruption.” – The
Because Democrats winning both acknowledged Trump still has sway Independent
January contests will leave the upper
chamber deadlocked at 50-50, with
S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ TUESDAY
DECEMBER 8, 2020
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]
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Participation Bought Sold Net
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RM m RM m RM m Email: [email protected]
43.5 Institutions 3118.0 3168.9 -50.9
43.8 Retail 3269.2 3060.7 208.5
12.7 Foreign 841.9 999.5 -157.6 14.38 329.07 27.98 203.80
STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI
100.0 7229.1 7229.1 0.0 1.04 2,825.51 26,506.85 26,547.44 124.16 13.99 40.94
KLCI 3,416.60 TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,622.89 14,256.60 2,745.44
Source: Burs Malaysia 6,675.02
KL MARKET SUMMARY Ta Win aims to be Asia’s
DECEMBER 7, 2020 go-to copper player
INDICES 11,762.30 CHANGE +21.61
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,622.89 +1.04
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 597.08 -0.38
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 175.52 +1.73
CONSTRUCTION 181.88 +0.41
FINANCIAL SERVICES 14,628.30 +110.93
ENERGY 955.41 +35.60
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 653.60 -2.49 o It’s in a position to tap
HEALTH CARE 3,862.65 -60.08 growth opportunities in
TRANSPORTATION 785.86 +7.40 the industry, particularly
PROPERTY 738.85 +36.79 down the value chain Ngu says Ta Win
PLANTATION 7,356.72 +7.32 wants to grow
FBMSHA 13,495.50 -11.59 █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI its healthcare
FBMACE 10,647.10 +22.19 [email protected] business,
TECHNOLOGY 67.67 +0.53 PETALING JAYA: Ta Win Holdings Bhd sees utilising copper-
its future as Asia’s one-stop solution centre based nano-
TURNOVER VALUE for copper-related work, particularly with a materials for
16.494 BIL RM7.229 BIL strong potential further down the value advanced
chain, according to its group managing applications on
5 MOST ACTIVES director, Datuk Seri Ngu Tieng Ung. products with
DECEMBER 7, 2020 antimicrobial
He said the group, given its track record properties.
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) and expertise in copper manufacturing, is treatment. “Given the current pandemic, industry supply chain.
YONGTAI 860,891,900 38.5 +2 uniquely positioned to tap growth copper with its natural antimicrobial Aside from that, the managing director
HIAPTEK-WB 776,484,100 18 opportunities in the industry, particularly properties, is perfect for application in the disclosed that it is also collaborating with the
TOPBLDS 625,604,200 13.5 +11.5 with the strong potential down the value healthcare sector,” he said. government on R&D for the commercialisation
PA 508,008,000 18 +2.5 chain. of irradiation and sterilisation technology.
INIX 494,004,400 50 +3.5 Nevertheless, Ngu stated that Ta Win is “We are also working to collaborate with
+17 “While this may seem like a brick-and- cognisant of the challenges ahead to reach local universities to do R&D to grow our
mortar business, there are exciting the objective. healthcare business, utilising copper-based
5 TOP GAINERS opportunities in this industry driven by nano-materials for advanced applications
DECEMBER 7, 2020 innovation, and our aim is to capitalise on “The steps we will need to undergo are on products with antimicrobial properties,”
these opportunities,” Ngu told SunBiz. part and parcel of running the business. he said.
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM The competition that we may face as well In regard to the sector’s domestic
BAT 5,440,500 14.60 1.22 Ta Win’s acquisition of Sin Line Tek as variations in terms of the landscape we prospects, Ngu said Malaysia’s copper wire
HEIM 22.00 1.18 Electronic Co Sdn Bhd and the operate within, be it locally or globally. We market is expected to reach RM4 billion
HENGYUAN 139,600 6.70 1.14 incorporation of Ta Win Copper Biohealth are ready to face these challenges head next year from RM3.5 billion in 2019, which
DLADY 15,427,300 37.62 1.00 (TWCB) are strategic steps towards its one- on.” also serves as barometer for economic
PETRONM 6.20 0.95 stop solution centre objective, as it will growth due to its widespread application in
16,200 enhance the group’s vertical integration In addition to the two ventures, the most sectors of the economy – from homes
6,675,200 capabilities as well as utilises its expertise copper player highlighted that it has inked a and factories to electronics as well as power
from various sub-industries within the joint-venture agreement with Perbadanan generation and transmission.
5 TOP LOSERS copper relation sector. Memajukan Iktisad Negeri Terengganu for He believes that the sector is in a
DECEMBER 7, 2020 the development of Terengganu Ecocycle strategic position for growth, particularly
The managing director pointed out that Park, an eco-friendly industrial park with the ongoing pandemic as well as the
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM the acquisition of Sin Line will expand its inspired by Japan’s Kitakyushu Eco-Town post-pandemic period.
NESTLE 109,100 135.60 1.40 product offerings in the wire harness Project. Ngu explained that once its TWCB gets
F&N 31,000 31.82 0.58 category and assembly product range with off the ground and the anticipated demand
PPB 349,200 18.42 0.48 applications in the automobile and This partnership has resulted in the for healthcare products with antimicrobial
SUPERMX 26,400 0.40 electrical and electronics sectors. establishment of Ta Win Copper Ecocycle, a properties, Ta Win is primed to grow at a
KESM 15,005,000 7.70 0.34 high tech, eco-friendly industrial park formidable pace in the post-pandemic era.
11.64 Simultaneously, TWCB will increase the supporting both upstream and downstream “This pandemic has created a perfect
group’s strength in design, research and industry participants, which will be the first opportunity for us to venture into research
EXCHANGE RATES DECEMBER 7, 2020 development (R&D), investment and one-stop non-ferrous metal industrial and development with the purpose of
venture capital in relation to biomedical, ecosystem in Southeast Asia. enhancing healthcare via copper additive and
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy healthcare and pharmaceutical products, copper-based nano-material applications,” he
devices and services. This development is expected to be said.
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD completed in a span of nine years over four “This is a new sector that we expect to
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.1400 4.0100 4.0000 Ngu elaborated that this includes the phases with an estimated total gross drive the demand for copper in the future,”
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0920 2.9680 2.9520 application of antimicrobial metallic copper development cost of RM2.4 billion. Upon its he added.
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1080 3.0150 3.0070 and copper additives for educational completion, the group will relocate its
1 EURO 3.2430 3.1540 3.1420 institutions, hospitals and medical existing headquarters and core factories to
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 5.0370 4.8710 4.8510 the park as a means to promote
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9330 2.8230 2.8070 environmental conservation and
1 STERLING POUND 3.1080 3.0150 3.0070 sustainability in the non-ferrous metal
1 SWISS FRANC 5.5720 5.3940 5.3740
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.6390 4.5310 4.5160 BIS: Sturdy dollar casts shadow over emerging markets
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 114.2500 108.2900 108.0900
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 4.9730 4.6660 4.4660 LONDON: A stronger US dollar will drop in the growth outlook for those stands at nearly 20%.
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 63.3000 60.8000 increasingly weigh on emerging- market countries. A negative correlation between broad-
100 INDIAN RUPEE 54.0900 51.3800 N/A economic prospects, since developing
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.7100 5.3600 51.1800 countries have taken on so much dollar- That was evident in the first wave of the based dollar strength and global growth
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0305 0.0275 5.1600 denominated debt in the past decade, the coronavirus pandemic this year, when a occurs through various channels.
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.9870 3.8620 0.0225 Bank of International Settlements (BIS) said near 10% rise in the value of the dollar index
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 15.7000 3.8520 yesterday. in the first three months of 2020 resulted in When investor risk appetite declines,
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.6400 N/A record bond outflows from emerging flight to safety may both push up the dollar
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.7500 2.4700 N/A The dollar has fallen by more than 12% markets and wider spreads. and weaken global economic activity
100 SAUDI RIYAL 114.0600 8.2400 2.2700 from March highs after the Federal Reserve through capital outflows and tighter
100THAI BAHT 111.8000 108.2800 8.0400 slashed interest rates to record lows. But the “Emerging market economies (EMEs) financial conditions, as investors and
14.3500 106.1400 108.0800 BIS said the dollar remains prone to big are particularly vulnerable to changes in the lenders retrench from risky investments and
12.7300 105.9400 swings and any reversal in risk sentiment value of the dollar through these channels, borrowers.
12.3300 could see it rise – hurting the growth outlook making the broad dollar exchange rate an
for emerging markets. EME-specific risk factor,” the BIS said. A stronger dollar also weakens the
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama balance sheets of those dollar borrowers,
Using data from 21 emerging-market Emerging-market US dollar- whose liabilities rise relative to their assets.
economies between 1990 and 2019, BIS denominated debt as a percentage of gross
researchers found that an increase of 1 domestic product has tripled to nearly 10% And tighter dollar credit can encourage
percentage point in the dollar’s value from around 3.5% during the global global investors to cut their local currency
against a basket of currencies led to a 0.3% financial crisis in 2008. In addition, foreign bond holdings, including from countries
ownership in their domestic bond markets whose currencies have not weakened
sharply. – Reuters
12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020 Cashflow remains a key
SUNBIZ concern for SMEs, micro firms
Bursa expands oRAM survey reveals nearly 70% of respondents want initiatives that The survey findings also showed
market-making respondents feel pressure of Covid-19 will help alleviate pressure on their in order to manage their cashflow in
framework third wave and CMCO cashflow, which had been hoped for an extremely tough year, SMEs have
under Budget 2021.” taken multiple steps to stay solvent,
PETALING JAYA: Bursa Malaysia Bhd PETALING JAYA: In its latest RAM optimistic, suggesting that in which the most common action
has expanded its market-making Business Confidence Index (RAM businesses may be feeling the It pointed out that almost 80% of wasreducing staff count and/or
framework, effective yesterday, in an BCI) survey for fourth-quarter 2020, pressure from the third wave of the surveyed firms indicated tax cutting salaries.
effort to increase market efficiency and RAM Ratings highlighted that Covid-19 and the reinstatement of reductions as the most helpful
promote liquidity and depth. cashflow remains a key concern for the CMCO in the Klang Valley since measure they need but were not As SMEs in Malaysia employ
businesses, particularly SMEs and mid-October 2020. sufficiently addressed by the about 66%of the overall workforce,
In a statement, the market regulator micro enterprises, with nearly 70% government. However, Budget 2021 this does not bode well for the
said with the expanded framework, of the survey respondents indicating The rating agency said without any provides for various schemes and labour market or productivity, RAM
market makers are accorded greater that the conditional MCO (CMCO) brighter business prospects for now, incentives to promote digitalisation said.
flexibility to quote prices and respond has further eroded their cashflow, the recovery paths of SMEs and micro and autoation, which SMEs perceive
to market demands. by an average of 30%-35% to date. enterprises appear challenging. as being less critical for now. It said policymakers should
engage with SMEs and micro
“The changes introduced via this The overall index was little “To help these small businesses, “This highlights the importance enterprises to explore targeted
expanded market making framework is changed at 35.9 (third-quarter 2020: additional support is needed to of financial measures that can help financial support, which will allow
aimed toward further improving market 33.7), still substantially below the address their most immediate small businesses overcome their these firms to stabilise their cashflow
makers’ ability to manage risks by threshold of 50 for sentiment to turn challenges. As such, it is immediate challenges of sustaining in the immediate to medium term.
hedging their exposure to price unsurprising that the SME cashflow. As such, less than 10% of
volatility in the underlying securities. the surveyed pool believe that “Once this hurdle has been
Budget 2021 will be able to improve overcome, they will be better poised
“Market makers are an integral part their chances of survival within the to plan and execute changes to
of the ecosystem, improving market next year,” it added. future-proof their businesses
efficiency and providing greater through digitalisation,” it concluded.
liquidity, especially for less traded and
less liquid stocks. As such, we believe Rakuten expects FBM KLCI to test 1,770 points in 2021
this expansion will further enhance the
attractiveness and competitiveness of KUALA LUMPUR: The benchmark the lead on recovery play mode. remains concerned over the the RM3.80/90 level next year.
the capital market, thereby enticing FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM The banking sector has been the sustainability of the high price of the He said with the new US
more investors and market participants.” KLCI) is expected to close at the crude palm oil (CPO).
1,620-point level in 2020 and test engine of growth and in all administration seen to be less
The expanded market-making 1,770 points in 2021, spurred by recoveries, this sector should benefit, “Plantation would be like the volatile, regional currencies,
framework will foster more efficient improving corporate earnings on he said, adding that Rakuten’s top next glove sector next year. During particularly China’s renminbi
market making through these changes: the back of persistent recovery picks are Maybank, Public Bank and early days of rubber gloves, investors (RMB), are expected to strengthen
mode amid positive developments Hong Leong Bank. For the laggards, also did not believe that that it could against the US dollar.
1) Qualifying criterion for foreign on the Covid-19 vaccine. Affin Bank looks good. sustain at such a high price.
entities to participate as a market maker “As the ringgit versus the US
has been expanded to allow for foreign Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd research However, he said Rakuten’s top “For plantation, the recent third dollar movement is the closest with
entities that meet the prescribed criteria head Kenny Yee (pix) said as the pick sector next year would be quarter results of plantation RMB/USD, we foresee the local
to register as market makers. This availability of the vaccine looks plantation although the market companies were very good based on currency will also strengthen
qualifying criterion will be in addition to imminent, the ongoing recovery CPO price of RM2,600 a tonne. against the greenback,
foreign securities or derivatives brokers mode is believed to continue with
already allowed to participate. the financial, plantation and “With the current CPO price of “The potential inflow of foreign
tourism-related sectors at the around RM3,300 a tonne, and even funds would be another catalyst for
2) A new category of market makers forefront. (if it were) to reduce to 3,000, the a much stronger ringgit, coupled
has been introduced called “derivatives subsequent two quarters would be with the strengthening crude oil
specialists” who will be allowed to utilise “We envisage investors risk at average price of around RM2,800 prices as the Brent crude is expected
the Permitted Short Selling (PSS) appetite to increase, thus equities to to RM3,000 a tonne, the profit and touch US$60 per barrel with positive
framework for market making. remain as the choice asset class, and earnings would still be there,” he development on vaccines, sparking
as low interest rate environment to said. hopes of the reopening of
3) Existing market makers of structured remain indefinitely as global international borders and global
warrants (SWs), single stock options (SSOs) economies recover. On another note, Yee said the economic recovery,” he said.
and single stock futures (SSF) will also be remaining foreign shareholding on
allowed to undertake PSS. “Moving ahead, we expect China Bursa Malaysia displayed low Yee said retail participation in
to lead Asia as the new US possibility of another massive net the local bourse is expected to
With regard to derivatives specialists, administration is seen as a better foreign outflow, thus, the propensity remain vibrant and improve.
Bursa elaborated that they will be business partner than (that of) US of net foreign inflows in 2021 is high.
permitted to carry out PSS on the President Donald Trump,” he said “To date, fund flow into the local
underlying securities of the single stock during a virtual media briefing on He said this is due to ample bourse from local retailers has risen
futures contract or stock option contract market outlook for 2021 themed liquidity in the equity market and by almost fourfold compared with
which are approved securities, as part of “Beyond the Covid-19 Horizon” most of the time it will find their way 2019 to average RM12.19 billion
the market-making activities in the here yesterday. to Asia with the prime destination from RM2.56 billion.
derivatives market. being China and Hong Kong with
Yee said that broad-based Malaysia stands to benefit from the “As a result, the local bourse
Meanwhile, the expansion of the PSS realignment of stocks will continue flow. experienced a surge in daily trading
framework now allows the afore- with the financial, plantation and volume averaging 7.0 billion shares
mentioned market makers to execute tourism-related companies taking On the ringgit’s performance (February-current) from 2.5 billion
PSS of the underlying securities of SWs, next year, he said Rakuten projects shares in 2019 (+179%),” he added. –
SSOs and SSFs, which are approved the local currency to strengthen to Bernama
securities.
Solarvest bags solar PV project from Southern Cable
“For market makers of SW, PSS will
facilitate the issuance of single stock put PETALING JAYA: Solarvest about 2,624 tonnes carbon
warrants which often require market Holdings Bhd has secured a emissions annually. The project is
makers to short sell the underlying shares contract from Southern Cable expected to be completed by the
to hedge their put warrant positions.” Group Bhd to install a rooftop solar end of May 2021.
photovoltaic (PV) system on its
As for SSO and SSF, the ability to cable and wires manufacturing Solarvest CEO Davis Chong
carry out PSS is vital. Without this, the facility in Kuala Ketil, Kedah. Chun Shiong said using Southern One of
ability of market makers to provide Under the contract, Solarvest Cable’s PV cables and wires would Solarvest’s
liquidity to investors would be will undertake the full turnkey serve as an opportune reference rooftop solar
hampered, it added. engineering, procurement, site, and it looks forward to work power system
construction and commissioning closely with Southern Cable in its projects. –
APFT inks MoU to pave works for a 2.7 megawatt-peak upcoming projects. SOLARVEST
way for move into (MWp) rooftop solar PV system. WEBSITE PIX
property development The solar PV system will be “We believe having locally cost savings in the long run.
equipped with Southern Cable’s in- manufactured products provide “We also look forward to contribute
PETALING JAYA: APFT Bhd has entered house manufactured cables and more options to the industry and play a part in realising the
into a memorandum of understanding wires, which are currently the only players and improves the uptake trend to remain upward as more government’s target of 20% renewable
(MoU) with Paragrene Land Sdn Bhd locally produced products that are ecosystem of the renewable energy corporates are increasing its efforts in energy capacity mix, by powering up
(PL), and its shareholders, namely certified by TÜV SÜD for use in sector. The increase in local fulfilling its environment, social and more solar PV systems with our locally
Fortress Capital Asset Management (M) solar PV systems. participations in the supply chain is governance goals,” he added. produced cables and wires.”
Sdn Bhd, Wan Nasir Wan Mustafha and The rooftop solar PV system will encouraging as it signals the robust
Lim Pheck Joo to discuss and explore a generate over 3.8 million kilowatt- potentials of solar PV market here. Southern Cable managing director
structure in which the business of PL hour of clean energy and offset Tung Eng Hai said the solar PV system
will be the new core business of APFT. “The growth of solar PV industry by Solarvest would provide significant
in Malaysia has been phenomenal in
PL is principally involved in property the recent years. We expect the
development, with a focus on the
affordable housing sector.
In its Bursa filing, the group said the
MoU will include making an assessment
as to the most appropriate and viable
structure and form for the proposed
transaction to be implemented, in order
to regularise its PN17 status.
13theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
SUNBIZ
Salcon unit signs solar power purchase agreements with HeveaPac
PETALING JAYA: Salcon Bhd’s unit Satria on the site in Negri Sembilan. HeveaPac, who shall purchase from meters are to be installed and corporations and local leaders across
Satria Megajuta Sdn Bhd has inked HeveaPac is a major shareholder Satria the net electricity output located. various industries looking to reduce
three solar power purchase generated by the generating facilities. their electricity costs in their daily
agreement with HeveaPac Sdn Bhd of Satria, holding 33% equity interest. “The transactions represent a business operations,” it said in a
for the sale and purchase of Under the agreement, Satria will Satria has also entered into three significant milestone for Salcon Bursa filing.
electricity to be generated by the lease agreements with HeveaPac for Group as part of its strategic initiative
solar generating facilities to be design, install, own, operate and the lease of the rooftop and such part to diversify into the renewable energy The generating facilities are
installed, owned and operated by maintain generating facilities at the of the premises upon which the sector to provide sustainable energy expected to be fully operational by
premises to generate and supply generating facilities and solar energy solutions to multinational the first half of 2021.
solar photovoltaic energy to
Batu Kawan makes
MyEG, China’s Zhifei inoffertotakeoverCCM
for RM3.10 a share
Covid-19 vaccine cooperationPETALING JAYA: Batu Kawan Bhd has
extended a mandatory take-over offer to
acquire all the remaining shares it does not
own in Chemical Company of Malaysia
Bhd (CCM) for RM3.10 per share. of Zhifei’s vaccine in Malaysia and in achieving
This was triggered after Batu Kawan o Both companies will cooperate to conduct phase 3 clinical compliance to halal status requirements to
entered into a conditional share secure halal certification from the Department
purchase agreement with sellers on Nov trials in Malaysia of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
17 to acquire a 56.32% stake in CCM for As an internationally-recognised standard,
RM292.79 million cash or RM3.10 per Jakim’s halal accreditation will ensure
share, raising its stake from 3.41% to PETALING JAYA: My EG Services Bhd (MyEG) vaccine and to exclusively distribute the increased acceptance of the vaccine among the
about 59.73% in CCM. has entered into a cooperation with Anhui vaccine in Malaysia for a three-year period. global Muslim population, MyEG said in a
The offer will also be extended to the Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical Co Ltd to The two companies have signed a statement.
persons acting in concert (PACs) with obtain a Malaysian halal certification for the memorandum of understanding, agreeing to The commencement of Phase 3 trial will
Batu Kawan. The presumed PACs are Chinese biopharma company’s Covid-19 cooperate in conducting Phase 3 clinical trials make Zhifei’s vaccine one of the first to undergo
Batu Kawan managing director and this final stage trial in Malaysia under the
executive director Datuk Lee Hau Hian; purview of the Health Ministry.
Yeoh Chin Hin Investments Sdn Bhd, a Zhifei is a subsidiary of Chongqing Zhifei
company of which Batu Kawan director Biological Products Co Ltd, which is listed on
Datuk Yeoh Eng Khoon, is a director and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and has been
substantial shareholder; as well as Soda engaged in the biological products industry
Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned since 2002, mainly the production of vaccines
subsidiary of Taiko Marketing Sdn Bhd. for human use. Zhifei is presently one of five
Datuk Lee Soon Hian holds about Chinese companies conducting Phase 3 clinical
69.27% stake in Taiko Marketing. trials of their Covid-19 vaccines in various parts
Soon Hian is the brother of Tan Sri Lee of the world.
Oi Hian and Hau Hian, the substantial Upon successful completion of the Phase 3
shareholders and directors of Batuk trials, MyEG will be the sole distributor of the
Kawan. Although Soon Hian is a presumed vaccine in Malaysia.
PAC, he is not a director nor is he involved Trading in MyEG’s securities was halted for
in the management of Batu Kawan. an hour yesterday due to the announcement.
Batu Kawan intends to maintain the Since Nov 1, MyEG has been appointed by
listing status of CCM on the Main Market the Health Ministry to develop and operate the
of Bursa Securities unless it receives MySafeTravel digital health pass system to
valid acceptances resulting Batu Kawan facilitate inbound travellers’ compliance to
and its associates holding in aggregate mandatory Covid-19 testing and quarantine
90% or more of the shares. requirements.
In the event that it receives valid In addition, MyEG also operates a one-stop
acceptances of not less than nine-tenths portal for the Covid-19 screening of workers in
in the nominal value of the shares on or the country, which includes a data sharing
before the closing date, Batu Kawan MyEG says partnership with the Chinese biopharma firm is also to secure halal certification from Jakim collaboration with the Department of Labour of
intends to compulsorily acquire any for the vaccine. – REUTERSPIX Peninsular Malaysia.
remaining offer shares from the holders
who have not accepted the offer.
Foreign net selling on Bursa at RM747m BNM international
Inix chairman quits reserves at US$105.3b
after five days PETALING JAYA: Foreign investors were net “We posit that retailers buying appetite has as at Nov 13
sellers last week amounting to RM747.4 shifted from mild profit taking behaviour as
PETALING JAYA: Inix Technologies million, according to MIDF Research. seen fortnight ago. Last week, retailers net KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia’s
buying bounce higher at RM442.5 million in
As market reopened on last Monday, foreign
investors sold RM541.02 million net of local comparison to the preceding week of smaller
Holdings Bhd’s Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi equities, with retailers and local institutions as recovery at RM163.8 million. (BNM) international reserves amounted to
Harun has resigned from his position, as net buyers at RM183.1 million and RM357.9 “So far in 2020, foreign investors net selling US$105.3 billion (RM427 billion) as at Nov 30
the group’s independent and non- million respectively. has reached RM24.2 billion worth of equities on compared to US$104.9 billion as at Nov 13.
executive chairman, five days after his For last week, retailers were active buyers Bursa. In comparison to another three South In a statement yesterday, BNM said the
appointment. except on Thursday with net selling of RM87.4 East Asian markets that we tracked last week; reserves position was sufficient to finance
Mohamad Fuzi, who was the former million. The largest net inflow at the tune of Indonesia recorded the most foreign net 8.6 months of retained imports and 1.2
inspector general of police (IGP), RM183.11 million on Monday and smallest on outflow while Thailand experienced the times total short-term external debt.
relinquished his position effective Tuesday with net inflow to the tune of smallest outflow compare to the others,“ said The central bank said the main
yesterday “to spend more time on RM104.61 million. This momentum continued MIDF in its fund flow report yesterday. components of the international reserves were
personal interest and on-going until the end of the week. On Friday, retailers Net buying amounted to RM12.4 billion foreign currency reserves (US$97.9 billion),
business”, according to Inix’s Bursa filing. net bought to the tune of RM120.9 million. came from retailers thus far in 2020, while local International Monetary Fund reserves position
He was appointed following the It was mixed momentum for local institution bought to the tune of RM11.3 billion. (US$1.4 billion), Special Drawing Rights
resignation of Macau tycoon Wan Kuok institutions. The market saw local institutions In terms of participation, the retail investors (SDRs; US$1.1 billion), gold (US$2.4 billion),
Koi on Dec 2. as net sellers mid-week and closed as net recorded a weekly increase of 27.98% in average and other reserve assets (US$2.5 billion).
In a separate filing, the group said Tan buyers. Largest net selling was recorded on daily trade value (ADTV) while the foreign The assets comprised gold and foreign
Sri Syed Mohd Yusof Tun Syed Nasir will Tuesday at RM170.6 million and largest buying investor experienced increase of ADTV of exchange and other reserves, including SDRs
be replacing Mohamad Fuzi. was on Monday. 93.19% and local institution at ADTV of 23.77%. amounting to RM437.5 billion, Malaysian
government papers (RM11.14 billion),
deposits with financial institutions (RM6.46
Petronas, Sarawak ink landmark commercial settlement deal billion), loans and advances (RM17.48
billion), land and buildings (RM4.17 billion),
and other assets (RM13.04 billion).
PETALING JAYA: Petroliam Nasional Bhd onshore oil and gas activities through Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun The central bank added that capital and
(Petronas) and the Sarawak state government Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros). Openg and Petronas chairman Tan Sri Ahmad liabilities comprised paid-up capital
yesterday signed a commercial settlement “Under this landmark commercial Nizam Salleh,“ he said at the signing ceremony (RM100 million), reserves (RM172.33
agreement on the issues involving the state’s settlement agreement, both Petronas and the yesterday. billion), currency in circulation (RM128.05
sales tax and oil mining laws. state government have agreed to establish a Tengku Muhammad Taufik said the billion), deposits by financial institutions
Petronas president and group CEO Tengku consultative framework to enhance agreement would open new avenues for (RM147.26 billion), federal government
Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz said the collaboration through a structured and collaboration between Petronas and Petros, deposits (RM5.95 billion), other deposits
commercial settlement agreement would formalised avenue comprising a joint including the development of the Sarawak Gas (RM11.73 billion), Bank Negara papers
establish a framework between the national oil coordination committee and an annual Masterplan and ongoing efforts to encourage (RM12.17 billion), allocation of SDRs
company and the state government that would strategic dialogue. more participation by Sarawakian vendors. – (RM7.86 billion), and other liabilities
see Sarawak more actively involved in its “These platforms will be co-chaired between Bernama (RM4.34 billion). – Bernama
14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
SUNBIZ
Brexit talks in crisis as decision day dawns
BRUSSELS: Post-Brexit trade talks o Without a deal, tariffs will be levied on huge Johnson has insisted Britain will no-deal would be very damaging to
between the EU and the UK reached a volumes of trade passing between the UK and “prosper mightily” whatever the all concerned, to the United
decisive point yesterday, with the the EU continent from Jan 1 outcome of the talks, but he will face Kingdom, to the Irish economy and
outcome highly uncertain and the severe political turbulence if he indeed to economies of member
threat of a wrenching “no-deal” avoiding major disruptions come Jan 1. “We are on a very narrow path and cannot seal a deal. states as well.”
divorce mounting by the hour. Barnier and Frost are expected to it is impossible to predict the
outcome,“ the source explained. “Johnson has a huge decision to “It’s very, very important that
Brussels’ chief negotiator Michel resume face-to-face talks later make in the next 48 hours,“ said common sense prevails here and that
Barnier briefed ambassadors from yesterday before reporting back to Several sources said the hardest Mujtaba Rahman of the Eurasia a deal is done,“ he added, and
EU member states at a pre-dawn their respective bosses EU chief issue was how to guarantee fair trade Group, a consultancy. pointed to Thursday’s summit as a
crisis meeting, after talks with his UK Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime in future ties and establish a quick critical moment.
counterpart David Frost broke up Minister Boris Johnson. penalty mechanism if either side “A majority of the cabinet would
overnight. were to backtrack on, for example, prefer an agreement to limit the France meanwhile is seen as the
The two leaders will speak by phone environmental or health standards. disruption at the borders on Jan 1, but most reluctant to compromise
Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheal later in the day, a call that might now will back the prime minister’s among the Europeans, taking the
Martin warned the chances for a deal effectively be an end to the dialogue. Britain is very reluctant to accept a judgement if he opts for no deal,“ he toughest line against the UK,
were only “50-50”, while sources close broad and binding arrangement, said. especially on fishing rights and
to the talks said Sunday’s All eyes are on an EU summit on seeing it as an infringement on its preserving fair trade rules.
horsetrading was slow and Thursday, when the outline of any deal new-found sovereignty after 47 years Without a deal, tariffs would be
expectations were low. – or an admission of the failure to find of EU membership. levied on the huge volumes of trade For the second time in three days,
one – will be put to the bloc’s 27 leaders. passing between the UK and the Europe Minister Clement Beaune on
Britain left the EU on Jan 31 but “In essence, if the talks fail now, European continent, through the Sunday warned that France could
will exit the EU’s single market at A source close to the talks said the the two sides didn’t manage to agree Channel tunnel and by ship, starting veto a deal if French interests were
year’s end, following a transition situation was “very difficult” and that what constitutes foul play and what to on Jan 1. not protected.
period originally intended to give negotiations were in their “last useful do about it,“ an EU diplomat said.
time to shape future ties. days”. Travellers between both sides The warning was seen as aimed
would also be affected with further both at Britain and at EU partners
The goal of the negotiations is to passport delays and red tape for that Paris fears are too soft on
establish a trade relationship with zero foreign residents and businesses. London, most notably Germany. –
tariffs and zero quotas in hopes of AFP
Ireland’s Martin insisted that “a
Airbnb to raise World’s highest valued startups China unlikely to tighten
IPO price: Report monetary policy soon
A “unicorn” startup is a private company with a valuation of over
WASHINGTON: Home-sharing $1 billion. There are more than 470 unicorns – including 25 “decacorns” BEIJING: China is unlikely to tighten The central bank has rolled out a
giant Airbnb, which is scheduled its monetary policy soon, even raft of easing measures since
to go public this week, will valued at over $10bn each, according to CB Insights though an economic recovery could February. But analysts say the central
significantly raise its IPO price, Decacorns – largest unicorns (valuations in US$ billions) gain steam in coming months, Xu bank has shifted to a steadier stance
valuing the group at more than Xianchun, a former vice-head of the as the economy rebounds.
US$40 billion (RM162 billion), the Jinri Toutiao (ByteDance) 75 National Bureau of Statistics, told
Wall Street Journal reported Artificial intelligence (China) Reuters. Xu said an expected brisk growth
Sunday. reading for January-March of 2021
Didi Chuxing 56 The world’s second-largest could be partly explained by a steep
The group is expected to Auto & transportation (China) economy could grow around 6% in contraction a year earlier – when the
announce a price range of the fourth quarter from 4.9% in July- economy was hammered by the
between US$56 and US$60 a SpaceX 36 September, before peaking at about coronavirus.
share, up from US$44 to US$50, Aerospace (U.S.) 10% in the first quarter of 2021, said
the paper said. Xu, who now heads Tsinghua Xu said he expects annual GDP
Stripe 36 University’s China Data Center. growth to accelerate to 7-8% in the
Airbnb did not respond when Fintech (U.S.) whole of 2021 from 2.2-2.5% this year.
contacted Sunday for comment. Nevertheless, Xu said: “Monetary
20 Palantir Technologies policy is unlikely to be tightened in A recent Reuters poll forecast GDP
The vacation rental platform, Data analytics (U.S.) the short term and it could be kept growth could slow to 2.1% this year,
which has managed to turn the stable. the only major economy to expand –
tide after a few difficult months at 18 Kuaishou although at its slowest since 1976 –
the start of the coronavirus Telecoms (China) “We have not completely walked then surge by 8.4% in 2021.
pandemic, said its initial public out of the pandemic, and there are
offering would include 51.9 18 Airbnb uncertainties. Next year, policy is China’s growth could return to
million shares. Travel (U.S.) likely to become stable and normal in 2022 as distortions caused
targeted.” by the Covid-19 diminishes, and the
The group will go public 16 One97 economy could resume a gradual
Thursday and will be listed on the Fintech (India) A vice-central bank governor has slowdown in growth due to the
Nasdaq stock exchange platform said the central bank would consider country’s demographic changes,
under the symbol “ABNB.” 16 DoorDash ~ $1,418bn policy changes as the economy resources and tech constraints, Xu
Supply chain (U.S.) recovers but would not act hastily. said.
At the increased price, the Total cumulative
champion of the gig economy DJI Innovations valuation of
could reach a stock market 15 Hardware (China) 474 unicorns:
valuation of US$42 billion.
15 Epic Games (July 2020)
In a testament to Wall Street’s Software (U.S.)
appetite for IPOs for new
unicorns, meal delivery service Source: The Global Unicorn Club, CB Insights © GRAPHIC NEWS
DoorDash will make its debut on
the market one day before Airbnb. business restrictions due to the will now be aiming for a valuation Oil prices slip on surging Covid
virus, also raised its IPO unit price of more than US$30 billion. cases, heightened Sino-US tensions
The startup, propelled by range to between US$90 and
US$95 per share on Friday, versus Wall Street has set new records LONDON: Oil prices slipped slightly from January but continue
US$75 to US$85 previously. in the past two weeks, with the yesterday as the positive impact from the bulk of existing supply curbs.
Dow Jones and Nasdaq closing Covid-19 vaccines and an Opec+ deal
The meal delivery company Friday at all-time highs. – AFP on oil production cuts was “With the Opec deal in the bag,
undermined by surging coronavirus now traders looked back at
Asia capital markets gear up for busy cases and heightened tensions fundamentals, demand and supply,
December after record fundraising between the United States and China. and they were forced to come back to
earth as things are not looking good
HONG KONG: Strong financial bolster this year’s all-time high, Travel restrictions due to the Brent crude fell 76 cents, or 1.5%, to in the short term,” said Bjornar
markets, investor appetite and which so far represents a 56.3% Covid-19 pandemic have also US$48.49 (RM197.30) a barrel by 0911 Tonhaugen, head of oil markets at
liquidity are set to make December increase over the same period last resulted in executives and bankers GMT. US crude was down 82 cents, or Rystad Energy.
unusually warm for fundraising year, and will eclipse the previous in regional hubs such as Hong Kong 1.8%, at US$45.44 (RM184.90).
activity in Asia after already clocking record of US$306.2 billion in 2010, cancelling traditional December A surge in coronavirus cases
a record this year with US$355.4 Refinitiv data showed. and January holiday plans, meaning “Surging virus cases and a Reuters globally has forced a series of
billion (RM1.4 trillion) raised, there has been no slowdown in report signalling the United States is renewed lockdowns, including strict
according to financial advisers. The Asia capital raising rush is a deals. preparing new sanctions on Chinese new measures in the US state of
major fee earner for investment officials ... outweighed the positive California and in Germany and South
The first four days of December banks in the region which could “There are still sizeable sentiment driven by vaccine news,” Korea.
saw 43 deals in Asia raise US$12.7 help offset a decline in income in transactions going on and it seems said Hussein Sayed, chief market
billion, Refinitiv data showed, three other key areas of their businesses there will still be quite a bit of activity strategist at FXTM. Iran, meanwhile, has instructed its
times the amount of the same around the world. well into December,“ said Herbert oil ministry to prepare installations
period last year, with Hong Kong Smith Freehills China managing Reuters exclusively reported that for the production and sale of crude
and China accounting for the “Stocks in November have had partner Matt Emsley, adding there the United States was preparing to oil at full capacity within three
biggest share. one of the best months ever and we was “a solid pipeline” going into next impose sanctions on at least a dozen months, state media said on Sunday.
are seeing sustained inflows into year. Chinese officials over their alleged role
At least US$3 billion worth of global equities,“ said William Smiley, in Beijing’s disqualification of elected “Adding to the pressure on oil
initial public offerings (IPOs) are co-head of equity capital markets in An equity capital markets banker opposition legislators in Hong Kong. prices is the potential Iranian
likely to be finalised in Hong Kong in Asia ex-Japan at Goldman Sachs. at a Wall Street lender in Hong Kong increase to production in three
December, according to bankers said there was no doubt the run will Both oil contracts gained last week months. Iran is optimistic the U.S. will
working on those deals. “With significant demand for be sustained at least until year-end. after Opec+, comprising the ease restrictions if they return back to
emerging markets and China growth, – Reuters Organization of the Petroleum the 2015 nuclear deal,” said Edward
Those transactions will further Asia is at the heart of that activity.” Exporting Countries (Opec) and its Moya, senior market analyst at
allies, agreed to increase output OANDA. – Reuters
Every second Tuesday of the month ONTUESDAYDOENCTEUMESBDEARY8N,2O0V2E0MBER 10, 2018
Education Focus
Email [email protected] To advertise email [email protected]
U Stellar achievementwho majored inNIVERSITYTUNKU Property Management (Honours).
ABDUL RAHMAN (UTAR) The postgraduate programmes
alumnus Lee Woei Hao
include:
accounting, has done both the 0 Master of Business Administration,
university and the nation proud with 0 MasteOrNoTfUBEuSsDiAnYeNssOAVEdMmBiEnRis1t0r,a2t0io1n8
his outstanding results in the (Corporate Governance),
Chartered Institute of Management 0 Master of Business Administration
Accountants (CIMA) A-Star (Building Management),
0 Master of Philosophy, and
Programme. Education FocusoUTARstudentawardedTop50inCIMAA-StarProgramme
to hold on to my big dreams and said employers globally. Besides the the help of my lecturer. It was also 0 Doctor of Philosophy.
NoEv.Te2rhy3seeacno2nd3d-wTyueeasasdarn-yoaofmldtheewdmhoanomth wonags ranked that it didn’t matter whether I recognition, it also provides them due to the iAncUcoTuAnRt.inEmgapil [email protected]etsTsoeafpdrvoreormtigseraeamlmlaiolmavdeveersrtithshea@evtewheasoutrntldrdaaiclya.tcneomdd
the Top succeeded or failed; what matters the with a lifelong learning opportunity undertook
50 in the world, said he was very most is that I tried. Besides, I am also with the right skills set competencies “UTAR’s Accounting programme ensured students’ employability rate
surprised to hear the good news, as it grateful to CIMA for giving me the to stay relevant to their organisation. provided me with a solid foundation, of 95% to 97% within six months of
was not an easy feat to achieve. opportunity to justify my judgment in “I believe that it is important to and comprehensive knowledge and graduation.
“I am thankful to my lecturer who the exam.” have a solid foundation of theoretical skills. The course helped me to The University currently offers
12has taught me to improve my critical Education FocusThe CIMA A-Star Programme is a knowledge, however, gaining various expedite my preparation for the SCS more than 110 programmes from
thinking skills as critical thinking unique one-exam pathway for high practical experiences are equally paper as most of the topics were Foundation Studies to Bachelor’s,
was crucial for this examination. achieving university students important as it enables us to build a already covered in the Bachelor of Master’s, and PhD degrees in the
The Strategic Case Study (SCS) and graduates with a CGPA stronger career pathway. Apart from Accounting programme. fields of Accounting, Business,
paper featured a case study on above 3.5 to become Chartered that, be daring to pursue the things “I believe the knowledge and skills Finance and Economics, Actuarial
the current business situation. Global Management that you are passionate about and see gained from my studies at UTAR have Science, Mathematics and Process
We must understand the case Accountants (CGMAs). things from a different perspective. been essential to help me cope with Management, Agriculture and Food
as we are tasked to critique, The candidate who fulfils the “In the near future, I would like to the intense preparations for the Science, Arts, Social Sciences and
evaluate and make appropriate aforementioned requirement gain more experience in my current CIMA SCS exam, I could easily apply Education, Chinese Studies, Creative
recommendations,” said Education Focusiseligibletoapplyforthe Industries, Digital Animation,
Lee who scored 124 out CIMA membership
of 150 in the CIMA SCS and can be certified 13Multimedia and Design, Engineering
paper. as a Chartered
work and also to venture into internal the business theories to the case and Built Environment, Information
audits as I expand my career path,” studies in the exam.” and Communication Technology,
said Lee who is currently working as
an audit associate at Allan Ong & Co. Lee added that UTAR was one of
G l o b a l PLT, Chartered Accountants. the Malaysian universities chosen for
“My lecturer from the CIMA A-Star Programme, a fast Life and Physical Sciences, and
the Faculty of Management Lee emphasised: “I enjoy learning. track avenue for top achievers in Medicine and Health Sciences.
Accountancy and A c c o u n t a n t If you enjoy the learning process, you some of Malaysia’s top universities to UTAR is ranked #501-600 in the
Management (FAM) (CGMA). will be sure to benefit from it and gain the CIMA professional Times Higher Education (THE)
Tan Suk Shiang With three years from there you will be able to unlock qualification. World University Rankings 2020,
encouraged me to of relevant working a much larger world of opportunities. The programme was also held for ranked #181 in the Quacquarelli
take this exam. She experience, they We need to equip ourselves with the first time in 2019, and Malaysia Symonds (QS) Asia University
also encouraged me will be entitled to proper business and technical was one of the countries involved in Rankings 2020 and was awarded Self-
earn the knowledge as it will be tested in the the programme’s pilot testing. Accreditation Status by the Malaysian
prestigious Strategic Case Study exam, so keep Other undergraduate Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Lee says UTAR’s professional learning. programmes offered by FAM are For more information, visit
accounting designation that is Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
programme provided renowned in the “I managed to enhance my skills Global Economics, Bachelor of www.utar.edu.my or call 05-468
him with a solid to measure, analyse, manage risks
finance profession and investigate potential business International Business (Honours), 8888 (Kampar Campus), 03- 9086
foundation. and recognised by developments and investments with and Bachelor of Building and 0288 (Sungai Long Campus).
1S10262 Education Focus
theSunonTUESDAY | DECEMBER8,2020
A passion for health and nutrition
Education FocusGRADUATE 13
ABachelor in Nutrition of embark on a career with exciting was offered the position of diet aide
Management and Science challenges, Mohamad Sharizan upon completing the internship, but
University’s (MSU) recently shared with us his had to reject it because it was on
experiences since leaving MSU and contract basis.
(Hons) programme, Mohamad how he ended up joining the armed “Luckily, I had also passed a two-
Sharizan Abdul Hamid has forces. week Graduate Cadet Officer
embarked on a unique and exciting “After graduating from MSU in Selection Camp in Malacca, and nine
career path as a nutrition officer with 2015 I landed a job that was related months of training as a cadet officer at
the Royal Medical Corps. to my degree. I had been really keen the Academy in Port Dickson, so here
With an aim to further his to work in a clinical environment, so I am now, giving nutrition talks to
expertise and experience in I did my practical at a private officers as well as staff.
nutrition and health, as well as medical centre in Kuala Lumpur. I “Since members of the army need
to always be fit and healthy within the
BMI normal range, I receive a lot of
requests to conduct programmes of
body weight management, healthy
eating, and so on,” said Mohamad
Sharizan.
Of his memorable experiences,
one was when he gave a talk on halal
food handling onboard the USNS
Mercy in the United States. Another
memorable experience was when he Mohamad Sharizan (far right) with US Marine colleagues in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
participated in Tiger Strike, a military
exercise conducted between the books that inspire, motivate, and Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
Malaysian Army and the US Marines teach him to be his better self every as Malaysia’s #1 for graduate
in Lahad Datu, Sabah, where the MSU time, Mohamad Sharizan is working employability.
alumnus gave a talk on healthy eating. on a soon-to-be-published novel Blending technical vocational
Believing that time is one of the about relationships, self- education and training (TVET) with
greatest gifts he can give, Mohamad empowerment, self-motivation, and traditional academic curricula, MSU
Sharizan has been setting the scene how to deal with a heart in unease. enhances competencies with industry
for community engagement since he Most of the scenes are set in Sofia, internship, community and creative
was 18 as an active member of Bulgaria, and Istanbul, as he is quite entrepreneurship, as well as global
PROSTAR – short for Program Sihat familiar with these cities, having exposure; empowering MSU
Tanpa AIDS (Healthy Without AIDS backpacked there in 2019. graduates with the well-roundedness
Programme). His public-education The alumnus of MSU’s Faculty of desired and sought after by
activities included visiting Health and Life Sciences (FHLS) has employers.
orphanages and elderly-care centres. also been featured in local The university also offers various
During his Sabah posting to the B mainstream media. During his skills enhancement programmes
Coy of the First Medical Battalion at practical semester, he was also which are aimed to improve students
the Lok Kawi Camp in Kota Kinabalu interviewed by professors from four competitiveness. For instance, the
from 2016 to 2018, he joined the Jiwa public universities for accreditation of Graduate Employability Skills (GEmS)
Murni programme for rural residents, the MSU Bachelor in Nutrition (Hons) and Personal Enrichment
where free medical and dental check- programme. Competencies (PEC) programme at
ups were provided. In his Nutritionist “After the interview, I was offered, MSU serves to improve students’ soft
capacity, he set up a nutrition corner and accepted, a place on the Master in skills.
to give visual and hands-on Sport Nutrition [course] at one of Apart from the Nutrition
information about eating right. them, which is what I’m doing now, programme, FHLS also offers diploma
“I am super lucky to have studied on flexible mode. Lifelong learning is and bachelor programmes in the
at MSU. Across all the faculties and yet another lesson from my MSU areas of Food Service Technology,
schools, community engagement is education, one that I take to heart and Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology,
central to education. I had great shall always treasure!” Halal Quality Assurance, Medical
lecturers, supervisors and mentors As a top university in Malaysia, Assistant, Radiotherapy and
who guided me throughout my years MSU prioritises student development Physiotherapy.
there. Their knowledge, advice, to enhance graduate employability, For further information, contact
direction, counselling, and guidance with 98.7% of its graduates the Engagement and Enrolment
were some of my best takeaways,” he successfully securing employment Department at 03 – 5521 6868.
said. within six months of their graduation, Additional information can also be
Professing a love of travel and leading to MSU’s ranking by the obtained at www.msu.edu.my.
Attending the 50th anniversary celebration of Kor Kesihatan DiRaja.
█ BY S. INDRA SATHIABALAN Pocket dynamo 17theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
* ENTERTAINMENT
SHE is only 12 years old but o Alyssa Dezek is showing the world that despite her young
Aryanna Alyssa Dezek, or age, she is able to captivate millions with her singing The Oscars 2021 will be held on April 25,
Alyssa Dezek, is making 2021. – AFP
huge waves globally on Alyssa made a huge
social media thanks to her impact in the music world Oscars 2021 to be
singing. with Lagu Untuk Kamu. – ‘in-person telecast’
COURTESY OF XENO
She is currently trending across ENTERTAINMENT THE Oscars 2021 will be organised
the world with the music video of traditionally as an “in-person telecast” and
her first single Lagu Untuk Kamu produced such a lovely video to go a successful businesswoman.” not be broadcast virtually, according to a
which has received 105 million with the song. She recently collaborated with report from Variety.
views on YouTube.
When asked how she balanced Jestinna Kuan on the song You The Academy of Motion Picture Arts
Prior to this, her previous school and career before the Make Me Feel that was also and Sciences moved the 73rd Academy
music videos singing Tak Tun pandemic, Alyssa said: “Before recorded in Mandarin and Malay. Awards ceremony to April 25, 2021, so that
Tuang and Despacito garnered 36 the pandemic, I had school in the theatres would be open again in the
million and 9.3 millions views morning and music practice after When asked what her future spring, which will allow more films to
respectively. school. Weekends would be plans were, Alyssa said: “My future compete in the awards, the report said.
guitar, ukulele and violin classes. plans are to grow into a more
She has also almost four For acting [gigs], sometimes I had versatile and successful “The Oscars in-person telecast will
million subscribers on to skip classes but I would entertainer. I shall definately happen,“ Variety reported last week, citing
her YouTube channel substitute them with tuition pursue this full-time when I am a representative from the Academy.
(started in 2012) to date. classes. older, and after I have finished
college.” The Academy Awards are traditionally
She also took part in “As for now, acting jobs are held at the 3,400-seater Dolby Theatre in
competitions such as Ceria All very limited due to the pandemic There are many young people Los Angeles. Because of the coronavirus
Star at age seven and in 2018, and I am only singing through my out there who look up to her as a pandemic, the number of people who will
took part in another singing YouTube channel. There is no role model. To them, she says: “My be allowed to attend is unclear.
competition, Ceria Mega Star. more school, only online classes.” advice to all youngsters out there is
not to be afraid to explore your “The Academy has done a walkthrough
She was also featured in When asked who are the inner talents. Find your talent and of the Dolby recently to see all the multiple
Ameng Spring’s song Pasrah artistes who inspired her, Alyssa polish it until you have achieved options,” the report added, citing an
Anak Jalanan that was said: “I am truly inspired by the your ambition. There is an English awards publicist familiar with the situation.
performed during AIM 2017. one and only Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, quote: ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’
because she is a living legend, she So you must keep on practising to Television’s Emmy Awards in September
Alyssa is also an actress who has a great voice, of course, and is get it right.” were a virtual-only ceremony. Including
has starred in telemovies such the host Jimmy Kimmel, only production
as Kasut Bola Pink, Anak Anak staff and a handful of stars were allowed
Ibu, Jangan Sembelih Merah, inside the event venue at the Staples
Patahnya Sebelah Sayap and Centre in downtown Los Angeles. –
Jodoh-Jodoh Annisa. Reuters
She said: “I felt so happy Dave Chappelle’s 8:46 video was viewed
and grateful for Lagu Untuk over 29 million times on YouTube this year.
Kamu’s achievement on
YouTube. My initial target was five Top 10 most-
to 10 million views but now it has watched videos
already reached 107 million views,
and is still increasing. I wish to WHICH videos were most watched by US
express my gratitude to my YouTube viewers in 2020? The video
beloved family, my big boss Mr. platform unveiled its top 10 ranking on
Prashan Chitty, CEO of Xeno Dec 1. Parodies, standup and good news
Entertainment, Posan Tobing the were among the themes defining the key
composer of Lagu Untuk Kamu, videos that helped US internet users make
and of course all my lovely fans.” it through this difficult year, reports AFP-
Relaxnews
Alyssa believes that social The top 10 most popular videos on
media can help enhance an YouTube in 2020 in the USA
artiste’s career, especially now 1. Netflix Is A Joke - 8:46, Dave Chappelle
during the pandemic. 2. Mark Rober - Building the Perfect Squirrel
Proof Bird Feeder
Her own success is proof of 3. SNL - First Debate Cold Open
that. In fact, many musicians are 4. Jeffree Star - We Broke Up
finding social media to be a 5. MrBeast - I Bought The World’s Largest
lifeline for their careers, which Firework
have been hampered due to 6. NikkieTutorials - I’m Coming Out
restrictions on holding live 7. Dream - Minecraft Speedrunner VS 3
performances due to the Hunters GRAND FINALE
pandemic. 8. NBC - Ricky Gervais’ Monologue - 2020
Golden Globes
She adds: “Lagu Untuk Kamu 9. Dude Perfect - Quarantine Stereotypes
has a special message truly 10. SomeGoodNews - Some Good News
dedicated to my beloved fans with John Krasinski - Ep 1
out there.” She also
commends the Xeno
production team who
China’s virtual talent show gets mixed reception
CHINA is looking for its new idol, The first episode of Dimension Nova is available on YouTube. weirdest variety show that I’ve
and a digital idol at that. At the seen this year”. The comment has
end of October, the iQiyi online Dimension Nova. showing the creators of the digital been liked 575 times.
video platform – China’s answer to A total of 22 digital characters characters and the control room
Netflix – launched a new show at during the live show. Below that, another comment
the cutting edge of technology. battle it out live to win a contract – this time written in English by
Dimension Nova is a next- at the end of the contest. The While the show definitely has a “girl named brenda” – reads:
generation TV talent show for contestants perform before the sense of humour about itself, the “Lowkey like how do they film this
virtual contestants only. judges in a decor that could quality of the virtual acts has left I’m so confused,” which has been
almost be mistaken for the the internet a little perplexed. On liked 337 times.
After debuting in October, legendary Hogwarts from the YouTube, the first episode (posted
Dimension Nova went relatively world of Harry Potter. The digital in two parts) received no shortage While the concept of a virtual
unnoticed by the rest of the world. hopefuls are hidden behind of comments. Writing under the celebrity may have advantages for
And yet, the show’s premise is picture frames on the walls. The first part of episode one, user record companies, notably in
intriguing, to say the least. This show even goes as far as to take Yanhua Zhan resumes the quirky terms of controlling the star’s
new-gen TV talent show is a viewers behind the scenes, nature of the contest: “This is the image and money, technology
music contest that sees virtual does appear to have its limits.
contestants perform to a panel of
human judges. During the first episode, a
digital contestant called Meiyu fell
The judges are three Chinese victim to a bug. The tech team
celebrities: Angelababy, an then had to solve the problem live
actress and well-known TV during the show. Plus, on the
personality; Wang Linkai, a Chinese social network Douban,
former member of the Chinese viewers lamented the poor quality
band, Nine Percent; and Esther of the performances, from both a
Yu, a singer with the Chinese technical and a musical point of
band, THE9. They are joined by view.
Tengger, a Mongolian singer who
steps into the role of presenter – or Nevertheless, according to
rather the “museum curator” of certain Chinese media outlets, a
second season is already in the
works. – AFP-Relaxnews
SPECIAL
ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
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Santas ditch the chimney for the internet
WITH Hungary under partial messages and send them by post or joy and happiness this year,” said 3
lockdown to curb a surge in Covid-19 provide online sessions with Santa Pillmayer, who has several online
cases, several local companies have greeting children from his home office meetings scheduled for the coming
started offering online meetings with with a Christmas tree and festive lights days.
Santa Claus for children holed up at glistening in the background.
home with their families. Janos Nemes, a pensioner and
“Which child would expect that part-time Santa, who sat in a studio for
One of the Hungarian companies while watching some video on a a whole day recording messages for
that normally rents out Santas for laptop with Mum and Dad, suddenly children said he will miss greeting
families and business events has Santa appears live and calls them by them.
come up with several forms of Covid- their names,” one of the Santas, Pal
19-proof meetings. Pillmayer said. “I do miss the magic and the
sometimes very moving personal
They pre-record personalised “I think this will be a much greater meetings.” – Reuters
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19theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
a
20 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
FEATURE
For Klopotenko, the battle over borscht is really about Ukraine’s identity. Shcherban has 365 of borscht’s unique recipes from all over Ukraine in her private collection.
KRAINIAN chef Ievgen Klopotenko
never expected to find himself at the “We may be different, we eat different types
centre of the conflict between Russia of borscht cooked to different recipes, but it’s
borscht.”
U Battle over borschtandUkraine.
But that’s just what happened when the 33- The application will not contain a recipe for
borscht as “nobody knows the authentic one”,
year-old pushed to have borscht – the Klopotenko said.
traditional beetroot and cabbage dish –
recognised as part of Ukraine’s historical oA new front in Russia-Ukraine conflict is revealed More than just food
heritage. “We will register something bigger. We will
“I don’t really like to call it a war for borscht, register the culture of borscht in Ukraine,” he
but in fact that’s what it is,” Klopotenko, a “Borscht is a national food of many Crimea and support of separatists in the east, said, adding that the soup “is much more
graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, countries, including Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, the confrontation has intensified. important than just food”.
told AFP in his renowned Ukrainian restaurant Poland, Romania, Moldova and Lithuania,” For Klopotenko, the battle over borscht is Olena Shcherban, a Ukrainian ethnologist
in central Kiev. Russia’s embassy in the United States said on really about Ukraine’s identity. and historian, said it is “absurd” to associate
The chef said he was fed up with how Twitter. The country has been closely tied to Russia borscht with Russia.
restaurants around the world – including those for most of its history. “Borscht is the second dish that I ate after my
serving “so-called Ukrainian cuisine” – were Borscht unites people Much of what is now Ukraine was part of the mother’s milk. We wean the baby and then feed
referring to borscht as Russian soup. The Russian government soon followed on its tsarist Russian empire and later the country him with borscht,” Shcherban quipped as she
So last month he brought a pot of borscht to own Twitter account, calling borscht “one of became part of the Soviet Union. stood over her stove cooking the soup.
Ukraine’s culture ministry to convince officials Russia’s most famous and beloved dishes and a “When I started studying Ukrainian food and The 40-year-old says that Ukrainians do not
to submit an application to the United Nations symbol of traditional cuisine”. cuisine, I realised that Ukrainian cuisine does know their history well and have a “lack of
cultural body Unesco to list borscht as an Ukrainians claim that borscht was first not exist in Ukraine. It’s all Soviet,” Klopotenko pride” in their gastronomy, unlike the French or
intangible part of the country’s cultural mentioned in 1548 in the diary of a European said. Italians.
heritage. traveller who tasted the soup in a market near The Soviet Union “swallowed” Ukraine, She has tried to promote the dish through a
The list already includes French gastronomy, Kiev. They say it arrived in Russia much later “chewed it and spat it out ... We don’t know who festival in the village of Opishnya in central
Neapolitan pizza and Georgian wine. with Ukrainian settlers. we are or what we are,” he added. Ukraine that she has organised for seven years.
The ministry agreed and said it was Tensions between Kiev and Moscow have But there is one thing for Klopotenko that is And this month, she opened a museum
preparing the application to Unesco before the flared in the decades following the break-up of quintessentially Ukrainian: the beetroot and dedicated to borscht.
March deadline, so it can be examined in the Soviet Union in 1991. cabbage soup. “Borscht is art, borscht is language, borscht
December next year. After a pro-Western popular uprising in Kiev “I realised that borscht is what unites us,” he is culture, borscht is the history of my Ukraine,”
And suddenly Moscow bristled. in 2014 followed by Russia’s annexation of said. Shcherban said. – AFP-Relaxnews
Can drinking cocoa boost your mental agility? Demand for
superfood blueberries
GOOD news for chocolate fans! British and given non-enriched cocoa. The experiment better in the more complex cognitive tasks, in
American researchers suggest that cocoa – or, was conducted as a double-blind study, so comparison to tests carried out before cocoa FLOPPY hats and face masks on, hundreds of
more precisely, the flavanols found in cocoa neither the researchers nor the participants absorption and to participants who had only workers carefully pick a bumper crop of
beans – could increase the mental agility of knew who consumed what. consumed low levels of flavanols. blueberries on the sunny slopes of the
healthy adults. A brain boost for the most difficult tasks Groenlandberg, a spur of South Africa’s
The scientists first set about analysing blood The study has its limitations, however. Hottentots Holland Mountains.
The research, carried out by scientists at oxygenation response in participants’ brains The scientists saw no significant difference
the University of Birmingham and the by asking them to breathe air containing for the easiest cognitive tests. Similarly, Declared a superfood, the purplish fruit has
University of Illinois, and published in the higher levels of carbon dioxide than usually participants who already completed the allowed South African producers to sail through
journal, Scientific Reports, comes at just the found in the air. They found that the majority most difficult tasks before the study didn’t the setbacks of the coronavirus pandemic,
right time. In fact, chocoholics may no longer of participants had a faster and greater brain see their scores improve. exporting punnets of berries all year.
have to feel guilty about their daily habit, not oxygenation response after drinking the Flavanols in fruit
to mention the excesses of the festive season. flavanol-rich drink, compared to other Before you reach for your chocolate stash, At the Chiltern blueberry farm, workers
participants, and compared to before note that, as well as being found in cocoa, surrounded by shrubland delicately packed
Scientists have found that flavanols consumption. certain fruits and vegetables are also rich in small dark blue balls into neatly stacked boxes,
naturally present in cocoa could not only flavanols. Foods containing high levels of ready for shipping.
improve brain blood oxygenation, but could Next, the volunteers were given a series of flavanols include green tea, fava beans,
also make you smarter ... or at least, have a cognitive tests. Here, the scientists blackberries, grapes, cherries, raspberries, Global demand for blueberries has grown
positive effect on cognition. Cognitive discovered that participants who consumed plums, strawberries, apples and apricots. – 12% a year since 2013, according to the
function encompasses mental abilities such the flavanol-enriched cocoa performed AFP-Relaxnews International Trade Centre.
as memory, reasoning, language, decision-
making and problem-solving. Fuelling the surge are the fruit’s well-
marketed health properties.
Eighteen healthy male volunteers were
recruited based on specific criteria to take Blueberries are packed with antioxidants –
part in the study. Age 18 to 45, the volunteers molecules that combat rogue
were non-smokers with no previous history compounds called free
of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular or radicals, which are linked to
respiratory disease. cancer, diabetes, heart
disease and other ailments.
They were not taking long-term
medication, nor suffering from blood- Chiltern farm manager
clotting disorders, and had no known Anton Both said business
infections at the time of the study. had boomed over the past
Participants were asked to fast for 12 hours decade. “It was around 80
before each study visit, and to exclude certain tonnes when I started here
foods and drinks from their diet so as not to 10 years ago and now we’re
skew the results. harvesting around 1,400
tonnes,“ he said.
The volunteers were tested before and
after consuming cacao flavanols on two Both said farm owners had
occasions. On one of those occasions, the bought more land to keep up with demand.
subjects were given a cocoa drink enriched
with flavanols, while on the other, they were More than 600 workers are now needed to
pick berries during harvest season. – AFP-
Relaxnews
IN THE MATTER OF 21theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016
* SPORTS
AND
IN THE MATTER OF Perez in dreamland
020 Education 322 Notices 322 Notices ASTONISH APEX SDN. BHD. Shocked Racing Point ace becomes first
[Company No. 201001036941
A/c DIPLOMA (UK) WONG YORK KIM IN THE MATTER OF Mexican in 50 years to win F1 race
*Fee = RM350 x 6 mths SDN. BHD. (88339-T) THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 (920864-K)] SERGIO PEREZ became the first
(1)Full-Set Accounts RM600 (In Members’ Voluntary (In Members’ Mexican Formula One race winner in 50 month, but without ever reaching that top step.
(2)Practical Taxation RM600 AND Voluntary Winding Up) years on Sunday and he barely dared to He did it the hard way yesterday, pitting
(3)SQL Computerised 600 Winding-Up) IN THE MATTER OF NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING believe it, demanding a pinch to prove it
(4)IPA (AUST) (400 x 6) (Incorporated in HT LU CARDIOLOGY SDN. BHD. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT was not just a dream. after a first lap collision and fighting back from
New Intake : 12.12.2020 201301017246 (1047079-D) pursuant to Section 459(2) of the 18th and last in an astonishing victory that
fb//jasaaccountancy Malaysia) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) Companies Act, 2016 that a Final brought tears to his eyes.
Tel: 03-20726100 (2pm) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING Meeting of the Company will be After 190 starts and in his penultimate race “When I got hit into the first corner I
THAT the Final General UNDER SECTION 459 OF held at 41 & 43, Jalan Kenari 21, for Racing Point, with nothing decided for next thought not again, it cannot be us again,“ he
322 Notices Meeting of the Company THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 season and a year out looming, the 30-year-old said of an incident that ended the race for Red
will be held at the office of NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Final Puchong, Selangor on the 12th was in fantasyland under the floodlights at Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles
IN THE MATTER OF the Liquidator, Suite D23, Meeting of the Company will be held at day of January, 2021 at 10.00 a.m. Bahrain’s desert Sakhir circuit. Leclerc.
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No 7, JALAN ROTAN CUCUR, TAMAN for the following purposes:-
No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, SRI JAYA, 83000 BATU PAHAT, JOHOR on 1. To receive an account from “I’m shocked. I don’t want to be too excited “After the first lap, the race was gone. But it
AND IN THE MATTER OF 50400 Kuala Lumpur on 8 JANUARY 2021 at 10.00 a.m. the Liquidators showing the because I dream of this time so many times was all about not giving up, recovering, going
ESTEEMVIEW DEVELOPMENT 8th January 2021 at 4.00 AGENDA manner in which the winding- that when I wake up it hurts,“ he said after for it, making the best we possibly could.
p.m. for the following 1. To receive and consider the up has been conducted and to going from last on the opening lap to first at the “The luck hasn’t been with us this year but
SDN. BHD. purposes:- Liquidators account of receipts hear any explanations that may finish. we finally got it and I think we won today on
Company No.: (1) Toreceiveaccountsfrom and payment and statements of be given by the Liquidator. “I have to make sure this is not a dream,“ merit.”
200401017426 (655929-U) distribution among the contributories 2. To determine pursuant to added the Mexican. Perez said standing on the podium as a
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY the Liquidator showing and any explanations arising Section 518 of the Companies “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for 10 winner was “such a moment in my life, for my
WINDING UP) how the winding-up therefrom. Act, 2016 the manner in which family, for myself. Being there at the top of the
At an Extraordinary General Meeting has been conducted 2. To resolve that under Section 518 the books, accounts and years.”
of the members of Esteemview and to receive any of the Companies Act 2016, the documents of the Company and The last and only Mexican F1 race winner podium, listening to the Mexican anthem
Development Sdn. Bhd. (200401017426 explanations thereon. books, accounts and documents of of the Liquidators thereof, shall before Perez was the late Pedro Rodriguez, one and looking at the flag on top.
(655929-U)) duly convened and held (2) To resolve under Section the Company be destroyed after the be disposed of. of two brothers after whom the Mexico City “It’s something very special.
at No. 4, Jalan Jelawat, Taman Seri 518 of the Companies expiration of three (3) months from A member entitled to attend and circuit is named, in Belgium in 1970. As a Mexican it’s not easy to
Tenggara, 34200 Parit Buntar, Perak on Act 2016 that after the date of the final meeting. vote at the above meeting may Perez has come close before, finishing get into Formula One.” –
the 4th December 2020 at 11.00 a.m., the the expiration of three Dated : 8 DECEMBER 2020 appoint a proxy to attend and vote second in Turkey only last Reuters
following Resolutions were duly passed :- months from the date PHAN LI CHING instead of him. A proxy need not
SPECIAL RESOLUTION - of the Final Meeting, Liquidator be a member of the Company.
VOLUNTARY WINDING UP the books and papers Proxy for the meeting must be
That the Company be wound up of the company may be 322 Notices lodged at the above address not
voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) destroyed. later than 10.00 a.m. on 11th day
of the Companies Act, 2016. 8th December 2020 322 Notices of January, 2021.
ORDINARY RESOLUTION - Kuala Lumpur Dated this:
APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR Yap Siew Cheng IN THE MATTER OF 8th day of December 2020
That Mr. Kang Cheng Por of 45, Jalan Liquidator THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 Dato’ Dr. Ng Kee Beng
Taiping, 34200 Parit Buntar, Perak be Liquidator
and is hereby appointed liquidator of the 322 Notices AND
Company. IN THE MATTER OF LIAN HOE HUAT
Butterworth, 8th December, 2020. IN THE MATTER OF DKLS LAKEVIEW SDN BHD SDN. BHD. (20546-K) Racing Point’s Mexican driver Russell
ANG AH BAH THE COMPANIES ACT [201101018700 (946836-V)] (In Members’ Voluntary Sergio Perez kisses the trophy displays star
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY after his maiden Formula quality
Director 2016 Winding-Up) One victory in a dramatic
IN THE MATTER OF AND WINDING UP) (Incorporated in Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain A “GUTTED” George Russell proved
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 IN THE MATTER OF NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section yesterday. – AFPPIX himself a potential star before being
AND IN THE MATTER OF DIMENSI TIMUR 439(2)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the Malaysia) deprived of a win yesterday by a
ESTEEMVIEW DEVELOPMENT SDN. BHD. Resolutions set out below were duly passed by NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN PITLANE shocking Mercedes pit-stop blunder
(199301026855) the members of the abovenamed company on THAT the Final General Leclerc handed three place grid and a late puncture in the Sakhir Grand
SDN. BHD. (281593-W) 1 December 2020: Meeting of the Company drop after causing collision Prix.
Company No.: (In Members’ “SPECIAL RESOLUTION - will be held at the office of
200401017426 (655929-U) Voluntary Winding Up) MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP the Liquidator, Suite D23, FERRARI’S CHARLES Leclerc will have a The 22-year-old Briton, released by
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY That approval be and is hereby given for 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, three-place grid drop at the season-ending Williams to substitute for coronavirus
WINDING UP) NOTICE OF FINAL the Company to proceed with a members’ No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix after he victim and seven-time world champion
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the MEETING voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 50400 Kuala Lumpur on caused a first lap collision in yesterday’s Lewis Hamilton, dominated the 87-lap
Creditors of Esteemview Development 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016.” 8th January 2021 at 2.00 penultimate round in Bahrain. The contest for 62 laps before a mix-up in
Sdn. Bhd. which is being voluntarily NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN “ORDINARY RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT p.m. for the following Monegasque tangled with Racing Point’s the pits ruined his race.
wound up, are required on or before that pursuant to Section OF LIQUIDATOR purposes:- eventual race winner Sergio Perez in a
the 7th January 2021, to send in their 459 of the Companies That, subject to the passing of the aforesaid (1) Toreceiveaccountsfrom collision that led to the retirements of Despite an extra pit stop, he climbed
names and address and particulars of Act 2016, a Final Meeting Special Resolution, pursuant to Section 445(1) Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. to second but punctured just as he was
their debts or claims and the names of the abovementioned of the Companies Act, 2016, Mr Neoh Tong the Liquidator showing Stewards said Leclerc had braked too late closing in on Sergio Perez.
and addresses of their solicitors (if any) Company will be held Joo of 12A (1st Floor), Jalan Dass, 30300 how the winding-up into turn four, locking the front right wheel
to the undersigned Liquidator, and if so at UOA Business Park, Ipoh, Perak be and is hereby appointed as the has been conducted and colliding with Perez as the Mexican “I’ve had races where I’ve had
required by notice in writing from the Tower 3, 5th Floor, Liquidator for the purpose of winding-up the and to receive any took the normal racing line into the corner. victories taken away from me, but
said Liquidator, are by their solicitors or K03-05-08, 1 Jalan Company’s affairs and distributing its assets explanations thereon. Leclerc, who also collected two penalty twice? I couldn’t believe it,“ said Russell,
personally to come in and prove their Pengaturcara U1/51A, at a remuneration to be fixed by the Directors.” (2) To resolve under points, admitted he was at fault after the who recovered from his late setbacks to
debts or claims at such time and place Section U1, 40150 Shah Ding Poi Bor Section 518 of the race. “I expected him to go around the finish ninth and clock the fastest lap –
as shall be specified in such notice, or Alam, Selangor Darul Director Companies Act 2016 outside of Valtteri (Bottas) and stay there thus claiming his first three points in
in default thereof they will be excluded Ehsan on Friday, 8th day Ipoh that after the expiration but I think he decided after to come back Formula One.
from the benefit of any distribution made of January, 2021 at 10.30 Date: 8 December 2020 of three months from on the inside and I was there and then it
before such debts or claims are proved, a.m., for the following the date of the Final was to late for me to slow down,“ he said of “I couldn’t believe what was
or such priority is established, or, as the purposes:- IN THE MATTER OF Meeting, the books and Perez. “I don’t think it’s a mistake from happening. I drove my heart out. I had
case may be, from objecting to such THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 papers of the company Checo (Perez), I’m not putting the blame on the race under control, especially in the
distribution. 1. To receive and may be destroyed. Checo. If there’s anyone to blame today it’s beginning, and then obviously the
Dated this 8th December, 2020. consider the AND 8th December 2020 me but I would say it more unfortunate safety car came out, which was
KANG CHENG POR Liquidator’s account IN THE MATTER OF Kuala Lumpur than a blame.” annoying, but I felt comfortable.
Liquidator of winding up of the DKLS LAKEVIEW SDN BHD Yap Siew Cheng
45, Jalan Taiping, Company and any [201101018700 (946836-V)] Liquidator Stroll hopes to see Checo “I made some good overtakes and I
34200 Parit Buntar, explanations arising (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY drive for Red Bull was fired up. I was ready to chase Sergio
Perak. thereof. CERIA HASIL to get the win back and it would have
WINDING UP) SDN. BHD. (223402-T) RACING POINT team owner Lawrence Stroll been tight, but we would have done it.
IN THE MATTER OF 2. To resolve that under NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors (In Members’ Voluntary hailed his race winner Sergio Perez
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 Section 518(3)(b) of of the abovenamed company which is being yesterday and said he hoped Formula One “If you’d told me at the start of this
the Companies Act wound up voluntarily are required on or before Winding-Up) rivals Red Bull signed the Mexican for next weekend that I would score some
AND 2016, all books and 15 January 2021 to send their names and (Incorporated season. Perez is leaving Racing Point after points, I’d have said ‘right, that’s going to
IN THE MATTER OF papers of the Company addresses with particulars of their debts or in Malaysia) this weekend’s Abu Dhabi season-ender to be a pretty fantastic weekend’, but if
H.T.H. MOHAMMED and of the Liquidator claims and the names and addresses of their NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN make way for Germany’s four-time world you’d told me I’d be leading the race
PENGANGKUTAN SDN. BHD. be destroyed upon solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator THAT the Final General champion Sebastian Vettel from Ferrari. The and then end up... Aargh... I don’t know...
[198001010458(64243-V] the dissolution of the of the said company; and if so required by Meeting of the Company Silverstone-based team’s other driver is
Company. notice in writing from the Liquidator, either will be held at the office of Lance Stroll, 22-year-old son of the owner, “It really hurts when I got out of the
(IN MEMBERS by their solicitors or personally to come in the Liquidator, Suite D23, who finished third at Sakhir yesterday. car. I spoke to my parents straightaway. I
VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) Dated this and prove their debts or claims at such time 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, “Checo (Perez) has been a fantastic asset knew they were feeling it. They said
At a Members Meeting duly convened 8th day of December, and place as shall be specified in such notice No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, and he’s been an asset for this team a long you’ve got so much to be proud of.” –
and held at 10-01 Wisma Suria, No. 2020 or in default thereof they will be excluded 50400 Kuala Lumpur on time before I’ve arrived,“ Stroll senior told AFP
7010 Jalan Kampung Gajah, 12200 from the benefits of any distribution made 8th January 2021 at 10.00 Sky Sports television. “He most definitely
Butterworth, Penang on the 1st Jason Sia Sze Wan before such debts are proved or such priority a.m. for the following proves every weekend that he deserves to
day of December 2020 the Special Liquidator is established or as the case may be, from purposes:- be in a car next year and I hope he’s in that
Resolutions set below were duly objecting to such distribution. (1) Toreceiveaccountsfrom Red Bull (car) next year.”
passed : CALL Ipoh the Liquidator showing
SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS TO PLACE Date: 8 December 2020 how the winding-up
That the Company be wound-up CLASSIFIED ADS Neoh Tong Joo has been conducted
voluntarily by way of a members Liquidator and to receive any
voluntary liquidation pursuant to MS. SHOBA 12A (1st Floor), Jalan Dass, explanations thereon.
Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies 30300 Ipoh, Perak (2) To resolve under
Act, 2016 and that MR. LIM SIN HIN T 03 7784 8888 Section 518 of the
of 10-01 Wisma Suria, No. 7010, Jalan F 03 7784 4424 Companies Act 2016
Kampung Gajah, 12200 Butterworth, that after the expiration
Penang be and is hereby appointed of three months from
as Liquidator for the purposes of such the date of the Final
winding up and the Liquidator be Meeting, the books and
hereby authorised to distribute surplus papers of the company
assets of the company in cash, specie may be destroyed.
or in kind and to exercise the powers 8th December 2020
of the Liquidator as set out in Section Kuala Lumpur
456 of the Companies Act,2016. Yap Siew Cheng
Dated this 8 December 2020 Liquidator
DATO’ LEE CHIN HENG
DIRECTOR
IN THE MATTER OF
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016
AND
IN THE MATTER OF
H.T.H. MOHAMMED
PENGANGKUTAN SDN. BHD.
[198001010458(64243-V]
(IN MEMBERS
VOLUNTARY WINDING UP)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the
creditors of the above company
which is being wound up voluntarily
are required on or before 8 January
2021 to send in their names and
addresses with parliculars of their
debts and claims and the names and
addresses of their solicitors (if any) to
the undersigned Liquidator of 10-01
Wisma Suria, 7010 Jalan Kampung
Gajah, 12200 Butterworth, Penang and
if so required by notice in writing by
the said Liquidator or by their solicitors
or personally are to come in and prove
their said debts or claims at such time
and place as shall be specified in such
notice, or in default thereof they will
be excluded from the benefit of any
distribution made before debts are
proved.
Dated this 8 December 2020
LIM SIN HIN
LIQLNDATOR
22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020 Pandya powers India
to T20 series win
SPORTS
HANDIK Pandya smashed two sixes in three balls
Clash of the Titans in the final over to power India to a thrilling six-
wicket series T20 victory over Australia in Sydney
Messi, Ronaldo set to renew stellar rivalry in Champions League faceoff on Sunday.
LIONEL MESSI’S rivalry with
Cristiano Ronaldo has enthralled the group phase, with Ronaldo missing “Ronaldo is the top player for mentality,“ Chasing 25 runs in the final two overs in pursuit
football for the better part of a Barcelona’s 2-0 win in Turin after testing his former Juventus coach Massimiliano of Australia’s target of 195, Pandya was India’s hero
decade, and the pair will duel for positive for Covid-19. Messi scored with a Allegri told The Times. with a series of powerful strikes – including the
penalty. They are poised to meet again this winning six off debutant Daniel Sams with two
“Ronaldo has a different head to balls to spare.
potentially the final time when Barcelona week. everyone. He’s won five Ballons d’Or, five
host Juventus in the Champions League Both sides have already qualified for the Champions Leagues and one European Pandya finished with 42 off 22 balls after
tomorrow (4am Malaysian time). last 16 from Group G but Juventus can Championship for Portugal, and that is so Shikhar Dhawan clubbed 52 from 36 and skipper
The two titans of the modern game, who overtake Barcelona if they win at the Nou difficult, and it’s always him making the Virat Kohli 40 off 24 in India’s 195 for four.
split ownership of the Ballon d’Or between Camp by three goals or more, or by any two- difference. Every year he has a new
2008-2017, were the talismans of Spanish goal margin other than 2-0. objective.” The victory gave India the T20 series with a
giants Barcelona and Real Madrid until Ronaldo and Messi are in the latter With eight goals in six appearances this game to play in Sydney today after they lost the
Ronaldo left the Spanish capital for Juventus phases of their careers, at 35 and 33 season for Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldo is showing preceding 50-over ODI series 2-1.
in 2018. respectively, but both retain their elite no signs of slowing down. By contrast, Messi
After the Portuguese forward arrived status. is struggling in Spain. “I have been in these situations many times and
from Manchester United in 2009, El Clasico Messi has six Ballons d’Or to his name Barcelona are enduring their worst start I learnt from my mistakes in the past,“ Pandya said.
became synonymous with his rivalry with while Ronaldo finished third in the 2019 to a league season for 33 years and Messi’s
Barcelona captain Messi. awards, boasting five. inconsistency is part of the problem. “My game is always around the confidence
Since Ronaldo’s departure, the fixture He is thriving in Italy, having quickly However, the Argentina forward, who which I carry; it has that fine line where I back
has lost some of its glamour, leaving the become key for Juventus, who presented failed to find the net in a dismal 2-1 defeat myself.”
football world eager for the pair to be pitted him with a commemorative shirt on by promoted side Cadiz on Saturday,
against each other again. Saturday to recognise his 750th career goal, remains, and the chance to joust with his Kohli was proud of his team’s effort to take the
Those hopes were frustrated earlier in ahead of a 2-1 win over neighbours Torino. old foe Ronaldo may rouse him. – AFP series in such dynamic fashion.
Sampdoria’s Albin Ekdal (front) in action “The fact that two of our established players are
with AC Milan’s Rade Krunic during not playing, and to win like this, makes me very
yesterday’s Serie A match at the Luigi Ferrari proud of this team,“ he said.
stadium in Genoa. – AFPPIX
“Pandya now realizes that this is the time to
Milan maintain five-point Serie A lead establish in the finishing role and play match-
winning knocks for us.
AC Milan kept hold of their five-point lead at Simon Kjaer and midfielder Ismael away side a 4-0 win at Crotone.
the top of Serie A yesterday after a hard- Bennacer. Sixth-placed Roma meanwhile are now “He plays with all his heart and he certainly got
fought 2-1 win at Sampdoria, while Napoli that competitive nature about him, and also has
moved third after strolling to victory over “This is a team that makes the most of eight points off the lead after their goalless the skill to execute that at the highest level.”
bottom side Crotone. every situation, even the most negative, to home draw with Sassuolo as both teams had
show what they can do,” Pioli said to Sky goals ruled out by VAR and the hosts played Earlier, new skipper Matthew Wade and Steve
Franck Kessie’s penalty on the stroke of Sport Italia. the second half with 10 men. Smith hit half-centuries to lift Australia to 194 for
half-time and Samu Castillejo’s 77th-minute five.
strike were just enough for the seven-time “I keep being surprised by the maturity of Roma coach Paulo Fonseca was also sent
European champions to move up to 26 the players... They never get downhearted to the stands after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Lille, Lyon keep
points and keep second-placed local rivals by bad results or let good ones go to their goal was ruled out following a VAR check. pressure on PSG
Inter Milan at arm’s length. heads.”
“I’m very proud of my team. We played YUSUF YAZICI scored what proved to be the
Coach Stefano Pioli hailed a dogged Napoli are six points back in third, level very well even when down to 10. We were winner as Lille beat fellow title hopefuls Monaco 2-
display from a team missing injured with champions Juventus, after goals from very well organised and didn’t allow 1 yesterday to retake second place in Ligue 1, while
talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, defender Lorenzo Insigne, Hirving Lozano, Diego Sassuolo many opportunities,” Fonseca told Lyon cruised past Metz as the pair increased the
Demme and Andrea Petagna earned the Sky Sport Italia. – AFP/Agencies pressure on leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Leverkusen keep pace with Bayern after thumping Schalke Christophe Galtier’s men dug deep to end
Monaco’s four-match winning streak and move
BAYER LEVERKUSEN remained hot on historic winless streak now at an eye- half, Wamangituka prompted a furious back to within two points of champions PSG.
the heels of Bundesliga leaders Bayern watering 26 games. reaction from the Bremen players and was
Munich after Julian Baumgartlinger and booked for unsportsmanlike conduct Lyon are behind Monaco on goal difference
Patrik Schick fired their team to a 3-0 win The struggling giants have not won since when he provocatively walked the ball into after brushing aside Metz 3-1.
over Schalke yesterday, plunging the January, and are now just five matches the open goal to seal the win in stoppage
bottom club deeper into crisis. away from equalling the unwanted record time. Marseille are two points further back in third,
set by Tasmania Berlin in 1966. but have two games in hand.
Leverkusen, unbeaten in the league this “The way he finished was obviously
season, moved to within a point of In an earlier match, Congolese winger disrespectful. He had a very good game and “This result is important because we were
champions Bayern by taking second place Silas Wamangituka scored twice to give he should just tap the ball in, and not make facing a direct competitor and we hadn’t won
from RB Leipzig. Stuttgart a 2-1 away win over Werder a song and dance about it,” Bremen’s Davie much recently,” said Lille coach Galtier.
Bremen. Selke told Sky. – AFP
Schalke stayed rock bottom with their “When I see what Paris did on Saturday, by
After scoring from the spot in the first beating Montpellier despite rotating eight players, I
tell myself that it remains PSG (as title favourites).
“To be very honest, I look at what is happening
behind us... There is a terrible fight with Monaco,
Marseille, Lyon or Montpellier.”
Monaco sit fifth, five points behind PSG.
“It would have deserved to end in a draw, so I
am inevitably disappointed,” said Monaco boss
Niko Kovac.
Sociedad lose lead to
Atletico after stalemate
REAL Sociedad were unable to regain first place in
La Liga yesterday when they were held to a goalless
draw at Basque rivals Alaves.
Deprived of injured captain and top scorer
Mikel Oyarzaba and playmaker David Silva,
Sociedad were unable to breach the home defence.
The draw dropped Imanol Alguacil’s team one
point behind Atletico, who on Saturday beat
Valladolid 2-0 for a seventh straight Liga victory.
After the match, Imanol said Silva felt feel
uncomfortable during the warm-up and decided
against playing.
“He was not completely confident to play and
we decided not to risk it and wait for Thursday
(Europa League). I understand that for (the Napoli
trip he will be there because he is a player who
knows himself very well and I hope he can play.”
Earlier Villarreal also lost ground with a 0-0
draw at home to Elche. Villarreal regained third
place but fell five points behind Diego Simeone’s
league leaders.
Sociedad and Villarreal have both played two
games more than Atletico and one more than
fourth-placed Real Madrid.
23theSUN ON TUESDAY | DECEMBER 8, 2020
* SPORTS
EPL TALKING POINTS Fulham after they were already two goals to It was a night to remember for him,“ Klopp fit again.
the good. said.
CAN CITY GET GOING? BLADES LOOK DOOMED
KELLEHER TO THE RESCUE ZAHA SHOWS HIS CLASS
MANCHESTER CITY’S 2-0 home victory over SHEFFIELD UNITED face a mammoth task to
struggling Fulham was the first time they won HAVING MADE an impressive debut for TO SAY Wilfried Zaha is important to Crystal avoid relegation after a 2-1 home defeat by
two League games in a row this season and Liverpool against Ajax Amsterdam in the Palace would be a massive understatement Leicester left them bottom of the table with
the result must have boosted their confidence Champions League last week, young and the talismanic forward showed again one point from 11 games, stretching their
ahead of the weekend visit to Manchester goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher followed it up what a difference he makes by returning from winless League run to 14 games dating back
United. But City manager Pep Guardiola with more of the same in a 4-0 Premier Covid-19 illness to score twice in their 5-1 to last season. A porous defence and a blunt-
knows United will in all likelihood be a League win against Wolverhampton rout of West Bromwich Albion. Palace had lost looking attack does not give their fans much
different prospect and hence he criticised his Wanderers yesterday. “Very mature. Very calm. their last two matches with Zaha in self- room for optimism that the Blades can turn
players for some poor finishing against Very good with the ball and without the ball. isolation but looked a different team with him their season around. – Reuters
Reject looking for salvation Palace pile on the
misery fo Bilic
Palace flop Sorloth aiming Manchester City in the Premier League this Fred is suspended following his red card
to shoot down Man Utd weekend but simply cannot afford to look past against PSG last week, meaning that Paul WILFRIED ZAHA returned to inspire Crystal
for RB Leipzig tomorrow’s clash as they attempt to book their Pogba could keep his spot alongside Scott Palace to a 5-1 demolition of 10-man West
spot in the knockout round of Europe’s McTominay in midfield, with Alex Telles and Brom.
AFTER finally breaking his goal premier competition for the 19th time. Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the wing-back areas.
drought for RB Leipzig, the pressure The star forward grabbed a brace on his
is on Norway striker Alexander It would not be a surprise to see Solskjaer Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford comeback after recovering from coronavirus, as
Sorloth to hit the net again in revert to a back three for this match, with Axel were excellent off the bench on Saturday and Palace scored five away from home in the
tomorrow’s (4am malaysian time) Champions Tuanzebe coming into the defence alongside should return, while Mason Greenwood could Premier League for the first time.
League clash at home to Manchester United Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. be handed another start. – AFP/Agencies
with a last-16 berth at stake. Christian Benteke also netted twice after
Darnell Furlong’s own goal put the visitors
Having failed to score in his first 10 games ahead at The Hawthorns.
for Leipzig, Sorloth struck a last-gasp winner in
the crucial 4-3 victory at Istanbul Basaksehir Conor Gallagher levelled in the first half
last week to his huge relief. before Matheus Pereira’s controversial first-half
red card allowed the Eagles to take control.
Sorloth came on for the last 25 minutes and
his low drive sealed the away win which kept They climbed to 11th but inflicted more
Leipzig’s hopes of reaching the knockout Premier League misery on the Baggies, who
stages in their own hands. remain in the bottom three.
“It’s always important to score your first Palace manager Roy Hodgson was delighted
goal for a new club – I am incredibly happy and with the manner of the win and was full of
relieved,” Sorloth beamed in Istanbul. praise for his goalscorers.
“In an exciting and balanced group, it was a “We looked dangerous throughout the
very, very important victory. game, and I am really pleased,” he told BBC
Sport.
“Now we have a final against Manchester
United that we definitely want to win.” “Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke showed
they are goalscorers at heart. Benteke’s work
Only victory tomorrow will assure either rate pleased me. You can’t judge him just on
club a last-16 spot. scoring goals or not, we expect a lot from our
centre-forward. I’ve told him if he does that
Going into the final round of matches, work he will satisfy me.
Leipzig, Man Utd and Paris Saint-Germain are
all on nine points in Group H. “Our front four have enormous talent,
Premier League quality. If we can get them the
To add extra spice, Leipzig have a score to ball often enough I’d expect them to score
settle from October’s 5-0 thrashing at Old goals.” – The Independent/Agencies
Trafford when United striker Marcus Rushford
scored a hattrick. RESULTS
Backed by energy drinks giants Red Bull, RB ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Leipzig want to be a permanent fixture in the West Brom 1 (Gallagher 30) Crystal Palace 5
Champions League and build on last season’s (Furlong 8-og, Zaha 55, 68, Benteke 59, 82),
run to the semi-finals. Sheffield Utd 1 (McBurnie 26) Leicester 2
(Perez 24, Vardy 90), Tottenham 2 (Son 13,
Bowing out in the group stage would hurt Kane 45+1) Arsenal 0, Liverpool 4 (Salah 24,
the ambitious club from Germany’s east. Wijnaldum 58, Matip 67, Semedo 78-og)
Wolves 0.
Leipzig paid Palace €20 million (RM98m) LA LIGA
for Sorloth in September to replace Timo Granada 3 (Suarez Charris 43, Molina 88,
Werner following the Germany striker’s move Sanchez 90) Huesca 3 (Rico 21, Garcia 49,
to Chelsea. Okazaki 82), Osasuna 0 Real Betis 2
(Iglesias 76, Miranda 90+1), Villarreal 0 Elche
While Norway national teammate Erling 0, Deportivo Alaves 0 Real Sociedad 0.
Braut Haaland has sent Bundesliga records SERIE A
tumbling at Dortmund since his January Hellas Verona 1 (Zacccagni 21) Cagliari 1
transfer from Salzburg, Sorloth has not found (Marin 48), Parma 0 Benevento 0, Roma 0
the move to Germany so easy. Sassuolo 0, Crotone 0 Napoli 4 (Insigne 31,
Lozano 58, Demme 76, Petagna 90+1),
Despite sealing the win over Basaksehir, Sampdoria 1 (Ekdal 83) AC Milan 2 (Kessie 45-
Sorloth is likely to start on the bench having pen, Castillejo 77).
often struggled in front of goal this season. BUNDESLIGA
Schalke 0 Bayer Leverkusen 3, Werder
Another goal in Europe would boost his Bremen 1 Stuttgart 2.
standing. FRENCH LIGUE 1
Lille 2 Monaco 1, Angers 2 Lorient 0,
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team have won four Bordeaux 1 Brest 0, Dijon 0 Saint-Etienne
of their last five matches in all competitions, 0, Nantes 0 Strasbourg 4, Reims 0 Nice 0,
including a morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Metz 1 Lyon 3.
West Ham United in the Premier League on
Saturday, when they again had to come from
behind.
United have a huge game at home to
Vardy’s last-minute strike breaks Blades hearts
JAMIE VARDY broke Sheffield Ayoze Perez gave the Foxes the Rodgers told leicestermercury.co.uk. “It is important. We’re not used to made by Chris Basham and John
United hearts with a late winner for lead after 24 minutes before Oli “It might be the longest period since losing.” Fleck in the build-up to Vardy’s late
Leicester at Bramall Lane in the McBurnie equalised two minutes I’ve been here that we haven’t won, goal.
Premier League on Sunday. later with what was his first goal of but if not it’s certainly felt the For United, there was more
the season. longest. We haven’t performed so misery. Chris Wilder’s side have made “We’re all worried because we
Vardy, who took great delight in well (of late). the worst ever start to a Premier care about results and performances.
scoring in this fixture last season It gave Brendan Rodgers’ side a League season and remain rooted to We’re in this position for a reason.
when the Foxes similarly won 2-1, first victory in five games across all “But we knew coming back to the the bottom of the table with only
kept his cool when sent through competitions and a first in three Premier League it was going to be one point from 11 matches. “Whether it is cruel or deserved,
one-on-one in the 90th minute to Premier League outings, moving tough, and our performance was we have to make the right decisions.
beat Blades goalkeeper Aaron them to within a point of leaders very good. Our combination and “If players want to stay in this If we make the right decisions we get
Ramsdale with a confident right-foot Chelsea. movement was very good and we division then they have to make something from the game against a
finish. didn’t have too many scares. better decisions,“ Wilder told BBC really decent team.” – The
“It was very important for us,” Radio 5 Live, referring to the errors Independent/Agencies
TUESDAY • DECEMBER 8, 2020 QUOTE OF THE DAY
I’m shocked. I don’t want to be too
excited because I dream of this time so many
times that when I wake up it hurts. I have to
make sure this is not a dream. I’ve been
dreaming of this moment for 10 years.”
Racing Point F1 driver Sergio Perez after winning the Sakhir Grand Prix
YNWA gives Klopp goosebumps on perfect night
AN emotional Jurgen Klopp said the “It is so much more enjoyable Liverpool defender Joel Matip scores his team’s
return of Liverpool supporters at with people involved,“ he said. third goal during yesterday’s English Premier
Anfield after a nine-month absence League match against Wolverhampton
gave him goosebumps as they Wolves showed glimpses of a Wanderers at Anfield. – AFPPIX
watched their side demolish Wolves threat early on but the result was
4-0 yesterday. rarely in doubt once Mohamed Salah Mour
had given the home side the lead
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, midway through the first half.
the club’s fans had been unable to
see their team play in the flesh since Second-half goals from Georginio
March 11, when the Reds were Wijnaldum, Joel Matip and a late own
dumped out of the Champions goal from Nelson Semedo
League by Atletico Madrid, but 2,000 underlined Liverpool’s superiority as
Reds fans roared them to a Premier they joined leaders Tottenham on 24
League victory yesterday. points.
“Wasn’t it the perfect night? Wijnaldum later told
Imagine 10 months ago people liverpoolfc.com he was delighted to
would have told us we would have a fulfil Virgil van Dijk’s pre-match
game and 2,000 people would turn request for a goal.
up,“ Liverpool coach Klopp told
Amazon Prime. The No. 5 duly copied Van Dijk’s
celebration after 58 minutes and ran
“When we came out, we all had over to the home dugout, behind
goosebumps. I had no idea how it which his injured teammate was
would feel. It was perfect. satting.
“The noise, what the people did, “He said to me in the dressing
they were on their toes, you could room, ‘I want to see something today,
see and feel and smell they had I want a goal’ so I said: ‘No problem!’”
waited so long for it,“ he said.
Wolves rarely looked like ending
The 53-year-old enjoys a great their poor run against Liverpool,
relationship with the club’s though, as they suffered their eighth
supporters, and despite the team’s consecutive League defeat to the
success on the field during the Reds, conceding 19 goals and scoring
pandemic, he has clearly missed just twice in that run.
playing in front of them.
“It was definitely a tough night,”
“The game, the atmosphere, it Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo
was so nice. I had goosebumps. They told the BBC.
started You’ll Never Walk Alone – really
nice. I never knew it could feel that “We could have done many, many
good,“ Klopp said, his voice welling things different – before the game,
up with emotion. during the game.
“This (the pandemic) started in “We didn’t have enough of the
February, and we were waiting to get ball. We didn’t deal well with the
normality back. Normality is good – I pressing of Liverpool. We were
don’t think we appreciated it as organised until the moment of the
much. It was very very touching,“ he first goal.
added.
“We didn’t perform well, Liverpool
The victory was Liverpool’s 31st in performed better than us. That is a
their last 32 home League games, reflection of the performance on the
and Klopp hopes that the fans are pitch. We were organised (in the first
back to stay. half) but not as organised in the
second half.” – The Independent/
AFP/Agencies
Modest
Jose insists Spurs can still ‘lose everywhere’ in Premier League despite reclaiming top spot
JOSE MOURINHO labelled
Harry Kane and Son Heung-min 11th goal against the Gunners right “They have a very good sense of here and beat us,” he said. back of a worst League start since
“world class” after their lethal on half-time. the balance that they need and they “Of course people could expect 1981-82, is clear about how the
partnership sent Tottenham also do incredible tactical work for Gunners will get their season back on
Kane has laid on eight of Son’s the team when the team doesn’t have this last three matches, three or four track.
goals this term, with Son returning points or six and lose one. “By scoring goals,” he said after
back to the top of the Premier League the favour four times and Mourinho the ball. So top players, amazing.” “We did seven (points), we didn’t
with a 2-0 north London derby knows he is lucky to have such a The first-half goals killed the game concede one goal against seeing his side shut out again. “Very
victory over Arsenal yesterday. high-quality duo. and allowed Spurs to soak up the phenomenal teams, of course we are simple. We need to score goals. It is
Son and Kane assisted each “You know they are world class,” pressure after the break as they went in a good moment and the team is in not sustainable.
past the 300-minute mark since they a good place mentally, but nothing
other’s first-half strikes, meaning they he said. “It’s as simple as that, but last conceded in the League. changes.” “It doesn’t matter what we do in
have now combined for 12 goals this when we play against (Manchester) other departments if we don’t score,
term, as Spurs extended their City, after the game I was speaking to After a win over City on Nov 21 While Spurs are enjoying their we need to put the ball into the net
unbeaten run to 10 matches, going the Portuguese boy, (City defender and a draw at Chelsea last week, this best start to a Premier League season urgently.
back to the first fixture of the Ruben) Dias. victory reinforces belief that Spurs are in recent memory, it is the polar “At the moment it looks like we
campaign. “I was telling him: ‘You are not strong title contenders this season, opposite for Arsenal, who have now need a lot to score a goal.
In front of 2,000 supporters at the going to play one single match in the even if Mourinho has been keen to won just one of their last seven “In terms of the performance,
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Premier League where the strikers downplay it. matches. they did everything that I asked them
South Korea international opened are not good.’ This is the Premier The Portuguese did at least They were not outplayed by their to do. We played the way we had to
the scoring in the 13th minute with a League. play this game.
wonder strike, curling in from 25 concede his side are in a good hosts and enjoyed the majority of the
“But I have to admit that Harry position. ball, but rarely looked like getting “All the stats are in our favour, at
yards, before Kane became the and Sonny are world-class players “We can lose everywhere in the back into the game. the end of the day it is about putting
highest scorer in the history of north and on the top of what they do they Premier League, we can go to any Mikel Arteta, who is coming the ball in the back of the net.” – The
London derbies when he netted his have a very good sense of the team. team and lose, any team can come under increasing pressure on the Independent
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