The Sun 20082023

PETALING JAYA: Eight people – six passengers and two crew – on board a Beechcraft 390 Premier light aircraft that took off from Langkawi at 2.08pm yesterday, are believed killed when the plane crashed at the Elmina West township in Shah Alam yesterday afternoon. Two other casualties, the driver of a car and a motorcyclist from Bukit Jelutong who were heading towards the Guthrie Corridor, were also killed when the plummeting aircraft crashed into them. Both the on-the-ground victims are believed to be in their 40s and 50s and their remains have been sent to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang for post-mortems. The identities of the plane victims had not been released at press time. However, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that a VIP was among the passengers on the aircraft. It has since been confirmed by Pahang state speaker Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin that the VIP is Pelangai assemblyman Datuk Seri Johari Harun, who is also a Pahang state executive councillor. █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] Urban plane crash horror INSIDE TELLING IT AS IT IS ON FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2023 No. 8333 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my oLight aircraft with eight on board smashes onto road at Shah Alam township, bursting into flames and fragmenting on impact He is said to have been in Langkawi earlier yesterday with other Pahang state executive councillors. In offering his condolences to Johari’s family on Instagram, Mohd Sharkar said he prays that the soul of Johari, who was also Bentong Umno division chief, would be blessed by Allah SWT. “I received news about a plane crash at about 3pm that stated there was a VIP from Pahang in the aircraft. Then, I saw his name listed as one of the victims through posts and photos that were shared on social media. “Upon checking, I found that he was indeed one of the (passengers). It was difficult to accept, as it was only yesterday that we were at the Pahang State Secretary’s Office. He was there to attend the state council meeting and I was in my office,” he said. The news of Johari’s demise was also shared by Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman, who expressed sadness on her social media account. In a statement, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia CEO Datuk Capt Norazman Mahmud said the aircraft, which was heading to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, contacted the Subang air traffic control tower and was given clearance to land at 2.48pm. He said at 2.51pm, the control tower staff observed smoke rising from the crash site, but no Mayday call was received from the pilot. Norazman said the Kuala Lumpur Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre was then immediately activated to coordinate a search and rescue mission. The aircraft was operated by Jetvalet Sdn Bhd. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) user azmilwhoruns posted videos and photos of the crash site and debris strewn along the road. The user added that all roads to Elmina West were closed as emergency responders scoured the site. Earlier yesterday, rumours were rife that the son of the late former Science, Technology and Innovation minister Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis was also a casualty in the tragedy. However, the family denied this and requested the public to stop spreading such fake news. It is learnt that the flight manifest, which included a passenger named “Bin Jamaluddin” had prompted the rumours. On April 4, 2015, Jamaluddin was killed when an AS 3655N2 Dauphin helicopter he was in crashed into a jungle at Jalan Sungai Lalang in Kampung Pasir Baru near Semenyih in Selangor. Among those killed were a businessman, CEO of SP Baiduri Sdn Bhd Tan Huat Seang and a private secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Azlin Alias. Jamaluddin was buried at Makam Pahlawan, located inside the Masjid Negara compound in Kuala Lumpur. Police and rescue personnel at the site of the crash yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN Firefighters and aviation officials examining part of the wreckage. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN Health among teenagers on 3 decline: Survey page Restraining order issued 4 against Sanusi page

2 theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Focus on your court case, PM tells Muhyiddin KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to focus on his court case instead of harping on him to step down from the country’s top post. Anwar pointed out that the unity government under his leadership is still holding a two-thirds majority in Parliament. “We retained our victory, we still have a two-thirds majority in Parliament. What calculation is he making? I advise him to focus on his court case.” He was speaking after a ground-breaking ceremony for Residensi Wilayah, Residensi Prihatin Madani and the Madani Hawkers Centre at Desa Tasik Sungai Besi yesterday. Earlier, Muhyiddin had urged Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi oAdvice offered after PN chairman said Anwar and Zahid should resign following completion of state elections to step down following the results of the recently concluded six state elections. Muhyiddin claimed that PN’s victory in Malay-majority and mixed-majority areas is a sign of the rejection by Malays of the federal alliance led by Anwar and Ahmad Zahid. The Aug 12 polls maintained the status quo in the states, with the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional alliance retaining power in Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, and PN maintaing its hold on Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu. Anwar said he disagreed with the post-state election assumption that the Malays and young voters were easily swayed by racial and religious instigation. He said he is aware that the people need time to understand the Madani policy introduced by the government, and that the government machinery and leadership have to work harder to explain and interpret the concept to the grassroots, Bernama reported. “It takes time. I don’t agree with everyone blaming the Malays, accusing them of being easily influenced by racial and religious instigation,” he said when asked about the alleged ineffective strategy of the Madani government in attracting Malay voters. Anwar said he had also mentioned in the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday the importance of using wisdom and prudence in providing greater assistance to the people based on the Madani concept. On cooperation between the federal government and the three states won by the Opposition in the state polls, Anwar said it depends on them. “If they want to work together (with the federal government), there are ways to do it, not just through statements, but also through their actions. “I want to ensure that the spirit of good governance is correctly upheld, that funds meant for the poor go to the poor and are not diverted elsewhere.” REVVING UP PATRIOTISM ... Members of Kelab Motosikal Motac being flagged off during a National Month event in Putrajaya yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN Dilapidated clinics repaired, upgraded PUTRAJAYA: A total of 91 clinics nationwide categorised as being in poor and dilapidated condition have been repaired or upgraded, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She said the repair and upgrading works on another 341 clinics are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, while four more are still in the procurement process. She added that the government has allocated more than RM110 million to repair and upgrade 1,200 clinics that are in poor and dilapidated condition, with the work being carried out in phases, involving 436 clinics this year and over 300 next year. “Based on the list, most of the clinics that are in poor and dilapidated condition are in Terengganu, involving 58 clinics, followed by 44 in Negeri Sembilan and 42 each in Perak and Pahang,” she said after opening a conference on hospital support services yesterday. On July 3 last year, the Malaysian Madani Action Council announced that it is focusing on two projects under the Madani Economy initiative, namely upgrading facilities under the Health Ministry and expanding the implementation of Madani stalls. Zaliha gave an assurance that the current process of transferring medical staff would not affect the services at the ministry’s health facilities, especially in the Klang Valley. “We are carrying out an exercise to transfer health workers in Sabah and Sarawak to meet the needs of those in other facilities. “So, the vacancies that occur in the peninsula will be filled immediately to ensure that our health services are not affected.” She also said the supply of medicines to all ministry facilities would not be affected by Pharmaniaga Bhd’s PN17 status (Practice Note 17) as the ministry is not solely dependent on the company, Bernama reported. Zaliha said Pharmaniaga was only involved in logistics and distribution. “We also have several ways to ensure uninterrupted pharmaceutical services by dealing directly with the companies involved. So, there is no impact on the supply of medications to the ministry’s health facilities.” People-centric projects to be implemented PUTRAJAYA: The Local Government Development Ministry is committed to ensuring that programmes implemented under Budget 2024 will have a direct impact on the people. Its minister Nga Kor Ming said the initiatives proposed by the ministry are also guaranteed to immediately benefit target groups and are ready to be implemented next year. “Programmes to be implemented will also improve the well-being of the people, in line with the framework of the Madani Economy, which has the theme of empowering the people,” he said at an engagement session on Budget 2024 with stakeholders yesterday. He said the input and suggestions from stakeholders about the housing sector, solid waste management, urban and community sustainability, as well as the empowerment of local government services are needed to draw up programmes under the next budget. In Budget 2023, the ministry was allocated RM5.33 billion, an increase of 3.61%, compared with RM5.14 billion in 2022. Nga also said the ministry is responsible for implementing several initiatives under Budget 2023, including the replacement and maintenance of obsolete lifts at People’s Housing Programme dwellings to improve the safety of residents, with an allocation of RM50 million. He added that the maintenance of drainage systems as well as the construction of flood retention ponds, especially in flood-prone areas, to enhance the country’s preparedness to face disasters are being carried out at a cost of RM130 million. Nga said the building of 4,250 units of Rumah Mesra Rakyat with an allocation of RM358 million, and the building or upgrading of 3,000 stalls in local authority areas are also being carried out. – Bernama Digital handbook on National Day KOTA BHARU: The Information Department has come up with a special digital handbook on National Day and Malaysia Day for public reference on its website Merdeka360.my, said its Kelantan director Muhd Nor Aswadi Md Nor. “From time to time, the department has these digital campaigns to convert handbooks into PDF format, which the public can access on our website. “The Merdeka360 website contains Facebook, Instagram and TikTok content to provide information on the National Month and related information on the celebrations and its history. “We also placed the Jalur Gemilang on vehicles at Wisma Persekutuan and those that were passing by so that everyone can proudly fly the flags for National Day, especially the people of Kelantan. “We must pay due respect to the Jalur Gemilang, so if it is faded, change it to a new one and also refrain from any action considered disrespectful towards the flag,” he said after launching the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign at Wisma Persekutuan yesterday. – Bernama Affordable homes for M40, B40 KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,010 affordable housing units, dubbed Residensi Wilayah and Residensi Prihatin Madani in Desa Tasik Sungai Besi will be offered to the M40 group and below, as well as those who cannot afford to buy their own homes. Kuala Lumpur City Hall said the development of the Residensi Wilayah project on a 1.4ha site would include 910 housing units with a built-up area of 902sq ft or 908sq ft and priced at RM300,000 per unit. “Residensi Prihatin Madani comprises the development of 100 housing units with a size of 902sq ft priced at RM200,000 per unit,” City Hall said in a statement yesterday. It said the Madani Hawkers Centre would be built next to the Desa Tasik Sports Complex. Residensi Wilayah will be offered to applicants who are at least 21 years old, have a gross monthly income of less than RM10,000 (for single applicants) or RM15,000 (for married applicants), and were born, work or live in Kuala Lumpur.– Bernama Palace to announce new Selangor MB SHAH ALAM: The announcement on the appointment of the new Selangor menteri besar will be made by the state palace, said Selangor Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Amirudin said he has had an audience with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to brief him on current developments in the state. “I had an audience with Tuanku as usual, enquiring about his health and discussing the state’s economic achievements,” he said at Istana Bukit Kayangan yesterday. On whether the appointment of the new menteri besar was discussed, Amirudin said he was not at liberty to answer. He also said questions on the menteri besar candidate list should be directed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 Loke and Vanu attending the reception yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Berjaya Air to launch rebranding promotions PETALING JAYA: As part of its rebranding efforts, Berjaya Air is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the airline by promoting its flights, destinations, products and in-flight services. “In preparation for the highly anticipated arrival of our newest addition, we need to build a strong presence on our social media platform to gain the attention of our existing and potential customers,” said its Group Aviation CEO Datuk Capt Chester Voo. “We will showcase our new on-board features and introduce our pilots, cabin crew, operation staff, in-flight services and new destinations.” In July, Berjaya Air signed a Heads of Agreement to purchase two ATR 72-600 aircraft that will be configured in an “All-Business Class” layout. It is part of ATR’s new HighLine premium collection of cabin interiors. Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for 2025 and 2026 and aims to provide passengers with a unique VIP experience. The airline will operate the most environmentally friendly regional aircraft available from its main base at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor. Voo was CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) from June 2020 until December last year and has three decades of aviation industry experience. He led the aviation safety regulator through the Covid-19 crisis and helped it regain its Category 1 rating from the US Federal Aviation Administration. This enabled Malaysian carriers to enter and add flights to the US. Voo commenced his career as a pilot with Malaysia Airlines in 1993 and joined AirAsia in 2008, where he was involved in flight operations before joining CAAM. Learn from one another: Singapore envoy KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon has called on Singaporeans and Malaysians to continue finding opportunities to interact, collaborate and learn from one another for a better future. “As (Singapore) President Halimah Yacob said during her state visit (to Malaysia) in March, what our two countries can achieve together is only limited by our imagination and political will,” he said while addressing a glittering 58th Singapore National Day reception at a hotel yesterday. He added that the reception theme, Bersama (Together), aptly describes the special and historical relationship between Singapore and Malaysia, and how their futures remain irrevocably tied. Over 1,200 guests from both countries attended the reception, including those from the diplomatic corps as well as private and non-government sectors. As is the tradition during National Day events hosted by foreign missions, the guest of honour, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, offered a toast to the Singapore President while Vanu did the same for the Yang diPertuan Agong, the government and people of Malaysia. The High Commissioner said with the many common challenges shared by both countries, the solution was clear in that they could face them together. “Beyond strengthening existing areas of cooperation, we should work together on emerging areas such as sustainability, climate change and the digital economy. “The memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed on the digital economy, green economy and cybersecurity during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s January visit to Singapore are a positive start,” Vanu said. “Singapore is also keen to contribute to Malaysia’s conservation efforts and an MoU was signed between NParks and the Pahang Biodiversity Council and Wildlife Conservation in June this year. “Such cooperation and interactions between our communities in Singapore and Malaysia are only made possible by our strong land, air and sea connections.” He added that agencies in Singapore and Malaysia have also been working together to improve people-to-people flow, including expanding immigration processes at the Johor-Singapore checkpoints. There is also good progress in the JohorSingapore Rapid Transit System Link, which is due to be completed in 2026. MCMC grants yielded 50 projects since 2008 PUTRAJAYA: Almost RM4 million in research grants awarded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under the Networked Media Research Collaboration Programme and Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) since 2008 have generated over 50 completed research projects, said MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din. He added that MCMC had completed and awarded DSRG 2023 Cycle 1 call for proposal this year, which ended on March 31, and selected 10 research projects out of 125 proposals received to be awarded research grants. “I trust the selected recipients will (produce) valuable discoveries in your respective research projects to enhance and create new milestones in nurturing digital society,” he said. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey has shown a decrease in the general health and lifestyle practices of adolescents in the country. The survey revealed that one in three children aged 13 to 17 was overweight or obese, four in five were physically inactive, two in three led sedentary lifestyles, one in three consumed soft drinks daily, one in 10 ate fast food at least three days a week and four in five did not eat enough fruits and vegetables. “This is evidence that in the current year, we are experiencing a prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and an increase in unhealthy habits, especially among adolescents,” doctor and fitness enthusiast Dr Shalini Devi Ramachandran told theSun. As someone who is both a Type 2 diabetic and has struggled with childhood obesity, Shalini said it is clear that the way people live their lives has a significant impact on their health. Unfortunately, the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle has not been emphasised enough at home, leading to a high number of overweight adolescents. “The easy accessibility to food through home delivery contributes to this issue. There are potential consequences of being overweight during adolescence, particularly between the ages of 13 and 19, which is a critical time for growth. “If adolescents adopt a healthy lifestyle, they will improve their future health. However, failing to do so can result in various health complications in the long term.” A mother of two children aged nine and 15, Shi Qing Wong, who is working as an accountant in a private company said: “We spend most of our time at work, so I can’t prepare proper food for my family due to fatigue. I try my best to prepare homecooked food but my children end up buying it. “Since children spend considerable time at school, it will be beneficial if the school management (ensures healthy food is served) in their canteens. “Even parents who are concerned about their children’s health will appreciate such efforts by the schools and we as parents would not mind paying extra for their efforts.” Shalini said obesity can often lead to Type 2 diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, high cholesterol and the risk of heart disease later in life. The risk of being obese among females is higher and they may experience hormonal imbalances. This would lead to issues with their menstrual cycle, growth of facial hair and infertility. Obesity is also commonly associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The Health Ministry has introduced the Malaysian “healthy plate” initiative, which provides a balanced diet by dividing the plate into three parts – a quarter plate each for protein and carbohydrates, and a half plate for vegetables and fruits. Shalini emphasised that parents should play a crucial role in promoting their children’s health by providing nutritious meals and teaching them about proper nutrition, exercise and calorie management. Children and teenagers should also be enrolled in fitness classes to foster a commitment to physical fitness from young. “It is essential to educate children about the importance of consuming the right foods to stay healthy, and parents can start this education from an early age.” Teen health on decline: Survey oObesity, unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle among main contributory factors highlighted in poll █ BYSIVANISVARRY S MORHAN [email protected] Tourism potential of ferry service GEORGE TOWN: The Transport Ministry sees the new ferry service in Penang as having great potential as a new tourism product, by establishing a chartered ferry service as is being done in neighbouring Thailand. Its minister Anthony Loke said according to current demand, the capacity of the service is sufficient, with only three ferries needed for daily operations and another one could be used as a tourism product. “The ferry operator Penang Port Sdn Bhd does have this plan, in which it would rent the ferry to parties who are interested in holding a private event, company retreat or even if there is a travel agent who wants to cater to a group of tourists. “This effort requires the cooperation of all parties. The ministry, through the Penang Port Commission, took a flexible approach and allowed the ferry to be used for tourism purposes, but the operator needs to ensure that the safety aspect of passengers is guaranteed,” he said after the launch of the new Penang ferry service by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak. – Bernama █ BYAZMAN UJANG [email protected] █ BY CECILIA VICTOR [email protected]

4 theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Rosmah gets approval for Singapore trip PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday granted Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s application for the temporary release of her passport to visit her eldest daughter in Singapore, who is expected to give birth on Aug 28. A three-member panel, comprising judges Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail, Datuk Azman Abdullah and Datuk Azmi Ariffin, allowed the application after lawyer Datuk Jagjit Singh told the court that his client needed to go to the republic to be with Nooryana Najwa Mohd Najib, who is due to deliver her third child. “My client requested (the release of) her passport to enable her to go to Singapore from (today) until Aug 23, from Aug 26 to Sept 6 and from Sept 9 to Oct 31.” DPP Poh Yih Tinn confirmed that the prosecution had no objection to the application. Rosmah, who is the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, filed a notice of motion on Aug 11 through Messrs Akberdin & Co. She said in the notice she has never failed to turn up in court for proceedings without reason or reasonable grounds, adding that she will return to Malaysia to attend the appeal proceedings of her solar hybrid project corruption case. The Court of Appeal previously fixed Sept 18 for case management. Rosmah, 71, has made four applications for temporary release of her passport to travel to Singapore. The first was on Oct 15, 2021 to visit Nooryana Najwa, who had delivered her second child, then on March 21 to visit her daughter and grandchild and also on June 15 to visit Nooryana Najwa again. Nooryana Najwa is married to Kazakhstan national Daniyar Kessikbaye, and both are currently residing in Singapore. On Sept 1 last year, the High Court found Rosmah guilty of three corruption charges involving RM1.25 billion over a hybrid solar project for schools in Sarawak. She was sentenced to 10 years’ jail on each charge, to be served concurrently. Rosmah was also fined RM970 million, in default 30 years’ jail. However, the court granted a stay of execution on the prison sentence and fine, pending her appeal at the Court of Appeal. – Bernama Interim restraining order issued against Sanusi PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Corporation Berhad founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan has obtained a temporary restraining order against Kedah Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor in a defamation suit filed on Aug 9 at the Shah Alam High Court. Tan’s counsel Chuar Kia Lin said the court allowed the application for an ex-parte injunction yesterday and a copy of the order has been served on Sanusi’s legal team. The order will be in effect until Aug 25. He said Sanusi’s team would be allowed to counter the order, pending disposal of the main defamation suit. Tan and Berjaya Land Berhad claimed that Sanusi had made a speech defaming them during his “Jelajah Mega PN Best” / “PN BEST Sayangi Kedah Sejahtera mega tour” state election campaign on Aug 2. The speech was allegedly broadcast live to the public and republished on multiple social media channels, including Astro Awani, oCourt allows ex-parte injunction application by Berjaya Corp founder over statements by Kedah MB █ BY JOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] YouTube Live Video, Astro Awani Facebook Live Video, TV PAS Facebook Live Video and KiniTV YouTube Video. The suit was filed after Sanusi failed to meet the requirements stated in an Aug 4 letter served on the then caretaker Kedah MB, demanding a public apology and compensation of RM200 million over his defamatory and untrue comments against Tan and Berjaya Land relating to the Selangor Maritime Gateway project. Tan and Berjaya Land claimed Sanusi’s defamatory statements depicted them as, among others, a corrupt person/company and that they were cronies of caretaker Selangor MB Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. They added that his speech accused them of having directly or indirectly received a 600-acre parcel of free land from the Selangor government and that they have directly or indirectly given benefits to the Selangor MB in exchange for the said land. The duo claimed Sanusi’s speech alleged that they had benefitted from the Selangor government through cronyism and nepotism, as well as causing Selangor and its residents to suffer at least RM180 million in losses. Tan and Berjaya Land are seeking general, compensatory, aggravated and exemplary damages from Sanusi, along with an injunction to restrain him from repeating any matters alluding to them contained in his speech. The defamatory allegations, that were aimed at damaging the business reputation of Tan and Berjaya Land and contained politically motivated, malicious and disparaging statements, have been categorically denied by Berjaya Land and a point-by-point rebuttal was issued via a press release by Berjaya Land on Aug 4 to correct the false and misleading statements. Tan said: “Since (Sanusi) has failed to meet our demands, Berjaya Land and I have taken the necessary legal steps by filing a lawsuit against him. “This legal action seeks to address the grievances and seek appropriate remedies against Sanusi for his defamatory words and actions. “Berjaya and its subsidiaries have always upheld the highest standards of corporate governance and protected the interests of our stakeholders. “We firmly believe in the rule of law and will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure a satisfactory resolution of this matter.” HAPPY DAY ... Leukaemia patient Ahmad Faizal, eight, enjoying a ride on an LRT train decked out in his favourite ‘Thomas and Friends’ decor during an outing yesterday organised by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and NGO Make-A-Wish Malaysia. – BERNAMAPIC

theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 5

6 theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Singapore seizes S$1 billion in assets from syndicate SINGAPORE: Police in the Asian financial hub have seized S$1 billion (RM3.4 billion) in assets from a gang of foreigners laundering proceeds from organised crime, including plush bungalows in the most sought-after addresses, bundles of cash, luxury cars, jewellery, handbags and gold bars. In one of its biggest money-laundering cases, police said 400 officers fanned out across Singapore on Tuesday and launched simultaneous raids on residences across the city-state, from the Orchard Road shopping belt to the resort island of Sentosa. The raids on at least nine locations netted assets totalling a staggering S$1 billion, including 94 properties, bank o10 foreigners arrested in major anti-money laundering operation ‘Nuclear’ material found in Australian apartment CANBERRA: Australia’s border police raided a home in the south of Sydney yesterday, finding what local media described as “nuclear isotopes”. The home in the suburb of Arncliffe was the target of an early morning raid and remains cordoned off with tape warning of a toxic, nuclear or biological hazard inside. The small brown-brick apartment building was cut off from the road by red and yellow tape saying: “Contaminated area – do not enter – hot zone”. Local commercial broadcaster Channel 10 reported that mercury and uranium isotopes were found inside, while the Daily Telegraph said officers had found nuclear isotopes. The Australian Border Force (ABF) would not confirm media reports about the presence of radioactive material at or near the property. “The ABF can confirm it is conducting an operation today in Arncliffe, New South Wales, with the support of emergency services,” a border force spokesman said in a statement. “All appropriate safety measures are being implemented.People in the vicinity of the location are urged to follow all directions from emergency services.” Sam Abraham, 19, was trying to get home when he came across the closed road. “It’s scary finding uranium in your neighbour’s house, you come into the street and there’s police. “It’s not something that usually happens in Arncliffe.” Nemr Khamis told AFP: “In the morning I heard the loud trucks and all that stuff, I looked out of the window and I saw the ambulance and the fire brigade. “I had to come out and look, then I went inside again. I had a shower and came back and when I came back I had a baby with me and the police told me to go inside.” The 60-year-old Khamis phoned relatives who told him “there’s some uranium in the street just off the unit”. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency also refused to confirm the presence of nuclear material. “The agency will continue to support relevant state and federal agencies in the ongoing management and resolution of the situation,” a spokesman said. – AFP accounts with S$110 million, 50 vehicles, stacks of cash amounting to more than S$23 million, hundreds of luxury handbags and watches, fistfuls of jewellery and two gold bars. At least 10 foreigners aged between 31 and 44 were arrested, including one man who jumped out of the second-floor balcony of his bungalow in a tony neighbourhood and was found hiding in a drain. The man, a 40-year-old Cypriot national, sustained injuries in the fall and was taken to hospital. From his home, police seized cash amounting to more than S$2.1 million, four bank accounts with more than S$6.7 million and ownership documents of 13 properties and five vehicles with an estimated value of more than S$118 million. The others arrested included citizens from China, Cambodia, Cyprus and Vanuatu. One woman was among them. Twelve individuals were assisting police in investigations while another eight were being sought. Police said all those in the case were foreigners and were linked to one another. A police statement said the group was suspected to be laundering proceeds from overseas organised crime, including scams and online gambling. The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it takes this case seriously and has contacted the financial institutions “where the potentially tainted funds have been identified”. Police director of commercial affairs David Chew said Singapore has “zero tolerance” for being used as a safe haven for criminals or their families and for banking facilities to be abused. “Our message to these criminals is simple – if we catch you, we will arrest you. If we find your ill-gotten gains, we will seize them. “We will deal with you to the fullest extent of our laws.” – Reuters WHO holds traditional medicine summit NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) opened its first summit on traditional medicine yesterday, with the group saying it was seeking to collect evidence and data to allow for the safe use of such treatments. Traditional medicines are a “first port of call for millions of people worldwide”, the UN health agency said, with the talks in India bringing together policymakers and academics aiming to “mobilise political commitment and evidence-based action” towards them. “WHO is working to build evidence and data to inform policies, standards and regulations for the safe, cost-effective and equitable use of traditional medicine,” said WHO directorgeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as he opened the summit. Traditional medicine could boost healthcare “access gaps”, but was of value only if used “appropriately, effectively, and above all, safely based on the latest scientific evidence”, Tedros warned earlier. The two-day WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit takes place alongside a meeting of G20 health ministers in the Indian city of Gandhinagar. “We need to face a very important real-life fact that traditional medicines are very widely used,” Nobel laureate and WHO Science Council chairman Harold Varmus told the summit via video link. “It is important to understand what ingredients are actually in traditional medicines, why they work in some cases ... and importantly, we need to understand and identify which traditional medicines don’t work.” The summit, set to become a regular event, follows the opening last year of a WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, also in India’s Gujarat state. – AFP B R I E F SCHINA SNUBS CANADA AS TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS LIFTED OTTAWA: China – a major source of outbound tourists – has left Canada off a list of countries now approved for travel by tour groups, its embassy in Ottawa said on Wednesday, due to anti-Beijing rattling by Ottawa. Last week, Beijing lifted a Covid-era ban on group tours to dozens of countries including the US, Germany, Japan and Australia, but not Canada. There are currently 138 countries on the list. In a statement, the China embassy in Ottawa said the reason behind the snub was “the Canadian side has repeatedly hyped up so-called ‘Chinese interference.’” It said “rampant and discriminatory anti-Asian acts and words are rising significantly in Canada”. – AFP 62 AID WORKERS KILLED THIS YEAR, SAYS UN NEW YORK: A total of 62 humanitarian aid workers have died this year around the world, the United Nations said yesterday as it prepared to mark 20 years since a devastating attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad. The UN observes World Humanitarian Day on Aug 19 each year as it remembers the suicide bombing, which claimed 22 lives, including that of Sergio Vieira de Mello, then the UN high commissioner for human rights and the head of the UN mission in that country. Besides the 62 deaths this year in the world’s conflict zones, another 84 aid workers were wounded and 34 were kidnapped, according to the Aid Worker Security Database. – AFP North Korea preparing for military action: MP SEOUL: North Korea may launch an intercontinental ballistic missile or take other military action to protest a summit of the United States, South Korea and Japan, a South Korean lawmaker said yesterday, citing the country’s intelligence agency. US President Joe Biden will meet South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David today, hoping to tighten ties between Seoul and Tokyo amid nuclear threats from North Korea at a time when China’s regional influence is growing. North Korea has criticised the deepening military cooperation of the three countries as part of a dangerous prelude to the creation of an “Asian version of Nato”. The reclusive state could also attempt another spy satellite launch at the end of August or early September after its first such effort failed in May, said Yoo Sang-bum, a member of the South Korean Parliament. Speaking after a meeting with the chief of the National Intelligence Service, Yoo said there was a chance the North would launch the satellite to celebrate its founding anniversary on Sept 9. North Korea and Russia agreed on broad defence cooperation when Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu met Kim last month and watched a military parade with him in the capital Pyongyang, Yoo quoted South Korean intelligence as saying. – Reuters CELEBRATING FREEDOM ... Dancers performing before a ceremony marking Indonesia’s 78th Independence Day in the city of Surabaya yesterday. – AFPPIC

7 * NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME 63 dead in migrant boat incident off Cape Verde islands PRAIA: More than 60 people are believed to have died after a migrant boat from Senegal was found off West Africa’s Cape Verde islands, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday. Sixty-three people are thought to have died, while 38 survivors included four children aged 12 to 16, IOM spokesman Safa Msehli told AFP. The long wooden fishing vessel, known as a pirogue, was spotted on Monday in the Atlantic Ocean 277km from the Cape Verdean island of Sal, police said. The Spanish fishing vessel that saw it alerted Cape Verdean authorities. The Cape Verde archipelago lies about 600km off the coast on the maritime migration route to the Spanish Canary Islands – a gateway to the European Union. Emergency services recovered the remains of seven people, Msehli told AFP, while another 56 people are believed to be missing. “Generally, when people are reported missing following a shipwreck, they are presumed dead,” she said. The boat left the Senegalese fishing village of Fasse Boye on July 10 with 101 people on board, Senegal’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, citing survivors. Apart from one person from Guinea-Bissau, they were all Senegalese. – AFP B R I E F SWOMAN HELD FOR THREATENING JUDGE WASHINGTON: A Texas woman was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly making racially charged death threats against the black federal judge presiding over former US president Donald Trump’s conspiracy case for trying to overturn the 2020 election, court documents showed. On Aug 5, Abigail Jo Shry, 43, left a phone message at the Washington offices of Tanya Chutkan that included threats on her life, according to a complaint filed by a Department of Homeland Security agent. Shry called Chutkan a “stupid black slave” and said “we want to kill you”, according to the document filed with a federal court. – AFP U.S. OFFICAL DEFENDS SIREN DECISON WASHINGTON: Officials in the Hawaii island of Maui who have been criticised for the lack of warnings as a wildfire ripped through the town of Lahaina insisted on Wednesday that sounding emergency sirens would not have saved lives. The head of Maui’s Emergency Management Agency, which operates a network of 80 sirens, defended the decision not to sound them. “The sirens are used primarily for tsunamis. The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded,” Herman Andaya said. “Had we sounded them, we’re afraid that people would have gone (into the hills) and into the fire.” – AFP Russian ‘convict squads’ straining Ukrainian forces KYIV: The situation at Ukraine’s northeastern frontline is growing more difficult, a top Ukrainian general has said, warning that assault squads of Russian “convicts” are straining Kyiv’s forces near Kupiansk. Oleksandr Syrskyi warned that Russia’s forces there are trying to smash through Kyiv’s defences “every day” in a bid to blockade and capture the town, which was seized by Russia last February and liberated in Ukraine’s lightning counteroffensive in September. Ukraine recently evacuated some civilians living close to that war front, and losing the town a second time would deal a blow to Ukraine’s morale as it struggles to push through heavily mined and fortified territory in the south – which it hopes to recapture to break Russia’s land bridge with annexed Crimea. The reports from Kupiansk come as the Financial Times reported claims that Vladimir Putin has held oExperts say pressure on Kyiv to achieve ‘Hollywood style breakthrough’ unrealistic an emergency meeting to discuss state currency controls, in the latest sign that Russia’s war in Ukraine is damaging its own economy. Meanwhile, experts said Western pressure on Ukraine’s counteroffensive to achieve a “Hollywood-style breakthrough” against Russia’s forces is “unrealistic” and Kyiv’s allies must be prepared for the war to “drag on far longer” than they imagined. With rains expected to muddy the battlefield in areas of the south and east of the country as soon as next month, the “odds are getting longer” on the “triumphant breakthrough” many in the West were hoping for, analysts said. Anger in Mexico over disappearance of five youths MEXICO CITY: Violent images shared on social media showing the captivity and possible killing of five young men have sparked outrage in Mexico, although authorities have not confirmed the deaths and are keeping up their search. The group of five friends, aged 19 to 22, disappeared last Friday in the western state of Jalisco, in a case that has triggered a rare level of anger in a country where murders and kidnappings are common. The impact comes down in part to the circulation of the grisly video and photograph on social media networks, with the Jalisco prosecutor’s office still working to verify the images’ authenticity and origin. The photograph shows five young men kneeling and handcuffed, while the video records the moment one of them is attacked with a blunt object and a knife. Other people can be seen in the clip lying on the ground. Authorities have contacted the families of the missing to inform them about the images. “It’s highly possible that the young people who appear in the photograph are their relatives,” state prosecutor Blanco Trujillo said at a press conference on Tuesday. The state prosecutor’s office said in a statement on Wednesday that it had secured a farm where blood stains and footwear were found, “which suggests that the five young people were on the property”. It had earlier located two vehicles belonging to the missing men, one of them burnt and containing the remains of a person inside. The graphic images shared on social media have drawn emotional reactions from citizens, columnists and politicians. “In respect for the families, I will suspend the use of my social networks for 24 hours,” opposition presidential hopeful Xochitl Galvez said on the social media platform X. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador did not respond to questions about the case during a regular morning conference on Wednesday – apparently because he could not hear them – drawing severe criticism on social media. The suspected kidnapping and murders are “evidently linked to organised crime”, Jalisco governor Enrique Alfaro said on X. “We are facing irrational, violent and direct attacks on the stability of Jalisco that demand a reaction from the Mexican state.”– AFP However, Ukrainian forces are having “real successes” in degrading Russia’s military capabilities and draining morale of its increasingly stretched forces. Those efforts to hit supply lines, and destroy weapons depots and artillery are “going to matter in the long-term a lot more than taking a village here or a town there”, said Mark Galeotti, director of Mayak Intelligence consultancy. “In the long term, it’s leading to a situation where, come next spring, the Ukrainians are going to increasingly be fielding a competent 21st-century army while the Russians are fielding a 20th-century army.” – The Independent British Museum says items ‘missing, stolen’ LONDON: The British Museum said in a statement on Wednesday that it had dismissed a staff member and alerted the police after items from its collection were found to be “missing, stolen or damaged”. The items included gold jewellery, semi-precious stones and glass dating from 15th century BC to 19th century. “This is a highly unusual incident,” said Hartwig Fischer, director of the museum in central London, which is best known for housing collections that include the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles. “We take the safeguarding of all items in our care extremely seriously. “The museum apologises for what has happened but we have now brought an end to this and we are determined to put things right.” The museum said legal action would now be taken against the former employee, and an investigation was under way headed by the economic crime unit of London’s Metropolitan Police. Most of the items affected were described by the museum as “small pieces kept in a storeroom belonging to one of the museum’s collections”. – AFP FIERY THREAT ... Smoke rising from a wildfire in a forested area near the village of Arafo on the Canary island of Tenerife. The wildfire, that broke out in a national park that surrounds the Mount Teide volcano, prompted authorities to order the evacuation of several villages. – AFPPIC

8 theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 SPEAK UP Beijing’s scramble for friendshoring CHINA Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s travel to three countries is a strategic engagement stint to shore up its public and diplomatic image, deepen trust, foster strategic mutual dependence and regain soft power and geopolitical influence in the region. This comes amid the growing tension with the US and strained situation in the South China Sea, and notably the recent water cannoning incident with the Philippines. The trip to Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore is to ensure that security and economic returns to Beijing are maintained. Asean has been China’s biggest trading partner since 2020. According to data from Fudan University’s Green Finance and Development Centre in Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia were among the top targets for the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the past two years. China is now facing one of its most serious economic downturns and weakening prospects of post-pandemic recovery. It faces the brunt of Western embargoes on technology and critical sectors, alongside the increasing ineffectiveness of its dual circulation economic approach. Additionally, its friendshoring with the Global South, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and the de-dollarisation movement has led to a fresh scramble to secure regional support and build trust. Beijing’s latest economic and trade data reflects the growing futility of its pushback against the West’s comprehensive encirclement in terms of economic containment, energy and technology. It will try to ensure economic integration in the region is not undermined and dictated by the US, and that its influence will prevent the overtures of the West in this region. Beijing realises the rising collective resistance from Western powers against its actions in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, Indian Ocean and the Pacific Islands. This is evident in the expansion of the Quad’s (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) collaborative hard power initiatives and the increased effectiveness of Aukus (Australia, the UK and the US), potentially utilising Australia’s expansive geography for testing hypersonic missiles to counter China’s growing influence. Additionally, the ongoing Malabar exercise involving all four Quad members, taking place in Australia, further underscores these dynamics. The trip to Singapore and Malaysia will demonstrate Beijing’s commitment to the stability and peace of the region. Beijing realises the significance of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur’s longterm support for its regional role and leadership. This includes in legitimacy and a commitment to soft power. This is exemplified through their role in offering economic and developmental security, facilitated by Beijing’s initiatives, such as BRI and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Beijing is cognisant of both Malaysia and Singapore’s wariness on its increasing hard power postures in the region, which may push both to seek closer defence and security ties and affiliation with the US and the West either through enhancement of bilateral defence partnerships or in strengthening current or exploring new multilateral security partnerships, including FPDA (Five Power Defence Arrangements) or the expansion of Quad and the creation of Aukus friendly joint training and support initiatives. Any new fears triggered by Beijing’s actions may derail the dependence and positions of both countries on China, especially when the competition for both countries’ strategic geopolitical and geostrategic assets has intensified. From rare earths to food security and semiconductor and supply chain resilience, both remain complementary factors in completing the full circle of a total defence and security architecture, with Singapore being seen as having the greater risk of being more inclined to switch to a full alignment with the US. With Singapore being the most affiliated with the US, in terms of military presence and the long-held dependence on the US for its security assurances, the city-state is high on the priority list for Beijing in engaging in more strategic trust building. This is coupled with Singapore’s less reliance on China for its economic importance as compared with Malaysia and Cambodia, and its growing role in the regional security architecture. Singapore serves as a vital support and supply point for any potential full-blown conflict in South China Sea or Taiwan. The Aukus base in Perth will provide a shorter response time for the West while Singapore remains the vital platform for the US in its Freedom of Navigation exercises in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Singapore took on the logistical support role for US forces in the Western Pacific just as the Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base in the Philippines were being shut down since the 1990s. The city-state also complements the strategic return of the renewed expansion of the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement with Washington, which will see the strategic presence of US power in the most direct counterbalancing locations to Beijing’s intent in the region. The 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty with the US remains the pinnacle of Manila’s security fallback. The Camilo Osias navy base in Santa Ana and Lal-lo airport, both in Cagayan province, and Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province and the island of Balabac off Palawan, provide Manila with the much-needed hard power boost and will strengthen America’s second front capacity in case of a Taiwanese invasion, and provide needed support for Seoul and Tokyo. Singapore acts as the containment of the domino effect in acting as a barrier against potential Chinese submarine warfare capacity and in serving as the support base for the potential blockade of Malacca Strait in wartime. The same support is needed for the critical chokepoints of the Lombok and Sunda Straits, and in providing cover for Northern Australia. The 2019 renewal of a three-decadeold pact between the US and Singapore that grants US forces access to the Lion City’s naval and air bases portrays the country’s importance, especially in serving as the connecting point for the West’s maritime extended strategy from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific in running through the South China Sea. Under the renewed agreement, the US will have access to Singapore’s naval and air base facilities until 2035. The first renewal of the pact in 2005 granted the US access to the facilities until 2020. US Navy ships, including nuclear submarines and aircraft carrier groups, are frequent visitors to the city state’s Changi Naval Base, which serves as a refuelling and resupply point for American forces in the Western Pacific. For Cambodia, Beijing will seek to reaffirm an already ingrained strong partnership, and the essence of that will be the upcoming Ream base. Phnom Penh will need to maintain robust economic dependence on Beijing, and remains the bulwark of Beijing’s symbol of dominance in continental Southeast Asia. The Ream base offers greater room for Beijing in the Gulf of Thailand, where the base is expanding its reach, posing a threat to Thailand and Vietnam. The region remains critical for Beijing in its larger power postures in the Pacific, Indian Ocean and Australasia, and it remains the centre of a growing powder keg that will make or break Beijing’s regional and global ambitions. The momentum of the West’s derisking and friendshoring efforts has now turned the tide against Beijing’s steady progress on shoring up its support, and this region is the key platform for its Taiwan ambition and its long-term 2049 Rejuvenation Dream that seeks to challenge the US and replacing it as the global military and economic superpower in a new Chinacentric order. The writer is a Foreign Affairs and Security Strategist at Universiti Malaya. Comments: [email protected] “Beijing realises the significance of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur’s long-term support for its regional role and leadership. This includes in legitimacy and a commitment to soft power. Enhancing protection for gig economy workers THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia supports the government’s initiative to establish a Malaysian Gig Economy Commission and formulate legislation to safeguard the social security of gig workers. This significant development aligns seamlessly with the commission’s recommendations to ensure adequate social protection for gig workers. The gig economy in Malaysia has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. However, the lack of worker classification and agreed-upon terms of employment has hindered gig workers from enjoying basic labour rights and essential social protections. Additionally, concerns about consumer rights and food safety have arisen due to the unique nature of gig-based services. Recognising these challenges, the commission initiated efforts in 2021 to actively advocate for the rights of workers in the gig economy. Extensive discussions have been held with e-hailing and p-hailing workers as part of these continuous efforts. These discussions took place on March 1 and June 1 and involved the participation of e-hailing and p-hailing service providers. The commission is committed to formulating the legislation to ensure that the rights of gig workers and consumer interests are well-balanced and protected. The commission proposes the following aspects, including establishing precise definitions for gig workers, ensuring social protection, devising effective complaint mechanisms and outlining the terms of collective agreements for employment. These terms should include income stability, maternity leave, annual leave, medical benefits, contributions to the Social Security Organisation, Employee Provident Fund and insurance coverage as well as ensuring sufficient floor and equitable pay. Furthermore, legislation should include specific provisions for consumer rights and food hygiene preparation in gig-based services to promote a safe and reliable environment for workers and consumers. The commission strongly encourages continued dialogue and collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, gig workers’ associations and civil society organisations to address the evolving needs of gig workers while upholding consumer rights and ensuring food safety. By working together, we can establish a fair, inclusive and secure system that protects the rights, welfare and interests of all stakeholders involved in the gig economy. Prof Datuk Dr Rahmat Mohamad Chairman Human Rights Commission of Malaysia LETTERS [email protected] COMMENT by Collins Chong Yi’s trip to Malaysia is to shore up its public and diplomatic image, deepen trust and foster strategic mutual dependence in the Asean region. – BERNAMAPIC

1 8 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 F R I D A Y TGIF: Hail to the king The fruit that rules our nation’s heart August fun facts on page S2 Durian-out this weekend before the season ends. Find the best spots on page S5 TGIF: Hail TGIF: Hail to the king to the king Happy family pets makes happy family Page S3

2 theSun LYFE ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 20 fun facts about August AUGUST, known as the dog days of summer in the northern hemisphere, offers warm weather, lush gardens, and bustling parks and beaches for vacationers. As a month of relaxation and preparation for the upcoming school year and fall, it’s not yet time for pumpkin-spiced lattes—iced tea and coffee remain the preference. Beyond its serene charm, August boasts quirks like name changes and shifts in days due to calendar adjustments. Discovering rare lava-forged gemstones, remembering lost icons, and exploring intriguing events like the Mona Lisa theft and cryptocurrency heists await in this intriguing month. Ready for a trove of August facts? Let’s dive in. 1. August was once the sixth month of the year. Originally named “Sextilis” in the Roman calendar, denoting the sixth month, August shifted to the eighth position when January and February were introduced in 700 BC. 2. How many days are in August? August, decide! Its days have shifted often. Initially 30, then 31. In January and February, it shrank to 29. Julius Caesar reverted to 31, and thankfully, it’s stayed so. 3. August has an identity crisis. Though “Sextilis” carries a slightly cheeky tone, it was replaced in 8 BC with the official name “Augustus.” The name pays homage to Augustus Caesar, the Roman emperor and adopted son of Julius Caesar. Over time, it was simplified to “August.” 4. No other month with the same starting day August has a captivating fact: its starting day differs from other months. Leap years align February’s start with August’s, showcasing an intriguing arrangement of days within a month. 5. The lion and the virgin Not Madonna’s video, but August embodies two zodiac signs: Leo (Aug 1–22), represented by the lion, and Virgo (Aug 22–31), symbolised by the Virgin. 6. The underrated birthstone of August Peridot, a gem of remarkable beauty, emerges from lava, displaying captivating shades ranging from electric grass to subtle olive. Though less renowned among birthstones, its allure can evoke envy in anyone. 7. August is for holidays and vacations. In August, major European cities become tourist hotspots as residents go on vacation, particularly in places like Paris and Rome. However, the service industry continues to thrive, catering to tourist needs and expenditures. 8. The strange days of August August is host to numerous peculiar celebrations, including some favourites: Aug 3 marks National Watermelon Day. Aug 10 is designated National Lazy Day. Aug 16 takes the spotlight as National Roller Coaster Day. Lastly, Aug 28 brings a touch of elegance with National Bow Tie Day. 9. August is the month of... Sandwiches originated in August 1762, when the Earl of Sandwich requested meat between bread slices. The moon of the eight month. - 123RF The cook behind it deserves credit too. In any case, a delicious sarnie is what we crave now. 10. August is also the month of In Anglo-Saxon times, August was dubbed “Weod Monath,“ or Weed Month, due to rapid plant growth. An intriguing August fact: Bamboo’s growth can be observed at up to two inches per hour, a remarkable feat. 11. The birth flowers of August August highlights two unique and stunning flowers. The gladiolus, often known as the sword lily due to its elongated stalks, exudes vibrancy. In addition, the poppy symbolises remembrance and is brimming with creativity and imagination, further enhancing the month’s charm. 12. The most famous speech ever given On Aug 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The address, attended by a remarkable 250,000 people, passionately advocated for the cessation of racial discrimination and the pursuit of equal rights for everyone. 13. Eat your veggies. August brings a vegetable harvest: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and peas are ripe. Remember, avoid digging up underground growth this month; they benefit from the warm August soil to thrive. 14. The disasters of August In August, two major events destroyed entire cities: Mount Vesuvius erupted on Aug 24, 79 AD, obliterating Pompeii, and on Aug 6, 1945, the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. 15. Famous Leos born in August For exceptional leaders, turn to August’s Leos. The 44th President, Barack Obama, was born on Aug 4, while seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady was born on Aug 3. Additionally, the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, was born on Aug 5. 16. Famous Virgos born in August If you’re looking for inspiration and unmatched achievement, look to the Virgos of August. Basketball hero Kobe Bryant was born on Aug 23. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was born on Aug 29. Business tycoon Warren Buffet was born on Aug 30. 17. A boy or girl named August August is a popular first name in certain countries. In Sweden, it consistently ranks among the top-50 names for boys each year. In the US, August is the 155th most popular name for boys, and it’s also used for girls, holding the 856th spot among girls’ names in the US. 18. The deaths of two American icons Two of America’s most iconic superstars met their early deaths in the month of August. The original blonde bombshell, actress Marilyn Monroe, died on Aug 4, 1962. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, died on Aug 16, 1977. 19. August is a good month for a heist. August is the month of sticky fingers. And we’re not talking about melting ice cream. The Mona Lisa was famously stolen in August of 1911 and wasn’t recovered for two years. In a more recent August heist, the Poly Network heist of 2021 stole over US$600 million worth of cryptocurrency. 20. Columbus set sail for the Americas In October 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas near the Bahamas. However, his voyage began two months earlier, on Aug 3, 1492, when he and his crew of 90 set sail from Spain.

theSun LYFE ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 3 BRINGING a new pet home is an exciting moment, and their wellbeing is a top concern. Ensuring a healthy start involves opting for spaying or neutering. Spaying and neutering are not solely for the greater good; they also improve your pet’s health and behaviour. The benefits of spaying females and neutering males are manifold. Timing Matters: Deciding when hinges on individual circumstances. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers guidelines. Cats benefit from spaying at five months, allowing growth while reaping the procedure’s advantages. For dogs, size dictates timing. Small breeds (less than 20kg) should be spayed before the first heat (five–six months) or neutered by six months. Larger breeds ( more than 20kg) should be neutered at nine to 15 months or spayed between five to 15 months, postgrowth. Vets tailor this to your pet. Healthier, Longer Life: Early spaying (three to six months) greatly reduces mammary cancer risk in females. It also guards against uterine and ovarian infections. A vast study involving 460,000 cats and 2.2 million dogs revealed that spayed cats live 39% longer and dogs 23% longer. Reduced cancer and infection risks account for this extended life. Neutering males averts testicular cancer, a concern in older, unneutered dogs. Pancreatic cancer risk drops, and males enjoy 18% longer lives. Male cats also gain these benefits. Happier, Better-Behaved Pets: Neutered males have longer lives, partly due to reduced wandering and aggression. Neutering curbs testosterone, which is linked to aggression. Dogs likewise roam less in search of mates, preventing accidents and conflicts. Neutering fosters better behaviour. Neutered pets show less aggression, marking, and mounting tendencies. Escape Heat-Related Challenges: Skipping spaying means female cats endure heat at six months for six days, cycling every three weeks. Vocalisation, demand, bleeding, and spraying follow. Female dogs have two annual heat cycles with excessive bleeding and urination. Spaying stops these behaviours by halting heat cycles. Weight, Cost, and Responsibility: Weight issues arise from inactivity and overeating, mirroring human struggles. Exercise and a balanced diet keep pets healthy. While there’s an initial cost to spay or neuter, long-term savings offset it. Preventing health problems saves money. Shelters often offer affordable options if cost is a concern. Responsible Pet Care: Countless pets crowd shelters annually, highlighting overpopulation. Spaying and neutering curbs this, reducing shelter strain. Dogs multiply 15 times and cats 45 times faster than humans. Lack of access increases euthanasia rates. In Conclusion: Spaying and neutering is more than preventing litter; it ensures a healthier, happier life. From curbing diseases to enhancing behaviour and aiding animal welfare, this choice positively influences pets’ lives and the broader animal community. - PetMD oHere are the ancient cards’ predictions for your weekend Sun sign: Your weekend horoscope Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) Old memories may return, or you may find yourself overreacting to a harmless comment. People around you may be too demanding or critical, but if you don’t take it personally, everything should go smoothly. This is an excellent week for creative expression, and individuals in the arts can benefit from advertising their work. You might even find an old ability you’d forgotten about. Remember that you must ask for what you desire in order to receive it. Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) The hardest aspect of betrayal and disappointment is that it is always done by someone you know well and rarely by a stranger. Instead of dwelling on the loss, concentrate on recovering what you can and devising a plan for moving forward. An old friend may reemerge, providing a muchneeded break from the daily grind. This is an excellent month for researching spirituality and alternative healing methods. Meditation will bring you the tranquilly you want, as well as the understanding that things will gradually improve. Gemini (May 21-June 20) If you could teach the world one thing, it would be self-reliance. Your self-reliance encourages and inspires everyone around you. And this month, you’ll be taking on greater responsibility at work or in your neighbourhood. Your input will be valued, and your efforts will not be overlooked. If you are married, you and your partner can expect a pleasant surprise. Singles may begin to seriously consider finding a long-term relationship. Cancer (June 21-July 22) With unexpected repairs and improvements, the house takes centre stage once more. Sudden bills and reminders may make you feel as though you don’t have time for yourself. Do not request my time; instead, take it for yourself and refresh your batteries. A party may be arranged, or a contract may besigned. A little growth is better than no development, and you may discover that you are becoming a stronger, calmer, and smarter version of yourself. Leo (July 23-Aug 22) This weekend, you might not feel like being social. A portion of you may be bored with workplace politics and family drama, and you may seek refuge in your imagination, future ideas, and calm. This is a fantastic month to establish long-term plans, but remember to keep in touch with those who actually care about you. If there’s one thing you’ve learned recently, it’s the value of family love and care. A misplaced object, document, or memory will be found. Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) Whatever has been bothering you will be resolved. Whoever has been opposing you will relent. The more you believe in yourself and your abilities, the more you can progress this weekend. You may rely on logic and facts to help you solve challenges. Loyalty will be tested, and someone’s infidelity may be revealed. Believe that the truth can never be kept hidden for very long. Money worries may persist, but good advice from a reliable source can put you at ease again. Libra (Sept 23-Oct 22) Sharing is not only caring; it also multiplies joy. You may be touched by another soul’s generosity or opt to donate some of your time, energy, or resources to another. Whatever way you look at it, this week delivers satisfaction that can only be obtained by giving. Your thinking is quick and ready to streamline and organise processes at work and in business. A bothersome delay may be resolved. Even longstanding, poisonous relationships can be ended once and for all. Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) If you’ve been sleeping on anything, the next week may shake you awake. Take note of what your loved ones say to you. They are the only ones who are telling the truth in a given situation. The others are either intimidated by you or don’t care. A family member’s health may demand attention, and if it is done quickly, healing is guaranteed. Acts of generosity, volunteer work, and kindness will bring you a new type of tranquilly. Sagittarius (Nov 22- Dec 21) It is great to be back out there and see old friends. An invitation or a brief outing may be all you need to re-energise. You may be eager to create an impact at work, and you will. Just don’t be impatient for responses or answers. People may lead you astray with false hopes and promises, so do your best and let it go. Singles may have to choose between two equally appealing possibilities. Who speaks to your heart? Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19) Don’t act on impulse, and make sure you have all of the facts before expressing your opinion. Workwise, a new path is opening up, and you may want to examine a new industry, a new profession, or a new line of business. One piece of advice: don’t hasten; instead, plan. Family things are in order, and the women around you may be able to provide much-needed support and counsel. Romantically, an admirer may express his or her affections, but the main question is, Are you ready for this? Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) You can be asked to choose between the devil and the deep blue water. Both approaches have disappointments and hazards, and the pressure may increase. Seek expert help if the situation continues to overwhelm and confound you. Financially, the cards encourage you to be organised, especially in financial affairs. You might need to remind someone to return something you lent them. A friend’s death may necessitate a last-minute alteration in plans. A flirtation could develop something more serious. Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) Irritation levels may rise as you face irritating situations and people. Bite your tongue and hold back your rage for a moment. And if you can achieve that, you may anticipate cooperation and progress. Pisceans who are self-employed may consider diversifying and expanding into other sectors. Students may branch out into new fields of study. Singles may opt not to commit to long-term relationships in order to maintain their “no strings attached” approach. One word of caution: don’t send a furious SMS or email. It might have serious ramifications in the coming weeks. The benefits of spaying and neutering Early spaying greatly reduces cancer. – 123RF

4 theSun LYFE ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 Six best durian spots in Klang Valley I NDULGING in the exquisite world of durians is an integral part of life for many in the Klang Valley, where this thorny fruit takes centre stage during its vibrant season. Hailed as the King of Fruits, durian is more than just a tropical delight; it’s a culinary adventure that captures a range of flavours, textures, and aromas. However, the most ideal time to enjoy durian falls within the months of June to August, specifically focusing on the sought-after Musang King variant that garners passion from both natives and tourists. This is when the fruit is at its best, with a rich, velvety texture that is completely enticing. Therefore, in this piece, we embark on a journey to uncover the six best durian havens located all over the Klang Valley, each offering a distinctive experience for all to enjoy. Let’s take advantage of this last chance to get our fill of this sweet, creamy, and spicy treat before the season ends. 0 Rizky Durian Start off with this gem, Rizky Durian, a heaven for durian lovers where you can dine in or just buy takeaway. Famous among the Petaling Jaya people, you are able to purchase various kinds of durian at prices that are extremely reasonable. Some examples of these higherpriced varieties are the Tekka (RM90 per kg) and the D24 XO (RM50 per kg). The shop also provides a package deal for just RM200 that includes one kilogramme each of Tekka and Kawin, as well as two kilogrammes of D24 XO, if you’d like to try all three of them. A feast consisting primarily of durian is unquestionably something to look forward to. If you find yourself unable to visit their stall in person, don’t worry. Rizky Durian has you covered with its convenient delivery service. Contact them, and you will have freshly handpicked durian delivered to your door within hours. Address: Lot 7680, Jalan SS2/24, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Contact: 012 234 5619 0 DurianMan SS2 This outlet is a renowned and trusted durian stall that has been delighting customers since 1998. The man behind this business also possesses a wealth of expertise when it comes to durians, and the staff are dedicated to offering their patrons the finest durian selections available. With their extensive years of involvement in the field, they have cultivated a deep appreciation for the distinct flavours, textures, and █ HAZIQUE ZAIRILL RIzky Durian, famous among the PJ people. Facebook/@Cksdurian Facebook/@SS2DurianHouseStall fragrances of durian. Their seasoned insights enable them to suggest the most suitable varieties, tailoring their recommendations to their customers’ individual preferences. Undeniably, the stall is known for its fresh and delicious durians, and its Musang King variety is particularly famous for its creamy, rich texture and delectable flavour. So, head over to the eatery in Petaling Jaya and treat yourself to the best durians in town. Bring your family and friends too. Address: 7680, Jalan SS2/24, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Contact: 012-234-5619 0 CKS Durian This particular outlet has garnered its fame through its commitment to offering top-notch durians with an emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction. Renowned for its impeccable selection of durian varieties, CKS Durian ensures that each fruit offered to customers is of the highest standard, boasting exceptional flavour, texture, and aroma. This dedication to excellence has earned them a loyal following of durian enthusiasts who seek out CKS Durian for a truly delightful durian experience. Additionally, its Facebook/ @Rizkydurian

theSun LYFE ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 5 Six best durian spots in Klang Valley Facebook/ @DurianManSS2 Durianman SS2 never fails to fulfil the hunger for durians. Facebook/@ChenBrothersDurian Facebook/ @DurianBB.com DurianBB is one of the best places to unwind while enjoying the scrumptious fruit. friendly and knowledgeable staff contributes to their reputation by providing customers with valuable insights and recommendations for selecting the perfect durian. CKS Durian’s reputation for premium durians, excellent service, and passion for the fruit have made it a trusted name in the industry. Address: 20, Jalan Indah 1/6, Taman Indah, 43200 Cheras, Selangor Contact: 017-349-5933 0 SS2 Durian House Stall Petaling Jaya SS2 is undeniably a paradise for durian enthusiasts, providing yet another excellent destination to satiate your durian cravings to the fullest. Well, SS2 Durian House Stall stands out by sourcing and offering a wide range of premium durian types, allowing customers to try different flavours and textures. The stall curates a selection that caters to various preferences, from the beloved Musang King to other sought-after varieties. Other than that, the SS2 Durian House Stall places a high emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring a safe space for customers to relish their durian treats. This commitment to quality has earned locals’ and tourists’ trust, making durian an unforgettable experience. Conveniently, they also accept debit payments. Address: PT1967, Jalan SS 2/61, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Contact: 012-633-9996 0 Chen Brothers Durian & Fruit Situated in Kepong Baru, this Durian stall stands as one of Kuala Lumpur’s most coveted durian stalls. Nestled along “durian street” (Jalan Mergastua), a thoroughfare flanked by various durian vendors, it can be easily accessed by disembarking at Kepong station via the KTM Komuter. A brief 15-minute walk will lead you to the stall’s location. Their diverse durian selection includes prized varieties like Musang King, Red Meat, D24, D101, Kunyit, and Bamboo Leg. Particularly appealing to D24 enthusiasts, this stall showcases a remarkable abundance of these durians of exceptional quality. Unlike typical D24 with whitish flesh, these fruits exhibit a yellow hue and boast a unique flavour profile—creamy, sweet, and slightly bitter. Address: Jalan Mergastua, Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Contact: 017-338 1366 0 DurianBB Park Beginning in Hong Kong in 2015, DurianBB expanded to China, Macau and Singapore before launching DurianBB Park in Imbi, Malaysia. This establishment stands out from traditional durian stalls with dedicated parking, spacious dining areas with ceiling fans, an assortment of freshly sourced durians, curated durian tasting platters, durian-based products and souvenirs, and wellequipped handwashing stations and restrooms. Fresh durians are available every day at Durian BB Park, which features a selection of five durian varieties harvested from Malaysian orchards. These include the wellknown Musang King, D101, D13 Golden Bun, Durian Kampung, and D24, or XO. Address: 15, Jalan Kamuning, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Contact: 012-313-8699 o End-of-season search for the finest durian offerings

Electric convenience ON FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2023 ► Contributing Editor: KESHY DHILLON / [email protected] ► Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 / +6012-580 3470 ► To advertise email: [email protected] Practicality and tech on a budget with Blueshark R1 electric scooter The Blueshark R1 is roughly about the size of a Vespa LX150. Taller riders will find the R1 to be small. Passengers will find the suspension to be comfortable. The side mounted motor provides 201Nm of torque. Wheels of the R1 measure in at 12” and you do not get ABS braking. There is a dash camera that is placed flush at the front of the bike.

ELECTRIC cars seem to be dominating the Malaysian EV segment, which is quite sad because the roads are plied by more than just cars. Motorcycles and trucks too contribute to congestion as well as pollution, but while electric trucks are still some years away from mass adoption (though Volvo recently got the ball rolling with the Volvo FM electric prime mover), electric motorcycles are seeing a rise in popularity. It is difficult to tell at this point which bike maker was the first to introduce an electric model to the Malaysian market, but BMW has its own electric scooter which is not cheap. Chinese brands are more affordable and made for the masses but not all made desirable bikes and many did not last. Chinese brand Blueshark made quite a wave when it was launched in Malaysia earlier this year, and is seeing a continued rise in popularity of its R1 model, its first and only model for the Malaysian market for now. There are two variants though, the regular R1 and the R1 lite. The difference between the two are the features each has to offer, and the price – the R1 retails for RM9,390 if you chose to rent the batteries instead of purchasing them outright. Battery rental costs as low as RM59 per month and gives you access to battery swapping terminals which we will get to shortly. The R1 Lite on the other hand RM7,190 without batteries. You can add RM6,000 (for two batteries) to that price if you prefer to purchase your own batteries rather than signing up for a battery subscription plan. Despite its peculiarly named – motorcycle fans will remember one of the greatest superbikes ever made, the Yamaha R1 – the Blueshark R1 is a great attempt at creating an electric scooter that just about any self-respecting biker can appreciate. Its design is nothing extraordinary while its size is roughly about that of a Vespa LX150. In fact, this writer found it a little too small for a sixfoot frame. The 12-inch wheels too give it a Vespa like handling character and you will have to be cautious of large potholes which can swallow a wheel whole. Besides that, though, the R1 is comfortable and practical enough for urban use. Its smallish size makes it easy to park in the crowded motorcycle parking lots of shopping malls. If you have ever gone through the agony of looking for a motorcycle parking lot during lunch hour, you would know that the smaller the bike, the easier it is to park. The Blueshark R1 definitely scores top points there. But having said that, we do wish there was better under seat storage though. It is just big enough to fit a half shell helmet (otherwise known as a turtle helmet) but without a visor. Not even a regular open face helmet or a laptop bag will fit in there, which is quite a pity. The only way around that is to fit a top box, which does mean that you will have to increase the overall length of the bike, and takes away some of the practical bits highlighted earlier. On the topic of things that could be better, we also find the top speed to be a dash on the unsafe side as well. The R1 has five riding modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport, Turbo and a Move Assist Mode that is meant for low speed parking. In Sport and Turbo mode, the top speed is rated at 90kph but the range of 110km on the NEDC cycle takes a hit. In fact, in these modes, range drops drastically to the point of causing anxiety. So, if your commute takes you multiple places in a day with some unforeseen stops along the way, Eco and Comfort are the best modes to be in as they give you the best range. But in these modes, the top speed is only 60kph, which can be quite dangerous as traffic simply zooms past you, making you feel like an obstacle on the road. The way around that would be to switch between modes to get out of the way. And that can be easily done at the press of a button, which is great. But doing that a couple of times a day means that you will need to charge the battery every day. Which takes us to the best part about the Blueshark R1 – charging and the swappable battery. One of the biggest challenges of owning an electric scooter is being able to charge it if you live in a high-rise building, which most urbanites do. Blueshark recognided that as an issue and incorporated removable batteries that can be carried up to an apartment and charged at home using charging bases. A full charge of a single battery takes about three and a half hours with a regular three pin plug and seven hours to charge both batteries. However, purchasing the batteries together with the R1 can be expensive – up to RM3,000 per battery. And you will need two batteries to be able to reach the R1’s full range capability. Spending RM6,000 on a battery is expensive by any measure. But Blueshark has a rather ingenious solution to that. Instead of buying batteries and dealing with the drop in charge holding capabilities over time (something that every battery goes through), you can simply apply for a subscription programme and swap batteries at something called a “Bluestation”. A Bluestation is basically a charging bay located at selected Petronas outlets – mostly around the Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam area for now but this is expanding. This charging bay has pre-existing batteries that have already been charged. So, all you have to do is to book your slot at the Bluestation before arriving (through an application), this will then unlock the battery at the station upon your arrival. Then you simply have to swap your drained battery for a fully charged one in less than a minute. The only thing is some might find the 11kg battery to be rather heavy, so some muscle power may be needed. These subscription programmes start at RM59 per month as mentioned earlier and this gives you 36 battery swaps. If you need more, the programme goes up to RM139 for 120 swaps. Or if you are the type that does not like to commit, you can simply pay as you swap for just RM1.95 per swap. There is no denying that this battery swapping tech is great. And if there were enough Bluestation’s located all over the country, then technically you could ride the R1 just about anywhere without worrying about stopping for a recharge. On that note, the R1 is arguably the most complete and affordable electric scooter Malaysia has seen, yet. Besides its battery swapping tech, even the onboard systems are brilliant. There are proximity sensors at the back that work in conjunction with the reverse gear (yes - you read that right). This makes backing out of a tight parking lot so much easier. The R1 also has an in-built dash camera that records as your ride, and not only that, but there’s a reverse camera that comes on when you use the turn signals. It also has a Bluetooth audio system that lets you listen to your favourite music as you ride, though it is absolutely useless at speeds above 40kph because you can’t hear anything through the windblast. But the fact that it is there is good enough for me. There is plenty to love about the Blueshark R1. And it is brilliant for those nearby rides to the grocery store or to the office, as long as your commute is not on any major highways. █ KESHY DHILLON 7 AUGUST 18, 2023 Controls layout can take some getting used to. Quality of buttons is top notch. The R1 has bluetooth audio that lets you listen to music but can barely be heard above 40kph. There is a USB slot next to the key slot that lets you charge your electronics. Underseat storage is great for chargers or a half shell helmet. The hallmark of the Blueshark is its battery swapping technology, you can either rent the battery from as low as RM59 per month or buy it for RM3,000 a piece SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 50000w High Speed Electric Permanent Magnet Gear Motor Power: 5kW from rear mounted hub Torque: 201Nm Brakes: Double hydraulic disc brakes with no ABS Wheels: 12 inches Range: 110km (NEDC cycle) Price: RM9,390 with no batteries (as tested) Battery swapping tech. Unpractical underseat storage. The 10” screen on the R1 provides for clear readouts.

ANGKA-TAN Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), the official distributor of JMC vehicles in Malaysia has introduced the JMC Vigus Pro White Series for its pickup truck lineup. According to ATM, the JMC Vigus Pro White Series is the most affordable automatic transmission 4×4 workhorse in the one-tonne pickup segment, making it the allessential workhorse for corporates and SMEs. The JMC Vigus Pro White Series is the extension of the JMC Vigus Pro Premium Series. The Vigus Pro lineup now offers two alternatives to consumers with the most recent release: the White Series and the Premium Series. As for the White Series model, it measures in at 5305mm in length, 1905mm wide, 1835mm tall, and has a 3085mm wheelbase. The pick-up truck also has a 6.5m turning radius, 225mm of ground clearance, and a 1995kg kerb weight. It rolls on 16-inch alloy wheels (265/70 profile tyres), and it has automatic halogen projector headlights, LED DRLs, front and rear fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers and a bed liner, heated and powered side mirrors with turn signals, side steps, a rear step bumper and a sport bar with integrated third brake light. The White Series has a Puma 2.0L inline-four diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger and intercooler and is paired with the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode and a BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system. This four-wheel drive system offers a low-range transfer box for off-road and SUV applications. This system allows drivers to switch between twoand four-wheel drive modes, providing improved traction and offroad capabilities. It delivers 141PS at 3600rpm and 340Nm of torque from 1500 to 2600rpm. It includes a 68-litre petrol tank, hydraulic rack power steering, and beds that are 1,475 mm long, 1,475 mm broad, and 500mm in height. On the inside, you will find an 8” touchscreen head unit with Bluetooth, four speakers, a leatherwrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, cruise control, manual air conditioning, and a speed-sensing auto door lock. There is also a 3.5” multi-info display situated in the middle of analogue metres. For safety, the two airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors from the Premium Series are also included in the White Series. As the name states, the White Series comes only in Arctic White and is priced at RM99,888, on the road without insurance. It is covered by a three-year or 100,000km warranty. 8 AUGUST 18, 2023 WHENEVER Brabus unveils a new creation, it’s like the automotive Gods saying “Here, something to brighten up your day,” and indeed, it looks and feels like something forged up in the mountains of heaven. Even the words that Brabus use emphasise this feeling. For example, Brabus says, “This rolling symphony of avant-garde is its very own class of excellence, where unbound sophistication and confident strength come together in a breathtaking statement of individuality”. Speaking of elegance, this new creation is based on the MercedesMaybach S680. Brabus started by modifying the V12 engine in the Mercedes-Maybach S680, which already boasts a formidable 621hp, to create 838hp and 1,100Nm of torque, making it the most potent S-Class in the world. Due to a thorough reworking of the powertrain, this vehicle has even more power than the new Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance with its 791hp twin-turbo 4.0L V8. The displacement has increased from 6.0 to 6.3L, and Brabus has added new turbochargers, forged internals, and larger air intakes to keep everything running at the right temperature. All this power is sent to the Brabus 850’s four wheels via a ninespeed automatic gearbox, and a new high-performance exhaust system is included to make sure the driver and onlookers are aware of this enormous powertrain. It has a top speed cap of 250kph and accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 4.1 seconds. Drivers must trust the standard Mercedes S-Class braking system despite the additional power, even though the airflow to the brakes appears to have increased. A pair of 22-inch forged wheels, a carbon package with either a high-gloss or matte finish, as well as a new front lip spoiler and rear diffuser, complete the design of the Brabus 850. According to Brabus, the air suspension has been modified to sit 20mm lower “without compromising any of its outstanding ride comfort”. The inside maintains the carbon motif with carbon fibre trim on the door cards, pedals, dashboard centre console, and steering wheel. Customers may choose from a variety of interior hues and materials, and the cabin is adorned with “Brabus” badging as standard. The Brabus 850 should easily surpass the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, which starts at RM1.2 million in “First Class” trim. J UST last month, Honda Malaysia announced that the City facelift was available for reservations at all Honda dealerships in Malaysia. Now, the covers are off, marking the official launching of the facelifted City. Honda has sold more than 10,000 units in the first half of 2023, while the 5th generation City has sold more than 68,600 copies since its release. These numbers make it clear that Malaysians love the Honda City, and would select it over its competitors. Available variants for the new Honda City are the S, E, V, and the top-of-the-line RS e:HEV model. However, this time, the petrol versions get their own RS model as well, making it five variants for the City when previously there were four. The new City measures 4,589mm long, 1,748mm wide, and 1,467mm tall. It has redesigned bumpers and is longer as well; a full 27mm longer for non-RS variants, and 36mm longer for RS models. It also has several aesthetic upgrades, including a new “RS” badge, a honeycomb front grille, a front lower grille, a rear diffuser, and side skirts. The RS and the e:HEV RS’s appearance is further accentuated by newly designed 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a new front bumper, and a new rear bumper. The V on the other hand gets 16 single-tone rims while the E gets 15 dual tone rims and the S gets a set of 15 single tone rims. The top-of-the-line RS model has a 1.5L e:HEV engine and an electric motor, and it has a combined power output of 109PS and a torque output at 253Nm. The 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC engine of the new City, meanwhile, has a maximum output of 121PS and 145Nm of torque. Paddle Shift is now a standard feature in all petrol versions, giving consumers a fun and dynamic driving experience. Deceleration Selector Paddles are a feature of the e:HEV RS version that allow the driver to slow the car without pressing the brake pedal and activate power regeneration. Both the Petrol RS and the e:HEV RS come with a 7 TFT Metre, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto wireless connectivity. All variations, except for the S, have new, improved features in common, including 8 Speakers, a new interface for Display Audio, an improved Multi-Angle Rear View Camera, and a new Rear USB Port (Type C). The 60:40 split rear seat layout of the City maintains its practicality. It also has 519L of cargo capacity. The new City is equipped with Honda’s suite of advanced Honda SENSING safety features, a standard feature for all variants. It also has six airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock as standard equipment on all models. Smartphone connectivity with Honda CONNECT is a standard advanced feature for the City Petrol RS and e:HEV RS. Customers may now choose to outfit their City with Honda CONNECT for the non-RS models in an effort to provide greater value. Honda Malaysia is presently providing the optional Honda CONNECT for a discounted price of RM1,500.00 till January 2024. The new City will be offered in five colours namely Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl The on-the-road-without insurance price of the new City is as follows: e:HEV RS (RM111,900.00); Petrol RS (RM99,900.00); V (RM94,900.00); E (RM89,900.00) and S (RM84,900.00). City gets a facelift DURING the launch of the new facelifted Honda City yesterday, Honda Malaysia made a shock announcement regarding the fate of the Accord. Honda Malaysia CEO, Mr Hironobu Yoshimura, announced that the Accord will no longer be offered for sale in Malaysia. The news comes as a surprise, but one that is not unexpected. Honda Malaysia has refocused its efforts towards its SUV models in recent times, and this was obvious with the recent discontinuation of the BRV, which was replaced by the WRV. The launch of the WRV made Honda Malaysia the first non-national car maker to explore the small SUV segment. And judging by the sheer number of bookings (2,500 bookings) Honda Malaysia received before the launch, the company is on track for success in the new segment. Even globally, the demand for SUV’s continues to rise while the demand for Dsegment sedans like the Accord has dropped considerably. So, it comes as no surprise then that the Honda Malaysia has pulled the plug from the Accord, marking a sad but necessary demise of a car that offered a spaciousness and comfort in a handsome package. ATM introduces JMC Vigus Pro white series Elegance meets 838 horsepower Honda Accord discontinued in M’sia

SCI 3,163.74 13.61 NIKKEI 31,626.00 140.82 TSEC 16,516.66 69.88 FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES August 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) HONGSENG 558,632,400 6.5 +0.5 AIMFLEX 152,623,200 22.0 +1.5 UEMS 96,336,900 63.0 +2.0 AWANTEC 95,037,000 17.5 -22.5 SPSETIA 79,570,000 85.5 +6.5 EXCHANGERATES AUGUST 17, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.7100 4.5770 4.5510 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0330 2.9130 2.9170 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4620 3.3620 3.3580 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4740 3.3830 3.3820 1 EURO 5.1290 4.9650 4.9580 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.7990 2.6970 2.6930 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4620 3.3620 3.3580 1 STERLING POUND 6.0010 5.8150 5.7870 1 SWISS FRANC 5.3340 5.2120 5.1940 100 UAE DIRHAM 129.8100 123.1300 122.8800 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3790 4.1090 3.9080 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 64.6000 62.2000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 60.8200 57.8200 57.6400 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.7600 5.4100 5.2000 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0319 0.0289 0.0238 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2220 3.1210 3.1210 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.8000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6300 1.5100 1.3000 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.4400 7.9600 7.7400 100 QATAR RIYAL 130.7500 124.1200 123.8600 100 SAUDI RIYAL 127.0700 120.6300 120.3700 100 THAI BAHT 13.8700 12.3000 11.9100 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY August 17, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,679.57 -90.29 FBMKLCI 1,447.98 -15.53 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 561.39 -3.47 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 167.67 -0.77 CONSTRUCTION 178.30 +0.34 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,293.46 -122.47 ENERGY 814.87 -15.40 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 581.88 -4.50 HEALTH CARE 1,710.33 +2.59 TRANSPORTATION 921.04 -8.81 PROPERTY 820.15 +12.27 PLANTATION 6,920.86 -113.60 FBMSHA 10,877.42 -89.53 FBMACE 5,313.54 -64.20 TECHNOLOGY 63.79 -0.71 TURNOVER VALUE 4.335 BIL RM2.561 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS August 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM HEIM 202,900 26.58 +0.48 F&N 54,300 25.56 +0.38 ALLIANZ 11,800 15.82 +0.12 PANAMY 25,000 20.46 +0.12 SCIENTX 1,400,000 3.90 +0.11 5 TOP LOSERS August 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 36,200 131.50 -0.80 HEXTECH 26,600 27.68 -0.76 MPI 105,700 27.20 -0.40 PERSTIM 61,700 3.65 -0.35 CARLSBG 482,700 20.46 -0.32 STI 3,196.75 16.83 HANG SENG 18,326.63 2.67 KLCI 1,447.98 15.53 KOSPI 2,519.85 5.79 S&P/ASX200 7,146.00 49.20 KUCHING: Starbucks Malaysia marked another milestone with the launch of its outlet at Vivacity Megamall here which uses sign language as a means of communication. Dedicated to offering employment and development opportunities to the hearingimpaired as well as to fostering meaningful connections between partners and customers, it is the coffee chain’s first “signing store” in the Borneo region and its third after Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Berjaya Food Bhd CEO and Berjaya Starbucks Coffee managing director Datuk Sydney Quays said the company aims to expand the initiative in every state. “Besides providing employment to the (hearing-impaired) community, we also aim to spread public awareness and build confidence among them as they could sometimes be shy to step forward due to their disability,” he said at a press conference after the outlet’s launch, which was officiated by Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. The support and commitment from the state government and the Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD) eased the process to open an outlet there, he said. Quays also said Starbucks Malaysia is collaborating with SSD to provide professional Malaysian sign language interpretation services and to host activities in the store. He said this will provide a platform for the community to gather and connect with each other. It has received overwhelming response from customers since its July 27 soft launch. The coffee chain has so far recruited 20 hearing-impaired personnel for its three “signing stores” with eight of them in the Vivacity Megamall outlet. – Bernama Starbucks Malaysia opens ‘signing store’ in Kuching PETALING JAYA: The local property market is gradually returning to normalcy as indicated by an increase in the number of launches and sales, according to the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association Malaysia (Rehda). Rehda president Datuk NK Tong said that just over half of the respondents (53%) planned to launch projects in the second half of 2023 (H2’23). However, of these, three-quarters anticipate that their sales performance will remain at or below the 50% mark. “The increase in the number of launches and sales is a positive sign towards a property market that is slowly returning to normalcy. However, true recovery is still out of reach as developers are still struggling with challenges that have yet to be properly addressed such as material price hike, crosssubsidisation as well as high compliance and utilities costs,” he said at the Rehda Property market gradually returning to normalcy Property Industry Survey for H1’23 and Market Outlook for H2’23 and H1’24 media briefing yesterday. The majority of the coming launches fall within the price range of RM150,001 to RM300,000, primarily in Kedah/Perlis, Malacca, Pahang, Penang and Perak. Tong stated that developers are holding a neutral stance for H2’23 but express higher confidence as they look ahead to the first half of 2024. He said that the initiatives announced by the government to drive homeownership among the people, particularly those in the B40 and M40 categories, will lift the sentiment even as the operational environment remains challenging. “The enhancement to the housing credit guarantee scheme, the introduction of the Madani housing scheme and the announcement by Local Government Department Minister Nga Kor Ming on the proposed National Housing Fund are some of the efforts that we believe will yield positive results. We look forward to engagements with the government and related industry players so more details on these initiatives can be shared,” he added. The recent survey conducted by Rehda Institute saw the participation of 148 member developers. It revealed an increase in new launches and sales performance compared with H2’22. In the first half of 2023, 14,392 residential units were launched, recording a 50% increase compared with the previous corresponding period. About 62% of the launches during the reviewed period were priced at RM700,000 or less. The majority of these units comprised apartment/condominium (7,183 units) followed distantly by two- and three-storey terrace and serviced residences (3,729 units and 1,223 units respectively). Residential sales increased too, totalling 11,273 units (H2’22: 5,087 units), out of which 35% were new launches. The top-performing categories in terms of sales were apartment/condominium with 3,749 units sold, followed by serviced residences at 3,688 units, and two/threestorey terrace homes with 2,040 units. Some 53% of respondents reported to have unsold completed residential units at the end of the review period mostly aged between zero and 12 months (47%) and beyond 36 months (31%). The main reasons cited for these units being unsold were end-financing loan rejections, unreleased bumiputera lots and high prices. Notably, a majority of these residential units were priced above RM1 million, accounting for 23% of the total, followed by those within the price ranges of RM400,001- RM500,000 and RM700,001-RM800,000 (both at 20.9%). Nearly three-quarters of the respondents reported an average of 15% increase in their overall cost of doing business in H1’23, as opposed to 13% in the previous half. Additionally, 84% of the participants reported being affected by the present economic conditions and subsequently implemented cost-reduction measures in their operations, including freezing recruitment, offering fewer benefits and perks, and decreasing salaries. These measures also extended to their production and delivery strategies, involving rescheduling the launch of planned projects, scaling down launch sizes, and postponing projects due to weak demand. oRehda survey reveals increase in launches and sales although developers are still facing challenges █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] From left: Rehda deputy president Datuk Ho Hon Sang, Tong and exco member Ra Adrina Muztaza at the media briefing. Participation 25.4 41.1 33.5 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 662.0 1085.3 814.2 2561.5 Sold RM m 638.1 1020.5 902.9 2561.5 Net RM m 23.9 64.8 -88.7 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 17/8/2023

10 theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 SUNBIZ M’sian dominance in Asean bond market under threat PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s dominance in the Asean bond market is under threat as Indonesia’s progress gains momentum, according to MARC Ratings Bhd chief economist Dr Ray Choy (pic). He noted that Malaysia indeed possesses a well-developed bond market, valued at US$433 billion (RM2 trillion), covering both corporate and government bonds, a cornerstone to its leading position. “Nonetheless, Indonesia’s bond market has progressed faster than those of other Asean markets in recent years, and its market size could even exceed Malaysia’s within the next three years based on current trends,” he told SunBiz. This prompts important questions about attracting foreign investors to Malaysia’s bond market and promoting their active involvement. Choy, in pointing out a key internal issue of the local bond market, said, “Apart from the overused narrative of external market volatility, a major internal oIndonesia’s progress picking up pace and can pull away within next three years, says MARC Ratings chief economist █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] challenge is a reliance on past successes, leading to tribalism and a protectionist mentality.” He mentioned that in order for the industry and market to advance, there’s a need to promote competitiveness, and simultaneously expand and strengthen collaborations with other nations, including the exchange of both tangible (hard) and knowledge-based (soft) technologies. He explained that this approach is necessary due to the i n h e r e n t l y global nature of the financial market. In addition, he said that framing the discussion within the regional context might be narrow-minded. “This is because Asean’s bond markets pale in comparison to North Asia’s, and there is a massive repository of knowledge and practice from which to learn from the global bond markets,” said Choy. He stressed the importance of adopting a c o m p r e h e n s i v e approach to prevent development of overly biased perspectives favouring any particular stakeholder group. “To bolster the effectiveness, coherence, and stability of policies, we need to integrate the various capital market plans, impress upon them the role of the bond markets within these plans, and create an integrated platform for constructive dialogue between policymakers, infrastructure support services, rating agencies, research entities as well as buy-side and sellside stakeholders,” Choy suggested. He said that policymakers should encourage information service providers, such as regulators, fixed income researchers, credit rating agencies, economists, and academia, to work together in promoting the nation’s capital markets. “At present, stakeholders are fragmented. Market analysis, beyond basic information, is a public good and underscores the basic functioning and liquidity of the bond market. Sadly, it is underfunded, too often seen as a cost and usually left in the hands of private agents with individualistic agendas,” he added. HLIB maintains ‘neutral’ stance on plantation sector KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) has maintained its “neutral” stance on the plantation sector as planters are expected to report a mixed set of performance for the second quarter of 2023 (Q2’23). The research house said the expectation was premised on mixed fresh fruit bunches (FFB) output growth and slightly lower crude palm oil (CPO) prices. “Despite Q2 being a seasonally higher productivity quarter with Malaysia’s CPO production rising by 6.1% quarter-on-quarter, three out of six planters under our coverage clocked in lower FFB output in Q2’23, namely FGV, Hap Seng Plantations and Kuala Lumpur Kepong,” it said in a note yesterday. HLIB opined that most planters will likely register a decline in their upstream earnings, mainly on the back of significantly lower CPO prices and higher production costs arising from minimum wage HLIB’s outlook for the performance by planters is premised on mixed fresh fruit bunches output growth and slightly lower crude palm oil prices. – BERNAMAPIC increases, elevated fertiliser prices and higher diesel prices. “Despite easing labour shortage in Malaysia estates, only four out of six planters under our coverage registered higher FFB production, while FGV and Sime Darby Plantation still registered year-onyear (y-o-y) declines in their Q2’23 FFB output at -18.6% and -1.9% y-oy, respectively. “This is due to less favourable weather conditions at FGV’s estates and below-potential harvester’s productivity,” it said. The research house noted that year-to-date, CPO price averaged at RM3,916 per tonne, thus it has maintained its CPO price assumption of RM4,000 per tonne for 2023. The arrival of El Nino, coupled with potentially stronger demand arising from palm oil’s improved price competitiveness, weak ringgit and low stock levels among major palm oil-consuming countries would support CPO prices during the second half of 2023, it noted. “Moving into 2024, we maintain our projected CPO price of RM3,800 per tonne, based on the assumption that El Nino will turn out to be a moderate one and would dissipate by end-2023,” it added. – Bernama Bank Rakyat allocates RM3.5m for two entrepreneur programmes KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Rakyat has committed RM3.5 million to assist 800 entrepreneurs from the asnaf community through the RAKYATpreneur and the UNIpreneur 2023 programmes. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic) said that the RAKYATpreneur and the UNIpreneur programmes, which are under the umbrella of Bank Negara M a l a y s i a ’s iTEKAD, are social finance initiatives that are capable of having a wide impact. “Through the involvement of fina n c i a l institutions such as Bank Rakyat, the ability to develop asnaf entrepreneurs and the B40 group in forming a stronger financial position to face unexpected financial challenges or obstacles in the future will be greatly improved. “These initiatives coincide with the main agenda of the global human rights programme, which is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in an effort to eradicate poverty by 2030,” he said during the RAKYATpreneur and UNIpreneur launch ceremony here yesterday. Also present were Higher Education Ministry deputy secretarygeneral (policy) Datuk Dr Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian and Bank Rakyat CEO Dr Mohammad Hanis Osman. Bank Rakyat acting chairman Datuk Mohd Irwan Mohd Mubarak said the bank’s initiatives are aimed at providing a more prosperous life, further leading to the formation of a prestigious country in the future. “Last year’s RAKYATpreneur participants managed to record an almost 60% increase in sales, while the UNIpreneur programme participants recorded a 66% increase in sales,” he added. RAKYATpreneur 2023 involves 300 participants from all over the country in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA as the implementing partner. Meanwhile, the Bank Rakyat UNIpreneur programme is a joint effort between Bank Rakyat and local higher education institutions, involving the participation of 500 asnaf student entrepreneurs from 20 selected universities. – Bernama Pestech shares down on termination of RM742.9m aerotrain contract KUALA LUMPUR: Pestech International Bhd’s shares weakened on Bursa Malaysia yesterday after the termination of wholly owned subsidiary Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd’s contract with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). The counter ended at 25.5 sen, down 3.5 sen or 12.1%, with 32.65 million shares traded. Under the contract, Pestech Technology was tasked to supply, design and build an automated people mover (APM) or aerotrain at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). In a statement issued on Wednesday, MAHB said the termination of the contract was due to Pestech’s non-performance, compromising significant project milestones and risking delays in delivering the project within the required deadline. “This decision was taken by MAHB’s board of directors, in adherence to MAHB’s principles of governance and based on rigorous monitoring of the progressive development of the APM project by MAHB’s management and its independent consultants. “Pestech has been found to be in material breach of its obligations under the contract and has failed to remedy the same within the specified time period,” the airport operator said. To recap, Pestech was appointed by MAHB’s wholly owned subsidiary, Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd (MA Sepang) as the design and build contractor for the KLIA Aerotrain Replacement Programme, worth RM742.95 million, on Dec 14, 2021, through an open tender process. MAHB said that following the notice of termination, which was preceded by a notice of default to Pestech, MA Sepang would be able to recommence and complete the works on schedule through the engagement of other parties. The company said it remains committed to assigning the necessary resources to minimise potential delays to the APM project. Pestech International said on Wednesday it will seek appropriate legal redress with regard to the termination of the aerotrain contract. Yesterday, MAHB’s shares closed down 6 sen or 0.9% to RM6.83, with 1.13 million shares changing hands. – Bernama

11 * SUNBIZ @thesundaily theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME MARC affirms George Kent’s ratings PETALING JAYA: MARC Ratings has affirmed its ratings of MARC-1IS and A+IS on George Kent (Malaysia) Bhd’s RM100 million Islamic Commercial Papers (ICP) programme and RM500 million Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) programme, subject to a combined limit of RM500 million with a stable outlook. MARC said the affirmed ratings reflects George Kent’s strong liquidity position, healthy balance sheet, and steady water metering business profile, underpinned by its longstanding client relationships, strong brand recognition and geographical diversification. “These strengths are moderated by the susceptibility of its engineering business to construction contract flows, volatile working capital movements, and cost pressures that could weigh on cash flow generation,” the rating agency said in a statement. It noted that George Kent has an established presence in the water metering business locally and abroad for over 80 years. “The business has been fairly resilient through time with steady operating results. For the financial oAgency cites group’s strong liquidity position, healthy balance sheet and steady water metering business year ended March 31, 2023 (FY23), the segment’s revenue and profit were relatively flat at about RM143.6 million and RM33.4 million (excluding a one-year contract won in FY2022). We continue to view its geographic diversification positively; stronger demand from Singapore and Hong Kong offset some weakness in the domestic market. “Nonetheless, operating profit margin is anticipated to be broadly flat, hovering around low to mid 20% in 2023-2024 with the weaker ringgit partially offset by increasing prices and a downtrend in copper/brass prices. Export sales, denominated in US dollars, should also provide some headroom against margin compression,” it said. In respect of its engineering business, MARC said contract flows have continued to decline. Construction revenue and profit sharply declined to RM103.4 million and RM8.9 million in FY23. “With the completion of two hospital projects, Putrajaya Hospital Endocrine Institute and Tanjong Karang Hospital in April and July 2022, its only remaining construction project is the rubber glove manufacturing facility for 40%- associate Dynacare Sdn Bhd. This project is expected to be completed by Q3’23. “With no contract wins, there is a lack of near-term revenue visibility for the engineering segment. However, we understand George Kent is continuing its pursuit of bidding opportunities, though these are still in their preliminary stages,” it said. It added that George Kent’s cash flow from operations turned positive in FY23 after two consecutive years in the red. “George Kent’s working capital flow can be quite volatile, primarily due to its limited project diversification to effectively manage cash inflows and outflows. However, its sustained net cash position provides a sufficient buffer to withstand periods of working capital volatility. “George Kent’s liquidity profile remained strong with cash and cash equivalents of RM250.2 million as at end-March 2023 relative to its debt of about RM200 million, including the RM132 million issued under the ICP/IMTN programmes. “No new borrowings saw debt-toequity ratio stable at 0.38x. While the ratings incorporate some room for inorganic growth, we expect any mergers and acquisitions to be value accretive, and that the actions, if realised, would be undertaken in a financially disciplined manner,” MARC said. Awantec working to remain listed, appeal to Bursa on regularisation plan KUALA LUMPUR: Awanbiru Technology Bhd (Awantec) has assured its shareholders, stakeholders and the public that it is working towards remaining listed, with an appeal to Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd (Bursa Securities) on the company’s regularisation plan. In a statement yesterday, the technology company said it had consistently maintained transparency in its disclosures and continues to uphold principles of good corporate governance as evidenced by being a member of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index since 2014. “Our commitment to ethical and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices ensure that shareholders’ interests remain at the forefront of our decision-making processes. We will keep all shareholders, stakeholders, and the public updated on any development on this matter,” it added. On Wednesday, Awantec’s application for an extension of time to submit a regularisation plan to Bursa Securities was rejected via the exchange’s letter dated Aug 16. The company was also issued a show cause notice to provide written representations within five market days from the date of the letter as to why a suspension should not be imposed on the trading of the securities of the company; and why the securities of the company should not be de-listed from the Official List of Bursa Securities. “This application for the extension of time is in reference to our announcement on Jan 29, 2021, where the company is deemed an Affected Listed Issuer pursuant to Paragraph 8.03A 2(a)(aa) of Main Market Listing Requirements of Bursa Securities due to the non-renewal of our major software distribution business,” said Awantec. The company said it was confident that its transformation journey into the cloud business, guided by the two pillars such as the software and services and talent segments, will continue to drive business growth. “We remain committed to our investment into the 3Ps – People, Partners, and Products and Services throughout our journey. These principles underpin our growth strategy and future success,” it added. Meanwhile, short selling under the proprietary day trading (PDT) and intraday short selling (IDSS) for Awantec has been suspended for the rest of yesterday as the Last Done Price of the Approved Securities dropped more than 15 sen or 15% from the reference price. The short selling under the PDT and IDSS will only be activated today at 8.30am. – Bernama Nextgreen starts trial output of empty fruit bunch pulp moulding PETALING JAYA: Pulp and paper manufacturer Nextgreen Global Bhd’s (NGGB) associate company Nextgreen Crowning Package Pulp Molding Sdn Bhd (NGCP) has commenced trial production of food-grade empty fruit bunch pulp moulding. This is following the completion of the construction of its pulp moulding manufacturing factory that is located at NGGB’s Green Technology Park (GTP) in Pekan, Pahang. The GTP was opened in July 2022 and is equipped with the technology in the conversion of oil palm empty fruit bunches into pulp and paper. NGCP’s factory has a total built-up area of 14,780 sq ft and is capable of producing 4 million units of pulp moulding. NGCP is a joint venture company incorporated in July 2020 between NGGB and Crown Package Co Ltd from Japan with the purpose of manufacturing and selling pulp moulding made from empty fruit bunch, and selling packaging materials to Japan. NGGB managing director Datuk Lim Thiam Huat said, “It has taken me many years of research to uncover the potential of an empty fruit bunch and I am pleased that it is bearing fruit. We have been working closely with Crown Package over the years. We are confident this successful joint venture will contribute positively to NGGB.” Cyberview appoints Kamarul Ariffin as new CEO CYBERJAYA: Cyberview Sdn Bhd has appointed Kamarul Ariffin Abdul Samad as its new CEO, effective Aug 14. A seasoned corporate leader, Kamarul brings with him over 30 years of experience in a variety of fields, in and outside Malaysia. Prior to stepping in as the CEO for Cyberview, Kamarul spent several years with Sime Darby Property Bhd in various key capacities from business development, strategic planning, and corporate investment to leading business units. In his most recent position prior to this appointment, he was general manager of Sime Darby Property Selatan Sdn Bhd, and was previously responsible for the Malaysian Vision Valley project. “I look forward to contributing to Cyberview’s future success. I am honoured by the opportunity to share my experience with the team as we work to vigorously operationalise the Cyberjaya masterplan which was launched in 2019. While there has been progress, and we are seeing results from various efforts made to attract both tech FDIs and DDIs, there remains a huge potential to further the development of Cyberjaya. I am also looking forward to connect and work with various stakeholders, industry leaders and government agencies in pushing the Malaysia Madani aspiration through innovation together,” said Kamarul. July new motor vehicle sales up slightly from previous month PETALING JAYA: Sales of new motor vehicles continue to see upward momentum, as it registered a total industry volume (TIV) of 63,676 units in July compared with 62,593 units in the month prior, said Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA). “The slightly higher TIV of July was due to normalisation of the automotive supply chains and fulfilment of bookings received for new model launches recently,” it said in a statement, yesterday. Based on its recent report, it found that the passenger vehicles (PV) segment surged 29.98% to 57,939 units in July 2023 compared with 44,574 units for the same month last year, while commercial vehicles (CV) segment rose 7.03% to 5,737 units from 5,360 units for the same period. For the seven month period in 2023, TIV increased 12.61% to 429,807 units compared with 381,680 units for the same period last year. The PV segment increased significantly by 13.68% to 384,600 units compared with 338,326 units for the same period last year. Meanwhile, the CV segment rose to 4.27% to 45,207 units from 43,354 recorded in the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, the total industry production in July registered at 66,862 units, which was higher compared with 58,051 units in the previous month. For the cumulative period this year, it recorded an increase of 16.06% to 429,397 units from 369,994 units compared with the corresponding period in 2022. In addition, the PV segment registered an increase by 17.62% to 402,404 units compared with 342,124 units for the same period in the previous year. Meanwhile, the CV segment decreased 3.15% to 26,993 units compared with 27,870 units during the same period last year. For August this year, MAA forecast sales is expected to be slightly higher than July 2023 level, driven by the introduction of a few new models as well as national day promotional campaigns by some car companies. Slightly higher TIV of July due to normalisation of the automotive supply chains and fulfilment of bookings received for new model launches recently. - BERNAMAPIX

12 theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME How bad is China’s property crisis? HONG KONG: The debt crisis at Country Garden, China’s largest property developer before this year and once considered a financially sound company, has triggered fresh contagion fears just two years after China Evergrande Group defaulted. Since the sector’s debt crisis unfolded in mid-2021, companies accounting for 40% of Chinese home sales have defaulted, most of them private property developers. It has led to many unfinished homes, unpaid suppliers and creditors who are not only financial institutions but also ordinary folks who bought wealth management products linked to trust financing. Many offshore bonds now trade at low double- or even single-digit cents on the dollar, and their share values have shrunk 90%. There is very little liquidity left in both the equity and debt markets as investors and creditors avoid the sector. With home sales already very weak, the debt crisis could delay the prospect of a recovery of both the property market and the broader Chinese economy, in which real estate is a core pillar. S&P Global Rating said on Wednesday it could adjust its forecast for property sales to a oThere is very little liquidity left in both the equity and debt markets as investors and creditors avoid the sector Japan exports fall in July for first time since 2021 TOKYO: Japan’s exports fell in July for the first time in nearly 2½ years, dragged down by faltering demand for light oil and chip-making equipment, underlining concerns about a global recession as demand in key markets such as China weaken. Japanese exports fell 0.3% in July year-onyear, Finance Ministry data showed yesterday, compared with a 0.8% decrease expected by economists in a Reuters poll. It followed a 1.5% rise in the previous month. Separate data from the Cabinet Office showed a key gauge of capital expenditure rose in June. However, manufacturers are braced for core orders to slide during the current quarter, partly due to weak offshore demand. Overall, the batch of data underscored fragility in Japan’s export engine, which helped underpin better-than-expected second quarter domestic product growth, with car shipments and tourism the biggest drivers. Japanese policymakers are counting on exports to shore up the world’s No. 3 economy and pick up the slack in private consumption that has suffered due to rising prices. However, the spectre of a sharper global slowdown and faltering growth in Japan’s major market China have raised concerns about the outlook. “China remains weak and I don’t expect demand from Europe and America to accelerate further,” said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research institute, adding that Japan’s economy may suffer a downturn in the current quarter. By destination, exports to China, Japan’s largest trading partner, fell 13.4% year-on-year in July, due to drops in shipments of cars, stainless steel and micro-chips, following a 10.9% decline in June. US-bound shipments rose 13.5% year-on-year last month to the largest in value on record, led by shipments of electric vehicles and car parts, following a 11.7% rise in the previous month. “The Bank of Japan must be aware of downside risks from the global economy. Therefore, it would have no choice but to avoid any efforts to normalise monetary policy for the time being given the risk from external slowdown,” Minami said. At its July meeting, the BOJ kept its yield curve control targets unchanged but took steps to allow long-term interest rates to rise more freely in line with increasing inflation and growth. Yesterday’s data also showed imports fell 13.5% in the year to July, versus the median estimate for a 14.7% decrease. The trade balance swung to a deficit of ¥78.7 billion (RM2.5 billion), versus the median estimate for a ¥24.6 billion surplus. – Reuters South Korea fines mobile carriers for exaggerating 5G network speed SEOUL: South Korea’s antitrust regulator said it had imposed a total of 33.6 billion won (RM116 million) in fines on three domestic mobile carriers for exaggerating their 5G network speeds. The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) said the three South Korean firms – SK Telecom Co Ltd, KT Corp and LG Uplus Corp – had also unfairly advertised that they were the fastest relative to their competitors. “The three teleco companies advertised that consumers could use target 5G network speeds, which cannot be achieved in real-life environment ... companies advertised that their 5G network speed was faster than competitors without evidence,” the KFTC said in a statement. In support of ongoing civil lawsuits filed by consumers, the advertisements released by the three mobile carriers have been presented by the regulator to a local court. The KFTC imposed a fine of 16.8 billion won on SK Telecom, 13.9 billion won on KT and 2.8 billion won on LG Uplus. There were 30.76 million 5G network users in South Korea in June, accounting for about 38% of the total 80.23 million mobile subscriptions in the country, according to data from the Ministry of Science and ICT. – Reuters B R I E F SBATA INDIA IN TALKS WITH ADIDAS ON STRATEGIC TIE-UP BENGALURU: Global footwear manufacturer Bata India is in talks with sportswear giant Adidas for a strategic partnership, CNBC-TV18 reported yesterday, citing sources. The retailer, which houses brands such as Hush Puppies and Scholl, is likely to tie up with Adidas for the Indian market, as per the report. Bata India, the flagship of Netherlands-based Bata BN, has more than 2,050 stores across the country, according to its latest annual report. The talks with Adidas are likely at an advanced stage with final deal contours in the works, CNBC-TV18 said on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The report came in after the Gurugram-based manufacturer in its annual report mentioned that it has expanded its range of “sneaker” shoes to more than 500 of its stores in a bid to cater to increased youthwear demand. – Reuters DELTA, AMERICAN AIRLINES TO STEP UP FLIGHTS TO CHINA BENGALURU: Delta Air Lines and American Airlines Group will operate more flights to China soon, the two carriers said on Wednesday, as they look to capitalise on strong travel demand in the Asia-Pacific region. The Biden administration said last week that the US and China would approve twice the number of passenger flights currently permitted for air carriers to fly between the two countries. American Airlines told Reuters the daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Shanghai Pudong International Airport will start from January. Delta Air Lines said it would offer 10 weekly flights to Shanghai-Pudong International Airport from its Seattle and Detroit hubs. Delta added that customers flying with the carrier would be able to connect to other cities within China via its partnership with China Eastern Airlines. – Reuters INDONESIA, SINGAPORE START QR PAYMENTS TRIAL JAKARTA: Indonesia’s central bank said yesterday it had started a trial of cross-border QR code payments with its Singaporean counterpart. Both have set a target of introducing the system in the second half of this year, according to an earlier statement from Singapore’s central bank. – Reuters “descending staircase” figure from an “L” shaped recovery, if Country Garden officially defaulted. Home-buyers could become even more wary of private developer brands, and home prices in many areas could come under greater pressure if Country Garden resorted to fire sales to raise cash. Country Garden’s quick slip into financial trouble did not shock the market as much as Evergrande’s because most private developers had already defaulted. However, it emerged when the property market and the economy are in much worse shape. While Country Garden’s total liabilities of 1.4 trillion yuan (RM89 billion) are only 59% as big as those at Evergrande, the world’s most indebted developer, it has 3,121 projects across all China’s provinces, compared to around 800 for Evergrande. Evergrande was already insolvent at the time of default, but Country Garden currently still has more assets than liabilities. Analysts warn that Country Garden could become insolvent if it had to write off large inventories, and run into negative equity if its asset values dropped over time. Many analysts are hopeful that Beijing, which has so far refrained from state-funded bailouts, will roll out drastic measures in the coming weeks to stem the downward spiral. – Reuters

theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 13 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that EASYWAY ACADEMY PLT [Registration No.201404000336 (LLP0001770- LGN)] will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnership for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to Section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-334-05/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2014015554 (bertarikh : 22/04/2014) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Hakmilik Sementara No. H.S.(D) 59128, Lot No. 30457, Mukim 15, Daerah Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA RHB BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 196501000373(6171-M)) ...PLAINTIF DAN CHIA YONG FUNG (No. Kad Pengenalan : 770602075933) GOH BEE PING (No. Kad Pengenalan : 830204075366) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 3 Februari 2020 dan 6 Julai 2023, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Selasa, 5 September 2023, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : Hakmilik Sementara No. H.S. (D) 59128 No. lot : Lot No. 30457 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : 15 / Seberang Perai Tengah / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 1733.0000000000 kaki persegi 161.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : CHIA YONG FUNG, GOH BEE PING Syarat Nyata : Tanah yang diberimilik ini hendaklah digunakan untuk tujuan kediaman sahaja. Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah Rumah Teres yang beralamat pos di No. 22, Lorong Jasa Intan 3, Taman Jasa Intan, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 650,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: ENAM RATUS LIMA PULUH RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama RHB BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada RHB Bank Berhad dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : TOH THEAM HOCK & CO. Alamat : NO. 155, 1ST FLOOR MEDAN KIKIK SATU TAMAN INDERAWASIH, 13600, PG, MY No. Telefon : 04-3981917 No. Fax : 04-3981921 No. Rujukan : TTH/RHB/73/2019/OSY/NA NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ADLITE SDN. BHD. Registration No. 199601000141 (372486-H) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Members of ADLITE SDN BHD (Syarikat No. 199601000141 (372486-H)) duly convened and held at No. 35 (Ground Floor), Jalan Scotland, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang on 15 August 2023, the Special Resolution set out below was duly passed:- THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ooi Eng Choo of No. 17, Pinhorn Road, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given by Section 456 of the Companies Act, 2016. Dated this 18 August 2023 .............................. TAN BAK KHIM Company Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ADLITE SDN. BHD. Registration No. 199601000141 (372486-P) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above-named Company are required on or before 18 September 2023 to prove their debts or claims and to establish any title they may have to priority by delivering or sending through the post to the liquidator at the undermentioned address and affidavit verifying their respective debts or claims. In default they will be excluded from the benefit priority is established and from objecting to any such distribution. Form of proof may be obtained from the liquidator at the address shown below. Dated this 18 August 2023 ............................ OOI ENG CHOO, Liquidator No. 17, Pinhorn Road 11600 George Town Pulau Pinang 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SELAYANG DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA WRIT NO: BD-A72NCvC-110-04/2023 ANTARA VILLA SENJA JOINT MANAGEMENT BODY [No. Siri: 3/2-1406/4146KT] ...PLAINTIF DAN CHANG CHEE FOO (No. K/P: 790515-14-5663) ... DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI WRIT SAMAN Kepada: CHANG CHEE FOO No. 123, Taman Kinrara, 47180 Bandar Kinrara, Selangor Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Selayang, Negeri Selangor Darul Ehsan dalam Writ No. BD-A72NCvC-110-04/2023 oleh VILLA SENJA JOINT MANAGEMENT BODY yang beralamat di No. 83, Jalan VS, Villa Senja, 48000 Rawang, Selangor yang mana tuntutan Plaintif berjumlah sebanyak RM29,102.97 dikira setakat 28 Februari 2023 dan faedah pada kadar 10% setahun sehingga pembayaran penuh dan kos. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa penyampaian Saman yang bertarikh 27 April 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan yang bertarikh 27 April 2023 kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan secara pengiklanan di mana-mana akhbar harian dan penampalan salinansalinannya bersama dengan salinan Perintah Mahkamah ini yang bertarikh 18 Julai 2023 di papan kenyataan Mahkamah Majistret 1 Selayang, Jalan Pegawai, Km 16, Jalan Ipoh, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor dan juga di alamat akhir anda di No. 123, Taman Kinrara, 47180 Bandar Kinrara, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan bahawa penyampaian demikian disifatkan penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup ke atas kamu 14 hari selepas tarikh akhir perbuatan penampalan dan pengiklanan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut mestilah hadir sama ada secara sendiri atau melalui peguambela kamu di hadapan Mahkamah Majistret 1 Selayang, Jalan Pegawai, Km 16, Jalan Ipoh, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor pada 08 September 2023 pukul 9 pagi secara e-review. Jika kamu ingkar hadir sedemikian penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 15 Ogos 2023 ...........t.t.......... Tetuan Ryan Yap & Associates Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini disedia dan difailkan oleh Tetuan Ryan Yap & Associates, Peguamcara dan Peguambela Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit 15-11, Menara K1, No. 1 Lorong 3/137C, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur. [Ruj kami: RYL(RY)221205VS] [Tel: 011-1237 3826] [Emel: [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SELAYANG DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA WRIT NO: BD-A72NCVC-111-04/2023 ANTARA VILLA SENJA JOINT MANAGEMENT BODY [No. Siri: 3/2-1406/4146KT] ...PLAINTIF DAN LIM CHOW HONG (No. K/P: 860429-56-6761) ... DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI WRIT SAMAN Kepada: LIM CHOW HONG E-301, Tingkat 3, Casa Mila Victoria, Jalan Bukit Idaman, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Selayang, Negeri Selangor Darul Ehsan dalam Writ No. BD-A72NCvC-111-04/2023 oleh VILLA SENJA JOINT MANAGEMENT BODY yang beralamat No. 83, Jalan VS, Villa Senja, 48000 Rawang, Selangor yang mana tuntutan Plaintif berjumlah sebanyak RM4,752.40 dikira setakat 28 Februari 2023 dan faedah pada kadar 10% setahun sehingga pembayaran penuh dan kos. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa penyampaian Saman yang bertarikh 27 April 2023 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan yang bertarikh 27 April 2023 kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan secara pengiklanan di mana-mana akhbar harian dan penampalan salinan-salinannya bersama dengan salinan Perintah Mahkamah ini yang bertarikh 18 Julai 2023 di papan kenyataan Mahkamah Majistret 1 Selayang, Jalan Pegawai, Km 16, Jalan Ipoh, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor dan juga di alamat akhir anda di E-301, Tingkat 3, Casa Mila Victoria, Jalan Bukit Idaman, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor dan bahawa penyampaian demikian disifatkan penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup ke atas kamu 14 hari selepas tarikh akhir perbuatan penampalan dan pengiklanan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut mestilah hadir sama ada secara sendiri atau melalui peguambela kamu di hadapan Mahkamah Majistret 1 Selayang, Jalan Pegawai, Km 16, Jalan Ipoh, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor pada 08 September 2023 pukul 9 pagi secara e-review. Jika kamu ingkar hadir sedemikian penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 15 Ogos 2023 ...........t.t.......... Tetuan Ryan Yap & Associates Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini disedia dan difailkan oleh Tetuan Ryan Yap & Associates, Peguamcara dan Peguambela Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit 15-11, Menara K1, No. 1 Lorong 3/137C, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur. [Ruj kami: RYL(RY)221205VS] [Tel: 011-1237 3826] [Emel: [email protected]] 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI IPOH DALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN SAMAN PEMULA NO: AA-24F-45-05/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai petisyen yang dicadangkan untuk pembubaran perkahwinan. Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Kaedah 8 Kaedah-Kaedah Prosiding Perceraian dan hal-Ehwal Perkahwinan 1980 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 106 (i) Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976. ANTARA VINOD KUMAR A/L VASU (No.K/P: 890701-08-5631) PEMOHON DAN MARIAMA A/P PRABHDIAL SINGH (No.K/P: 880312-05-5392) RESPONDEN Kepada:- MARIAMA A/P PRABHDIAL SINGH (No.K/P: 880312-05-5392) No. 11, Jalan Kuning 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor. PERINTAH UNTUK PENYAMPAIAN GANTI AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh dalam Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan melalui Saman Pemula No: AA-24F-45-05/2023 dalam tindakan ini oleh Vinod Kumar a/l Vasu beralamat di No. 5, Laluan Chemor Maju 13, Taman Chemor Idaman,31200 Chemor, Perak dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Samn Pemula disampaikan kepada kamu melalui Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Saman Pemula bertarikh 10 Mei 2023 dan Afidavit Sokongan yang diikrarkan oleh Vinod Kumar a/l Vasu pada 10 Mei 2023 tersebut pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh bersama dengan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti yang diperolehi ini dan menampalkan yang sama di alamat Responden No. 11, Jalan Kuning 3, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor dan juga akhir sekali mengiklankan di Surat Khabar “The Sun”. Dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan sedemikian dianggap sebagai penyampaian wajar dan mencukupi akan Saman Pemula ke atas kamu selepas tamat tempoh EMPAT BELAS (14) hari dari tarikh terakhir penampalan dan pengiklanan. DAN AMBIL PERHATIAN SELANJUTNYA Saman Pemula tersebut akan didengar di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh pada 21.8.2023 jam 9.00 pagi yang mana kamu adalah dikehendaki hadir. Jika kamu berhasrat membantah Saman Pemula tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari dari tarikh penyampaian menjadi sempurna memohon memfailkan dengan pendaftar suatu Afidavit bagi maksud tersebut. Saman Pemula ini boleh diperiksa oleh kamu dengan memohon kepada Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 18 Julai 2023. ............TT............ PENOLONG KANAN PENDAFTAR MAHKAMAH TINGGI IPOH, PERAK. Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti telah difailkan oleh TETUAN AL MURALI & CO, Peguambela dan Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 15A, Tingkat Satu, Medan Istana 7, Bandar Ipoh Raya, 30000 Ipoh, Perak; Peguamcara bagi pihak Pemohon. [Ruj Kami: AMC/3329/ VK/2022]sha IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SYNERTEK ELECTRONICS SDN. BHD. Registration No.: 201401043898 (1120084-H) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of SYNERTEK ELECTRONICS SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at B5-2-3, Megan Salak Park, Jalan 1/125E, Taman Desa Petaling, 57100 Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 the following Special Resolutions were duly passed :- 1) THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act 2016 AND THAT Mohammad Shafiq Bin Mohd Zulkipli [NRIC No.: 901111-03- 5723] be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator of the Company for the purposes of such winding up. 2) THAT the Liquidator will have all the powers set out in Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016. 3) THAT the Liquidator be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as he will think fit to the contributories of the Company in accordance with its rights and interests therein. 4) THAT the Liquidator be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred in or sustained by him in the execution and discharges of his duties as Liquidator and in relation thereto. Dated this 18th day of August 2023 Mohammad Shafiq Bin Mohd Zulkipli Naqib Bin Mohamad Razif Directors NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the abovenamed Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 17th day of September 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names, addresses of their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at B5-2-3, Megan Salak Park, Jalan 1/125E, Taman Desa Petaling, 57100 Kuala Lumpur, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are, by their Solicitors or personally, to come and prove their 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 benefits` of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Mohammad Shafiq Bin Mohd Zulkipli The Liquidator Dated this 18th day of August 2023 NOTIS DI DALAM PERKARA AKTA SYARIKAT, 2016 DAN DI DALAM PERKARA ADLITE SDN. BHD. Syarikat No. 199601000141 (372486-H) (Dalam Penggulungan Syarikat Secara Sukarela oleh Pemegang Saham) NOTIS dengan ini diberi bahawa dalam Mesyuarat Pemegangpemegang Saham ADLITE SDN BHD (Syarikat No. 199601000141 (372486-H)) yang telah diadakan di No. 35 (Ground Floor), Jalan Scotland, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang pada 15 Ogos 2023 pada jam10.00 pagi, Resolusi Khas seperti berikut telah diluluskan:- BAHAWA Syarikat ini digulungkan secara sukarela menurut Seksyen 439(1)(b) Akta Syarikat, 2016 dan Ooi Eng Choo yang beralamat di No. 17, Pinhorn Road, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang dilantik sebagai Pelikuidasi untuk tujuan penggulungan tersebut dan diberi semua kuasa untuk menjalankan tugasnya mengikut Seksyen 456 Akta Syarikat, 2016. Bertarikh 18 Ogos 2023 .............................. TAN BAK KHIM Pengarah Syarikat NOTIS DI DALAM PERKARA AKTA SYARIKAT, 2016 DAN DI DALAM PERKARA ADLITE SDN. BHD. Syarikat No. 199601000141 (372486-H) (Dalam Penggulungan Sukarela oleh Pemegang Saham) Notis juga diberikan kepada pemiutang-pemiutang Syarikat untuk memberi bukti hutang atau tuntutan mereka atau menubuhkan surat ikatan undang-undang yang mereka mungkin mempunyai keutamaan dan perlu diberi keutamaan dengan menyampaikan atau menghantar melalui pos kepada pelikuidasi di alamat dibawah dan afidavit yang mengesahkan hutang atau tuntutan masing-masing sebelum atau pada 18 September 2023 Sekiranya gagal, mereka akan dikecualikan daripada keutamaan dan tidak boleh membantah mana-mana pengedaran sedemikian. Borang bukti boleh didapati daripada pelikuidasi di alamat yang tertera di bawah. Bertarikh 18 Ogos 2023 ............................ OOI ENG CHOO, Pelikuidasi No. 17, Pinhorn Road 11600 George Town Pulau Pinang NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai(81)1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini yang mana sandaran-sandaran itu telah di-gadaikan dalam tempoh seperti di bawah Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di No 124-A Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Penang. Pada Hari 6hb Sep 2023, Waktu 2.00pm. NEGERI PULAU PINANG No. NAMA PAJAK GADAI TEMPOH GADAIAN SANDARAN ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI YANG AKAN DILELONG 1 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon (Bayan Baru) Sdn Bhd Sep 2022 - Nov 2022 54 Jalan Tengah, Taman Sri Tunas, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 2 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Jelutong) Jun 2022 – Nov 2022 124 Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Georgetown, Penang. 3 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Bukit Jambul) Feb 2022 – Nov 2022 88Q Jalan Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Bukit Jambul, Penang. 4 MCG Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Apr 2022 - Nov 2022 2952 Jalan Perai, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Seberang Perai, Penang. 5 Hoong Goon Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Jul 2022 - Jul 2022 4-D Jalan Bayan Lepas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 6 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Sdn Bhd Ogos 2020 - Okt 2022 500 Jalan Dato Keramat, 10460 Penang. 7 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Fettes Sdn Bhd Ogos 2022 - Okt 2022 16 Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang. 8 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Farlim Sdn Bhd Mac 2022 - Okt 2022 63 Jalan Pisang Embun, 11500 Farlim, Penang. 9 Pajak Gadai Cheng Chang Sdn Bhd Nov 2022 – Nov 2022 8 Jalan Penanti 1, Taman Penanti, Bukit Mertajam, 14000 Penang. 10 MCG Pawnshop (Nibong Tebal) Sdn Bhd Okt 2022 - Okt 2022 34 Jalan Besar, Taman Merbah, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 18hb Ogos 2023 sehingga 24hb Ogos 2023, pukul 10.00 Pagi sehingga 4.00 Petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Neoh Boon Hooi Licensed Auctioneer Pelelong Berlesen 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TALIWORKS HOLDINGS SDN. BHD. REGISTRATION NO.: 199301004993 (259730-V) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at Unit 20- 05, Level 20, Q Sentral, 2A Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur on 18 September 2023 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes: 1. To receive the Liquidators’ Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to hear any explanations thereof. 2. To determine by ordinary resolution the manner and period within which all the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidators, shall be disposed of. Dated: 18 August 2023 AGNES WONG LING LEE Liquidator Unit 20-05, Level 20, Q Sentral 2A Jalan Stesen Sentral 2 Kuala Lumpur Sentral 50470 Kuala Lumpur IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ESCOY HOLDINGS BERHAD (Registration No. 197401002638 (19662-A)) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 459 (2) of the Companies Act 2016, that the Final Meeting of the Members of the above-named Company will be held at Level 2, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia on September 20, 2023, at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes:- (1) To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Statement of Receipts and Payments showing the manner in which the winding up of the Company has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon. (2) To resolve, pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the books, accounts and records of the Company be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of filing of the Return by Liquidator relating to Final Meeting. KHOR YONG YONG Liquidator c/o Level 6, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Dated : August 18, 2023 Proxy to be used at the meeting must be lodged not later than 11.00 a.m. (GMT+8) on the 18th day of September, 2023 at the liquidators’ office at Level 6, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. Please contact us at 04-227 4111 to obtain the proxy form. PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM PERKARA MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI MELAKA GUAMAN SIVIL No. MA-22NCVC-3-01/2021 Antara Margaret Lee @ Lee Siok Lin ...PLAINTIF Dan Brandon Godfrey Wambeck, Yip Choy Saun & 3 yang lain ...DEFENDAN LELONGAN PERSENDIRIAN Pada 30hb OGOS 2023 (Hari RABU), Jam 11.00 Pagi Di No. 8-1, Jalan MJ 1, Taman Merdeka Jaya, Batu Berendam, Melaka BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK : GM 1080, Lot 3293, Mukim Cheng, Daerah Melaka Tengah, Negeri Melaka. Keluasan: 123 m.p. Pegangan: Kekal Kategori Pengunaan Tanah: Bangunan Syarat Nyata: “Untuk bangunan perniagaan sahaja” Sekatan Kepentingan: “Kod B - Tiada” Pemilik Berdaftar: Brandon Godfrey Wambeck dan Yip Choy Saun Bebanan: Tiada LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Sebuah Rumah kedai 2-tingkat (lot tengah) yang beralamat No. 5 & 5-1, Jalan TBC 8, Taman Bukit Cheng, 75250 Cheng, MELAKA HARGA RIZAB : RM350,000.00 sahaja dan tertakluk kepada Syarat-syarat Jualan dalam Perisytiharan Jualan. Ianya akan dijual dengan milikan kosong dan dalam “keadaan sedia ada”. Pembida perlu mendepositkan 10% daripada Harga Rizab dalam bentuk Cek Bank (Banker’s Cheque) di atas nama “CHEE SIAH LE KEE & PARTNERS” kepada Pelelong sebelum Jam 10.30 pagi pada hari lelongan. Baki harga pembelian hendaklah dibayar dalam tempoh Tiga (3) bulan dari tarikh jualan. Untuk matlumat lanjut, sila hubungi : Tetuan Chee Siah Le Kee & Partners (Peguamcara) Tel. : 06-2833423 (Ruj.: L/KTK(YCY)/MI/C00031209/YMS/2020/ ML/kch) atau Yong Meng Foo (Pelelong Berlesen) H/P: 011-10960088 IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES ACT, 2016 And IN THE MATTER OF BOLD MANDATE SDN. BHD. [199401034131 (319814-V)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016, that the Special Resolution set out was duly passed by the members of the Companies on Wednesday, 9th day of August, 2023. “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Tan Din Sin (NRIC No.: 670326-01- 6102) be and is hereby appointed Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given by Section 456 of the Companies Act, 2016.” Dated this 9th day of August, 2023. Tan Din Sin Practising Company Secretary IN THE MATTER OF BOLD MANDATE SDN. BHD. [199401034131 (319814-V)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the abovenamed Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 9th day of September, 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and of any security held by them, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned liquidators at D-2-5, Megan Avenue 1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, and if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally to come and prove their 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 benefits of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Dated this 9th day of August, 2023 Tan Din Sin Liquidators D-2-5, Megan Avenue 1, 189 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016, AND IN THE MATTER OF NBG COMMUNICATIONS SDN. BHD. Co. No. 199701031357 (446856-A) (IN MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459, Companies Act, 2016, that the Final Meeting of Members of the above company will be held at Suite 1603, Tingkat 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Batu 3, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur on 18th September, 2023 at 11.00 am to consider the following: 1. To receive and consider the Liquidators Statement of Accounts and any explanations therefrom. 2. To consider the disposal of the books, accounts, and documents of the company. Signed ……………………………… Taufik bin Mohd Salleh Liquidator Dated 18th August, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TANAH SERIMAJU SDN. BHD. (1047400-T) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) (Incorporated in Malaysia) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 that a Final Meeting of the Contributories will be held at No. 1, Jalan Tawas Idaman 2, Taman Tawas Idaman, 30010 Ipoh, Perak on Tuesday, 19 September 2023 at 2.00 p.m. for the following purposes :- 1. To receive and adopt the Final Accounts of the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and to receive any explanation thereof. 2. To resolved under Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator be destroyed immediately after the dissolution of the Company. 3. To approve and accept the resignation of Liquidator pursuant to Section 513(3) of the Companies Act 2016. LIM CHUN BUN Liquidator Dated : 18 August 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424

14 theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 SPORTS /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME A nation awaits England eye ‘incredible’ chance to end 57-year World Cup drought S KIPPER Millie Bright said her team were embracing an “incredible opportunity” to do something an English side has not managed since 1966 – win a World Cup. The Lionesses powered into Sunday’s final in Sydney against Spain after a ruthless 3-1 dismantling of co-hosts Australia, with their relentless energy grinding down a Matildas side that had few answers. It set up England’s biggest game since Bobby Moore lifted the men’s trophy at Wembley 57 years ago. “I’m really happy for the fans back home, for our nation,” said Chelsea stalwart Bright, with men’s skipper Harry Kane and even King Charles III sending congratulations. “It’s something that we’ve all been driving towards and it’s something that’s been missing. Now the opportunity we have is incredible.” The European champions have grown through the tournament, with their ruthless attacking football and defensive resilience proving a tall order for the opposition. But it has been their adaptability that has driven them to the brink of history, built on the back of the tactical genius of coach Serena Wiegman who led them to the European title last year. “You can win in many different ways and, for us, we’ve faced so many challenges at this tournament,” Bright said on fifa.com. “It’s hard for people to see on the outside, but as players, we know that there’s more to football than just pretty passes and connecting. “In each game, we’ve proved something different about how we play, what we’re capable of. We’re very adaptable to what teams throw at us. “But things are really starting to click now and we’re getting the ball in the back of the net.” This is ominous for Spain, who have also shown resilience after their tournament preparations were thrown into disarray. Last September, 15 players sent an email to their football federation saying they did not want to be considered for selection. The protest was aimed chiefly at coach Jorge Vilda, including complaints that he was too strict. Vilda held on to his job and has steadied the ship, but England will nevertheless be favourites on Sunday with Wiegman at the helm. The Dutch coach has reached four major tournament finals in a row, leading the Netherlands to the European title in 2017 then the World Cup final in 2019, where they lost to the United States. With England, she took them to European glory on home soil last year and now has another chance to win the biggest trophy of them all. “We made the first final in 2017 and thought this is really special, it might not ever happen again,” she said. “Then you make the second, the third and the fourth and still think this might never happen again because there is so much competition,” she added. “I can hardly describe how proud I am of the team.” – AFP Red-hot Glover vies for third straight win JON RAHM, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy remain Nos. 1-3 in the FedEx Cup standings, and they’re widely considered the three best players on the PGA Tour. But no golfer has been in hotter form than Lucas Glover. The 43-year-old finds himself in the spotlight after winning backto-back weeks to leap to the No. 4 spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs, which resume overnight at the BMW Championship in the Chicago suburb of Olympia Fields, Ill. “Obviously a pretty fun couple of weeks, not to put it too lightly,” Glover said yesterday. “Been a bit of a whirlwind, as well.” After outlasting a star-studded field at the FedEx St. Jude Championship and beating Patrick Cantlay in a playoff Sunday, Glover was able to catch his breath on Monday while heavy rain at Olympia Fields Country Club kept players from seeing much of the golf course. Glover’s claim to fame was winning the 2009 US Open, but for the better part of the past 10 years he battled the yips with his putter. He’s fared much better in 2023 and won the Wyndham Championship two weeks ago to make the playoff field at the last possible moment. Glover has a tall task ahead of him to keep his winning streak going. The last player to win three weeks in a row on the PGA Tour was Tiger Woods in 2006. “I think it’s just kind of the story of being stubborn the right way and persevering,” Glover said. “Gotten a lot of encouragement from the fans the last couple weeks and then the last couple days here. If it gives one person hope, then it makes me happy, too.” – Field Level Media NOVAK DJOKOVIC enjoyed a stress-free return to US competition following a two year absence, after second-round opponent Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was forced to retire after dropping the first set 6-4 at the Cincinnati Open yesterday. Djokovic has not competed in the United States since the 2021 US Open final and was subsequently denied entry into the country because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19. He was far from his best in his 46 minutes of action, facing break points at 1-1 before serving his way out of trouble. Davidovich Fokina took a medical timeout away from the court to tend to a lower back issue while trailing 3-4 and when he returned his movement was limited and he was broken at love. Handed the opportunity to serve out the set against the ailing Spaniard, Djokovic played an uncharacteristically sloppy game, dumping a forehand into the net to hand the break back. But the 23-time major winner recovered, flicking a forehand crosscourt passing shot in the next game to capture the opener. In the first game of the second set, Davidovich Fokina took a step that further aggravated his back injury and soon after walked to the net to shake hands with Djokovic. “It’s great for me to be able to come back to the court and to win a match but obviously mixed emotions with the way it finished,” said Djokovic. “Nevertheless I’m hoping I can build my form day to day and progress through the tournament raising my level.” Up next, Djokovic is meeting with the resurgent Gael Monfils, who beat Alex de Minaur in straight sets earlier in the day. “He’s an amazing guy, someone I truly respect and like a lot as a person,” said Djokovic, who holds an astounding 18-0 record against the Frenchman. “He brings so much joy to the fans, so much entertainment. He’s one of the most charismatic players we’ve had in the last two decades on tour and he’s playing better than ever.” Djokovic, who has seen fans pack into his practice session and who played in a doubles match on Tuesday, could be on a collision course at the US Open tune-up with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who bested him in the Wimbledon final last month. In other matches, former champion and third seed Daniil Medvedev cruised past Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-2 while Australian Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas beat American Blake Shelton 7- 6(3,) 7-6(2) to set up a meeting with Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, who ended Borna Coric’s title defence. – AFP Djoker enjoys stress-free win Swiatek cruises, Pegula survives test IGA SWIATEK made quick work of qualifier Danielle Collins as she raced to a 6-1, 6-0 victory yesterday to reach the Cincinnati Open third round as third seed Jessica Pegula survived a tough opening match. World No. 1 Swiatek broke the 29-yearold Collins seven times, faced only two break points and wrapped up a one-sided match in a tidy 59 minutes. “I feel like I was really solid and I didn’t make a lot of unforced errors,” Swiatek said in her on-court interview. “I really like playing that way because it gives me confidence and I can be proactive from the beginning to the end so I am pretty proud of today.” Earlier, Jessica Pegula had her hands full in her first match since winning last week’s Canadian Open as the American overcame a slow start to secure a gutsy 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-3 win over Italian qualifier Martina Trevisan. Pegula comfortably lost the first-set tiebreak but showed her quality in the second set before racing out to a 3-0 lead in the decider en route to her 27th hardcourt win this year. In the evening, second seed Aryna Sabalenka fended off a third-set comeback attempt by qualifier Ann Li of the US to notch a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 victory and set up a meeting with Russia’s Daria Kasatkina. Fourth seed Elena Rybakina also came through a three-set slugfest to defeat Jelena Ostapenko 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4 to reach the round of 16. Rybakina crushed 11 aces to raise her season-leading tally to 392 and will next face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini for a place in the quarters. Veteran American Venus Williams started strong against Zheng Qinwen before succumbing to a 1-6, 6-2, 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Chinese player. – Reuters Virat is India’s No 4 solution: Shastri FIELDING Virat Kohli at No. 4 could address India’s long-standing concerns about a settled batter at that crucial position, former coach Ravi Shastri has said. Since 2017, India have tried a dozen players at that position but none could nail down the place, which skipper Rohit Sharma called “an issue” ahead of the home World Cup in October-November. “If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four in the interest of the side. You know, there were times I thought of it,” Shastri told Star Sports channel. Shastri said during the 2019 World Cup, he considered changing Kohli’s place “just to break that top heavy line-up”. “You know, because if we lose two or three at the top, we are gone and it was proved. If you look at Virat Kohli’s record, he is good enough at number four.” Australia target WC bronze AUSTRALIA coach Tony Gustavsson has told his deflated team they have “no time to dwell” on their crushing Women’s World Cup semifinal loss to England, with a thirdplaced playoff still to come. The Matildas slumped 3-1 to a ruthless England on Wednesday to shatter not only their dreams of lifting the trophy for the first time, but the hopes of an expectant nation captivated by their exploits. Despite the gut-wrenching disappointment, they must lift themselves one last time to take bronze against Sweden in Brisbane tomorrow, with a new legion of fans wanting more. “I actually said in the circle after the game, it’s an extremely short turnaround to that game,” said Gustavsson, who will be facing his home country. “I know we’re emotional, but we have no time to dwell on this one. We have a bronze medal game to play. We need to be ready. We’re tough, we’re fit, we dig deep. We have the support from the fans,” he added. BRIEFS Novak Djokovic returns a shot against Alejandro Fokina (not pictured) during the Cincinnati Open. – USATODAYPIX Millie Bright. – REUTERSPIX

15 * SPORTS theSUN ON FRIDAY | AUGUST 18, 2023 READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Damage control Arteta admits Arsenal could dip back in market after Timber injury MIKEL ARTETA has not ruled out returning to the transfer market as he expects Arsenal to be without Jurrien Timber for the season after the summer signing suffered a knee injury against Nottingham Forest. It was confirmed earlier in the week that Dutch defender Timber will go under the knife after tests showed ligament damage – with Arteta also insisting the number of serious injuries suffered so early into the campaign is a “big worry” for player welfare. Timber limped out of Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Forest on Saturday, with the club confirming on Wednesday he suffered ligament damage. The PA news agency understands Timber felt no immediate pain after a challenge with Brennan Johnson just before half-time and underwent stringent tests during the interval. Club medical staff believe the outcome of the injury would not have changed had he been substituted immediately instead of playing on for five minutes of the second half before being replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu. Asked about Timber’s situation, Arteta said: “Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow. “It is for the team because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he’s not going to be able to do it this season for us. We have to adapt. These things happen unfortunately and we have to move on. “He’s been very good to be honest. He’s a special character. He knows, he’s starting to realise the extent of the injury and the amount of time he’s going to be out. “But he’s in a good place. We are willing to help him obviously and be close to him, but we know it’s going to be a long journey.” Kieran Tierney appeared set to depart the Emirates Stadium this season but, with Timber now sidelined and Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling for fitness, the Scotland left-back could now be retained. Arteta, too, suggested Arsenal could dip their toe back into the market following the injury setback. “We didn’t plan with this injury. We have to assess what the options are, what are the best players that we have because, as I said, my challenge is to get the best from the players that we have. I cannot assess anyone who is not here. “We are always open and we have to be open as well to react if something happens, not only with an injury but if something happens in the market as well. That’s what we’re doing.” Timber was not the only player to suffer serious injury in the opening weeks of the new season, with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa also forced off. Arteta also highlighted a number of other injury issues when asked if the problems could link back to the amount of football that players are being asked to complete. “Also Emi Buendia, (Thibaut) Courtois, it happened to (Eder) Militao as well – there is something there,” he added. “In the past you can say: ‘yes there have been games, there have been tours as well’. But with games, tours, the World Cup in January, plus this, plus that, plus internationals. It is a lot. It is too much for the players. “I don’t know who needs to raise a voice here, but there are worries, big worries on that.” – The Independent CRISTIANO RONALDO is responsible for transforming the Saudi Pro League, according to Brazil forward Neymar who is looking forward to facing the Portuguese international when he starts playing for Al-Hilal. The 31-year-old Neymar signed a two-year contract with the Riyadhbased club on Tuesday after spending six years with Paris St Germain, in a deal reportedly worth about €90 million (RM450m) Ronaldo, the fivetimes Ballon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr in December on a 2-1/2 year contract following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United. “I believe Cristiano Ronaldo started all of this and everybody called him ‘crazy’, and this and that. Today you see the league grow more and more,” Neymar said in his first interview after the transfer yesterday. The Saudi Pro League has since invested over €600 million (RM3b) to lure a host of top players and coaches from European clubs. Notable recruits include Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City. “It is exciting, meeting top-quality players on the other teams thrills you and motivates you to play even better. And it is a given when you face Ronaldo, Benzema, (Roberto) Firmino, that the excitement is even greater,” Neymar said. Al-Hilal reappointed Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus on a one-year deal and signed former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves, Serbia’s Sergei Milinkovic-Savic, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Brazilian striker Malcom. “I think it is very important to have quality in the squad. Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout you career. It was certainly for me,” Neymar said. “I am very excited to write a new story chasing all the objectives with the club and my teammates – winning more and more titles and fulfilling the club’s ambition.” – Reuters CHAMPIONS Bayern Munich are still a work in progress for coach Thomas Tuchel with their Bundesliga title defence starting tomorrow (2.30am Malaysian time) against Werder Bremen. The Bavarians have won the last 11 consecutive league crowns but they needed a Borussia Dortmund slip-up on the final matchday last season to retain it. Plagued by defensive errors and a low conversion rate in attack since last year’s departure of striker Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, Bayern look to have carried these ailments into the new season. A 3-0 loss to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup at home on Saturday left Tuchel, who took over from Julian Nagelsmann late last season, fuming. “It looks as if we have done no work in the four weeks. I just can’t explain it,” the coach said, referring to pre-season preparation. Bayern are still lacking a world class keeper with Manuel Neuer, recovering from a broken leg he got while skiing in December, still with no comeback date and no top keeper signed for the new season. A holding midfielder in the six position is the other hole that Tuchel wants to fill before the end of the transfer window. Bayern signed defender Kim Min-jae from Napoli for €50 million (RM250m) to plug those defensive leaks. As for goals, Tuchel is confident England captain Harry Kane, brought in from Tottenham Hotspur for a league record €100m (RM500m), will start improving his team’s scoring and conversion rate for a winning start. Kane’s German debut, with a low-key substitute appearance in the second half of their Super Cup loss, did little to dampen Bayern fans’ enthusiasm and expectations. Borussia Dortmund’s pockets are nowhere near as deep with last season’s runners-up having spent less than half of Bayern’s transfer outlays, bringing in midfielders Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer along with Rami Bensebaini. They will face stiff competition in their challenge to Bayern’s dominance from Xabi Alonso’s attack-minded Bayer Leverkusen, whose shopping spree netted them Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, Nigerian striker Victor Boniface and Germany international Jonas Hofmann, among others. Leipzig have been equally active on the transfer market but it remains to be seen if they have done enough to replace stalwarts Christopher Nkunku, Konrad Laimer, Dominik Szoboszlai, Josko Gvardiol and Andre Silva, who have all left the club. – Reuters Bayern still a work in progress How does Caicedo’s Chelsea transfer compare to previous big-money deals? MOISES CAICEDO has joined Chelsea from Brighton in a deal worth a possible £115million (RM580million). The Blues look set to eclipse their own British transfer record having agreed to pay £100m (RM590m)up front for Caicedo, plus a further £15m (RM89m) in potential add-ons. Here’s a comparison with previous big-money signings. Highest transfer fees paid by British clubs THE Caicedo deal is the fourth nine-figure transfer in Premier League history. The record remains at £106.8m (RM632m) – the amount that Chelsea paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez in January – but Caicedo’s move could eventually surpass it should he meet add-on criteria totalling £15m. The Fernandez fee appears to have set a new precedent for central midfielders, with Declan Rice also having moved from West Ham to Arsenal for £100m plus add-ons earlier this summer. Manchester City’s Jack Grealish was the first Premier League player to break the £100m barrier, with the former Aston Villa captain having signed for Pep Guardiola’s side in 2021. Most expensive U-21s CAICEDO is the third player aged 21 and under to command an initial fee of £100m or more. The Ecuadorian follows in the footsteps of Kylian Mbappe and Joao Felix, who moved to Paris St Germain and Atletico Madrid for £165.7m (RM980m) and £113m (Rm668m) respectively. Mbappe was 19 when PSG secured his permanent transfer from Monaco in 2018, while Felix was the same age upon moving from Benfica to Atletico 12 months later. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham’s £88.5m (RM523m) switch from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid continued the German club’s impressive record of signing young players and selling them for a large profit. Ousmane Dembele – who joined Barcelona from Dortmund as a 20-year-old in 2017 – also ranks in the five most expensive players aged 21 and under (£96.8m) (RM572m). Highest fees received by British clubs BRIGHTON are the fifth British club to receive a nine-figure sum for an individual player. The Seagulls are fast proving themselves as adept as Dortmund when it comes to developing young talent, with Caicedo having joined for an estimated £4.4m (RM26m) from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in 2021. His sale is the third this summer to breach the £100m mark, after Tottenham and West Ham cashed in on their club captains Harry Kane and Rice respectively. Liverpool – who Caicedo turned down in favour of Chelsea – have held on to top spot in terms of most expensive sales in Premier League history. The Reds sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for an initial £105m (RM621m) in January 2018, with a further £37m (RM219m) received in subsequent add-ons. The Independent LIVERPOOL have stepped up their efforts to sign 23- year-old Crystal Palace and Mali midfielder Cheick Doucoure. SPAIN goalkeeper David de Gea, 32, is keen on a move to Bayern Munich after leaving Manchester United this summer. LIVERPOOL are expected to pay €19m (RM95m) for Stuttgart’s 30-year-old Japan midfielder Wataru Endo. WEST HAM are considering signing 30-year-old England midfielder Jesse Lingard, who is a free agent after being released by Nottingham Forest. BRAZIL forward Neymar, 31, requested a 25-room mansion, swimming pool and sauna, eight workers to keep his house tidy, nine cars and all expenses paid for travel, restaurants and hotels when he signed for Al-Hilal. TOUCHLINES Neymar credits CR7 for transforming Saudi League Al Hilal’s Neymar. – REUTERSPIX

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] PEP GUARDIOLA is targeting the Club World Cup to complete the set after Manchester City overcame a sloppy start to beat Sevilla on spot-kicks to lift the UEFA Super Cup. Two months on from becoming the second English club in history to win the treble, the Champions League holders faced the record Europa League winners in Greece. Sevilla took the lead through Youssef EnNesyri’s towering header and had numerous chances to extend their lead before City struck back through Cole Palmer’s looping header. The Super Cup ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and Guardiola’s men triumphed on penalties 5-4 after Nemanja Gudelj smashed the last spot-kick of the shoot-out off the bar. This was the first time City have won the competition and the Spaniard is determined to add the Club World Cup to their cabinet in December. “Of course we are not in the best, best moment, I would say,” Guardiola said after winning his fourth Super Cup as a coach. “But knowing a little bit the players and the mentality of the backroom staff, I had a feeling that we will try. “We are really pleased to have already one title in this season. Really pleased for the club – this title we didn’t have and now we have it. “We miss just one to finish all circle and be able for this club to win all the titles we can have. It’s happening in December, when we go to Saudi Arabia to play there, the (Club) World Cup. “I would say really, really pleased. A tight game like happened in the (Champions League) final against Inter, a tight game that we lost in the last minute against Arsenal (in the Community Shield). Football in these stages, in that moment, in that period is a coin (flip).” This was an energy-sapping night for City in hot and humid Piraeus, where the match kicked off at 10pm local time and finished in the early hours yesterday morning. It is a quick turnaround after a tough test, leading Guardiola to take a pop at the Premier League for scheduling their next match against Newcastle on Saturday evening. “Of course tomorrow will be even more happier than today,” he said, with City due to fly back to the north west overnight. “Recover, not one drop of alcohol today. Recover as much as possible because again, from Greece, thank you so much for the Premier League to let us play on Saturday. And not on Sunday and Monday. Thank you so much.” The star man for City was player of the match Palmer, who followed his fine finish in the eventual Community Shield shootout loss to Arsenal by scoring a clever header in Greece. The 21-yearold has been subject of speculation this summer and Guardiola ruled out a loan move for the homegrown talent. “The opinion I had when he arrived is he wanted to leave, but now I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I don’t think a loan is going to happen. He’s going to stay or going to sell, but I think a loan is not going to happen. “He has a character. It’s not easy to play against defenders like (Marcos) Acuna, for example, who is a top defender. “It’s not easy, it’s a final. He’s a young player playing in these stages. It’s not easy for these guys. He played really, really good and made a fantastic goal, too.” As for Sevilla, the shoot-out heartbreak represented a sixth successive Super Cup loss. Head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar said: “To make a good plan against a team as good as City is very complicated. I really wish we’d played higher up the pitch and put them under more pressure. “When we had the chances to score the second goal, we didn’t take them. But I really believe we played a good game, and we probably created more chances than them.” – The Independent or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Will playmaker De Bruyne ever put together a full season again? PEP GUARDIOLA says Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne faces up to four months out and could require surgery on a hamstring injury. The 32-year-old was forced off in the first half of June’s Champions League final triumph against Inter Milan and did not play a single minute of pre-season. De Bruyne returned from that hamstring issue as a second-half substitute in the Community Shield shootout loss to Arsenal and captained the side against Burnley in Friday’s Premier League opener. But the Belgium playmaker only lasted 23 minutes at Turf Moor, where seemingly out of nothing he signalled to the bench that he had felt something. De Bruyne looks set to miss City’s entire Champions League group stage and potentially December’s Club World Cup on top of domestic matters. A summer sandwiched by injuries suggests De Bruyne was rushed back. He had said after the Community Shield he was way ahead of schedule; he had targeted the Super Cup for his comeback. “It’s a pity because he had recovered well,” Guardiola said. “Maybe it was my mistake (to pick him) but if he is injured after 15-20 minutes it is not something wrong, when it is 65 or 70 it is the fatigue of the muscle. We have to talk with the doctors and him.” His plan, he had said, was to give the Belgian 50 or 55 minutes, rather than the cameo he had at Wembley. Which, as that culminated in the penalty he slammed against the underside of the bar in the shootout, has completed an ill-fated start to the season. “He is disappointed but he is strong and will be back,” added Guardiola. Yet for how long? De Bruyne may be increasingly injury prone. For a player who has never looked like a natural athlete, a red-faced figure who can seem a throwback to earlier eras, he has shown great durability. He has won 99 caps for Belgium – he would have brought up a century in the summer but for injury – and the Community Shield was the 587th game of his club career. His 32nd birthday only came in June but to play almost 700 matches by that stage means he has plenty of miles on the clock… or miles on the hamstring. He revealed after the Champions League final he had played for two months with the risk it could snap. By the time he is fit again, he will have spent the vast majority of six months with a hamstring problem of some description. It has prompted fears it will be a constant for the rest of his career. A reunion with City’s other talismanic Belgian could illustrate it. Vincent Kompany, a colleague for club and country, still made huge contributions in the latter years of his time at the Etihad Stadium but did not make 30 appearances in any of the last four campaigns. He played his final game at 33. De Bruyne should show greater longevity but his appearances will have to be rationed. All of which could create a problem, even in a squad as gifted as City’s. De Bruyne is a unique talent – “what a player he is,” gushed Kompany – and, as his total of 29 assists last season shows, reaches extraordinary levels of creativity. He is Erling Haaland’s supplier-in-chief and the shifting dynamics in the City squad has rendered his qualities perhaps still more significant. The departures of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan have stripped them of two of the likeliest providers of goals and assists amid the band of attacking midfielders and wingers. De Bruyne is irreplaceable in various respects: no one is a like-for-like alternative and, as he ventures further into his thirties, City will have to ponder the question of who will be his long-term successor. – The Independent █ RICHARD JOLLY Pep wants it all Man City boss Guardiola sets sights on Club World Cup to complete trophy haul █ SIMON PEACH FRIDAY • AUGUST 18, 2023 Man City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (left) kisses Erling Haaland after winning the 2023 UEFA Super Cup match against Sevilla at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus yesterday. – AFPPIX