The Sun 01062023

PETALING JAYA: As temperatures continue to soar across the country, farmers are having a pesky problem on their hands. As much as 30% of their crops are damaged due to pest infestation. Cameron Highlands Malay Farmers Association president Datuk Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Abdul Rashid said pests and mites are usually a serious concern during dry and hot weather from May to August. However, this year’s weather seems to have peaked early, with temperature hovering around 35°C in most parts of the country. “Damage to crops ranges from 10% to 30% depending on the type of crop one is cultivating. For example, the damage that lepidopteran larvae cause on cabbages usually peaks in hot dry weather. “Now that the heat is scorching, such pests are increasing, which means greater damage to crops and bigger dent on revenue. If the damage at most farms is about 30% on normal days, it would have risen more now. “It is worth noting that most pests have developed resistance to major types of pesticides in the market, which means the normal dose can no longer control them like it used to. This will also result in a drop in the quality of the produce.” Syed Abdul Rahman said the fastest way to control pest infestation is to use pesticides. “However, the better method to control pest infestation is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). With IPM, farmers use chemical pesticides only when it is necessary. “Farmers are also advised to use pesticides on a routine basis such as the calendar spraying method. Under calendar spraying, pesticide is applied on specific days after planting, without taking into account the presence or absence of pests. “While it is best to grow crops without the use of pesticides, the use of chemical pesticides is sometimes unavoidable,” he said. Syed Abdul Rahman added that damaged crops are usually sold at a lower price. However, some damaged produce are unmarketable and cannot be sold. “Some farmers claim they have lost up to 30% of overall sales for vegetables such as tomatoes, brinjal and cucumber due to pests. This is because the appearance of fruits and vegetables is important to buyers. “Only marketable crops are packed and transported to collection centres and most of the unmarketable ones are thrown away,” he said, adding that farmers should practise composting and turn unmarketable crops into organic fertilisers. Universiti Putra Malaysia Department of Plant Protection head Assoc Prof Dr Norida Mazlan said the higher temperature will increase the growth rate of insects. “The impact of a heatwave is significant on insects as higher temperatures shorten their life cycles, thus allowing the population of pests to multiply faster, which increases the spread of diseases in crops.” Norida said several types of pests are prevalent during heatwaves, although some would die due to their sensitivity to higher temperatures. “For example, the main pests for fruit trees are fruit flies and diamondback moths, which can be found in cruciferous plants such as cabbage and mustard. Also, the most serious pests for many cash crops are aphids and whiteflies. Most of these insects’ life cycles will be shortened during the heatwave,” she said. Norida pointed out that there is no quick fix to pest infestation. oUp to 30% of crops damaged due to infestation as hot weather spurs reproduction of vermin █ BY THARANI NAIR [email protected] TELLING IT AS IT IS ON THURSDAY JUNE 1, 2023 No. 8280 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my FOOT TUNES ... A group of children dancing on a ‘Floor Piano’ to create music during one of the school holiday activities at the National Science Centre in Kuala Lumpur. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN Bugged by pests “If a farm does not have a balanced ecology system to encourage natural control, the fastest way to get rid of pests is by applying pesticides. However, this method is not sustainable and will have detrimental effects on the environment and consumers.” INSIDE page PM calls on current 3 generation to uphold MA63 page Monitor divisive posts on social media, ministry told 2

2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Monitor divisive posts on social media, ministry told PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has asked the Communications and Digital Ministry, through the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to monitor social media posts with race and religion-based narratives used by politicians. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said according to a report by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), politicians are using racial and religious issues on social media for political mileage. “This (action) creates division among members of different parties, who are followers of the same faith.” He was speaking after a community town hall session with oReport shows politicians using narratives based on race and religion for political mileage, says DPM the Community Development Department Pre-Tahfiz Kindergarten yesterday. CIJ’s report on Social Media Monitoring of the 15th General Election showed that offensive racial and religious narratives and discrimination, instigated by politicians, dominated social media platforms. It is among the main findings by CIJ in collaboration with Nottingham University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Ahmad Zahid said the culture of respecting religion and race needs to be applied by all parties despite different political beliefs. “We can have different opinions and celebrate them with good morals,” he said, adding that the unity government is committed to strengthening harmony in the country.” Commenting on the actions of those who use the narrative of Islam being threatened and undermined, Ahmad Zahid said the unity government’s commitment to matters enshrined in the Federal Constitution has never wavered. Meanwhile, the Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president once again stressed that there was no move by party leaders in the unity government to invite PAS to join the government. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clearly stated yesterday that there was no decision, discussion or person appointed to negotiate and invite PAS to join the government, Bernama reported. Recently, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man issued a statement that several parties had met him to make an offer to join the unity government, echoing what was previously said by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang. BRIGHT MINDS ... Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek with children at the launch of educational support books by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Free pneumococcal vaccination for children PUTRAJAYA: Children aged between four and five, born between 2018 and 2019, will be able to get free pneumococcal vaccination at all Health Ministry primary health facilities from today till May 31 next year. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said it is an expansion of the pneumococcal immunisation programme. She said previously children born between 2018 and 2019 were not included in the target group for pneumococcal vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme. Zaliha said the children would be given a single dose of the vaccine compared with babies who are given three doses, at four months, six months and 15 months. She was speaking after officiating the National-Level Immunisation Day 2023 celebration. “Parents or guardians who want to get the pneumococcal vaccination for their children can do so by walking in to health and village clinics nationwide or by making appointments via the MySejahtera application.” The pneumococcal vaccine protects against streptococcus pneumoniae or the pneumococcus bacterial infection. Among diseases caused by the bacteria are pneumonia, sinus infection, middle ear infection and meningitis as well as septicaemia. Complications of pneumococcal disease include hearing impairment and brain damage which could lead to death. The ministry began administering pneumococcal vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme on Dec 1, 2020 for children born from Jan 1, 2020. Zaliha said the ministry is targeting a total of 700,000 or 70% of one million children born between 2018 and 2019 to be given the pneumococcal vaccine. She added that under the National Immunisation Programme for infants and children, there are 11 types of vaccine products given to prevent 13 vaccine-preventable diseases, namely tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, haemophilus influenzae type B, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. She said for female students, aged 13, the human papillomavirus vaccine would be given, while in Sarawak the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine would also be given. “Now the success of immunisation coverage for infants and children is high at the national level and has reached the target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is more than 95% for most of the main vaccines under the immunisation programme. This achievement has also been certified by the WHO.” – Bernama Hydropower to remain Sarawak’s main energy source KUCHING: Hydropower will still be the focus of the state’s source of energy, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg. He said the state’s abundant natural resources, especially high rainfall and rivers offer the best environment for further development of hydropower. Abang Johari said for this reason, he had recently requested Sarawak Energy Bhd to explore the construction of a hydropower dam on the Trusan River in Lawas. “Petroliam Nasional Bhd wants to take an equity in the Trusan project, and we are negotiating with a third party to take an equity too. “I was made to understand that the Trusan hydropower project will not affect the settlement there because the area has been cleared.” He was speaking at the Sarawak Energy Vendor Awards 2023 event here on Tuesday. Sarawak Energy’s first hydroelectric plant, the 108-megawatt (MW) Batang Ai dam was commissioned in 1985, followed by Bakun (2,400MW) in 2011 and Murum (944MW) in 2014. Currently, Baleh hydroelectric project (1,285MW) is under construction and is expected to be commissioned by 2027. The total installed capacity of Sarawak Energy’s large hydropower plants is 3,452MW. In addition to large hydroelectric projects, Sarawak Energy has also developed small hydropower plants that support off-grid communities and rural electrification in Sarawak’s many remote villages. Abang Johari said with the ongoing construction of the Baleh Hydroelectric Project as well as continued rural electrification activities, local vendors still have ample opportunity to play a key role in driving Sarawak’s sustainable growth and prosperity. “To ensure that strong vendor engagement with the renewable energy (RE) industry continues, the Sarawak government is fully committed to supporting publicprivate collaborations across the RE value chain.” – Bernama Kelantan sets 7m tourists goal KANGAR: The Kelantan government is targeting seven million local and foreign visitors to the state this year. Kelantan State Government Secretary Office Culture and Tourism Division principal assistant secretary Nik Ahmad Shazwan Nik Mohamad said the target was made based on the increase in the number of tourists to the state postCovid-19 pandemic. “In 2021, the Kelantan government had set a target of six million tourists, but it could not be achieved due to the pandemic that hit the world at the time. “The number of tourist arrivals is now increasing and we are confident of attracting seven million tourists this year.” He was speaking at the PerlisKelantan Cross Cultural Festival, which is being held from May 30 to today at the Dataran Dato Sheikh Ahmad here. Nik Ahmad Shazwan, who is also Kelantan Tourism Centre manager, said there were several new tourist attractions in Kelantan, including the RM20 million Laman Warisan Kampung Laut, which was officially opened last year. “The main attraction is the more than 400-year-old Masjid Kampung Laut, which was relocated close to the original site after being temporarily moved to Nilam Puri, Kota Bharu 50 years ago.” On the festival, Nik Ahmad Shazwan said Perlis was its third destination after it was held in Kuala Lumpur in February and Langkawi in December last year. “We chose Perlis because it is one of the states that receives a high tourist influx. “The festival is aims at introducing the culture of Kelantan to the people of Perlis and vice versa.” – Bernama China-Malaysia relations hit 49-year mark KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese Embassy in Malaysia marked the 49th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia by opening an official TikTok account yesterday. Malaysia and China established formal diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. In the one-minute first TikTok video that begins with remarks from Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing, the embassy highlights the history of the long-standing relations between the two countries. “China and Malaysia are good neighbours, good friends and good partners. For 49 years, China and Malaysia have been through thick and thin together and have been striving for a win-win situation.” The video also quoted Malay proverbs Air dicincang tidak akan putus (meaning there is nothing to disrupt the ties) and Bagai aur dan tebing (meaning both sides complement each other) to vividly describe the two countries’ friendship. “May the China and Malaysia friendship continue to flourish,” Ouyang said ending the video. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 Rahmah initiative for S’gor residents KUALA LUMPUR: The Ehsan Rahmah Mega Sale programme, carried out for the first time involving a collaboration between the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Selangor government, offers savings of up to 30% on the price of essential items. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the initiative focuses on seven types of basic necessities, namely chicken, rice, eggs, cooking oil, fish, sugar and frozen meat. He was speaking after launching the programme at the Ampang Jaya Multipurpose Hall yesterday. Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. The event yesterday featured chicken (1.6kg to 2kg) sold for RM10 each, fish for RM6 per 900g, meat at RM10 per 900g, eggs for RM10 per tray, rice at RM10 per 5kg bag, cooking oil at RM25 for 5kg and sugar at RM2.50 per kg. The programme is a rebranding of the Rahmah Sales and Ehsan Rakyat Sales initiatives to benefit more people in Selangor. Housewife Maryam Hassan, 61, expressed thanks to the government for organising the programme, describing it as a good initiative to help the B40 group in Selangor. “I always attend this programme because it offers goods at cheap prices. It helps me save a lot. This programme should be maintained,” she said. Meanwhile, a contractor Jimhaidi Arif, 53, said the programme helped him to save on his household expenses. “Perhaps, there should be more items, like vegetables and other perishable goods,” he added. – Bernama Malaysian pilgrims treatment centre in Madinah well-equipped MADINAH: The Tabung Haji (TH) treatment centre in Madinah is equipped with various facilities and is manned by specialist doctors, said TH operations director (Medical) Dr Abdul Jalil Ahmad. He said the centre features a 33- bed ward, an emergency unit, X-ray facilities, physiotherapy section, an ambulance and a laboratory. It operates 24 hours and is manned by a staff of 59, including doctors specialising in emergency, anaesthesia, family medicine and public health. “The centre can be categorised as a referral hospital for clinics in the zone (the area where hotels are occupied by Malaysian pilgrims).“ He added that patients at the centre who require further examination or surgery would be sent to a Saudi hospital. Malaysia is the first country to obtain approval from the Saudi government to provide health facilities for haj pilgrims. Abdul Jalil said TH also has a medical team stationed at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, adding that the team would conduct quick health screenings on pilgrims arriving from Malaysia. “This team can see the condition of the pilgrims when they get off the plane, whether they have chest pains, shortness of breath or walk unsteadily because some may have left their medication behind. “The team will provide immediate treatment (if necessary).” Earlier, Malaysian Haj delegation head Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said the centre had passed strict screening and inspections by the Saudi Ministry of Health on May 25. – Bernama PM calls on current generation to uphold MA63 PENAMPANG: It is the responsibility of the current generation to implement what is spelt out in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said as MA63 is an agreement and pledge signed by the country’s previous leaders to establish a country called Malaysia, the present generation is duty-bound to implement MA63 faithfully and sincerely. “I am not worried (about MA63) because since taking over the government, this unity government has been giving priority to, among other things, resolving problems which have plagued the country for decades. Each time I come to Sabah, I have never failed to hear about problems concerning the implementation of MA63. “In only six months (after taking over the government), Alhamdulillah, with the oCountry would be great with leaders open to tolerance and strength of diversity, says Anwar cooperation of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and state and federal teams, I asked Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (to look into the issues) and almost all the problems have been amicably settled.” Anwar was speaking at the closing ceremony of Pesta Kaamatan 2023 at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here yesterday. Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin officiated at the closing ceremony. Among those present were Hajiji, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also Pesta Kaamatan 2023 organising committee chairman, and KDCA president Tan Sri Push to table smoking control Bill next month MALACCA: The Health Ministry hopes that the Control of Smoking Product for Public Health Bill, which will regulate all smoking products, will be tabled in Parliament early next month. Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the Bill is of paramount importance to protect the health of the young generation and it comprises two main aspects, namely the control of smoking products including vape and e-cigarettes and the implementation of “Generational Endgame” policy. “The Bill could not be tabled in the previous parliamentary session due to the dissolution of the previous government, but the ministry is committed to submit the Bill for first reading after the Kaamatan and Gawai holidays. “Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa submitted the Bill paper to the Cabinet last week and I was informed that the Cabinet has agreed for the ministry to table the Bill for first reading,” he said after launching the national-level World No Tobacco Day yesterday. Also present were Malacca Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem and state Health director Datuk Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman. Lukanisman also said the implementation of the Bill needs to be expedited because according on the National Health and Morbidity Survey, the number of e-cigarette users among teenagers has increased by 14.9% to 307,109 last year compared with 9.8% (211,084) in 2017. Of the total, 242,849 users were teenage boys while 64,260 were girls. “The increase in the number of e-cigarette users among teenagers is very worrying. Therefore, in order to overcome the issue of the use of smoking products, especially among children and teenagers, legal controls needs to be strengthened through the Bill,” he said. – Bernama Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Anwar added that the unity government’s Malaysia Madani policy is aimed at uplifting Sabah and Malaysia in various fields. “Under Malaysia Madani, we want to make Sabah and Malaysia great, with a strong economy and high levels of education and technology, and also develop the country based on its own cultures and traditions.” He said Malaysia would be great if the people have leaders who adopt an open attitude, in regard to tolerance and appreciation of the strength and beauty of diversity. Anwar added that the unity government was serious about convincing the people that they are now in a new phase of Malaysia, which would bring success to all the people. He also announced an allocation of RM1 million for KDCA to implement its activities. While extending Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day greetings to the people of Sarawak and Sabah, he said efforts to provide an understanding of cultural diversity in the country must continue to be supported by the people to show love for the nation and strengthen racial harmony. “I would like to express my appreciation to a group of Borneo people who recently marched in their traditional clothes in the capital to highlight and outline the culture of the Borneo community, which certainly forms an aspect of cultural diversity in Malaysia. “Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan and Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai to the entire community of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. The Kaamatan, or Harvest Festival, in Sabah is a month-long event for the Kadazan Dusun community, with the peak of the celebration falling on May 30 and 31, while Gawai Day will be celebrated today and tomorrow by the Dayak community in Sarawak. Airports in full service mode KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is operating at full capacity to facilitate the movement of pilgrims at its airports across the country. It said it expects more than 31,600 pilgrims to travel through its airports this Haj season. MAHB managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal said the increase in passenger volume during the Haj season this year is anticipated to contribute to a 12% to 28% rise in monthly total passenger movement for Malaysia from May to July. He said both the Malaysian and Saudi governments were continuing the Makkah Route Initiative, in which Malaysian pilgrims enjoy immigration pre-clearance at KL International Airport, thus reducing their wait time. “Our plan for the Haj season is allencompassing, as we aim to provide the best airport experience for the pilgrims. “We have prepared a dedicated holding lounge at Gate C16 and C17 for this pre-clearance process, which is manned by immigration officials from both countries,” Iskandar said. “The spacious 500-seat holding lounge at Terminal 1 offers comfort and convenience to the pilgrims. “In addition, buggy services to ferry pilgrims to the lounge are also available from Gate C11, where they step off the special Haj buses that directly enter the airside.” A total of 114 special chartered flights by Malaysia Airlines and Saudi Airlines will be used to fly all Malaysian pilgrims to the Holy Land. Seven airports managed by MAHB, namely KL International Airport, Penang International Airport, Kuching International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sultan Abdul Halim Airport, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport and Sultan Mahmud Airport are in close coordination with Lembaga Tabung Haji in ferrying the pilgrims for the Haj pilgirmage. – Bernama Anwar flanked by Juhar (left) and Hajiji during the Pesta Kaamatan closing ceremony yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Kick back and chill out with theSun’s weekly Entertainmenat & Lifestyle pullout Every Friday ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 27, 2023 We dedicate this edition of BUZZ to the colours and scents of the season ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 13, 2023 >>> BUZZ explores the wide and wonderful world of moss, covering topics ranging from its many different species, to how to create your own terrarium ON FRIDAY | MARCH 3, 2023 In honour of World Wildlife Day, this issue of BUZZ celebrates the many animals that share this earth with us EU open to talks on ‘unjust’ ruling BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) is open for engagement to address issues raised by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) on the unjust European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is detrimental to free and fair trade. Describing the first ever high-level meetings with the EU as a step forward, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said continuous engagement is crucial to safeguard the industry’s interests, especially for smallholders in Malaysia and Indonesia. “Overall, I am satisfied as the majority of EU leaders whom we met agreed with our views with regards to the issues on complying with the EUDR,” Fadillah said after a meeting with five EU leaders yesterday. He is currently in Brussels, Belgium to represent Malaysia in a joint mission with Indonesia in response to the implementation of the EUDR announced by the EU on Dec 6, 2022, which is aimed at preventing deforestation due to agricultural activities. Indonesia is being represented by its Economic Affairs Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto. The meeting was with EU Environment, Oceans and Fisheries commissioner Virginijus Sinkevièius, EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy high representative Josep BorrellFontelle and European Commission, European Green Deal and Climate Action Policy executive vice-president Frans Timmermans. The ministers also met European Parliament vice-president Heidi Hautala and International Trade chairman Bernd Lange. Fadillah said the five EU leaders took the views of the CPOPC seriously as it highlighted discriminatory and unilateral actions, such as the EUDR, that would have a negative impact on smallholders. – Bernama Social media takes centre stage at Hawana forum IPOH: At the events held in conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2023 over the weekend here, social media took centre stage – alternately as the bogeyman whose arrival destroyed traditional media’s source of income and the saviour offering the best way for traditional media to survive and grow. This year’s Hawana theme, “Free and Secure Media, a Pillar for Democracy”, explored the need for a free and independent press. Journalism is under threat currently, not just losing much of its ability to fund itself, but also its standing as the gatekeeper of facts and its ability to speak truth, with the advent of social media. Traditional media has been on the decline over the past decades following the emergence of social media, which has taken over as the primary advertising platform with its ability to provide advertising tailored to the user. It has also become a major driver of information and news, with issues first reported on social media gaining traction and public response, Bernama reported. The loss of advertising dollars meant many traditional media outlets here and in other countries have had to cut costs, including laying off journalists and shrinking budgets oConference participants discuss loss of ground by traditional news agencies and impact on revenue for investigative journalism. Many news organisations have also had to shut down permanently. Media experts at the Hawana media forum, titled “Survival of Traditional Media in the Digital Era”, agreed that for traditional media to compete with social media, news organisations need to churn out news in a way that is appealing to the public. “Content is king. When we don’t have good content, eventually, the distribution gets affected,” said Rev Media chief operating officer Nicholas Sagau. He added that news organisations were experts at creating content, “the only thing they needed to change is the way they deliver the content”. “You have to gain eyeballs for your newspaper platform,” said Mindshare Group CEO Sheila Shanmugam. Palm oil certification ensures commitment to sustainabiity: DPM BRUSSELS: The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme is constantly evolving and improving, said Deputy Prime Minister and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said major revisions were introduced last year with more stringent standards, including a deforestation cut-off date of Dec 31, 2019, which meets the European Union (EU) Deforestation Regulation cut-off date. Revisions were also made on the identification of greenhouse gas emissions and monitoring plans for its reduction, the introduction of new guidance on free, prior and informed consent and the safeguarding of human rights defenders and whistleblowers. “We reiterate that Malaysian palm oil is sustainable. The MSPO guarantees our commitment to sustainability and continues to provide sustainable palm oil to our customers,” he said at a dialogue with EU palm oil industry representatives. Fadillah said the government is committed to key policies on sustainable palm oil, including halting planting in peatland areas, strengthening regulations on existing palm oil cultivation on peatland, banning the conversion of forest reserve areas for palm oil cultivation and making oil palm plantation maps available to the public. – Bernama

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 SIS Forum leave appeal application to quash fatwa hearing on Aug 21 PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court will hear an application on Aug 21 by woman’s rights group SIS Forum for leave to appeal in a bid to quash a fatwa (edict) issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council that labelled the group as deviant from the teachings of Islam. This was confirmed by SIS Forum counsel A. Surendra Ananth and lawyer Yusfarizal Yussoff, who is representing the religious council, when contacted by Bernama. On March 14, the Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 majority decision, dismissed the appeal brought by SIS Forum and one of its co-founders, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar. The court held that the fatwa was not a final decision and thus cannot be challenged through a judicial review application. SIS Forum and Zainah appealed to the Court of Appeal after failing at the High Court, which dismissed their application on Aug 27, 2019. The fatwa, gazetted by the Selangor government on July 31, 2014, declared that SIS Forum, any individual, as well as groups that adopted the deviant ideologies of liberalism and pluralism, were deviating from the teachings of Islam. The fatwa also directed that any publications containing liberal and plural views of Islam should be banned and confiscated and further directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to censor social websites that go against Islamic teachings and the hukum syarak. In the notice of motion, SIS Forum proposed 10 questions of law for the Federal Court to decide. One of the questions is whether a fatwa, once published in the Gazette under Section 48(6) of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003, is a form of subsidiary law or a delegated legislation. Club owner to file third representation to attorney-general KUALA LUMPUR: Crackhouse comedy club owner Mohamad Rizal Van Geyzel will submit a third representation to drop the charges against him after his second representation was rejected by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC). The charges relate to creating and initiating the distribution of videos on racial sensitivity on social media in July last year. Mohamad Rizal’s lawyer M. Pravin told Sessions Court Judge Priscilla Hemamalini Nadarajan that they had just been informed by the prosecution about the status of the representation yesterday. “We will most likely file another representation as there are new developments and we need time to get instructions from the client,” he said. Pravin asked the court to vacate the trial dates set on June 1 and 2 while awaiting the decision on the representation. DPP Noor Haslinda Che Seman confirmed that the second representation was rejected and requested the defence submit a new representation immediately for the AGC to examine. The court then fixed June 13 for mention of the third representation. On Jan 20, the AGC rejected the first representation submitted. Mohamad Rizal then submitted a second representation on April 6. According to the charges, Mohamad Rizal, 40 is accused of making and initiating the transmission of offensive communications with intent to offend others via Facebook using the profile name “Rizal van Geyzel”, Instagram account “rizalvangeyzel” and TikTok account “rizalvangeyzel” between July 4 and 6, 2022. – Bernama 300 illegal dumpsites to be closed SEKINCHAN: The Local Government Development Ministry is aiming to close down about 300 illegal waste disposal sites this year, which is one of the ministry’s focuses to avoid threats to cleanliness and environmental quality. Minister Nga Kor Ming said his ministry had successfully closed 128 illegal waste disposal sites in the first 100 days of his tenure as minister and efforts would continue to be improved. “(They were mostly) in Selangor as there are many industrial areas.” Nga added that his ministry is currently having discussions with the Selangor government on the implementation of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 to find the best solution to overcome the long-standing illegal waste dumping problem. It was reported that the government is considering using the Act to tackle the issue and ensure uniformity of law in the control and regulation of matters related to solid waste management and cleaning of public areas. In another development, Nga said the Fire and Rescue Department’s preparedness was at the highest level for operations to put out fires due to the dry weather, with the ministry having given additional allocations totalling RM46.15 million to the department to purchase equipment. Nga also urged the public to stop open burning activities as it is an offence that is punishable with imprisonment and compounds. – Bernama Two killed after van slams into trailer TANAH MERAH: Two youths were killed in a crash after the van they were travelling in collided with a trailer along Jalan Kota BharuMachang-Jeli near Kampung Batang Merbau on Tuesday. Tanah Merah district police chief Supt Mohd Haki Hasbullah said in the incident at 7.30pm, Muhamad Isyhad Ismi, 20, and Nur Farah Nabilah Che Hasan, 23, died at the scene. The van, driven by Muhamad Isyhad, was heading from Jeli towards Tanah Merah. When it arrived at the location of the accident, the driver is believed to have overtaken another vehicle before colliding with the trailer travelling from the opposite direction, causing the trailer to overturn on the road. Mohd Haki added that both victims sustained injuries to the body and head, and their remains were taken to the Tanah Merah Hospital for post-mortem. – Bernama Jho low’s alleged accomplice dies of stroke KUALA LUMPUR: The cause of death of an alleged accomplice of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, was due to a sudden massive stroke. Law firm Valen, Oh & Partners, claiming to represent the late Kee Kok Thiam and his family, said the 56-year-old suspect in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and SRC International Sdn Bhd scandal died at a hospital on May 29. “We urge all parties not to entertain any speculation on this unfortunate event and allow the family the space of grief on his passing,” said the firm. On May 5, the media reported that Kee, who was being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on suspicion of receiving money from 1MDB and SRC International funds and had been missing since 2018, arrived at the KL International Airport Terminal 2 at 3.30 am on May 3. – Bernama Date set for Muhyiddin’s bid to quash power abuse charges KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court yesterday fixed July 11 to hear former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s application to strike out four charges against him for allegedly using his position to obtain gratification amounting to RM232.5 million for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu). Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin set the date when the case came up for mention in the presence of DPP Datuk Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin and Ahmad Akram Gharib, as well as lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik, representing Muhyiddin. Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu president, was exempted from attending the proceeding. Earlier, Hisyam requested the court to fix three days for the hearing. However, Muhammad oFormer premier seeking acquittal and discharge, claiming allegations flawed and not in accordance to law LIMITLESS ... Muhd Syafiq Meli, 24, who has a disability in his right hand, operating a drone to take videos as a hobby at his home in Kampung Penarik, Terengganu. – BERNAMAPIC Jamil said one day was enough. Last April 18, Muhyiddin, 76, filed a notice of motion to request that he be acquitted and discharged of the charges brought against him on March 10, and that the proceedings at the Sessions Court be postponed, pending the motion hearing. Through a supporting affidavit filed with the notice of motion, he claimed that all the charges were flawed and not according to law. Muhyiddin was charged with using his position to obtain bribes from three parties, namely Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd and Mamfor Sdn Bhd and also from one Datuk Azman Yusoff, for Bersatu. He was charged with committing the offences at the Prime Minister’s Office, Bangunan Perdana Putra, Federal Government Administration Centre in Putrajaya between March 1, 2020, and Aug 20, 2021. Meanwhile, Muhyiddin’s application for the trial of his cases to be transferred from the Sessions Court to the High Court will be heard before Judge K. Muniandy on July 10. In addition to the charges of using his position for graft, Muhyiddin is also facing two charges of receiving proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to RM195 million from Bukhary Equity, which was deposited into Bersatu’s CIMB Bank account, Bernama reported. He is alleged to have committed the offence at the Menara KL Branch of CIMB Bank between Feb 25, 2021, and July 16, 2021, and on Feb 8 and July 8, 2022. The Pagoh MP, who is Perikatan Nasional chairman, was also charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court last March 13 with receiving proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to RM5 million and the case was transferred to the Sessions Court to be tried with the other cases.

6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME China, India kick out nearly all of each other’s journalists BEIJING: China said yesterday it had taken “appropriate” action in response to India’s unfair treatment of Chinese journalists, in the latest episode to highlight tense relations between the big Asian neighbours. The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that China and India had ejected nearly all of each other’s journalists in recent weeks. Citing people familiar with the matter, the newspaper said India had this month declined to renew the visas of the last two Chinese state media journalists in India. Meanwhile, at least two Indian reporters had not been granted visas to return to China and a third was told that his accreditation had been revoked, according to the newspaper. Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Chinese reporters had been treated unfairly in India for years. “For a long time, Chinese journalists have suffered unfair and discriminatory treatment in India, and in 2017, the Indian side shortened the visa validity of Chinese journalists to three months or even one month for no reason.” The visa of the last Chinese correspondent in India had expired, she said. “In the face of this prolonged and unreasonable suppression by the Indian side, the Chinese side had to take appropriate countermeasures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese media. “Some Indian journalists have been working and living in China for more than 10 years, and we are willing to continue to (facilitate them), but it depends on whether the Indian side can meet China halfway and provide the same facilitation and assistance to Chinese journalists in India.” – Reuters B R I E F SBEIJING: U.S. TO BLAME FOR JET INCIDENT BEIJING: The China government blamed US “provocation” yesterday for an incident last week when a Chinese plane crossed in front of an American surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. “The United States’ long-term and frequent sending of ships and planes to conduct close surveillance on China seriously harms China’s national sovereignty and security,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning. “This kind of provocative, dangerous activity is the cause of the security issues on the seas,” she said. The US military said on Tuesday a Chinese fighter pilot performed an “unnecessarily aggressive manoeuvre” near an American surveillance aircraft operating over the South China Sea on Friday. – AFP MORE STUDY NEEDED ON NUKE WATER PLAN SEOUL: South Korean nuclear safety experts who visited Japan’s wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant last week said yesterday that detailed analysis was needed to verify Tokyo’s plan to release tonnes of contaminated water from it into the sea. Japan plans to dump one million tonnes of water that was mainly used to cool the reactors into the sea, triggering alarm at home and abroad. Nuclear Safety and Security Commission chairman Yoo Guk-hee, who led a delegation on a site visit last week, said there had been progress in checking facilities and securing samples and documents but further work was needed to reach any conclusion. – Reuters N. Korea spy satellite crashes into sea SEOUL: North Korea attempted to launch a spy satellite yesterday but it crashed into the sea after a rocket failure, with the South Korean military retrieving part of the likely wreckage in a potential intelligence bonanza. North Korea does not have a functioning satellite in space and leader Kim Jong-un has made developing a military spy satellite a top priority for his regime, despite UN resolutions banning its use of such technology. Pyongyang had said in the build-up to the launch attempt that the satellite would be vital to monitoring the military movements of the US and its allies. But the rocket lost thrust and plunged into the sea with its satellite payload, the official Korean Central News Agency reported. It added that authorities would oSeoul residents panic after emergency evacuation, air raid alerts investigate the “serious defects” revealed by the launch and conduct another test as soon as possible. South Korea’s military said it had managed to locate and salvage a portion of the suspected debris. It released images showing a large barrel-like metal structure with thin pipes and wires at the bottom, which experts said might be a liquid fuel tank. “Technical experts will be able to gain tremendous insight into North Korea’s proficiency with large, multi-stage boosters from the recovered debris,” said US-based analyst Ankit Panda. The launch prompted confusion Heatwave prompts Hanoi to reduce street lights HANOI: Faced with record-breaking heat, Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has turned off some street lights to save electricity as demand for air conditioning soars. Parks in the city of eight million people are now plunged into total darkness after 11pm, while two-thirds of street lights are also switched off at the same hour. Scientists have warned that global warming is intensifying extreme weather events such as heatwaves. In early May, Vietnam recorded its highest-ever temperature – 44.1°C – breaking a previous record set in 2019. The country sweltered under a heatwave in April, and another in late May, and state electricity company EVN has warned that huge demand from air conditioners and fans has put the national power system under strain. Adding to the problems, a severe drought in northern Vietnam means water levels at hydropower dams are 30% to 40% lower than normal. “I am worried about a power shortage, which may badly impact us during the hot summer,” Hanoi resident Do Tung Duong said while on a walk in the dim city centre. Another resident, Vu Thi Hoa, told AFP she agreed with the measure to cut public lighting. “We should turn off unnecessary electric equipment, especially the lights. It feels hotter if there are too many lights on,” she said. “We need power for fans and air conditioners. It will be terrible if there is a power cut.” Hanoi Public Lighting Company Hapulico reduced the city’s street lights in response to EVN’s calls for energy saving. Public lighting is switched on half an hour later than usual, and turned off half an hour sooner. “We still ensure enough lighting for traffic, security and order,” Hapulico deputy director Le Trung Kien told local media. – AFP and panic in Seoul, as city authorities sent an early morning emergency evacuation alert to residents and blasted an air raid siren across the downtown area. This sparked widespread consternation online, before the Interior Ministry clarified minutes later the alert had been “incorrectly issued”. “I was taking my two young children to a basement parking lot as advised, in shock,” said a 37-year-old father, who asked to be identified by his surname Yoon. The correction left him “speechless and outraged”, he said. Japan briefly activated its missile alert warning system for the Okinawa region early yesterday, lifting it after about 30 minutes. Seoul, Tokyo and Washington all slammed the launch, which they said violated a raft of UN resolutions barring Pyongyang from any tests using ballistic missile technology. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for North Korea to cease “such acts” and return to the negotiating table. – AFP Radio broadcaster killed in Philippines MANILA: A radio broadcaster was shot dead outside his home in the central Philippines yesterday, police said, the latest in a long list of journalists killed in the country. Cresenciano Bunduquin, 50, was killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro province, said police Colonel Samuel Delorino. One of the assailants died after Bunduquin’s son hit the gunmen with his vehicle as they fled the scene of the pre-dawn attack. “The remaining suspect was able to run off. The hot pursuit operation is still ongoing,” said Delorino. The archipelago nation is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, and most of the killers often go unpunished. Radio broadcasters outside the capital were often the target. Bunduquin hosted a programme on radio station 101.7 DWXR as well as on Facebook, said station manager Jester Joaquin, who described the broadcaster as “hard-hitting” on local issues. He had been outspoken about a recent oil spill affecting the province, illegal gambling and politics. “He told me before that he’s receiving threats but he didn’t elaborate,” said Joaquin. “He mentioned to me that he wanted a change in his line of work, that’s why he put up a chicken farm, because he wants to go quiet.” Delorino said police were investigating whether Bunduquin had an enemy or a personnel quarrel. Bunduquin is the third journalist to be killed since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office last June. – AFP EARLY PREPARATION ... Indonesian riot police conducting a drill on security in the city of Malang yesterday for next year’s elections, during which campaigns will take place from Nov 23, 2023 to Feb 10, 2024. – AFPPIC

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 Sudan army suspends ceasefire talks KHARTOUM: The Sudanese army suspended its participation in American- and Saudi-brokered ceasefire talks yesterday, accusing its paramilitary foes of failing to honour their commitments. The mediators of the talks in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah have acknowledged repeated violations of the truce by both sides but have so far held off imposing any sanctions in the hope of keeping the warring parties at the negotiating table. The army walked out “because the rebels have never implemented a single one of the provisions of a short-term ceasefire which required their withdrawal from hospitals and residential buildings”, a government official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The army said the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had also “repeatedly violated the truce”, the official added. US and Saudi mediators said on Monday that the warring parties had agreed to extend by five days a humanitarian truce they had frequently violated over the previous week. The mediators admitted the truce had been “imperfectly observed” but said the extension “will permit further humanitarian efforts”. But despite the pledges of both sides, fighting flared again on Tuesday both in greater Khartoum and in the flashpoint western region of Darfur. “The army is ready to fight until victory,” army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared during a visit to troops in the capital. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, said they will “exercise their right to defend themselves” and accused the army of violating the truce. – AFP B R I E F SRUSSIA CLAIMS UKRAINE’S ‘LAST WARSHIP’ DESTROYED MOSCOW: Russia yesterday claimed it had destroyed the last major warship of the Ukrainian naval forces, which it said was stationed in the southern port of Odesa. “On May 29, a high-precision strike by the Russian Air Force on a ship anchorage site in the port of Odesa destroyed the last warship of the Ukrainian Navy, the Yuri Olefirenko”, the Russian army said in its daily briefing. AFP was not able to independently confirm the claim. Yuri Olefirenko is a medium-size landing ship for troops and vehicles. First named Kirovograd, the ship was renamed in 2016 in honour of a Ukrainian marine killed near Mariupol in 2015. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decorated its crew in June last year. – AFP AMERICAN TROOPS GUARD TOWN HALL IN KOSOVO PRISTINA: US peacekeepers stood behind a barbed-wire barrier as protesters gathered outside a municipal hall in ethnically divided northern Kosovo, where days of unrest have prompted Nato to send additional troops to stave off violence. Following clashes on Monday in Zvecan, another northern town, during which 30 troops and 52 protesters were hurt, Nato said it would send 700 more troops to Kosovo to boost its 4,000-strong mission. It was not clear when the soldiers would arrive. Regional unrest has intensified following April elections that the Serbs boycotted, narrowing the turnout to 3.5% and leaving victory in four Serb-majority Kosovan mayoralties to ethnic Albanian candidates. – Reuters Germany arrests seven IS fundraisers BERLIN: German authorities have arrested seven suspected supporters of the Islamic State (IS) group as part of an investigation into terrorist financing, prosecutors said yesterday. At the same time, authorities conducted 19 raids in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as in one property in the Netherlands, the federal prosecutor’s office said in a statement. The individuals arrested are suspected of belonging to an international network that solicited financial donations for IS in Syria through platforms including Telegram and subsequently transferred them to the group or its intermediaries. At least €65,000 (RM320,000) were transferred in this manner, prosecutors said. They added that the money was used to support IS members imprisoned in Syria, in some cases allowing them to escape from prison camps. The seven suspects are to appear later this week before a magistrate who will decide whether they are to remain in pre-trial detention. – Reuters Bear stuck in SUV rescued by deputies WASHINGTON: A frustrated bear that got itself trapped inside a parked car was freed by creative US sheriff deputies, who used a rope to open the door. The black bear managed to climb into the vehicle parked in a Nevada neighbourhood, presumably looking for food, and then found itself stuck when the door slammed shut. Officers from Washoe County Sheriff’s Department, alerted to the stranded creature, devised a plan to free it. Footage filmed by the department shows one officer carefully tying a yellow rope around the back door handle before beating a hasty retreat. Once safely tucked away behind a few decent-sized objects, the officer tugs on the rope, and the door swings open. Seconds later, the bear emerges, then scarpers across a few yards and into the woods, leaving behind the badly mangled interior of the black SUV, apparently torn apart in the search for a means of escape. Black bears, which can grow up to 270kg, are omnivores with a powerful sense of smell that sometimes leads them to forage for food amongst humans. – AFP US reps scramble to pass debt limit deal WASHINGTON: Congressional leaders were racing to secure backing for a cross-party deal to raise the US debt limit and avert a first-ever default as they faced a growing backlash from conservatives ahead of a crucial vote. Congress has just five days to green-light an agreement between Republicans and Democrats to allow more borrowing and ensure the country does not miss loan repayments – sending the economy into a potentially ruinous nose dive. The Fiscal Responsibility Act – hammered out between Republican speaker Kevin McCarthy and Democratic President Joe Biden over the weekend – needs a simple majority to clear the 435-member House of Representatives and head to the Senate. But multiple Republicans have already announced their opposition – angry that proposed spending cuts accompanying a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling fall far short of what they agreed in a Bill passed by the House last month. While McCarthy has described the deal as oMultiple conservative Republicans announce opposition to Bill “transformational”, Chip Roy, a leading figure in the hard-right Freedom Caucus, called it a “turd sandwich”. “Not one Republican should vote for this deal. It is a bad deal. No one sent us here to borrow an additional US$4 trillion (RM18.5 trillion) to get absolutely nothing in return,” Roy said at a Freedom Caucus news conference on Tuesday. The floor vote is planned for around 8.30pm on Wednesday (8.30am today in Malaysia), according to a provisional House schedule. The agreement would hold spending flat for 2024 while boosting cash for defence and veterans and clawing back US$28 billion in unspent Covid aid money. Crucially, it will then cap increases at 1% until the year after the presidential election, a win for Biden who would not have to go through a repeat of the crisis at the height of his reelection campaign. It would increase work requirements on federal food stamp recipients and welfare safety net programmes, but does not make the sweeping reforms to government health insurance that Republicans had pushed for. Party strategists were bullish that the grousing from the right did not represent a consensus within the broader party. “Members from all across the conference shared their support for this important Bill” during a party meeting on Tuesday, Republican Conference chair Elise Stefanik told reporters after a key panel, the House Rules Committee, advanced the bill to a floor vote. But a bloc of at least 20 conservative Republicans have announced they will oppose the compromise, accusing McCarthy of caving to the White House and ensuring he will need to rely on Democratic votes to get the deal over the line. Freedom Caucus chair Scott Perry told reporters the Bill “fails completely”, while fellow House Republican Nancy Mace said she was voting no because “playing the DC game isn’t worth selling out our kids and grandkids”. Assuming it gets to the House floor, the Bill needs 218 votes, with Republican leadership bracing for somewhere between 40 and 60 of their 222 members defecting. On the left, lawmakers have voiced frustration over the new work requirements that would kick into federal aid programmes while corporations and the rich are being asked to pay no more in taxes. In a statement, the left-leaning Centre on Budget and Policy Priorities said the agreement was a “significant improvement” over the House-passed Bill but complained it would leave older, low-income Americans hungry and “should be rejected”.– AFP KEEPING DRY ... A dog taking refuge on the hood of a car in a flooded street after heavy rains affected several communities in the Venezuelan city of Valencia. – AFPPIC

8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 SPEAK UP THE term “art science” was introduced by Todd Siler in his 1997 book Breaking The Mind Barrier. Art science can be interpreted as the third stream that complements the existing STEM+Art and STEAM education movement. Art science motivates the understanding of the human experience of nature and society through the synthesis of artistic and scientific modes of exploration and expression. Richer interpretation emerges from the fusion of skills between artists, designers and scientists, with no restriction on art forms or science branches. On the other hand, art science transcends and integrates all disciplines or forms of knowledge. The vision of art science is the rehumanisation of all knowledge. One can trace the DNA of art science thinking in major artistic advances, technological breakthroughs, scientific discoveries and medical innovations since the beginning of civilisation. A Renaissance man or woman had art science underlying his creative processes. In short, art science aims to inspire openmindedness, curiosity, creativity, imagination, critical thinking and problem-solving through the seamless fusion of science and art to bring out the best of both. The Learning Enrichment (LearnX) committee at the Department of Physics at Universiti Malaya has advocated the fusion of art and creative thinking, in the otherwise conventional physics coursework’s activities. There are numerous events that have led to the revolutionary shift in scientific thinking and the history-biography of the main characters are often turned into popular culture. Some early examples lacked or were misinterpreted in the scientific content. However, recent examples of science-based movies are soliciting experts to ensure the scientific correctness of the narratives. LearnX is experimenting with art-science activities with broad skill development and deep learning footprints, by promoting archivalbased historical and scientific narratives. Given such enormous historical records from different parts of the world and time, what LearnX has uncovered is just the tip of a human historical iceberg. The first example of art science activity was carried out by 15 second-year physics students taking the Statistical Physics course at the Department of Physics at Universiti Malaya in 2016. As part of a coursework continuous assessment assignment, the students were challenged to showcase their artistic talents by writing, producing and performing a physicsthemed theatre called “Atomystic”. The 45-minute theatre in full 19th centurystyled wardrobe and stage ambience reenacted the trails of events leading to the intense Lubeck meeting debate (1895) between the atomists led by Ludwig Boltzmann against his critics (Ostwald, Mach and others) who proposed alternative views based on the concept of energy (energetics). During the course, the students learned the fundamental contribution of Boltzmann to the understanding of the physical world, including the Boltzmann distribution, the microscopic view of entropy and the second law of thermodynamics. While working on the theatre production, they also learnt the motivation of the discovery and the struggle endured by Boltzmann in holding up the theory that cost him his life in his own hand. The students were so excited to know that renowned actor-director, Datuk Zahim Albakri was among the audience, invited to be a theatre critic, and were treated with rounds of applause and thumbs for a brilliant performance by physics-trained first-time theatre performers. The second example of art science activity was carried out in 2018, before Covid-19 first struck, capturing the debate between the giants of physics, Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr on the adequacy of quantum theory in describing the physical reality at the microscopic scale. Aptly called the “Quantum Debate in Wayang Kulit”, a group of 15 students taking the Statistical Physics course rose to the groupbased task of writing the script for multicharacter puppets involved in the evolution of ideas. The students designed the brightly coloured puppets made of polymer plastics and staged the wayang kulit puppet show, receiving thunderous applause and laughter for the serious scenes and comical moments of the then scientists, involved in the debate of the 1900s. The storyline accurately presented the essence of 500 pages of the book, Quantum: Einstein, Bohr, and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality by Manjit Kumar. Showcasing it once could not have done better in explaining quantum physics to a broader audience using alternative mediums such as performing art. Appraisal from renowned Fusion Wayang Kulit co-founder Tintoy Chuo proved once again, art and science can be a potent medium for learning different skills that are often kept in different mindsets. Elsewhere around the world, artists and scientists are reinventing their collaboration by using mixed media to raise awareness of the various global challenges, such as global warming, environmental and social economic issues. Why not do it here too? Emerging out of Covid-19 and back to faceto-face learning in December 2022, a group of 70 students taking the Statistical Physics course (again the same course, same lecturer, different students) were asked to champion the climate agenda by relating their chosen sustainable development goals (SDG) with poetry. In collaboration with the Universiti Malaya library, a poem recital programme called Baca & Bicara was organised at Perpustakaan Peringatan Za’ba Universiti Malaya. The students in six groups braved stage frights and showcased the heartfelt recitals of their favourite poems, sourced from collections of the university’s library. The grey lectures on laws of thermodynamics that govern climate dynamics were translated into an emotionally charged statement of the impact of human activities on lives on Earth. In summary, art science activities offer opportunities for creativity, identity-building, self-actualisation, cognitive skills and risktaking. Participants are encouraged to improvise and experiment in a non-threatening and nonjudgmental environment. Such practices help appreciate and retain abstract concepts and activate fine motor skills through kinesthetics, auditory and visual sensory. Students are stimulated to exercise a variety of intelligence, self-expression and worldview. Art science in STEM curriculum and their deeper involvement should be encouraged as it offers opportunities for holistic learning experiences, prolonged creativity and change of perception on abstract concepts and advocacy in realising SDGs. LearnX continues to collaborate and experiment with palettes of arts and humanity, rich in colour and emotion, to inculcate humanistic values while reminding everyone to be aware of the good, the bad and the ugly paths of scientific discoveries made through sacrifices, comradeship and even selfishness or injustice. Such stories of human traits are often left out of textbooks or sterilised in journals. In other words, the enrichment of STEM education vis-à-vis art science is two-fold, i.e, inspired by idealism yet grounded in realities. The writer is a Professor and Learning Enrichment (LearnX) Committee at the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya. Comments: [email protected] Saluting our badminton doubles pairs THE finals of the Malaysian Masters came to a dramatic conclusion at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, with two of our doubles matches involving our men and women stealing the show for their gallant fightback, which saw them display character and fighting spirit. Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah were taken the distance against the tough Koreans. Despite the loss, the matches were electrifying as they demanded physical fitness, speed endurance and mental strength. Everything that badminton demanded of them, including deadly jumping smashes and strokes, were all put to the test in finals. We lost to Kang Min-hyuk-Seo Seung-Jae 21-15, 22-24, 21-19 in the men’s doubles and our women lost in a cliffhanger score of 22-20, 8-21, 21-17, with luck deserting us when it mattered most. The Axiata Arena was packed and the fans throughout the tournament were rooting for their home team, including sports enthusiasts at home who were glued to their TV set for the afternoon showdown. The Malaysian Masters brought people of all races and religious backgrounds together to applaud our national heroes against their higherranked Korean opponents. Lately, the Youth and Sports Ministry, National Sports Associations and Olympic Council of Malaysia had been under intense attacks from various stakeholders, including politicians from the Opposition, for winning only 34 gold medals at the recent SEA Games in Cambodia after being placed seventh in the overall medal tally. Now the winds of fortune are slowly but surely working for the Road to Gold contingent provided there is proper scientific training, well-structured, adequate competition and exposure given to our elite athletes. Fortunately, our Olympic bronze and silver medalist Datuk Azizul Hasni Awang celebrated his return to winning form and brought cheers to Malaysia in the sprint and Keirin event by winning four gold medals at the Hong Kong Velodrome on Friday and Saturday. The glorious days of sport will return and public support via the Madani concept will bind Malaysians of diverse backgrounds and help in developing a feeling of patriotism and unity that can counter extremism and factionalism. As former South African president, Nelson Mandela said in a sports message, “Sports participation can help to build character, encourage emotional growth, and teach players and spectators the value of honesty, respect, teamwork, dedication and commitment.” As Malaysians, let us celebrate victories and foster a sporting culture among Malaysians so that we can be competitive, healthy and united. Let us reject any form of extremism in our society that seeks to divide political parties. C. Sathasivam Sitheravellu Seremban COMMENT by Prof Dr Sithi Vinayakam Muniandy LETTERS Artscience approaches [email protected] enrich STEM education

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 Codependency, a well-being issue CODEPENDENCY is a complex psychological issue that affects individuals’ mental wellbeing and interpersonal relationships. It refers to a dysfunctional pattern of behaviour where individuals excessively rely on others for validation, approval and a sense of self-worth. It often develops in response to growing up in dysfunctional families or experiencing trauma and neglect. Codependent individuals often have low self-esteem, struggle with boundaries, and prioritise the needs of others over their own. The development of codependency can be influenced by various factors. It can have various underlying causes, often stemming from complex and challenging life experiences. Understanding these causes can provide valuable insights into the development of codependent behaviours. Family dynamics Growing up in families with dysfunctional dynamics such as addiction, abuse or neglect can significantly contribute to the development of codependency. In these environments, individuals may learn to adapt by excessively focusing on others’ needs and emotions while neglecting their own. They may develop a deep-seated need for external validation and approval as a means to maintain stability and manage the chaos within the family system. Childhood trauma Childhood trauma, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse can profoundly impact an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being. Traumatic experiences can shatter a child’s sense of safety, trust and self-worth, leading to the development of codependent behaviours as a coping mechanism. In an effort to gain a sense of control and security, individuals may become excessively dependent on others and seek validation and acceptance at any cost. Enabling relationships Being involved in relationships with individuals who have addictive or dependent behaviours can reinforce codependent tendencies. When one partner in a relationship struggles with addiction, for example, the other partner may assume a caretaking role, sacrificing their own needs and well-being in the process. This dynamic perpetuates the codependent pattern as the individual becomes enmeshed in the cycle of enabling and being overly responsible for the other person’s behaviour. Cultural and societal factors Cultural and societal norms can play a role in the development of codependency. Some cultures place a strong emphasis on self-sacrifice, putting the needs of others above their own and maintaining harmonious relationships. These expectations can fuel codependent tendencies, as individuals feel pressure to conform to societal ideals of being “selfless” and “caretakers” at the expense of their own well-being. I d e n t i f y i n g codependency can be challenging as it manifests in various ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms of codependency: 0 Low self-esteem and excessive need for approval 0 Difficulty setting boundaries and saying no 0 Neglecting personal needs and prioritising others 0 Fear of abandonment and being alone 0 Over-involvement in other people’s problems 0 Feeling responsible for other people’s happiness 0 People-pleasing behaviour and seeking external validation 0 Difficulty expressing emotions and asserting oneself; and, 0 Difficulty making decisions independently. Codependent individuals often experience high levels of anxiety and may be prone to depression. The constant worry about another person’s well-being coupled with neglecting their own needs can lead to chronic stress and emotional exhaustion. Constantly seeking validation and approval from others can make individuals feel unworthy and inadequate. This negative self-perception can hinder personal growth and contribute to a cycle of codependent behaviour. Codependency can have a detrimental effect on relationships. The imbalance in giving and receiving can lead to resentment, enabling destructive behaviours and unhealthy dependency dynamics. Over time, these issues can strain relationships and result in emotional turmoil. Their focus on the needs and emotions of others can overshadow their own desires and interests, leaving them feeling lost and disconnected from their authentic selves. While codependency can be deeply ingrained, it is possible to overcome it with self-awareness and support. Here are some steps individuals can take towards healing and developing healthier behaviours. Self reflection: Recognise and acknowledge codependent patterns in your behaviour. Reflect on past experiences and how they may have influenced your codependency. Seek professional help: Engage in therapy or counselling to address underlying issues and learn healthy coping mechanisms. A qualified therapist can provide guidance and support throughout the healing process. Set boundaries: Practice establishing and enforcing boundaries in relationships. Learn to prioritise your own needs and communicate them effectively to others. Focus on self-care: Prioritise self-care activities that promote your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Engage in hobbies, practice mindfulness and cultivate a positive support system. Build healthy relationships: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage personal growth and respect boundaries. Seek out healthy, reciprocal relationships that promote individuality and emotional wellbeing. Codependency is a complex issue that can significantly impact individuals’ mental well-being and relationships. Individuals can take steps towards healing and personal growth by understanding the causes, symptoms, and consequences of codependency. It is crucial to prioritise self-care, seek professional help and cultivate healthy relationships to break free from the patterns of codependency. Remember, recovery is a journey and with dedication and support individuals can reclaim their autonomy and lead fulfilling lives. Dr Praveena Rajendra is a certified mental health and awareness practitioner specialising in narcissistic abuse recovery. Comments: [email protected] MIND THE MIND BY DR PRAVEENA RAJENDRA P8: NEW COLUMN: Green Inspiration LOGO with photo, By Pishu Murli Hassaram + QUOTE HEADLINE: Urgent need for a national digital carbon registry THE carbon trade, particularly in the Voluntary Carbon Market and naturebased solutions, is at a crucial turning point. The lack of transparency and accountability has cast a shadow over the market, jeopardising its credibility and effectiveness. It is evident that changes are necessary to restore trust and ensure the integrity of carbon credits. This is where a national digital Carbon Registry can play a transformative role. Recent events, such as the chaos widely reported at the Shell annual general meeting in London last week, have exposed the growing resentment among shareholders towards companies relying solely on carbon credits to offset their emissions while neglecting to adopt meaningful emission reduction practices. This practice undermines the true purpose of carbon trading: incentivising companies to reduce their emissions and adopt sustainable practices. Compounding the problem is the alarming prevalence of fraudulent carbon credits, particularly in the rainforest carbon market. Shell, one of the largest buyers of carbon credits, faced a significant setback when it was revealed that a substantial portion of the credits it purchased from the leading standards bodies were fraudulent. The subsequent resignation of the Verra CEO is an indication of the need for a more reliable and transparent system as The Guardian earlier reported. According to a joint Guardian investigation earlier this year, the report added that “it comes amid concerns that Verra, a Washingtonbased non-profit and world’s leading carbon credit certifier, approved tens of millions of worthless offsets that are used by major companies for climate and biodiversity commitments.” In a recent market trends report from the World Bank from which the picture below is sourced (pic), you can see that Verra (42%), Gold (8%) and CER’s (32%), make up 82% of the certified credits in the markets which have come under wide “greenwashing” criticism over the last year. What this suggests is that while the market is broken, because of the dominance of the global standards bodies it may have become too big to fail. A national digital carbon registry offers a comprehensive solution to address both these critical issues. Firstly, it empowers companies to actively manage and reduce their emissions through an energy management platform. By providing companies with tools and insights to measure, monitor and optimise their energy consumption, the registry facilitates a proactive approach towards emission reduction. Secondly, the registry ensures transparency and guarantees the authenticity of carbon credits for companies seeking to purchase them. Through a digital process, companies can verify the legitimacy of carbon credits, enabling them to make informed decisions and eliminate the risk of purchasing fraudulent credits. The registry acts as a trustworthy intermediary, providing a secure and transparent marketplace for carbon credit transactions. Furthermore, the current overreliance on reforestation credits has created a significant imbalance in the carbon credit market. Large buyers and funds are now desperately seeking alternative sources of credit to diversify their exposure. This has had a particularly detrimental impact on other naturebased credits, which often have the greatest positive impact on both the environment and the livelihoods of communities. A digital registry can help create a more diverse and robust carbon credit market by facilitating the issuance and trading of a wider range of credits. Lastly, a digital carbon registry offers immense benefits to governments in meeting their carbonrelated commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions. The registry provides governments with a digital back-office compliance and record-keeping system, ensuring accurate reporting and streamlined monitoring of carbon-related activities. This assists governments in tracking their progress, demonstrating accountability, and aligning with international climate goals. The urgent need for a national digital carbon registry cannot be overstated. It addresses the challenges faced by companies in managing their emissions, guarantees the authenticity of carbon credits, promotes a diversified credit market, and supports governments in meeting their climate commitments. The time for action is now. By embracing this innovative solution, we can restore confidence in the carbon trade, drive meaningful emission reductions, and pave the way for a more sustainable and interconnected future. Dr Rais Hussin is the president and chief executive officer of EMIR Research, a think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Dr Rais Hussin Global volume of issuance by crediting mechanism type (2018 - 2022)

10 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 Tropicana’s Q1 revenue up 15% from a year earlier April 1, 2022 as well as cost rationalisation measures to reduce expenses, while adhering to prudent risk management. The developer said the ongoing sales campaign helped spur the group’s growth. “We will continue to roll out effective marketing and sales campaigns to drive growth. Our digital and online engagement became a big part of our marketing strategies. “The recent TropiQuest campaign is a novelty explore-and-earn sales initiative where we match purchasers’ profiles with their Tropicana dream property. At the same time they will enjoy fantastic prizes from gadgets to hotel stays, earn referral rewards, sale & purchase agreement incentives, furnishing packages, loan agreements as well as memorandum of transfer stamp duty exemptions,” the management emphasised. “In addition, we are back in the black in 2023, underpinned by our robust unbilled sales of RM2 billion and spurred by launches in Tropicana’s unique residential, commercial and resort-themed developments. We will continue to unlock our landbank by offering four new developments with a total GDV of RM1.1 billion which will contribute to the future earnings of the group.” Tropicana remains optimistic and believes there will still be demand for properties in prime locations in its established, matured and developing townships. The group plans to roll out market-driven developments at strategic locations such as SouthPlace 2 Serviced Residences & Shoppes, Tropicana Metropark @ Subang Jaya; Shop Offices, Tropicana Aman @ Kota Kemuning; Phase 1A Terraced Homes, Tropicana Alam @ Puncak Alam and Tropicana Paradise Villa Lots, Tropicana WindCity, Genting Highlands @ Pahang. Tropicana’s total landbank spans 2,091 acres, with a potential GDV of about RM203.7 billion, placing the group in a good position to unlock the value of its strategic landbank and deliver sustainable performance in the next few years. oDeveloper to conduct sales campaigns to drive growth, roll out market-driven developments at strategic locations Sime Darby Property bags 13 wins at Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards PETALING JAYA: Design is intelligence made visible and proving its brilliance yet again is Sime Darby Property Bhd, which bagged an epic 13 major wins at the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards 2022 (MLAA13), including the coveted Best Client award. The triumph underscores the company’s commitment to the pursuit of architectural excellence and redefining design norms as evidenced by the recognition given to its developments across the nation. Organised by the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia and endorsed by the International Federation of Landscape Architects, MLAA13 honours excellence and ambition in various facets of the landscape architecture industry across a spectrum of stakeholders from consultancy firms to NGOs. “A well-designed landscape can help preserve and enhance the local ecosystem, fostering a healthy and thriving environment. We believe that landscape and architecture are important in a development as they enhance aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, social interaction, economic value, and create a sense of place and identity,” said Sime Darby Property group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican. These awards, he added, show that Sime Darby Property is definitely on the right track with its developments. The company was bestowed the Excellence Award in the Environmental & Landscape Management (City of Elmina) and Completed Project (KL East Park) categories; and received the Honour Awards for Landscape Master Plan (City of Elmina and Bandar Bukit Raja), and Environmental & Landscape Management (Serenia City). KL East Park, which officially opened to the public in February this year, bagged the Landscape Resource Preservation & Conservation Award. Sime Darby Property’s partnership with its consultants also proved fruitful as the company won six awards in the professional/consultant’s category. Over 80% of units at Block A of 168 Park Selayang sold PETALING JAYA: Infra Segi Sdn Bhd’s development, 168 Park Selayang, has sold more than 80% of the 477 residential units of Block A as at May 29 – at an average price of RM497 per sq ft – following the recent launch of the sales gallery along Jalan Kuching. Block A units offer eight sizes, ranging from 560 sq ft to 1050 sq ft, with prices starting at RM294,000. CEO of 168 Park Selayang, Edward Lum, said the development is attractive to first-time house buyers eyeing affordable properties close to Kuala Lumpur city centre as well as decent-sized units with unobstructed sky views. “The strong interest from home buyers, the majority of whom are young families, confirms the attractive qualities of 168 Park Selayang – welldesigned, strategically located with close proximity to KL city centre and supported by a shopping mall as well as extensive resort-like facilities within the building,” he said in a statement. Block B – with 49 floors, which the group said makes it the tallest building in Selayang – will be launched In the third quarter of 2023, The block will comprise 956 units with three sizes – 674 sq ft, 774 sq ft, 1074 sq ft, ranging from two-room, twobathroom to four-room, three-bathroom. The development will showcase 25 retreatinspired facilities, with a two-level shopping mall, including a cinema and a grocery. It is located on Jalan Kuching with easy access to KL city centre and Middle Ring Road 2, DUKE and KepongSelayang highway. B R I E F SGAMUDA GARDENS CENTRAL PARK IS PROJECT OF THE YEAR PETALING JAYA: Gamuda Land’s Gamuda Gardens Central Park won Project of the Year, while its other projects bagged eight awards at the recent Malaysia Landscape Architectural Awards ceremony. Executive director Khariza Abd Khalid said the group pays attention to details of the spaces it creates as well as look into the species selection on how it would enhance biodiversity, to ensure that “the environment that we create will be habitable for people, plants and animals”. “We learn from our past projects and continue to innovate on what works well for the environment and keep improving for people to live in,” she said in a statement. Khariza added that the group work closely with its partners, nongovernmental organisations and consultants to make certain that it “walk the talk when it comes to sustainability – this is how we look at the details to create towns that can stand the test of time”. SKYSANCTUARY PARK WINS LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT HONOUR PETALING JAYA: City developer SkyWorld Development Bhd’s SkySanctuary Park located in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, won the Landscape Development Award under the developer category, during the recent Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards. SkySanctuary Park, which spans across 2.92 acres is an urban park designed exclusively for residents of SkySanctuary development. CEO Lee Chee Seng said the group is committed to creating sustainable communities that prioritise wellness and quality of life. He added that the park showcases its dedication to preserving biodiversity, fostering sustainability, and creating a space that benefits the community. STRONG TAKE-UP RATES FOR TWO GAGASAN NADI CERGAS PROJECTS PETALING JAYA: Construction group Gagasan Nadi Cergas Bhd has recorded take-up rates of 89% and 100% for its two in-house property development projects – Antara Residence in Putrajaya and Selindung Ulu Yam in Selangor, respectively. The projects, which have a combined gross development value of RM336.7 million, have been completed. Group managing director Wan Azman Wan Kamal said that despite the persistent challenges in the construction sector, especially in labour supply and prices of raw materials, the group managed to complete the projects. “We intend to build on this positive momentum for our ongoing projects, including the development of Rumah Idaman affordable housing projects in Bukit Jelutong and Kwasa Damansara, as part of the group’s commitment to build 10,000 affordable homes till 2028.” Navigating 2023’s challenges with careful planning, long-term focus PETALING JAYA: I-Berhad is cautiously optimistic as it navigates the challenges in 2023 with careful planning and a clear focus on its long-term growth. “I-Berhad’s flagship, i-City, No. 1 Technology City, with gross development value (GDV) of RM10 billion, to date, have successfully executed a substantial portion of the project, while still retaining a noteworthy RM5 billion GDV earmarked for future development endeavours. “We are confident that i-City is driving robust growth to the group’s property development segment. The group continues to grow our project development segment with the latest projects such as BeCentral residences and Twenty8 and 8Premier corporate / retail spaces.” said its chairman, Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong. “For the previous residential launches in iCity, worth about RM1.8 billion, the group has achieved significant success with strong interest from the public in purchasing residential properties within i-City. This is also a testament to i-City’s sales of BeCentral Tower 1, where 42% of its 474 units had already been sold. Given these promising indicators, the group is hopeful that its property development segment will continue to spearhead the growth,” he added. The group has meticulously built and crafted an awe-inspiring investment properties portfolio worth RM1 billion that includes Mercu Maybank, DoubleTree by Hilton, the certified Tier-3 data centre, and the central i-City Mall as well as car park blocks. The long-term strategy of the group is to allocate 50% of capital to property Investment to take advantage of opportunities in the digital economy, as there are plans to launch two 100,000 sq ft hyperscale data centres in the pipeline. “Looking forward, we are confident that i-City is poised to be an attractive hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions and fintech companies.” PETALING JAYA: Tropicana Corporation Bhd recorded revenue of RM256.7 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 (Q1’23), RM33.4 million or 15% higher than the RM223.3 million registered in the previous year’s corresponding period. However, revenue in Q1’23 was RM1.4 million or 0.5% lower when compared with the preceding quarter ended Dec 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to lower progress billings across some of the group’s key on-going projects. Troipicana recorded profit before tax of RM800,000 for Q1’23, an increase of 102.2% over the amount posted in the corresponding quarter of the preceding year. The increase was mainly attributed to the improvement in the group’s property investments, recreation and resort operations on the back of the reopening of borders effective Azmir and other senior management with the coveted Best Client Award at the recent Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards 2022 ceremony.

KLCI 1,387.12 STI 3,158.80 HANG SENG 18,234.27 SCI 3,204.56 NIKKEI 30,887.88 440.28 TSEC 16,578.96 KOSPI 2,577.12 S&P/ASX200 7,091.30 THURSDAY JUNE 1, 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 May 31, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) MYEG 233,284,900 84.0 +5.0 RADIUM 226,668,600 38.5 -11.5 YTL 116,462,700 97.0 +6.0 MRDIY 97,905,800 157.0 -6.0 CIMB 86,111,100 482.0 -7.0 EXCHANGERATES MAY 31, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.6820 4.5490 4.5370 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0570 2.9370 2.9340 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4540 3.3550 3.3450 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4280 3.3380 3.3320 1 EURO 5.0180 4.8570 4.8350 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8320 2.7280 2.7220 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4540 3.3550 3.3450 1 STERLING POUND 5.8120 5.6320 5.5820 1 SWISS FRANC 5.1470 5.0300 5.0170 100 UAE DIRHAM 128.6600 122.0300 121.9000 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.4270 4.1550 3.9590 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 66.0000 63.5000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 60.2500 57.2800 57.1500 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.7400 5.3900 5.2000 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0322 0.0292 0.0242 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3540 3.2490 3.2250 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 16.3000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6700 1.5700 1.3600 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.4100 7.9300 7.7700 100 QATAR RIYAL 129.5600 122.9900 122.8800 100 SAUDI RIYAL 125.9500 119.5700 119.4400 100 THAI BAHT 14.0600 12.4800 12.0900 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY May 31, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,243.00 -36.02 FBMKLCI 1,387.12 -9.79 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 554.76 -1.00 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 159.11 -3.41 CONSTRUCTION 165.25 +3.55 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,206.70 -62.56 ENERGY 809.44 -17.60 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 597.97 +0.52 HEALTH CARE 1,855.06 +26.51 TRANSPORTATION 902.59 -0.43 PROPERTY 689.51 -0.36 PLANTATION 6,601.08 -146.40 FBMSHA 10,606.50 -47.90 FBMACE 4,947.24 -19.85 TECHNOLOGY 59.99 +0.48 TURNOVER VALUE 3.541 BIL RM5.254 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS May 31, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 293,600 134.00 +4.00 AJI 112,200 14.86 +0.58 PPB 2,508,300 16.26 +0.36 FAREAST 5,400 3.78 +0.33 PANAMY 18,700 22.18 +0.28 5 TOP LOSERS May 31, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM DIN045801028 10 102.90 -1.10 KLK 8,503,900 20.88 -0.76 PETDAG 1,880,600 21.12 -0.70 F&N 314,100 25.30 -0.48 HAPSENG 62,533,500 3.62 -0.44 9.79 28.76 361.51 19.65 43.78 8.40 118.00 Ringgit not spared impact of US debt ceiling wrangle KUALA LUMPUR: The pressure on the ringgit vis-a-vis the greenback hopefully will decrease when the United States debt ceiling issue is resolved within the next few days, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. Based on reports, he said, US President Joe Biden’s administration is trying to resolve the issue “as quickly as possible”, as the deadline is getting closer. “With a few more days left (to the deadline), we hope that when the issue has been resolved, the ringgit will not be as it is today,” Ahmad told reporters during an official visit to the Securities Commission headquarters yesterday. He said the government is waiting to see how the situation unfolds before taking action as the issue is anticipated to be settled in five or six days. Awang Adek (left) and Ahmad at the media conference. – BY ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN oPressure on Malaysian currency should ease after issue in Washington is resolved : Ahmad Maslan █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] Radium to be sustained by RM3.4b GDV projects over next 5 years KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur-centric property developer and Main Market debutant Radium Development Bhd will be sustained by RM3.4 billion gross development value (GDV) projects over the next five years, even prior to future landbanking exercises within the capital city. The RM3.4 billion undertakings consist of RM1.5 billion in 2023’s new launches and ongoing projects; as well as RM1.9 billion pipeline projects in Mukim Batu and Mukim Petaling which will be unveiled in 2024. Radium launched two projects in 2023: the RM474.4 million GDV R Suites Chancery Residences in Jalan Ampang and RM1.0 billion GDV Residensi Desa Timur in Salak South. Speaking at the group’s listing ceremony on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities yesterday, group managing director Datuk Gary Gan reiterated that the proposed utilisation of RM171 million in proceeds for acquisition of landbank and/or development expenditure will mark the next chapter for Radium. Duopharma hopeful as raw material prices stabilise KUALA LUMPUR: Duopharma Biotech Bhd sees hope as raw material prices begin to stabilise but weakening ringgit, increased overnight policy rate, higher electricity tariffs, and changes in overtime entitlements pose new challenges for the company. Its group managing director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar said the company employs hedging strategies, both natural and through financial instruments, while closely monitoring the exchange rate. “The prices of raw materials stabilising in the first quarter of 2023 offers hope for reduced production costs. However, we’ve got weakening in the ringgit. That’s going to be another challenge that we will have to face. We’re doing some level of hedging be it natural or some financial instruments. But we’re watching the exchange rate very closely. “We were assuming the range of anything between RM4.4 and RM4.6 against USD roughly. I think if you ask me what our comfort range is actually RM4.2 in order to █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] Ahmad disclosed that at a briefing earlier by Securities Commission Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin, the latter told him that investors who are holding dollars are concerned about the US debt ceiling due to the stalemate. “If the debt ceiling is raised, the holdings in the US dollar will decrease and the demand will lessen, which will cause … the ringgit against the US dollar exchange rate to reduce,” Ahmad said. Based on previous international reports, the US government is expected to run short of money to pay its bills unless Congress acts to raise the debt ceiling by June 5. On another issue, Ahmad shared that between 2020 and 2022, total complaints made to the commission involving fraud or scams rose by 100% to 1,124 in 2022 from 548 complaints in 2020, with total losses surpassing tens of millions of ringgit. In 2022, close to 60% of total complaints to the commission involved frauds or scams. sustain the APPL (the government tender for new approved products purchase list), because a APPL was tendered in 2017, when the exchange rate was about 4.3,” he said. Speaking to the media after the company’s AGM, Leonard Ariff said it faces another significant hurdle this year, as other unavoidable costs are anticipated to have a greater impact than foreign exchange. The increase in the ICPT tariff is estimated to cost the company up to RM10 million annually. “This year is particularly challenging. It’s not just forex. I think I do want to highlight, we don’t believe the impact of forex will be as high as the impact of other and avoidable costs. And one of the biggest costs we’re facing is twofold. One is electricity,” he said. Additionally, changes in the Employment Act regarding overtime entitlements could result in an additional expense of around RM5 million. Inflation further contributes to the rising costs. “To do exactly what we did last year this year, will be close to RM20 million (the projected impact). So it’s quite sizeable. Obviously, we’re doing everything we can to buffer the impact,” he said. The managing director said its options going forward include cost containment into the raw material, hedging and passing on higher prices to customers. In terms of hedging, the company employs hedging techniques both through natural portfolio hedging and financial instruments to manage the currency risks. He added, “The third thing that we do is price adjustment. In other words, we pass on the price increases to the consumers or the buyers. So throughout, we have been adjusting our prices. But obviously for government tenders, the only time you can actually increase the price is when the product is retendered.” Going forward, Duopharma is focused on expanding its portfolio to include preventive medicine and early detection solutions, as well as increasing its range of halal and plant-based products. Leonard Ariff also highlighted that the company’s shareholding base has expanded, with nearly 4% of shares now held by international parties, alongside ownership by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (51%) and the Employees Provident Fund Board (10%). Participation 22.4 11.1 66.5 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 1255.8 601.9 3397.2 5254.9 Sold RM m 1090.6 567.8 3596.5 5254.9 Net RM m 165.2 34.1 -199.3 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) 31/05/2023

12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 SUNBIZ READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Fintech, alternative financing can transform agri sector: SC KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) is encouraging wider adoption of financial technology (fintech) in agriculture to help in achieving the country’s food security agenda. SC chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin said access to finance is critical to agriculture’s future and this is especially important for smallholders and agritechpreneurs seeking to modernise agriculture and strengthen research and development. Recognising the challenges faced by MSMEs – micro, small and medium enterprises – in the agriculture sector, he said that leveraging fintech solutions will help improve access to financing and increase efficiency in the sector. From left: SC digital strategy & innovation executive director Dr Wong Huei Ching, Awang Adek, Azah, Agrobank president and CEO Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin and Malaysia Digital Economy Corp digital agriculture and drone technology ecosystem head Navin Sinnathamby at the event. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THE SUN oLeveraging equity crowdfunding and P2P solutions will widen agripreneurs’ access to capital, says Securities Commission chairman █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] To achieve this goal, the SC has been working closely with ecosystem players to develop innovative solutions that cater to the unique financing needs of farmers and agribusinesses, which is in tandem with the national agenda to support the agriculture sector’s transition into a dynamic and progressive sector. In addition, he remarked that the capital market can be an enabler and accelerator to help Malaysia achieve its food security agenda. “Alternative financing avenues such as equity crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing allow investors with the right risk appetite to mobilise capital directly for agripreneurs. “This provides more options for younger and high-growth companies to access capital relevant to their business risk profiles,” Awang Adek said in his opening address at the SCxSC Grow Fintech Conference yesterday. Over 7,000 MSMEs have benefitted from SC-registered ECF and P2P financing since their introduction in 2015, raising more than RM4.4 billion, with only 600 agri-related MSMEs across the entire value chain raising close to RM300 million. This presents a significant opportunity for agricultural growth and investment. “Malaysia was also the first country in this region to adopt a coinvestment model, MyCIF specifically for alternative finance platforms,” Awang Adek said, adding that MyCIF implemented a special allocation ratio of 1:2 for the agriculture sector in 2022, which is more appealing than the normal ratio of 1:4. “We’ve seen increased interest as four times as many agri-businesses have raised funds through ECF and P2P platforms,” he said. Meanwhile, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Datuk Azah Hanim Ahmad said that investing in the industry can be a wise long-term strategy, as the global population grows, the demand for food will increase and the industry will play a critical role in providing sustenance for people around the world. She explained that moving forward, focus would be given on continuous innovation in the agriculture industry, including boosting sustainable practices in agriculture and forming an effective collaboration with the private sector. “Increasing technology adoption by promoting modern agriculture methods and smart farming technologies such as digital agriculture and the introduction of new technologies along the entire agrofood value chain will increase productivity, said Azah. SCxSC Grow is a new collaborative programme under the SC’s fintech flagship initiative “Synergistic Collaboration by the SC” (SCxSC). It embodies a collaborative effort with partners in the fintech ecosystem to harness the potential of alternative financing digital platforms to meet the needs of MSMEs in strategic sectors.” Petronas-MFF pact on nature-based solutions projects KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore and develop high-quality nature-based solutions projects in Malaysia. In a statement yesterday, Petronas said nature-based solutions include all activities related to the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems to lower the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Such solutions offer immediate, scalable, and cost-effective pathways to reduce net emissions and contribute to climate mitigation and community cobenefits, the statement said. Petronas vice-president and chief sustainability officer Charlotte Wolff-Bye said the group aims to help unlock opportunities in the Malaysian naturebased solutions market to deliver sustainable business value and help protect, conserve and restore the natural environment.– Bernama Econpile cements presence in Cambodia with US$9.5m piling job PETALING JAYA: Piling and foundation specialist Econpile Holdings Bhd cemented its presence in Cambodia by securing a US$9.5 million (RM43.8 million) piling contract for a mixed highrise development project. Econpile’s wholly-owned subsidiary in Cambodia, Global Piling Solutions Co Ltd, secured the Letter of Acceptance from by Odom Living Co Ltd to undertake bored piling and diaphragm wall works for Odom Development at Norodom Boulevard, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The project duration will span 248 calendar days from June 1, 2023. The Odom Development comprises two towers made up of 45-floor office spaces and 22-floor residential spaces, which are connected by a five-floor podium with commercial spaces. Prior to this, Econpile had secured its first contract in Cambodia worth USD85.7 million (RM347.6 million) in December 2020 to undertake piling and substructure works for an integrated entertainment complex in Phnom Penh. Econpile Holdings executive director/group CEO Raymond Pang said: “Econpile is seeing the fruition of our efforts in cementing our presence in Cambodia. This new win is our second project in the country, which will further uplift our reputation and place us favourably in future tenders.” He added that their work to support this high-rise undertaking corresponds well with their expertise, and allows them to support Cambodia’s changing landscape. The new contract brings the group’s new wins year-to-date to RM266.7 million and boosts its current order book to about RM410 million, which will be recognised until 2024. Hong Leong Financial Group’s Q3 net profit rises to RM712.45m KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd’s (HLFG) net profit for the third quarter of its financial year ending June 30, 2023 (Q3’23) rose to RM712.45 million from RM577.47 million in the same quarter last year. Revenue rose to RM1.61 billion from RM1.50 billion previously, it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday. The group recorded a profit before tax of RM1.27 billion in Q3’23 compared with RM1.12 billion in the previous corresponding quarter, mainly due to higher contributions from the commercial banking and insurance divisions. It said Hong Leong Bank Bhd (HLB) recorded a higher profit before tax of RM1.11 billion in Q3’23 from RM1.03 billion previously. This was attributed to a higher share of profit from associated companies of RM60.4 million, higher revenue of RM48.2 million, lower allowance for impairment losses on loans, advances and financing of RM13.3 million and lower allowance for impairment losses on financial investments and other assets of RM0.1 million. Besides, HLA Holdings Sdn Bhd recorded a profit before tax of RM148.8 million in Q3’23 compared with RM87.8 million previously. This was due to higher revenue of RM33.3 million, higher life fund surplus of RM20.8 million and higher share of profit from associated companies of RM12.8 million. Hong Leong Capital Bhd recorded a profit before tax of RM16.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared with RM26.5 million in the previous corresponding quarter. In a statement, president and CEO Tan Kong Khoon said the group maintains a cautious outlook and will take precautions to safeguard the financial health and stability of the businesses. – Bernama BNM: US$114.42b international reserve assets at end-April KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s international reserve assets amounted to US$114.42 billion (RM526.33 billion), while other foreign currency assets stood at US$601.3 million, says Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). In a statement yesterday, BNM said in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standard format, the detailed breakdown of international reserves provides forward-looking information on the size, composition and usability of reserves and other foreign currency assets. It also provides guidance on expected and potential future inflows and outflows of foreign exchange of the federal government and BNM over the next 12-month period, the central bank said. “For the next 12 months, the predetermined short-term outflows of foreign currency loans, securities and deposits, which include, among others, scheduled repayment of external borrowings by the government and the maturity of foreign currency Bank Negara interbank bills, totalled US$16.15 million. “The net short forward positions amounted to US$22.99 billion as of end-April 2023, reflecting the management of ringgit liquidity in the money market,” it said. BNM said in line with the practice adopted since April 2006, the data excludes projected foreign currency inflows arising from interest income and the drawdown of project loans. It added that the projected foreign currency inflows amount to US$2.23 billion in the next 12 months. It noted that the only contingent short-term net drain on foreign currency assets is government guarantees of foreign currency debt due within one year, amounting to US$371 million. “There are no foreign currency loans with embedded options, no undrawn, unconditional credit lines provided by or to other central banks, international organisations, banks, and other financial institutions. “BNM also does not engage in foreign currency options vis-à-vis ringgit,” it said. – Bernama

13 * SUNBIZ theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Inflation moderates to 3.3% in April: BNM PETALING JAYA: Inflation has been moderated to 3.3% in April 2023 compared to 3.4% in March, mainly due to lower food inflation such as fresh vegetables coupled with lower fuel inflation given the lower RON 97 price compared to last year, according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). In a statement released yesterday, the central bank also said that underlying inflation as measured by core inflation also declined to 3.6% (March: 3.8%) mainly attributed to lower inflation for some discretionary services, particularly food away from home. Meanwhile, exports contracted by 17.4% (March: -1.4%) in April 2023 reflecting weaker external demand and decline in commodity prices. “Manufactured export growth was weighed mainly by manufactures of metal and chemical products. Meanwhile, commodities exports declined due to lower shipments of palm oil and crude petroleum,” said the central bank. Moving forward, it expects the broad slowdown in exports to continue. This is in tandem with the performance of regional economies and slower global growth outlook amid high base effects from robust global demand for goods last year. Credit to the private non-financial sector grew by 3.7% as at end-April (March: 4.1%), mainly due to slower growth in credit to businesses (2.4%; March: 3.2%) while outstanding business loans grew at a slower pace at 1% (March: 2.4%) amid weaker growth in working capital loans, particularly in the non-SME segment at 1.6% (March: 5.9%). BNM added that growth in outstanding corporate bonds was sustained at 4.4% (March: 4.4%). As for households, outstanding loan growth expanded by 4.9% (March: 5.1%), supported by higher growth in consumption-related credit (5.2%; March: 4.8%). This reflected sustained growth in credit card spending and loans for the purchase of cars. Meanwhile, the growth in loans for the purchase of houses moderated slightly to 6.7% (March: 7%). In April, global investors maintained a oBut central bank expects broad slowdown in exports to continue in tandem with the still-sluggish performance of regional economies E&O’s FY23 revenue surges 126% on-year KUALA LUMPUR: In announcing its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2023 (FY23), premier lifestyle property developer Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) said the group’s revenue of RM318.1 million was higher by 126.4% compared with RM140.5 million in the previous financial year. This was largely due to the revenue recognition from sale of The Meg located at Andaman Island Phase 1 which has been fully sold. In addition, the hospitality segment registered 232.1% increase in revenue from RM27.9 million to RM92.8 million year on year. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang, experienced a promising performance with high average occupancy and room rates throughout FY23. This upward trend is further supported by the demand for ballroom rental services and event spaces as well as food and beverage offerings. Lincoln Suites, its hospitality property in London, continues to perform with high occupancy rates and improving room rates as foreign tourist arrivals to this international city continue to rise. FY23’s adjusted profit after tax and minority interest (Patami) of RM71.9 million was sharply higher than the reported Patami of RM44.5 million after accounting for property impairment and fair value loss of RM19.8 million and forex loss of RM7.6 million. The rights issue of irredeemable convertible unsecured loan stock which was completed in March 2023 has received strong subscription from shareholders, raising total proceeds of RM255.7 million. A portion of the proceeds are earmarked for the reclamation of 507 acres for Andaman Island Phase 2. E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said, “Our maiden project, The Meg is fully sold and our second project Arica which started selling in March 2023 has received an encouraging take-up rate. The recently awarded GreenRE Platinum Provisional Certificates for Andaman Island Phase 1, The Meg and Arica projects are testaments to E&O’s commitment to sustainability.” Bintulu Port’s Q1 earnings down 45% BINTULU: Bintulu Port Holdings has reported that the group’s operating revenue quarter on quarter under review declined by 5.15% to RM187.89 million from RM198.11 million mainly due to the lower cargo throughput handled for cargoes at Samalaju. For the quarter under review, the LNG cargo throughput increased by 6.73%. Under dry bulk sector, clinker and urea have shown an increase of cargo throughput by 54.11% and 52.25% respectively due to increased demand of import from Vietnam to Sarawak as well as increased demand of urea for Philippines. Bulking throughput has increased slightly by 0.36% in Q1 2023 as compared to Q1 2022. The cargo handled at Samalaju decreased as the production demand for manganese industries reduced. The main revenue contributor from port services at Bintulu Port, LNG grew 3.44% to RM101.66 million from RM98.28 million whilst non-LNG cargoes declined by 9.35% for the quarter under review. The revenue from bulking facilities of RM10.17 million was higher by 3.89% as compared to Q1 2022 of RM9.79 million. The revenue generated from the operation at Samalaju Industrial Port during the quarter under review was RM32.43 million against RM41.9 million in the corresponding year quarter. The higher expenditure incurred quarter on quarter was due to the recognition of finance cost on the interim lease arrangement of land and facilities at BPSB. The group’s after-tax profit of RM22.48 million fell by 45.26% from RM41.06 million recorded in the corresponding quarter. Bintulu Port has declared a first interim single-tier dividend of 3 sen per share payable on Aug 2, 2023. For current year prospect, Malaysia’s trade growth is expected to be moderate in 2023 in view of the softening of the global economic growth prospects and weakening of the international trade momentum. cautious outlook, particularly for advanced economies, as the IMF downgraded its global economic growth expectations. At the same time, global financial conditions continued to be affected by US banking sector developments, as policy rate expectations for the US Federal Reserve shifted lower. Reflecting global investors’ mixed sentiment, the 10-year MGS yields declined by 18 basis points (bps) (regional average: - 8.9 bps). On another note, the ringgit depreciated against the US dollar by 1.1%, in line with the movement in regional currencies (average: -0.8%). Meanwhile, the FBM KLCI fell by 0.5% amid declines mainly in the technology and healthcare sectors, as several semiconductor and glove firms reported weaker quarterly earning results. The central bank also said banks continue to record strong capital buffers to absorb any unexpected shocks while preserving their ability to provide financing to the economy. The banking system excess capital buffer stood at RM136.2 billion. Banks maintained strong liquidity and funding positions to support intermediation. The banking system continues to record healthy liquidity buffers with the aggregate liquidity coverage ratio at 154.3% (March: 157.5%) while the aggregate loan-to-fund ratio remained largely stable at 82.4% (March: 85.1%). CGB buys remaining 30% interest in RYRT International KUALA LUMPUR: Central Global Bhd (CGB) via its wholly owned subsidiary CIC Construction Sdn Bhd (CICC) has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement yesterday with RYRT Holdings Sdn Bhd to acquire 600,030 ordinary shares (sale share(s)), representing the remaining 30% equity interest in RYRT International Sdn Bhd (RYRT International), for a purchase consideration of RM13.26 million (purchase consideration). The purchase consideration shall be wholly satisfied via the issuance of 10,200,000 new ordinary shares in CGB (consideration share(s)) at an issue price of RM1.30 per Consideration Share. Commenting on the acquisition, group managing director Chew Hian Tat (pix) said, “A year ago, we decided to leverage on our strong team in the construction segment and diversify into the infrastructure sub-sector via RYRT International. A year later, our strategy has paid off tremendously.” “Not only have we successfully penetrated the Sabah construction sector but we have continued to create trails in the industry thanks to the integration of the capabilities and expertise of RYRT International especially in the infrastructure sub-sector in which the group was awarded with significant contracts namely, the Projek Menaiktaraf Sistem Bekalan Air di Lahad Datu Fasa 1, the Projek Pembaikan Cerun di Sri Putatan, Lahad Datu, and the Projek Jalan Semawang ke Tanjung Kuala Gum-Gum,” he added. He said they expect RYRT International to continue securing more infrastructure projects such as construction of road and waterr e l a t e d projects as well as hydroelectric dam projects in Sabah. “We also expect to expand our construction activities to include sectors such as engineering, procurement, and construction; and engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning within Sabah while we source for similar opportunities in Peninsular Malaysia,” said Chew. As at March 31, 2023, the unbilled construction orderbook of CGB and its subsidiaries is about RM369.84 million while the group’s tender book stands at around RM10.8 billion. CICC completed the initial acquisition of 70% equity interest in RYRT International in April 2022 (initial acquisition). At the same time, CICC also entered into a profit guarantee agreement whereby RYRT Holdings guaranteed that RYRT International shall achieve an aggregate audited profit after tax (PAT) of RM43 million for a period of two years for the financial year ending (FYE) Aug 31, 2022 and FYE Aug 31, 2023. To date, based on the audited accounts of RYRT International for the FYE Aug 31, 2022, RYRT International has recorded a PAT of approximately RM22.85 million and has in turn become the largest profit contributor to the group since the completion of the Initial Acquisition simultaneously marking the turnaround of the group financially. Upon the completion of the acquisition of the 30% equity interest, RYRT International will become a wholly owned sub-subsidiary of CGB. Indonesia-Malaysia mission to EU on deforestation law a success KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, Indonesia and the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries’ (CPOPC) joint mission to convey concerns and objection to the newly legislated EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a success, the council said in a statement yesterday. “The joint mission can be described as a success. Most important, there is a need to follow up in ensuring the points raised and discussed are being addressed and reciprocated,” said CPOPC. “While both Indonesia and Malaysia do not expect any tangible immediate outcome from all these meetings, both leaders sent a strong message on the importance for the EU to take cognisant of their wishes, at the same time pave the way for future collaborations and partnerships,” it said in a statement. This mission was jointly led by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. This was a follow-up to the decision made at the Bilateral Ministerial Meeting of CPOPC held on Feb 9, 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia. – Bernama

14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 SUNBIZ China’s factory activity falls faster than expected oPMI shows economic recovery losing steam as markets skids on PMI weakness BEIJING: China’s factory activity shrank faster than expected in May on weakening demand, heaping pressure on policymakers to shore up a patchy economic recovery and knocking Asian financial markets lower. The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to a five-month low of 48.8, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday, down from 49.2 in April and below the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. The PMI also dashed forecasts for an increase to 49.4. Service sector activity expanded at the slowest pace in four months in May, with the official non-manufacturing PMI falling to 54.5 from 56.4. The readings pushed markets in Asia into the red with the yuan and Australian and New Zealand dollars tumbling and regional stocks falling sharply. “The PMI data reveal that China may heading to a K-shaped recovery,” said Bruce Pang, chief economist at Jones Lang LaSalle. “The sluggish domestic demand Nvidia briefly joins US$1 trillion market valuation club BENGALURU: Nvidia Corp briefly joined an elite club of US companies sporting a US$1 trillion (RM4.6 trillion) market value on Tuesday, as investors piled into the chipmaker that has quickly become one of the biggest winners of the AI boom. The stock’s value has tripled in less than eight months, reflecting the surge in interest in artificial intelligence (AI) following rapid advances in generative AI, which can engage in human-like conversation and craft everything from jokes to poetry. Nvidia has gained about 200% since October, far outpacing any other member of the broad-market S&P 500 index. The rally has propelled its valuation past its peers, but some analysts say the AI boom means the stock should still be worth more. Its shares closed 3% higher at US$401.11 on Tuesday, just a hair’s breadth away from the US$1 trillion valuation mark after hitting that level in intraday trading. Just four other US companies currently have a valuation of more than US$1 trillion – Apple Inc, Alphabet Inc, Microsoft Corp and Amazon.com Inc. “We view Nvidia as the most important company on the planet in an era that is rapidly changing towards one that will be emphasis ed by greater AI capabilities,” CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino said. The latest surge furthers a rally from last week, which was jumpstarted by a revenue forecast that surpassed the mean Wall Street estimate by more than 50%, which some analysts called “unfathomable” and “cosmological.” The highest price target values the company at about US$1.6 trillion, on par with Google-parent Alphabet. Nvidia’s forward price-toearnings multiple (P/E), a common benchmark for valuing stocks, is 47.23. The figure is significantly above that of peers Qualcomm and Intel and also .09, according to Refinitiv data. “While the company’s valuation looks lofty at the moment, we think Nvidia has the earnings firepower as the adoption of its AI GPU remains in the very early innings,” Kinngai Chan, senior research analyst at Summit Insights Group, said. Big Tech companies have shifted focus to AI, hoping the technology will attract demand. The computers that power generative AI run on powerful chips called graphics processing units (GPUs) – of which 80% are produced by Nvidia, according to analysts. OpenAI-owned ChatGPT’s rapid success has prompted tech giants such as Alphabet and Microsoft to make the most of generative AI. Nvidia, led by CEO Jensen Huang, has pivoted to the data center market over the last few years after years as a powerhouse in videogame chips. The company’s business rapidly expanded during the pandemic when gaming took off, cloud adoption surged and crypto enthusiasts turned to its chips for mining coins. Huang’s bet on AI is expected to fuel growth in the coming months. Despite the sky-high valuation, analysts believe Nvidia’s AI chips business has room for growth as generative AI technology is still at a nascent stage with wide adoption expected in the years to come. Last week alone, Nvidia’s shares rose about 25%, sparking a rally in AI-related stocks and boosting other chipmakers. That helped the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index close at its highest in over a year on Friday. “Technical traders and AI mania have pushed Nvidia toward the US$1 trillion cap and it is not inexpensive,” Argus Research analyst Jim Kelleher said. – Reuters B R I E F S BAIDU PLANS 1B YUAN VC FUND TO SUPPORT AI-FOCUSED STARTUPS SHANGHAI: Chinese search giant Baidu Inc will set up a venture capital fund of 1 billion yuan (RM667 million) to back startups focused on content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) applications, it said yesterday. The company will also launch a competition for developers to build applications off its ERNIE large language model (LLM) or integrate the model into their existing products, it added. In March, Baidu unveiled Ernie Bot, its own AIpowered LLM. E-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd was among the other Chinese companies that followed quickly. – Reuters CREDIT SUISSE SHARES ‘NO LONGER FIT’ FOR NEW YORK LISTING ZURICH: Battered shares in crisishit Credit Suisse no longer meet criteria for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, the bank said yesterday, adding that its upcoming sale to UBS would resolve the issue. “The New York Stock Exchange notified Credit Suisse on May 1 that it is no longer in compliance with the NYSE’s continued listing minimum price criteria,“ Credit Suisse said in a statement. Credit Suisse is listed in New York under a “Depositary Shares” scheme that allows foreign firms to sell stock in the US. Under NYSE rules, shares must trade for at least US$1 for 30 consecutive days to qualify for listing. But the financial firm, whose share price crumbled under the pressure of fears of contagion from the collapse of three US regional banks, is slated to be taken over by historic rival UBS in a rescue organised by Bern. – AFP VW WON’T PARTICIPATE IN CHINA DISCOUNT BATTLE ‘AT ANY PRICE’ BERLIN: Volkswagen will not participate in a discount battle in China “at any price”, COO Ralf Brandstaetter said in an interview released yesterday. “Volkswagen is focusing on a sustainable business model. In concrete terms, this means that we will not participate in the discount battle at any price,“ Brandstaetter said in an interview for the company’s intranet. “Our market position is strong enough. For us, the focus is on profitability, not sales volume or market share,“ he added. – Reuters FEDEX REACHES TENTATIVE DEAL WITH PILOT UNION BENGALURU: FedEx Corp has reached a tentative agreement with pilots of its air delivery unit who had voted in favour of a strike earlier this month seeking higher pay, the package delivery company said in a statement on Tuesday. The Air Line Pilots Association (Alpa) had voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of a strike if needed, when it had entered the final stages of a contract negotiation with the company. The development comes at a time when aviators enjoy higher negotiating power with strong demand and a tight labour market in the sector, motivating them to push for better contracts with airlines and parcel firms. The deal prevents a possible strike after 99% of about 6,000 FedEx Express pilots that Alpa represents voted in favour of one, as they asked the company to meet recently improved industry standards for pilot pay. – Reuters May 25: Shares soar 28%, to $392, making company worth over $950bn. Surge sparked by revenue forecast for first quarter – 53% higher than analysts projected $2.99 trillion $2.58tn $2.49tn $1.99tn $1.88tn $1.23tn $1.08tn $1.00tn AI propels Nvidia towards $1 trillion club Shares in computer chip designer Nvidia have soared, taking the company’s valuation close to the trillion dollar mark as the artificial intelligence frenzy boosts demand for processors NVIDIA SHARE PRICE TRILLION-DOLLAR CLUB Peak market cap of world’s top companies since 1999 Sources: Reuters, Refinitiv Datastream, Bloomberg Pictures: Getty Images, Nvidia © GRAPHIC NEWS Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang Apple Microsoft Aramco Alphabet Amazon Tesla Meta Petrochina Nvidia Over $950 billion 200 Feb 25 Mar 25 Apr 25 May 25 250 300 350 400 ChatGPT was trained using 10,000 of Nvidia’s GPUs, clustered together in supercomputer belonging to Microsoft A100 GPU costs upwards of $10,000 could weigh on China’s sustainable growth, if there are no efficient and effective policy moves to engineer a broad-based recovery,“ said Pang. The PMIs also echoed weak factory data from other parts of Asia with Japan reporting a surprise decline in output and South Korean production weakening. The world’s second-largest economy is emerging from three years of pandemic lockdowns, but the recovery has been uneven with services spending outperforming activity in the factory, property and export-oriented sectors. The PMI subindexes for May showed factory output swung to contraction from an expansion while new orders, including new exports, fell for the second month. Saudi Arabia may cut light crude prices for Asia to 20-month low SINGAPORE: Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia may further slash the official selling prices (OSPs) for all crude grades to Asia in July, a Reuters poll showed, despite the looming Opec+ meeting that could leave the door open to further output reduction. State oil giant Saudi Aramco may cut the price for its flagship Arab Light crude by about US$1 a barrel in July, according to seven respondents surveyed by Reuters. That would set the July Arab Light price at about US$1.55 a barrel over the Oman/Dubai average, the lowest since November 2021. “Refining margins at Asian refineries remain weak and there are still pressures to cut operation rates,” said one respondent. Profits at a typical Singapore refinery processing Dubai crude recovered to an average of US$4.27 a barrel in May, from 81 cents a barrel last month, but still far below US$10.42 a barrel in January. Spot premiums for Middle Eastern benchmark crude grades softened over the May trading cycle as refiners slowed purchases amidst bearish expectations on demand and margins. Some Asian refineries, such as Formosa’s Mailiao plant and Thailand’s Bangchak, are lowering run rates. While Japan’s Cosmo Oil and Eneos suffer from unit outages which could take months to resume production. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, or Opec+, are set to meet on June 3-4 to discuss production targets. Just two months ago, the group announced an additional output cut of 1.16 million barrels per day starting from May. The respondents that Reuters surveyed did not expect Opec+ to further trim production even though Saudi’s energy minister issued a warning against shortsellers. Saudi Aramco set the June Arab Extra Light OSP lower than Arab Light, a rare move last seen in June 2021. – Reuters The PMIs and other economic indicators for April add to evidence that the rebound is losing steam. Last month, imports contracted sharply, factory gate prices fell, property investment slumped, industrial profits plunged and factory output and retail sales both missed forecasts. Analysts are now downgrading their expectations for the economy with Nomura and Barclays both cutting China’s 2023 GDP forecasts. “Proactive fiscal policies, rate cuts or RRR cuts and targeted monetary policy tools together with structural reform would be key,” Jones Lang LaSalle’s Pang added. To spur credit growth, the central bank in March cut banks’ reserve requirement ratios. – Reuters

1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 T H U R S D A Y Going on a greener holiday GUILT is a word we increasingly associate with our lifestyle choices as we hunker down into the 2020s. From single-use plastic to the carbon footprint of producing almond milk, every single thing we consume comes with some kind of climatecost; an unseen penalty that lurks just out of view. And travel is no different. After a year of largely staying put – a year that has brought the global tourism industry to its knees – many people are reassessing their holiday habits. In light of previous frequent headlines about overtourism, Greta Thunberg’s famous shunning of flights and the uncomfortable disconnect between many rich westerners and the reality of life in whatever “exotic” destination they’ve just touched down in, it can be difficult to see how travel can ever be truly sustainable. But guilt rarely leads to constructive change. It prompts us to get defensive, double down, deny culpability or simply proclaim we don’t care. Rather than denouncing travel, we need to carve out new, positive stories, ones which help us feel empowered to practice more discernment when planning our next dream trip. After all, travel has been a huge force for good in countless destinations around the world, bringing much-needed wealth, new energy, fresh perspectives. Even Prince Harry agrees. In this year’s foreword to the annual report of Travalyst, the initiative he launched in 2019 with the objective of making the travel industry more sustainable, the Duke of Sussex said: “We know that to not travel again is not an option ... Travel and tourism are no exception. As the industry reemerges from crisis, there is an urgent need to reset and reimagine.” The answer isn’t to stop travelling, then, but to travel more thoughtfully, more creatively, more intentionally – once we’re allowed to, of course. Domestic bliss Clearly, the closer to home you stay, the smaller your carbon footprint is likely to be. It’s not to say you should Make your next getaway more sustainable. – THE INDEPENDENT oAs the climate crisis deepens, is it possible to travel with a clear conscience? One of Responsible Travel’s immersive trips. – THE INDEPENDENT never go abroad again; more that a good place to start is by embracing previously overlooked domestic destinations before you go rushing off to Fiji. And, in fact, the pandemic may have already skewed our preference for domestic bliss: a March report published in The Malaysian Reserve revealed that domestic travel demand in Malaysia reached 100% growth compared to the same period in 2019. Google Asia Pacific travel lead Hermione Joye said the main drivers for the growth in domestic travel within the region are the eased of travel restrictions and the reopening of borders. “During the pandemic, quality time with family and self-care became important. Recovery has started to take place across the region and the governments are getting much more comfortable with the idea of people travelling,” she said. For Malaysia, staycations searches surged 409% compared to 2019 followed by Vietnam (270%) and Singapore (262%). Companies that care Picking the right business to book with can be instrumental in having a positive impact when you travel. Luckily, there’s an ever-growing market of companies committed to offering sustainable trips – ones that put the concepts of bolstering local communities and adding value back into destinations at the very heart of their products. Much Better Adventures, for example, gives 5% of revenues to help support conservation projects and the families of local guides who have been badly affected by the pandemic; this year, the brand became the first international travel company to add carbon footprint labels to all its trips, enabling customers to compare when choosing their holiday. Responsible Travel, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has pledged to move from being “sustainable” to “nature positive”. The brand has committed to delivering a biodiversity net-gain this decade and will double the number of naturebased trips it offers within three years. It’s also announced an ambitious target of a 55% carbon reduction per customer by 2030 – without relying on offsetting. Meanwhile, Intrepid Travel became the world’s largest travel business to be certified B-Corp in 2018. Already offsetting 125% of emissions, it has announced plans to transition to 100% renewable energy for its offices by 2025 and for its trips by 2030. Intrepid also works with local NGOs to develop new tourism experiences which provide a sustainable livelihood for remote communities. And new businesses are cropping up all the time; Preferred Hotel Group recently launched Beyond Green, a global portfolio of 24 hotels, resorts, and lodges that “exemplify sustainable tourism leadership”. Travel less, for longer Slow travel has been a buzz word for a while, but it seems to have surged in popularity over the last couple of years. The idea is simple – instead of taking lots of micro-breaks, jetting off to European cities for the weekend multiple times a year, you take fewer but longer holidays instead. You take your time getting to the destination – perhaps going by boat or train instead of plane – and immerse yourself once there, benefiting from experiencing a deeper connection with your destination. The idea is that you contribute more to the local economy, make less of a negative impact by travelling more sustainably, and – just as important – get the chance to slow down yourself. Slow travel specialist holiday company Inntravel has been offering these kind of trips since before they hit the zeitgeist. Director of marketing Simon Wrench says: “Covid and its lockdowns have forced us all to see things – people and landscapes – from a new perspective. On our daily walks or bike rides we explored our local areas in a far more intimate way, and we think that in 2021 customers will want to carry this enjoyment of a reflective and revitalising discovery onto their holidays, and be taken away from the everyday. “That is what slow travel means to us. It is not just about a gentler pace of travel, but rather immersing ourselves in the rhythm of the communities and places that we journey through. By this, we gain a fuller understanding of the destination rather than a whistle-stop tour that doesn’t scratch beneath the surface.” Flying high? Realistically, we’re not all going to give up flying – but cutting down on air travel is one of the swiftest ways to drastically reduce your carbon footprint. According to one Guardian report, taking a single long-haul return flight produces more carbon emissions than the average citizen in more than 50 countries will account for in an entire year. And if you are flying, consider offsetting. Yes, it’s a contentious issue within the climate debate. But if you’re going to travel by plane, buying carbon credits from a reputable emissions reductions or removals project is evidently better than doing nothing at all. Once you’re there If the where you go, the who you book with and the how you get there are important questions, so is the what you do when you get there. If you want to put something back into local communities, prioritise spending your money in local businesses: book a local guide; opt to stay at an independent hotel rather than a faceless international brand; prioritise eating out at locally-owned restaurants instead of global chains; swap high-street chain store shopping for boutiques. Not only is your money more likely to go into the pockets of the people who live there, but you’ll benefit from the elusive thing that we travellers are always striving for: a more “authentic” experience. – The Independent

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Road to redemption? I F there is a future for The Flash following the upcoming Ezra Miller-led superhero movie, the film’s director wants the controversial actor to keep their job. The Flash director Andy Muschietti was recently asked by The Playlist whether Miller would reprise their role as Barry Allen in any potential sequel he would return to direct. “If [a sequel] happens, yes,” Muschietti responded. “I don’t think there’s anyone that can play that character as well as they did,” the filmmaker added of Miller’s performance as Barry Allen. “The other depictions of the character are great, but this particular vision of the character, they just excelled in doing it. And, as you said, the two Barrys – it feels like a character that was made for them.” During the podcast appearance, Barbara Muschietti – Andy’s sister who works with him as a producer on his films – shared her opinion that Miller “was brilliant and the most committed and the most professional It remains to be seen whether audiences will flock to the much-hyped The Flash. – WARNER BROS. PICTURES oAs The Flash gets ready to premiere, it looks like Hollywood has forgiven Ezra Miller, but will audiences? [actor]” while on set of the upcoming DC Studios film. The comments by the Muschietti siblings comes as The Flash’s marketing kicks into overdrive. It joins the chorus of DC Studios co-head James Gunn calling the film “f***ing amazing,” and Henry Cavill allegedly telling Sasha Calle – who plays Supergirl in The Flash – that he “loves” the film. The question of Miller’s tenure in the future regarding films based on DC Comics properties is due to how most of the actors in the “old DC Extended Universe” – including Cavill – will not be reprising their roles in future films. In Miller’s case, it is a twofold situation; the barrage of controversies the actor has been involved in since 2020, including a series of arrests for disorderly conduct and assault charges in 2022. Back in August, the actor apologised for their troubling behaviour and claimed that they were seeking treatment for “complex mental health issues”. Whether the positivity is merely an elaborate marketing stunt to draw people into cinemas for the film, or if it is genuine, will only be known once The Flash debuts in theatres on June 16. – by Mark Mathen Victor Halle Bailey praises Black Disney actresses HALLE BAILEY’S portrayal of Ariel in Disney’s remake of The Little Mermaid has served as a powerful source of inspiration for numerous children globally. Through her casting and the representation she embodies in the role, Bailey has touched the hearts and ignited the imagination of countless young individuals, solidifying her place as a cherished addition to the pantheon of Disney Princesses. Representation and diversity in Hollywood are gradually improving as the industry recognises the importance of inclusivity, taking significant steps to amplify under-represented voices and showcase a wider range of perspectives, leading to a more authentic storytelling landscape. In a recent interview with ET, Bailey acknowledged the trailblazing black women Bailey paid tribute to the Black actresses who came before her. – DISNEY Keanu Reeves once ‘saved’ Kate Beckinsale ACTRESS Kate Beckinsale is the latest star to provide proof that Keanu Reeves is indeed the nicest actor in Hollywood. During this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Beckinsale shared a story from when she first attended the festival back in 1993, when she was at the premiere of the period film Much Ado About Nothing. In a recent social media post, Beckinsale revealed that her co-star Reeves came to her rescue on the red carpet to prevent a wardrobe malfunction, after her bodysuit “snapped open”. Beckinsale explained: “I had bought the bodysuit in the Sock Shop at the airport, and when I got in the car to drive to the premiere, all the poppers in the crotch popped themselves open and it flipped up like a roller blind.” She went on to say: “I walked out onto the biggest red carpet of my life and whispered to Keanu and Robert Sean Leonard what had happened. In this picture, I am holding the front gusset down, and the two of them are holding the back gusset. Absolute legends who may not even have fully understood the physics of what was happening or even heard the word ‘gusset’ before but both jumped in to save me no questions asked.” This incident adds to the already well-known reputation of Reeves as a genuinely kind and humble person. His reputation in Hollywood is one of the best, and it is well-deserved. Reeves’ recent success with John Wick: Chapter 4 and the franchise’s overall billion-dollar box office achievement further solidify his status as a talented actor with a heart of gold. – by Hazique Zairill The Cannes red carpet moment referenced by Beckinsale. – INSTAGRAM Lee Seung-gi deletes Instagram DEVOID of any announcement, Lee Seung-gi suddenly deleted all of the posts on his Instagram account. It happened on May 30, and fans were all surprised by his sudden deleting binge on his personal Instagram account – including his profile photo. The general consensus was that he could’ve been hacked, but Lee’s agency, Human Made, was quick to reassure fans, saying: “It is true that Lee Seung Gi had deleted all of the [Instagram] posts himself. He was not hacked and nothing has happened to him, it was just done for a renewal.” As far as his fans’ perspective, this might as well have been a cry for help on his part, considering what he’s been through lately, adding on the fact that when most artists delete anything regarding their social media, it usually heralds a downward spiral. The agency’s quick response is surely appreciated on everyone’s behalf. Lee has had a long and successful career, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. He has recently begun his new hosting position on Strong Heart League, the rebooted version of his previous talk show Strong Heart. He’s also currently starring in another variety show with Kang Ho Dong and Bae In Hyuk called Brother Ramyeon while gearing up for the August release of his starstudded travel variety show Bro and Marble. – by Yasmin Zulraez in Disney who paved the way before her, following her transformative performance in The Little Mermaid. She specifically highlighted Brandy and Anika Noni Rose, emphasising Brandy’s portrayal of Cinderella as a remarkable role model and source of inspiration during her preparation for the role of Ariel. She also admired Brandy’s confidence and the impact she had on audiences, especially young girls like herself. Additionally, she commended Anika Noni Rose for her outstanding work voicing Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and The Frog. Reflecting on the influence of these talented actresses, Bailey acknowledged their role as pioneers and expressed her gratitude for their presence, recognising their contribution in empowering her to confidently embrace her own role. Bailey expressed her heartfelt joy in witnessing the profound and touching responses of young black girls to her portrayal as the new Disney princess. The videos shared on social media have evoked overwhelming emotions for her, often bringing tears to her eyes, as she witnesses the positive impact her representation in The Little Mermaid has had on the Black community and the younger generation, providing a healing experience for her own inner child. “I think of the little girl that’s still in me, honestly, and it heals that girl inside of me to watch them feel like they have representation and someone to look to, to know that they deserve to be in those places too,” Bailey said. – by Thashine Selvakumaran

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 oAmerican Born Chinese is one of Disney+’s strongest offerings of the year BASED on the criticallyacclaimed graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese is the story of Jin Wang, a Chinese-American teenager that is profoundly embarrassed in his ethnicity. As he attempts to navigate the complexity of fitting in and budding teenage romance, Wei-Chen (Jimmy Liu) crashes into his life. Son of the legendary Sun Wukong (Daniel Wu), known in Heaven as the Monkey King, Wei-Chen steals his father’s magical staff and arrives on earth in search of the “Fourth Scroll”, a magical MacGuffin that will help thwart a war against his father’s rule in Heaven by the Bull Demon, Niu Mowang (Leonard Wu). Accompanied by the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin (Michelle Yeoh), Wei-Chen believes Jin is the key to the scroll. Tackling internal issues The source material by Yang is lauded by many, so as someone that has not read it, it will be hard to juxtapose the contents of the Disney+ show with the novel. But what can be done is, judging the show on the merits of what it achieves through its format, and whether Yang’s ideas are translated successfully from paper to television for viewers unaware of the source material. This idea, that branches out from its central figure – Jin, played by Ben Wang – and overarching theme of the series, is one of racial identity in the face of environmental suppression of that identity. The Disney+ show does this commendably, from Jin, to to supporting characters who are going through their own set personal battles that are also rooted in the same thing. Jin’s parents, Simon (Chin Han) and Christine (Yeo Yann Yann), are Chinese immigrants who are suffering from mid-life crisis compounded by other problems, such as Simon’s dead-end job that has seen no promotion for several years and when an offer turns up, it goes to a white co-worker. Christine’s mocking of him being timid further feeds into that, while also making her an unwitting perpetrator of Asian emasculation. The emasculation of Chinese – or Asian – men is also shown through Jamie Yao (Ke Huy Quan), an actor “famous” for playing Freddy Wong in the in-universe sitcom called Beyond Repair. You see, Freddy is the perfect cocktail of every racist stereotype Western media has exerted on Chinese men since the “yellow peril” infiltrated the West. These clips, where Jamie is depicted as a bumbling buffoon with a thick Asian accent and dorky clothes opposite a “hunkier” white co-star, often interject Jin’s own life as the proverbial act of dousing fire with gasoline, as these clips of Freddy causes a further crisis in Jin’s own racial identity. Uneven at times On these merits, American Born Chinese does decently, but bear in mind this is still a Disney production; wilder ideas that Yang presents in his graphic novel are not present in the series, at least not in this season. One of it is Jin’s ethnic selfdestruction, where he transforms into a white guy due to his crush on a white girl. In essence, the Disney+ show works, even if it’s sometimes surface level and the storytelling being relatively bogged down by the slow pacing; each episode takes forever in getting the story moving from one point to the next. The show’s target audience of young adults might not vibe with the pacing. Due to how Yang adapts Chinese folk tales from in Journey to the West, an important piece of Chinese literature, kung-fu and the mystical is a given, and on the Disney+ show, it’s both a hit and a miss. Being an almost complete Everything Everywhere All at Once cast reunion, American Born Chinese also borrows the film’s whacky kungfu action choreography. The impressive wire work really sells each unique fight in the show, but the prosthetics are distractingly obvious in how its used to obfuscate that the actor on-screen is actually a stunt double. This is very obvious during the fight between Wei-Chen and Ji Gong (played by Ronnie Chieng in a terrible grey wig under a beanie). The fight, reminiscent of Jackie Chan’s Drunken Master films, impressively pits Wei-Chen against the drunk Ji Gong, who slips and slides all over the place while chugging swigs of alcohol. But for 95% of the fight, it’s painfully obvious Ji Gong is Chieng’s stunt double. Apart from this minor issue, American Born Chinese still works due to the overall sum of its part, but whether viewers of the series on Disney+ takes anything valuable from it is entirely subjective to the individual. More so when the alternate option – reading Yang’s original graphic novel – is also on the table. Damien Rice to perform in KL IRISH singer-songwriter Damien Rice will perform on June 7, 2023 (Wednesday) at Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre. Rice started playing and recording with his band Juniper before embarking on his solo career. In 2002, his self-produced debut album O reached #8 on the UK Albums Chart and won the Shortlist Music Prize. Songs such as Cannonball and Volcano have reached the Top 30 in the UK. The Blower’s Daughter also charted in 2004 and has been used extensively in various films and television series. The album was notable for its stripped-down instrumentation, raw emotion and haunting melodies, and received critical acclaim for its honest and intimate portrayal of love and loss. His second album 9 followed in 2006, and after various collaborations, his third album My Favourite Faded Fantasy featuring the single I Don’t Want to Change You was released in 2014, peaking at #1 in Ireland and the UK. Known for his introspective and emotionally raw songwriting style, Rice’s music is characterized by his acoustic guitar and unique vocal style. Fans are in for an enthralling evening with Damien Rice. LOCAL singer ALVN has decided to start the new year by cementing himself as a full-on urban artiste with his first release need me now. The song need me now is the first ever song that ALVN has released; the song entails remembering a past relationship and providing security to the other half involved that ALVN will always be there for them at the end of the day despite their history. From the lyricism, audiences will understand that though ALVN has moved on, he will always have a shoulder for the other half involved to cry on. “So if you need me now/ call me up and I’ll be there.” ALVN said: “When I heard the melody and lyrics, it evoked so much resonance to past situations experienced by my friends and myself in our younger days where we found ourselves in relationships that we persistently tried to revive despite them breaking down. “We’ve all been there where we become hung up on that one person who will always have a soft spot in our lives, no matter the breakdown. “The line “You need escape/ so if you need me now/ call me out and I’ll be there,” can be applied to all kinds of relationships where we want the person we care for to know that we’re there for them regardless of the circumstance.” On top of releasing his first English song under his new pseudonym, ALVN’s plan of paving his path in the music scene, locally and regionally, is only the beginning. He will be releasing his first-ever official all-English EP later this year. “It’s a great time for me musically because I’m finally putting my goals of being an indie pop artist to work and with this being my first release ahead of my EP project, I’m just excited to share the moment with my fans and also be introduced to a completely new audience,” he said. ALVN’s determination to separate himself from his industry name is proof that he is forging a new course for himself as a music artist. Making his mark with his new direction (above) Michelle Yeoh plays a minor but important role to WeiChen (right) as Guanyin. █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Chinese mythology clashes with American TV Daniel Wu gets enough screentime to bring out both the humour and serious nature of Sun Wukong. (left) The Wang family drama strains under the pressure of everything in the story. – ALL PIX BY DISNEY+

18 FEATURE theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 Partying hard in the urban jungle THE event called Welcome to The Jungle was held at Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre on May 27, 2023. Jameson Connects organised this large-scale indoor party, with the aim to create a sense of togetherness by offering unique experiences, one drink at a time. The event featured the vibrant local music scene of Kuala Lumpur, where attendees could fully immerse themselves in various party activities and enjoy live performances by talented artists. The venue was transformed into a jungle-themed setting, adorned with lush green decorations that left me thoroughly impressed. The atmosphere exuded an incredible vibe, creating an amazing ambiance. This year’s celebration centred around three types of Jameson whiskey: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jameson Black Barrel, and the highly anticipated Jameson Stout Edition. Attendees eagerly snapped photos in the meticulously arranged section. oJameson Connects nailed it with an incredible jungle-themed party, complete with out-of-the-box activities █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Party-goers danced, drank, and made unforgettable memories. – ALL PIX BY JAMESON CONNECTS Customers enjoying a personalised grooming experience at the pop up barber shop. Excitement filled the air as attendees embraced the unique activities organised with enthusiasm. Could lab-grown caviar be more ethically acceptable? FROM meat to salmon, tuna, oysters, and now caviar! A South Korean startup recently announced that it has succeeded in producing sturgeon eggs in a lab. The firm doesn’t go into detail about the process, other than that it is based on shrimp and seaweed, and that it is inspired by the Oscietra variety of caviar. This lab-made caviar is said to have a less intensely salty taste than that of Oscietra caviar, and a different texture to traditional sturgeon roe. Above all, CellMeat – the name of the company behind the research – boasts that it could offer the famous luxury dish without having to kill a single sturgeon. This is a no-brainer for the startup, which has previously developed its own culture medium for the development of edible cell tissues as an alternative to the controversial fetal bovine serum. To stimulate the production of a piece of meat from stem cells, it is necessary to add a kind of elixir rich in nutrients, growth factors and hormones, taken from a suckling cow sent to slaughter. In addition to its astronomical production cost, one of the major challenges for cell culture lies in the ability of laboratories to use a synthetic serum. The aim is to resolve the issue of animal welfare. Companies producing cultured meat cannot claim to be addressing this if they continue to use fetal bovine serum. Finding alternatives to killing sturgeon Globally, this South Korean product is not the first attempt at making alt caviar. In the United Kingdom, another firm claims to have developed the first caviar produced without animals. Exmoor Caviar, which has a sturgeon farm in Devon, also uses its black eggs to extract cells. The company has joined forces with UK scientists to develop a lab-grown caviar, which is sold under its own brand. Company boss Ken Benning said earlier this year that this production method would not drastically reduce the price of the highly sought-after delicac y, b u t instead make it more ethically acceptable. “Being ethical is the new luxury,” he told Business Insider. The South Korean company CellMEAT uses the same argument to explain the reasons for its research, pointing out that sturgeon can be disemboweled alive to extract the precious eggs. This isn’t always the case, however, as the roe is also recovered after killing the sturgeon, as confirmed on the websites of producer brands such as Sturia or Kaviari. However, the caviar manufacturer De Neuvic, based in France, states on its website that there are in vitro reproduction methods that do not kill female sturgeon. An injection of hormones followed by a cesarean section allows the eggs to be collected. Nevertheless, the French brand shares its doubts about the quality of this type of caviar, which may theoretically be unfit for consumption in Europe. Beyond the debate on the methods of harvesting sturgeon eggs, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) points out that several species of sturgeon are considered threatened with extinction and that their population has declined by 70% over the last century, due to overfishing, water pollution and habitat destruction. WWF states that, when it comes to caviar, legal fishing, which is highly controlled, is not enough to meet demand. Trafficking is therefore flourishing and threatens species that are already decimated, the organization states. Since caviar is often seen as a luxurious and refined delicacy, research into recreating it without having to sacrifice sturgeons is likely to be an area of increasing interest. – ETX Studio Each whiskey had its own designated area, offering exclusive activities, themed bars, special cocktails, and more. What truly impressed me the most were the array of activities organised at the event. They offered unique experiences such as hair braiding, body marbling, and even a pop-up barber shop. It was a refreshing sight, unlike anything I had witnessed at previous parties. Attendees eagerly lined up to get their hair styled and trimmed, and there was even a free temporary tattoo booth. Additionally, the food provided was not only satisfying but also incredibly delicious. With renowned vendors like The Bao Guys, Pablo’s, and the Ice Cream Bar, it was no surprise that the culinary offerings exceeded expectations. The headline performers at the event were the dynamic DJ duo LapSap, consisting of Blink and Xu, who are renowned for their contributions to the EDM scene in Kuala Lumpur. They were joined by DJ Jovynn, a rising star with a unique sound and a substantial following on Instagram. Saint Kylo, an electrifying talent in Malaysia’s R&B, Funk, and Soul scene, delivered high-energy live performances. Emo Night KL took attendees on a nostalgic journey with a line-up of pop-punk and alternative rock acts. The genre-fluid indie band The Peachskins showcased their alternative sounds, including their popular tracks Lotion and Delorean Daydream. Bad Habits, a well-known act in Kuala Lumpur’s night-life, provided a great musical experience with their unpretentious style. Writer-singer CLAUDIA, known for her hit Wattpad story Perfect Addiction which is being adapted into a movie, demonstrated her musical talent. Lil Asian Thiccie, a prominent rapper, singer, and songwriter in the Malaysian urban music scene, brought her unique persona to the stage. Additionally, a line-up of DJs, including Notion A, JonnyVicious, and LZZY, played a diverse range of music genres such as disco, techno, electro-soul, and funk. The DJ acts received thunderous applause and cheers, capturing the attention of the crowd and creating an electric atmosphere. It was truly heart warming to witness the audience enthusiastically engaging with the artists, making it evident that everyone was having a fantastic time. Another delightful sight was the photo booths, where attendees showcased their Outfits of the Day (OOTD) and posed with the Jameson signage. The section proved to be popular, with people eagerly capturing memories and expressing their style. Despite the considerable turnout, the crowd exhibited excellent behaviour, adding to the overall positive experience. The atmosphere was filled with joy as people drank, danced, and had an immense amount of fun. The crowd enthusiastically cheered and sang along to the fantastic performances by the talented artists. Being part of such an extraordinary event was an absolute blast, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The event was limited to individuals who were non-Muslims and aged 21 and above, in accordance with the event’s specific requirements and restrictions.

19 TECH theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 More than just an e-reader CONSIDERING that these days we can do ‘everything’ on our phones, from playing games to reading, is there still room for standalone ereader devices? According to Rakuten, there most certainly is, and its recently launched Kobo Elipsa 2E, an upgrade from its earlier Elipsa ereader, is hoping to showcase why. For one thing, the Elipsa 2E is not just an e-reader, it is also a notetaking device, letting you jot down your thoughts in its built-in notebook feature, or in the margins of the pages of the books you read. All this is thanks to the accompanying Kobo Stylus 2, a USBrechargeable device that both looks and feels like a pen. On the surface, the Elipsa 2E has a 10.3-inch glare-free E Ink touchscreen, with a wide bezel on one side that makes it easy to hold. Both the sides of the device are magnetised, allowing you to rest your stylus upon it when not in use. At the edge, there is only the on/off button, and a single port for charging. In a nod to Rakuten’s efforts at sustainability, the device’s exterior is made from 85% recycled plastic, including 10% ocean-bound plastic. After turning on the device and linking it to your wi-fi, you are immediately taken to the homepage, where you can access Rakuten’s extensive e-book and audiobook library, either by tapping on the screen or using the stylus, depending on your preferences. The device contains 32GB of storage, giving you plenty of room for all your favourite books. M y review unit came with s e v e r a l t i t l e s already preloaded, so I spent some t i m e reading a few pages, while using the stylus to write down my thoughts. I was able to adjust the font size by pinching the screen, and adjust the brightness and level of natural light to make the device easier to read. I found the stylus easy to hold, although it did take me a few moments to get used to actually writing with it, and to learn not to press down too hard on the screen. But once I did, I found that writing with the stylus was quite fun. I was able to jot down notes anywhere on the page, and highlight key passages just by pressing a button of the side of the stylus and dragging it across the words. The stylus also has a handy ‘eraser’ at the end, making it easy to correct any mistakes. Aside from the e-book library, the device also has a section for notebooks, and this is where I found myself making the most out of the device. The pages of each notebook provide a selection of backgrounds, ranging from single line to grid form. You can also switch your pen style from ballpoint to fountain to calligraphy, offering many options for note-takers and journallers. I found myself drawing doodles and jotting down work plans for the coming weeks. If there are any notes that you want to keep, you can either upload them to your Dropbox account, or transfer them to your computer using a USB cable. The review unit also came together with a useful SleepCover, which can be attached to the device by a magnet at the side, and helps to protect it when you carry it around. It also helps put the device to sleep when you close it – rather like a book – helping you to save on battery life. The SleepCover is also made with 97% recycled plastic, including 10% ocean-bound plastic. Overall, I found the Elipsa 2E and the accompanying Kobo Stylus 2 very handy companions to have, whether carrying them around to read on-thego, or at my desk at home. If you’re thinking of getting yourself an e-reader, or are looking for digital options that can closely mirror the feel of a physical notebook, you should definitely consider these very innovative options. The Kobo Elipsa 2E, complete with Kobo Stylus 2, can be found at www.kobo.com/ereaders and select retailers. – by Anansa Jacob The ultimate flex HAVING gotten used to the experience of using earbuds extensively over the past year, I was a little bit curious what the experience of going back to headphones would be like. So it was with some anticipation that I began to review the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex, a portable, wireless professional headset that allows you to work anywhere, with Bluetooth connection. The Evolve2 65 Flex is part of Jabra’s latest range of hybrid work devices, and in my personal opinion, the most versatile model of headphones within the range. Its simple, understated design allows you to transition easily from work to leisure; it looks everything like an ordinary set of headphones, until the moment you receive a phone call, and flip out the attached microphone at the side to answer it. It also has a collapsible hinge headband, which allows for easy storage once you are done using it. And unlike some other collapsible headphones I have tried in the past, the Evolve2 65 Flex does not feel loose or flimsy, despite its flexible design. One of my main concerns about wearing the headphones for long hours was how comfortable they would be. Fortunately, the headset features Jabra Air Comfort technology, which utilises several layers of ultra-soft perforated foam that is designed to relieve pressure on the top of your head, and exceptionally comfortable earcups with memory foam padding that just sit over your ears without squeezing them. Another thing that I’ve come to appreciate with Jabra devices is the built-in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a boon to those working in noisy surroundings. The Evolve2 65 Flex’s ANC is billed as best-in-class, and I have to admit, I found myself thoroughly impressed by it. For me, one of the quirks of experiencing ANC using earbuds is this occasional odd suction effect, and I did not experience it once with this headset device. Look and sound professional when you work with the Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex. oThe Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex takes you from work to leisure by offering the best in sound and functionality █ BYANANSA JACOB But of course, no matter how comfortable the device is, the most important thing is how it holds up while on the job. The Evolve 2 65 Flex is certified for all major virtual meeting platforms, from Google Meet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams. One of the key features of the device is that it manages to pick up your voice and blocks out most other surrounding sounds, which makes it especially useful when you are taking phone or video calls outdoors. Happily, when tested in both scenarios, the device performed as expected. Another particular feature which I ended up feeling thankful for was the glowing red busylight on the earcup that indicates to passersby that you are working using the device. You can also turn on the busylight using Jabra’s Sound+ app, if you need a few minutes of undisturbed peace. Having been interrupted by others numerous times while using earbuds – mainly due to the fact that the buds are quite invisible – this small addition was certainly a welcome one. In terms of battery life, I found that the headset used up a little less power than my earbuds – which was a surprise – but either way, recharging it is a breeze with two options: a USB charging port, as well as a bundled wireless charging pad. Just set the device down on its left earcup. While I’m not ready to swap out my earbuds permanently for the Evolve2 65 Flex, I certainly gave it some serious consideration. If you’re someone who prefers headphones over earbuds, and are looking for something that offers flexibility between work and play, as well as the portability of a wireless device, then this device is definitely The device is flexible, without feeling flimsy. the one for you.

20 TECH theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME A quick zombie craving THE first Dead Island released over a decade ago – 12 years, to be exact – and the sequel comes off the heel of an extremely lengthy period of development hell that saw Dead Island 2 switch between several different developers and studios. Along the way, any possibility of creativity has seemingly been lost, as the game’s ideas transitioned from one party to another, repeatedly. The game’s location also transitions from the original’s island, to the quarantined city of Los Angeles. Set over a decade after the incident in the first game, Dead Island 2’s zombie outbreak takes place over several locations in LA. Unlike the first game, which captured how the zombie outbreak started and kicks into overdrive within a single night on a luxury island, Dead Island 2 focuses on six people attempting to flee the quarantine on one of the last planes to fly out of LA. When their plane crashes, the group of six – one of whom is chosen by the player to control throughout the rest of the game – are forced to work together, and with other survivors to survive the outbreak. Focused on humour In case it is not clear, Dead Island 2’s story is not anything noteworthy, and no one is going to sing praises about the narrative. If anything, it’s bland and straightforward. The real draw is the six characters who receive a bulk of the creative attention where the writing is concerned, as a lot of the entertainment comes from their hilarious dialogue throughout the 16 hours or so of playtime. The relatively short – for this type of game – main campaign encourages players to switch to other characters for subsequent playthroughs, and that’s as far as the replayability value extends. Dead Island 2 also humorously satirises the denizens of its location: the privileged, wealthy elite. But it does not go beyond “these people Dropkick enemies into bloody explosions. – ALL PIX BY DAMBUSTER STUDIOS oDespite having chills and gore, Dead Island 2 doesn’t break new ground █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR How to recover data from old Google accounts Remember to recover old content from your old Google accounts, otherwise it could be lost forever. – GETTY A long-standing tradition of these games are the customisable weapons. are useless in a catastrophic mass casualty event”. It’s surface level, much like the gameplay. Tired formula It’s true; no one expects – or should expect – deep writing or genre deconstruction in a game about obliterating zombies. The gameplay should come first and foremost, and suffice to say, Dead Island 2’s gameplay is about as “great” as its story. The gameplay, especially the close-quarters combat, is dated. It genuinely feels like it in belongs in 2011’s Dead Island. Scratch that; they’re practically identical. Enemies are killed in more or less the same ways – despite the variety of crazy custom weapons – and summon similar-ish animations. You can only do it so many times before it quickly becomes tiresome, and then you’re shuffling about finding some other weapon to make satiating the zombie bloodlust passionate again. FROM December 2023, Google will be able to suspend, and empty of their data, any accounts that have not seen any activity for two years. This concerns emails, of course, but also documents and photos. Here’s how to protect yourself from nasty surprises concerning accounts and data that you haven’t accessed for a long time. These accounts and their contents, which Google considers as abandoned, can be deleted after two years of inactivity. Before this takes place, several notifications will be sent to the account owner, including to a recovery address if one has been entered. Note that these new rules apply only to personal accounts and not to those associated with companies or schools. Those who pay for Google One account are also not affected. To avoid one of your accounts getting permanently deleted, the solution is simple; you just have to log in to it at least once every two years to preserve all your emails and documents. This account will then be considered as active and will not be threatened with deletion. You will also have to log in to Google Photos at least once every two years to keep your image database safely stored online. It is not currently possible to merge two separate Google accounts. So, to avoid any nasty surprises, it is strongly advised to back up your old content or data elsewhere and then import it to an active account. To do so, sign in to your old account and go to Google Takeout. Select all your data to download and then copy it, service by service, to your other account. Then, you won’t have to worry about keeping the old data on Google’s servers. – ETX Studio The game has a decent variety of zombies. Most weapons will require players to get up close and personal. This is made worse by how the game simply is not hard. The lack of difficulty settings, numerous checkpoints (in case you somehow mess up and die accidentally), and easily maneuvering around zombies just makes what is dull even more boring. Scream bloody gore That said, Dead Island 2 features the most impressive – and probably best looking – gore in gaming at the moment. Dubbed by developer Dambuster Studios as the “Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids” or F.L.E.S.H., the gore in this game is both spectularly gnarly, and putrid. A lot of extreme – and maybe somewhat disturbing – detail has been put by Dambuster into how each form of attack reacts differently depending on where it hits, who it hits, where the target is located environmentally, etc. Say you come across a group of zombies who are well into their infection stage, where limbs are barely attached, skin has mostly peeled off, and is perpetually oozing with blood, and you decide to dropkick one zombie into the rest of its buddies. In any other game, the former will just hit the others, and they’ll fall down. In Dead Island 2, most if not all the zombies – who are as fragile as red-coloured snowflakes – will explode like a pinata filled with bones, meat and litres of blood from the sheer force of having one of them kicked into the rest. This applies to every other attack that players can pull off, from crushing zombie skulls causing its eye(s) to dangle out of the sockets, to covering entire rooms with dynamic gore and blood splatter from blowing up zombies. Taking the shlocky entertainment value of the humour and violence, and weighing it with the subpar writing and uninspired gameplay should provide an answer whether Dead Island 2 should be picked up. Do you like your zombie games to have a good story, or do you just want to mindlessly kill zombies for 15 hours or so?

21 * SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 RORY MCILROY may be one of the game’s greatest players but the Northern Irishman has not won a major title in nearly nine years, a barren run in the elite events that has left golfing great Jack Nicklaus puzzled. The 83-year-old Nicklaus, speaking yesterday ahead of this week’s Memorial Tournament which he hosts in Dublin, Ohio, was at a loss to explain how McIlroy has not celebrated a major since winning his fourth at the 2014 PGA Championship. “I mean, he is, as far as talent, he’s as talented a player as there is in the game of golf,” said Nicklaus. “Why he hasn’t won in nine years? Kind of a mystery to a lot of people because he is so good.” McIlroy missed the cut at the 2023 Masters, where he was seeking the final leg of the career Grand Slam, and then took a break to focus on his mental wellbeing following a taxing year in which he served as an unofficial spokesman for the PGA Tour in its battle with LIV Golf. The 34-year-old Northern Irishman, in his second event back from the break, finished seventh at the PGA Championship and now looks to build off that this week at the Memorial ahead of his next shot at major glory in the June 15-18 US Open. Nicklaus, who won a record 18 major championships during his storied career, said he spoke with McIlroy earlier on Tuesday at Muirfield Village and was unsure how to explain why the golfer is stuck at four majors. “I don’t know really know what to make of it. Because he’s very confident. He works very hard at it. He’s a good student of the game. He practices a lot,” said Nicklaus. “I don’t know whether his is a constant lack of being able to keep that concentration for the whole thing or not, because sometimes he is the par, par, par, double, 8. “He does that sometimes. And I said, ‘Why, Rory? Why does that happen?’ And… he doesn’t know.” Nicklaus went three years without a major between 1967 and 1970 – a drought by his lofty standards – a dry spell during which he still played well but was not logging the necessary practice hours as his family became more of a priority. “It’s a matter of – we all go through periods. Rory may be going through a little bit of that period,” said Nicklaus, who went on to collect seven majors over the next five years, starting with the 1970 British Open. “He’s going to wake up one morning and say… ‘Hey, I better, you know, get on the stick here and start winning some more majors’, because he’s certainly going to win some more. I can’t believe that he’s not. “And sometimes we all have to focus, focus on what we have to do and so forth and to get there.” – Reuters IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TOYO LASER TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. Company Registration No : 200701031211 (789238-W) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 29 June 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 1 June 2023 Kuala Lumpur PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-146-03/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2011016255 (bertarikh : 25/04/2011) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Hakmilik Strata No. Hakmilik Geran 101962/M1/4/13 Lot 4622, Mukim Bandar Tanjung Bungah, Daerah Timur Laut, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN CHONG YEW BEE (No. Kad Pengenalan : 731109075428) GOH MOH CHENG (No. Kad Pengenalan : 511214075476) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 28 Februari 2022 dan 9 Mei 2023, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Rabu, 28 Jun 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 Strata No. Hakmilik Geran 101962/M1/4/13 No. lot : Lot 4622 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : Bandar Tanjung Bungah / Timur Laut / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : 13 / 4 / M1 Keluasan Tanah : 1076.0000000000 kaki persegi 100.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : CHONG YEW BEE, GOH MOH CHENG Syarat Nyata : Petak ini hendaklah digunakan untuk tujuan pangsapuri sahaja. Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah Pangsapuri yang beralamat pos di No. 1-3-1, 3rd Floor, Block 1, Lintang Tanjung Bungah, Grand Ocean Apartment, 11200, Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 464,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: EMPAT RATUS ENAM PULUH EMPAT 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 PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada Public 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/PBB/HL-7/2021/0SY/INA IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT PULAU PINANG (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO._PA-28NCC-53-05/2023 In the matter of Proevent Solution Sdn. Bhd. (Co. No. 201501006022 (1131354-D)) And In the matter of Section 465 (1)(e) read with Section 466 (1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of Companies (WindingUp) Rules, 1972 Between: - CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (Co. No.: 200401032872 [671380-H]) …Petitioner And Proevent Solution Sdn. Bhd. (Co. No. 201501006022 (1131354-D)) …Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court at Pulau Pinang was, on the 22nd May, 2023 presented by CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (Co. No.: 200401032872 [671380-H]) a licensed bank having its registered office at Level 13, Menara CIMB, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Pulau Pinang at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 01st August, 2023 ; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desirous to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any Creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at Level 13, Menara CIMB, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs Sothi & Ang, Solicitors whose address for service is at Suite 3-2, 3rd Floor, Wisma Bandar, No. 18, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur. NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Sothi&Ang, Notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach abovenamed not later than 12.00 noon of the 31st July, 2023. SOTHI&ANG ……………………… Solicitors for the Petitioner 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO: WA-28NCC-244-03/2023 In the matter of Sistem Irama Sdn. Bhd. (Registration No: 199301004360 (259097-A)) (In the Voluntary WindingUp by Creditors) And In the matter of Section 464 (1) (b) and Section 465 (1) (e) of the Companies Act 2016 And In the matter of Rule 22 of the Companies (Winding-up) Rules 1972 Between SAN HENG LOONG SDN. BHD. (Registration No: 19960101263 (384986-D)) … Petitioner And SISTEM IRAMA SDN. BHD. (Registration No: 199301004360 (259097-A)) (In the Voluntary Winding-up by Creditors) … Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on 14 March 2023, presented by SAN HENG LOONG SDN. BHD. (Registration No: 19960101263 (384986-D)). And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the High Court of Malaya at Kuala Lumpur at 9.30 o’clock in the morning, on 25 October 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 2, Jalan Jejaka 9, Taman Maluri, 55100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioners’ solicitors is Messrs. Kamaruzaman Arif Amran & Chong of Lot 03-03E(2), 3rd Floor, Kompleks PKNS, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. (Ref: KAAC/702-01-2023/CPY/ana) Tel: 03-5511.9272 Email: [email protected] -SignedMessrs. Kamaruzaman Arif Amran & Chong Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE – Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Messrs. Kamaruzaman Arif Amran & Chong, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the day 24 October 2023. 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU IN THE STATE OF JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM, MALAYSIA COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. JA – 28NCC – 71 – 05 / 2023 In the matter of Section 464(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016. And In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) read together with Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016. And In the Matter of HONG DA ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [Company No: 201601001683 (1172609-W)] BETWEEN SENSION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. (Company No: 871176-X) … PETITIONER AND HONG DA ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [Company No: 201601001683 (1172609-W)] … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Respondent company by the High Court was, on the 18th day of May, 2023 presented by SENSION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. (Company No: 871176-X) of No. 66, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/27, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. AND that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the High Court of Malaya at Johor Bahru at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday the 18th day of July, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is No. 66, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/27, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs Tan Vincent & Co., Advocates & Solicitors of No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2, Taman Nusa Bestari 2, 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. - Signed - ................................. Messrs Tan Vincent & Co. Solicitors for the Petitioner Advocates & Solicitors No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2 Taman Nusa Bestari 2 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Tan Vincent & Co., notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than 12 noon of the 17th day of July, 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). (Ref: TVC/LIT/23/104/SESB/h) 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TOYO PHOTO PRODUCTS SDN. BHD. Company Registration No : 198301015670 (111062-D) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 29 June 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 1 June 2023 Kuala Lumpur IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. : BA-28NCC-214-05/2023 In the Matter of Section 465 (1)(e) and Section 466 (1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the Matter of Façade Treatment Engineering Sdn Bhd (Company No. 572388-D) And In the Matter of Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972 BETWEEN FOCUS METAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD [Company Registration No.: 200001002335 (504940-H)] … PETITIONER AND FAÇADE TREATMENT ENGINEERING SDN BHD [Company Registration No.: 200201004725 (572388-D)] … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company by the Shah Alam High Court was, on the 5th May 2023 presented to the said Court by FOCUS METAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD of No. 46, Jalan Temenggung 13/9, Seksyen 9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, 43200 Kajang, Selangor. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the Shah Alam High Court at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 18th July 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself for his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 46, Jalan Temenggung 13/9, Seksyen 9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, 43200 Kajang, Selangor. The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs Gan & Zul of Level 30, Tower B, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Dated this 26th May, 2023 t.t. ………………………… Messrs Gan & Zul, Solicitors for the Petitioner abovenamed NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Gan & Zul of Level 30, Tower B, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, a Notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on 17th July 2023. [REF: LIT.BL.240.22.W] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INMAC EDM-TOOLS (M) SDN. BHD. Company Registration No : 200101020210 (555967-H) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 29 June 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 1 June 2023 Kuala Lumpur IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LEONG SENG FURNISHING AND DECOR SDN. BHD. Registration No: 200701004237 (762236-U) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE OF FINAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at No.42A, Jalan SS21/39, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan on 3 July 2023, 10.00 a.m. for the purpose of:- 1) To lay before the meeting the accounts of the winding-up of the Company by the Liquidator for adoption and of giving any explanation thereof. 2) To resolve that under Section 518(3) of the Companies Act, 2016, all books and papers of the Company and of the Liquidator be destroyed within a period of five (5) years after the dissolution of the Company. Chok Hui San Liquidator Petaling Jaya Dated this 1 June 2023 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY, MALAYSIA (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO.: WA-28NCC-422-05/2023 In the Matter of Section 465(1)(e) and Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of Aligan Technology Sdn. Bhd. [Company No.: 200901028184 (871287-T)] And In the Matter of Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972 BETWEEN HEROSS SDN. BHD. [COMPANY NO.: 198601005975 (155135-X)] … PETITIONER AND ALIGAN TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. [COMPANY NO.: 200901028184 (871287-T)] … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court at Kuala Lumpur was, on the 11th day of May, 2023 presented to the said Court by HEROSS SDN. BHD. of No. 17, Jalan Daya 11, Taman Daya, 52100 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the High Court, Kuala Lumpur at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 6th November 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself for his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 17, Jalan Daya 11, Taman Daya, 52100 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs Gan & Zul of Level 30, Tower B, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Dated this 29th May 2023. t.t. ……………………………….. Messrs Gan & Zul, Solicitors for the Petitioner abovenamed NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Gan & Zul of Level 30, Tower B, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, a Notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on 5th November 2023. [REF: LIT.BL.247.23.A(wup)] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TOYO ENERGY SDN. BHD. Company Registration No : 199001000491 (192049-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 29 June 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 1 June 2023 Kuala Lumpur IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TOYO LASER TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. Company Registration No : 200701031211 (789238-W) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 29 June 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 1 June 2023 Kuala Lumpur PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-146-03/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2011016255 (bertarikh : 25/04/2011) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Hakmilik Strata No. Hakmilik Geran 101962/M1/4/13 Lot 4622, Mukim Bandar Tanjung Bungah, Daerah Timur Laut, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN CHONG YEW BEE (No. Kad Pengenalan : 731109075428) GOH MOH CHENG (No. Kad Pengenalan : 511214075476) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 28 Februari 2022 dan 9 Mei 2023, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Rabu, 28 Jun 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 Strata No. Hakmilik Geran 101962/M1/4/13 No. lot : Lot 4622 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : Bandar Tanjung Bungah / Timur Laut / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : 13 / 4 / M1 Keluasan Tanah : 1076.0000000000 kaki persegi 100.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : CHONG YEW BEE, GOH MOH CHENG Syarat Nyata : Petak ini hendaklah digunakan untuk tujuan pangsapuri sahaja. Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah Pangsapuri yang beralamat pos di No. 1-3-1, 3rd Floor, Block 1, Lintang Tanjung Bungah, Grand Ocean Apartment, 11200, Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 464,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: EMPAT RATUS ENAM PULUH EMPAT 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 PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada Public 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/PBB/HL-7/2021/0SY/INA IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT PULAU PINANG (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO._PA-28NCC-53-05/2023 In the matter of Proevent Solution Sdn. Bhd. (Co. No. 201501006022 (1131354-D)) And In the matter of Section 465 (1)(e) read with Section 466 (1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of Companies (WindingUp) Rules, 1972 Between: - CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (Co. No.: 200401032872 [671380-H]) …Petitioner And Proevent Solution Sdn. Bhd. (Co. No. 201501006022 (1131354-D)) …Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court at Pulau Pinang was, on the 22nd May, 2023 presented by CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (Co. No.: 200401032872 [671380-H]) a licensed bank having its registered office at Level 13, Menara CIMB, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Pulau Pinang at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 01st August, 2023 ; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desirous to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any Creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at Level 13, Menara CIMB, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs Sothi & Ang, Solicitors whose address for service is at Suite 3-2, 3rd Floor, Wisma Bandar, No. 18, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur. NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Sothi&Ang, Notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach abovenamed not later than 12.00 noon of the 31st July, 2023. SOTHI&ANG ……………………… Solicitors for the Petitioner 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO: WA-28NCC-244-03/2023 In the matter of Sistem Irama Sdn. Bhd. (Registration No: 199301004360 (259097-A)) (In the Voluntary WindingUp by Creditors) And In the matter of Section 464 (1) (b) and Section 465 (1) (e) of the Companies Act 2016 And In the matter of Rule 22 of the Companies (Winding-up) Rules 1972 Between SAN HENG LOONG SDN. BHD. (Registration No: 19960101263 (384986-D)) … Petitioner And SISTEM IRAMA SDN. BHD. (Registration No: 199301004360 (259097-A)) (In the Voluntary Winding-up by Creditors) … Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on 14 March 2023, presented by SAN HENG LOONG SDN. BHD. (Registration No: 19960101263 (384986-D)). And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the High Court of Malaya at Kuala Lumpur at 9.30 o’clock in the morning, on 25 October 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 2, Jalan Jejaka 9, Taman Maluri, 55100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioners’ solicitors is Messrs. Kamaruzaman Arif Amran & Chong of Lot 03-03E(2), 3rd Floor, Kompleks PKNS, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. (Ref: KAAC/702-01-2023/CPY/ana) Tel: 03-5511.9272 Email: [email protected] -SignedMessrs. Kamaruzaman Arif Amran & Chong Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTE – Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Messrs. Kamaruzaman Arif Amran & Chong, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the day 24 October 2023. 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU IN THE STATE OF JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM, MALAYSIA COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. JA – 28NCC – 71 – 05 / 2023 In the matter of Section 464(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016. And In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) read together with Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016. And In the Matter of HONG DA ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [Company No: 201601001683 (1172609-W)] BETWEEN SENSION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. (Company No: 871176-X) … PETITIONER AND HONG DA ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [Company No: 201601001683 (1172609-W)] … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Respondent company by the High Court was, on the 18th day of May, 2023 presented by SENSION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. (Company No: 871176-X) of No. 66, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/27, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. AND that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the High Court of Malaya at Johor Bahru at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday the 18th day of July, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is No. 66, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/27, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs Tan Vincent & Co., Advocates & Solicitors of No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2, Taman Nusa Bestari 2, 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. - Signed - ................................. Messrs Tan Vincent & Co. Solicitors for the Petitioner Advocates & Solicitors No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2 Taman Nusa Bestari 2 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Tan Vincent & Co., notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than 12 noon of the 17th day of July, 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). (Ref: TVC/LIT/23/104/SESB/h) 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TOYO PHOTO PRODUCTS SDN. BHD. Company Registration No : 198301015670 (111062-D) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 29 June 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 1 June 2023 Kuala Lumpur IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. : BA-28NCC-214-05/2023 In the Matter of Section 465 (1)(e) and Section 466 (1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the Matter of Façade Treatment Engineering Sdn Bhd (Company No. 572388-D) And In the Matter of Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972 BETWEEN FOCUS METAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD [Company Registration No.: 200001002335 (504940-H)] … PETITIONER AND FAÇADE TREATMENT ENGINEERING SDN BHD [Company Registration No.: 200201004725 (572388-D)] … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company by the Shah Alam High Court was, on the 5th May 2023 presented to the said Court by FOCUS METAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD of No. 46, Jalan Temenggung 13/9, Seksyen 9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, 43200 Kajang, Selangor. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the Shah Alam High Court at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 18th July 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself for his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 46, Jalan Temenggung 13/9, Seksyen 9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, 43200 Kajang, Selangor. The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs Gan & Zul of Level 30, Tower B, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Dated this 26th May, 2023 t.t. ………………………… Messrs Gan & Zul, Solicitors for the Petitioner abovenamed NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Gan & Zul of Level 30, Tower B, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, a Notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on 17th July 2023. [REF: LIT.BL.240.22.W] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF INMAC EDM-TOOLS (M) SDN. BHD. Company Registration No : 200101020210 (555967-H) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 29 June 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 1 June 2023 Kuala Lumpur IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LEONG SENG FURNISHING AND DECOR SDN. BHD. Registration No: 200701004237 (762236-U) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE OF FINAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at No.42A, Jalan SS21/39, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan on 3 July 2023, 10.00 a.m. for the purpose of:- 1) To lay before the meeting the accounts of the winding-up of the Company by the Liquidator for adoption and of giving any explanation thereof. 2) To resolve that under Section 518(3) of the Companies Act, 2016, all books and papers of the Company and of the Liquidator be destroyed within a period of five (5) years after the dissolution of the Company. Chok Hui San Liquidator Petaling Jaya Dated this 1 June 2023 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY, MALAYSIA (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO.: WA-28NCC-422-05/2023 In the Matter of Section 465(1)(e) and Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of Aligan Technology Sdn. Bhd. [Company No.: 200901028184 (871287-T)] And In the Matter of Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972 BETWEEN HEROSS SDN. BHD. [COMPANY NO.: 198601005975 (155135-X)] … PETITIONER AND ALIGAN TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. [COMPANY NO.: 200901028184 (871287-T)] … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court at Kuala Lumpur was, on the 11th day of May, 2023 presented to the said Court by HEROSS SDN. BHD. of No. 17, Jalan Daya 11, Taman Daya, 52100 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the High Court, Kuala Lumpur at 9.00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 6th November 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself for his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at No. 17, Jalan Daya 11, Taman Daya, 52100 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs Gan & Zul of Level 30, Tower B, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Dated this 29th May 2023. t.t. ……………………………….. Messrs Gan & Zul, Solicitors for the Petitioner abovenamed NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Gan & Zul of Level 30, Tower B, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, a Notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon on 5th November 2023. [REF: LIT.BL.247.23.A(wup)] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TOYO ENERGY SDN. BHD. Company Registration No : 199001000491 (192049-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(1) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 229-1, Jalan Perkasa Satu, Taman Maluri, Cheras, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on 29 June 2023 for the following purposes :- A G E N D A 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Final Accounts showing how the windingup has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company thereon shall be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of final meeting. CHIA KWONG CHOW Liquidator Date : 1 June 2023 Kuala Lumpur Rory ‘mystery’ Nicklaus puzzled by McIlroy’s major drought Rahm ‘sad’ for Garcia JON RAHM doesn’t care which tour players compete on when it comes to the Ryder Cup. He wants the best players from Europe and the United States going toe-to-toe in what he calls a “beautiful” event. The Europeans were routed two years ago at Whistling Straits, but Rahm teamed with Spanish countryman Sergio Garcia to earn three of their team’s nine points. That partnership won’t be rekindled in Italy this year, with Team Europe captain Luke Donald of England telling Garcia he will not be considered. “I’m going to miss him,” Rahm said of Garcia yesterday ahead of the Memorial Tournament. “We had a great partnership at Whistling Straits. So it’s a little sad to me that politics have gotten in the way of such a beautiful event.” Cantlay happy with game WORLD NO. 4 Patrick Cantlay hasn’t won on the PGA Tour since last August, but he’s confident his time is coming again soon. Cantlay told reporters yesterday he was pleased with where his game is at ahead of this week’s Memorial Tournament in Ohio. “I think I’ve done a lot of good in my golf game this year,” Cantlay said. “A lot of parts of my game feel really solid. Just need to have a week where it all kind of matches up and have an above-average week in a couple different categories. That’s usually what it takes to win. And sometimes wins can come in bunches.” BRIEFS McIlroy

22 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 SPORTS WORLD NO. 1 Iga Swiatek launched her French Open title defence yesterday by easing past Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-4, 6-0 to move into the second round. The Pole, chasing a third French Open title in four years, got off to a sluggish start on a windy afternoon on Philippe Chatrier court. She had beaten the Spaniard in under an hour, losing just one game, at this year’s Australian Open but Swiatek had a less than perfect run-up to Paris, retiring from her Italian Open quarterfinal after suffering a thigh injury two weeks ago. The 21-year-old triple Grand Slam winner was broken twice in her first three service games as a determined Bucsa, ranked 70th in the world, mixed it up and initially succeeded in throwing her opponent off balance. “I just felt more tense, for sure,” Swiatek said. “But I managed to turn that around and not think about all the stuff that is usually bothering when you play your first match.” “You hear a bit more, you have to get used to the stuff surrounding you. I just felt like I needed to gain some information to play more solid. I did that.” The top seed heeded the early wake-up call and bounced back towards the business end of the set, breaking back to seal it. She made amends for her first-set wobble with a bagel as she looks to add to her 2020 BRAZILIAN Thiago Seyboth Wild said it was the happiest day of his life after beating world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev at the French Open yesterday. The 23-year-old, making his debut at Roland Garros, won a gruelling contest 7- 6(5), 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, sending the Russian second seed home in the first round of the Grand Slam. “It’s definitely the happiest day of my life. But the tournament is not over, and I have worked very hard to be here, and I would like to stay as long as possible,” he told a press conference. “From the first day I knew it was going to be a tough match, but I knew how to play. I’ve seen him (Medvedev) play thousands of times. I just had to believe in myself and believe in the work I’ve been doing.” Wild, who had not played a tour-level tournament nor a Grand Slam main draw since 2020, concentrated on the claycourt circuits earlier this year, claiming championships in Chile and Argentina. “The French Open is a very special tournament for me. I think with so many times I’ve played here I could get the experience I need to qualify this year and get past the first round, but I think it’s momentum. You have to make that momentum last as long as possible,” he added. The Brazilian, who qualified in Paris by beating Germany’s Dominik Koepfer in the final round, said his inspiration came from record 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal. “He’s a guy I’ve admired all my life. The way he plays, the spirit he puts on the court and the way he wants to win, you don’t see that every day, you don’t see that in anybody. He’s Rafael Nadal,” Wild said. Medvedev was just happy to turn his back on another roller-coaster clay court season and backed 172nd-ranked Wild to break in the top 30 by the end of the year. “Every time it finishes I’m happy,” Medvedev said after his fifth loss in the opening round at Roland Garros in seven appearances. “I had a mouthful of clay since probably third game of the match, and I don’t like it. “I don’t know if people like to eat clay, to have clay in their bags, in their shoes, the socks, white socks, you can throw them to garbage after clay season. Maybe some people like it. I don’t. I am happy to have it finished.” Medvedev believes the Brazilian can use yesterday’s victory for a launchpad into the big time. “If he continues to play that way, in my opinion, end of the year, he’s top 30,” said Medvedev. “I honestly hope he’s going play like this later on, because if not, I’m going be disappointed. I’m going to be like, why today? Why not in two days?” “His life is going to be better if he plays like this every match. He’s going to get more money, more sponsors, win big titles. But he has to play like this. “Not once on the Philippe Chatrier, but a lot of times in different tournaments all over the world throughout the year.” – Reuters/AFP 5644/2023 31/05/2023 (WED) 5187 7469 0369 4849 9173 4321 6149 8837 0447 8419 9807 2426 1186 7295 4761 1597 3134 7389 0089 1501 3968 3237 6628 10,522,737.56 5187 5187 5187 0369 0369 7469 0369 0369 7469 7469 5187 7469 593,510.57 5187 7469 0369 DRAGON 78547 23901 3901 901 03210 0 1 7 0 971170 71170 1170 170 97117 9711 971 9 7 6,541,670.01 3,696,527.67 32 7 8 33 55 100,000.00 65 35 42 45 46 11 14 17 21 24 32 13,659,852.13 44 765 620 + TIGER 481 352 + GOAT 407 921 + TIGER Draw Date: 31/05/23 (Wed) Draw No: 5591/23 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 5620 1352 7921 4917 + 8261 9571 + 7665 9397 + 4852 8751 + 0145 7598 + 3101 1876 + 1473 3830 + 0168 9411 + 6532 1876 + 6427 1152 + 6675 RM10,277,308.10 5620 + 1352 1352 + 5620 5620 + 7921 7921 + 5620 1352 + 7921 7921 + 1352 RM306,264.90 RM2,248,335.70 RM1,406,527.70 RM2,316,754.20 344 917 688 261 749 571 657 665 299 397 444 852 948 751 550 145 047 598 413 101 901 876 121 473 293 830 730 168 239 411 896 532 831 876 906 427 011 152 196 675 620 352 921 RM650,520.60 620 + 352 + 921 352 + 921 + 620 620 + 921 + 352 921 + 620 + 352 352 + 620 + 921 921 + 352 + 620 HSSB 1+3DJP1 RM504,980&HSSB 1+3DJP2 RM116,348 won on 30/5/23 On cloud nine cloud nine Brazilian prodigy Wild stuns Medvedev at French Open Top seed Swiatek enjoys winning start and 2022 French Open titles and protect her top spot from world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. “Of course I feel pressure, we all feel pressure,” said Swiatek, who turned 22 yesterday. “If I said I don’t, I would be lying. I try to work with it and play my game. The most important thing in tennis right now is to cope with it.” Elena Rybakina also had to shake off a sluggish start to into the second round with a 6- 4, 6-2 victory over Czech qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova. The Wimbledon champion announced herself as a player for all surfaces by capturing the Italian Open title earlier this month, but dropped serve in the seventh game against Fruhvirtova before switching gears to quell the challenge of the 16-year-old Fruhvirtova. In an earlier match, American sixth seed Coco Gauff recovered from an error-strewn start to begin her French Open quest with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Spain’s Rebeka Masarova. “The (2022) final is in the past so I’m not worried about that,” Gauff said of her initially rocky return to Roland Garros. “I had some bad games in the first set but I knew that I was going to be able to turn it around. “Today, there were aspects of my game where I wasn’t playing my best but I’m confident on this surface in these conditions.” – AFP/Reuters Brazil’s Thiago Seyboth Wild celebrates after winning against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev during their men’s singles match yesterday. – AFPPIX Poland’s Iga Swiatek in action during yesterday’s women’s singles match . – AFPPIX

23 * SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 1, 2023 CHELSEA are reportedly preparing a mammoth offer for Andre Onana, with Inter Milan already putting plans in place to cope with his summer departure. The Blues’ transfer pursuit could conclude in a matter of weeks as Todd Boehly continues to make headway before the window has even opened. Incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is keen to revamp the spine of the team after a dismal season. Promisingly for Chelsea, calciomercato.com claim that Inter have scheduled talks with their backup goalkeeper, Samir Handanovic, for after the Champions League final. The Slovenian is out of contract at the end of this season but could be kept around for fear of losing Onana. The Nerazzurri have taken their recent action due to a reported belief that Chelsea will submit a “very high offer” for Onana over the coming weeks. The recent indications are that Boehly and his transfer team will not hang around now that Pochettino is in place. That much is evidenced by the pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Paris Saint-Germain were presumed to have snapped up the 22-year-old when they pledged to meet his release clause, but Chelsea have since entered the running and look set to hijack the deal. The deal could also see David Datro Fofana head from Stamford Bridge to Sporting on a season-long loan and he wouldn’t be the only player to leave. There is a conscio us effort to slim down the squad before the start of next season. Former Aston Villa and England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has already given his take on who he would let go, telling talkSPORT: “(Ruben) LoftusCheek, for me, I would get rid of. Mason Mount, I wouldn’t give him a new contract. “Conor Gallagher, I would get rid of. (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang is an easy one to get rid of, and for (Christian) Pulisic I would say ‘bye-bye’. “(Kalidou) Koulibaly, touch and go, he hasn’t looked like the Koulibaly they wanted to sign from Napoli. (Cesar) Azpilicueta I’d let go and (Hakim) Ziyech I would let go.” – Express Newspapers Job well done Interim Spurs boss Mason more than satisfied despite missing out on Europe RYAN MASON said he and his coaching staff have “done a great job” during his second spell as Tottenham’s interim manager. Tottenham closed their Premier League season with a resounding 4-1 win at relegated Leeds on Sunday, but have failed to qualify for European football next season for the first time since 2008-09. Mason said: “When I go on my summer holidays I would hope and expect that everyone inside of our training ground knows who I am, who my team is and what we stand for. “The hope and expectation is that you guys and everyone else sees that too. I know we’ve done a great job. I really do.” Tottenham fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Manchester United at home in Mason’s first game back in charge and have since won two and lost three of their last five matches. The 31-year-old former Spurs midfielder, whose previous stint in temporary charge came after Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2021, replaced previous interim boss Cristian Stellini with six games remaining. Tottenham had sacked Antonio Conte at the end of March and while they were then fourth in the table, they had exited all the cup competitions and weary fans had grown disillusioned over their team’s playing style. “The circumstances were very difficult,” said Mason, who urged the club to get their next managerial appointment right. “I think anyone in the world coming into this situation for six games coming off the back of what had happened and the position we were in was going to find it tough. “Also if you add into that being on an interim basis, where there’s uncertainty it makes it even tougher. “But we’ve stuck to what we believe in, we’ve transitioned a little bit I believe in a short space of time and the players have responded, they’ve given us everything and ultimately that’s all I can ask.” Throughout his six games in charge, Mason has called for the club to rediscover their identity and feels that is the biggest factor as they continue their search for a new manager. “The most important thing for any club in world football is to have an identity, know who you are and who you want to be and stick to that,” he said. Mason also paid tribute to Harry Kane, who scored twice at Elland Road – in what could be his last game for Tottenham – to take his League tally to 30 for the season. “I think he probably doesn’t get the appreciation he should,” Mason added. “The goals yes, outstanding, a 30-goal season in the Premier League is incredible but also his overall performances are just outstanding. “I also think as well to go through what happened in the World Cup, from a mental point of view, to come back and do what he’s done for the past four or five months, I think it speaks volumes for the player and the person.” – The Independent Chelsea ready to splash more cash Potter on most wanted list CRYSTAL PALACE are hoping to persuade Graham Potter to return to management this summer. While the 48-year-old had been considering a break after his mid-season departure from Chelsea, his record from before going to Stamford Bridge still puts him in high demand for a number of progressive clubs. Palace see Potter as an ideal candidate for their next step as a club and feel they can make the Englishman a convincing offer, including the chance to work with one of the best young squads in the Premier League. The south London club have made a virtue of bringing through exciting local talent and, having being an attractive option for so many young players, now want to move onto the next stage and nurture them in a more expansive style of play. While that has long been a goal for the club’s owners, the competitive nature of the bottom half has ensured evolution has constantly been stunted by the need to stay in the Premier League. Patrick Vieira had initially impressed in a spell where his pragmatic football was considered a more steady step from the approach of previous coaches like Roy Hodgson, only for the team to run into trouble and Hodgson returning. Potter is seen as ideal for that longer-term process, given he went through exactly that at Brighton, bringing the club through a move to a new football philosophy after Chris Hughton. There is a belief within Palace they can prove persuasive, although they are likely to face significant competition given the number of clubs that are interested in the 48-year-old. Potter himself is intent on a club that has the right structure to work in. – The Independent █ MARK WALKER █ MIGUEL DELANEY SIDENETTING Benzema weighing up RM480m Saudi move KARIM BENZEMA is seriously considering a mega deal from Saudi Arabia to join Al Hilal, in a move that could have a major effect on the summer transfer market. While Real Madrid are hopeful the 35-year-old accepts their offer to stay another season before they go big on a striker in 2024, Benzema could earn €100m (RM480m) a year if he goes now. Al Hilal are currently hopeful of planning for Benzema and Lionel Messi for next season, although those close to both players insist nothing is yet signed. Madrid have been hopeful of avoiding a move for a striker until next summer, especially since they plan a huge purchase of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham this window. Benzema’s decision may well influence that, though, and potentially hasten a move for Roberto Firmino. Martial out of FA Cup final MANCHESTER UNITED forward Anthony Martial will miss Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City due to a hamstring problem. The Frenchman sustained the injury after coming off the bench against Fulham on Sunday in United’s final game of the Premier League season. “Anthony Martial is out of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City due to injury,” United said in a statement yesterday. “The France international strained his hamstring towards the end of Sunday’s 2-1 win against Fulham at Old Trafford. “Assessments have since revealed a muscle tear that rules the 27-year-old out of the Wembley showdown.” Martial scored nine goals in 29 appearances for United this term but was restricted by a series of injuries. Poch makes Felix’s decision JOAO FELIX will not stay at Chelsea and is now set to return to Atletico Madrid following his loan. The Portuguese forward joined in January on loan from the La Liga side for a reported £10m (RM54m) fee, scoring four times in 20 appearances in all competitions. But Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has now confirmed Mauricio Pochettino, who was announced as the new Chelsea manager on Monday after signing a two-year contract, has passed on the opportunity to retain the player for next season. “We have been informed that Pochettino does not count on Joao Felix for Chelsea,” Cerezo said. “He will return here, we’ll see… we’ve nothing planned.” Felix’s future is now unclear after falling out of favour under Diego Simeone this season, though he has four years remaining on his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano. Pep bags Manager of the Year PEP GUARDIOLA was named the League Managers Association (LMA) and Premier League Manager of the Year yesterday after guiding Manchester City to the Premier League title. Guardiola led City to their fifth League crown in six seasons and the club are set to face Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday and Inter Milan in the Champions League final a week later. “I am at an incredible football club and without all of the support that I have had throughout my time here, this would not have been possible,” Guardiola said in a club statement. Guardiola saw off competition from Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and Burnley’s Vincent Kompany to win the LMA award. Mason

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] ARSENAL spent 248 days at the top of the Premier League this season, yet there was never really a time when it felt like Manchester City were not the favourites to lift the trophy. Pep Guardiola’s side claimed the crown for a third year in a row and the fifth in the last six years, once again putting together one of those relentless winning runs that gives an air of inevitability to their eventual success. City have been in plenty of tight title races over the years. Twice they have pipped Liverpool by a single point, one of those occasions coming last year when Ilkay Gundogan’s late goals to come from behind against Aston Villa brought back memories of Sergio Aguero, QPR, and all that in 2012. There was nothing like that feeling of drama this time. City have finished the season with a five-point cushion over Arsenal, having won the title without kicking a ball with three games to spare when the Gunners lost 1-0 to relegation-battling Nottingham Forest. Even when City were eight points behind at the end of March, most observers foresaw Guardiola’s men grinding down their rivals mentally and physically, and so it proved. An unbeaten run that stretched to 25 games in all competitions before the final day defeat to Brentford had City fans believing the League title is just the first part of a treble which can be completed by next Sunday. It seems bizarre to think now that right up until the World Cup questions were being asked as to whether Erling Haaland, who finished the Premier League season with 36 goals from 35 League appearances, actually made Guardiola’s side worse as they sacrificed a midfielder to accommodate him. Instead, the Norwegian has added a ruthlessness to City, a killer instinct to a side that can still pass you to death if they so wish, but who can now also shift the ball from their own box to the back of the opposition’s net in the space of a few seconds. And so City have become the first side to make it back-toback-to-back titles since Manchester United between between 2006/07 and 2008/09. Can anybody stop them making it four in a row? Arsenal were not expected to be City’s primary challengers this season, but Mikel Arteta is well ahead of schedule in his project to make them contenders again. A lack of squad depth told in the end, but Arsenal built their challenge on a number of young talented players, and will surely come again. Behind that, Manchester United have shown improvement under Erik ten Hag and Newcastle have forced their way into the top four for the first time in 20 years. If Jurgen Klopp can get Liverpool’s midfield rebuild right this summer and Mauricio Pochettino can make sense of Chelsea’s undoubtedly talented but hugely unwieldy squad, next season promises an intense scrap for top four places. Yet it is hard to pick one of those sides and say with any real certainty they are on City’s level or all that close to it. The only cloud on City’s horizon is that of the 115 Premier League charges against them. Arsenal put together a superb first half of the season, on pace to match City’s Premier League record of 100 points at the midway point, but that only highlights the extent of their dip towards the end. Third-placed United have a trophy in the cabinet and the opportunity still to scupper City’s treble hopes in the FA Cup final this weekend, but Ten Hag’s men are 14 points adrift in the table, a gap that still feels like a chasm. Something radical needs to change this summer. Otherwise that old feeling of inevitability will quickly return. – The Independent ON THE DAY that one of the most sensational spells in any club’s history ended, many of the Leicester City squad and staff inevitably discussed “how it had come to this”. There was a general feeling that a wider malaise had afflicted the team, affecting “confidence and belief”. Some were more direct: “Brendan.” Questions can be asked of Brendan Rodgers but it still feels wrong to put so much on a manager who lifted the club to the first FA Cup win in their history and successive fifth-place finishes. That really just illustrates how thin the margins can end up being for those outside the mega elite, and how even “model clubs” can quickly become examples of something else entirely. There is even a lesson here for a club as brilliantly run as Brighton. Both of Leicester’s fifth-place finishes came in Covid seasons, as the wider game itself lost so much money, and the club’s owners suffered huge losses from the immense impact on their duty-free business. Had either of those campaigns brought Champions League football, and the greater prize money it produces, they might well have had enough to prevent the deep drop-off that has now seen them fall down to the Championship. Many with knowledge of the club ultimately put it down to a lack of investment to build on the fine team they had. Others from the industry argue that it goes even deeper, and beyond the money spent. It was how it was spent. The recruitment that had served them so well for half a decade has actually been “woefully inadequate” for at least five windows. The idea of buying low and selling high is the obvious model for so many of those outside the elite due to the economic stratification of the game, but it is still asking so much to get it right continuously. In some cases, one slip can cause you to fall much more quickly. Leicester were wealthy enough to be insulated from that but not from the reality that it is statistically impossible to keep that going indefinitely. It was this that deepened the concerning mood within the club in the summer, even if there is a fair argument that the Rodgers era was already going “stale”. That does happen, but what happened here was that the effect got worse. Leicester needed a change. The club instead hung on, in part due to the finances. Rodgers himself didn’t have the same brightness about him. It all got rather dull and began to cascade. The brutal truth for the players is that none of this is a sufficient excuse for where they are. Their starting line-up was stronger than half the teams in the Premier League. None of their players should be in this situation. That is summed up by the fact that, before you even get to the fees that will be paid this summer, this is one of the best-paid squads to ever be relegated. The wage bill was one of the highest in the Premier League. In going down, Leicester have actually defied the economic realities of the sport in the same way they did in enjoying one of the sport’s greatest peaks. Appropriately, there remains the sense they just “sleepwalked” into this situation, “too good to go down”, all of that. In some ways, the speed with which it all unravelled ensured no one really grasped what was actually happening until it was too late. It is little wonder that Dean Smith said after the team’s final game of the season on Sunday that he couldn’t explain how this happened. And yet it is traceable. It’s also something other clubs can look at. One of the most remarkable Premier League stories of all, naturally, has a few lessons. – The Independent or download app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my FREE access Interactive THURSDAY • JUNE 1, 2023 Leicester’s relegation must teach other clubs a vital lesson █ MIGUEL DELANEY Same again next season? Guardiola’s Manchester City has set a high standard others must aim to match █ IAN PARKER 248days at the top EPL season 2022/23 EPL CHAMPION • 2018 • 2019 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023 36 GOALS Arteta Guardiola Haaland