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From all of us at theSun …
Happy New Year.

ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2022 DO-RE-MI ... Malaysians can now experience the magic

No. 8179 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my of The Sound of Music, which is being staged at Istana Budaya
Kuala Lumpur until Jan 15 as part of its international tour. The
Broadway production features a rotating ensemble of talented
young Malaysians performing alongside the main cast.
– PIC COURTESY OF THE SOUND OF MUSIC PRODUCTION TEAM

Covid watch
█ BY RAJVINDER SINGH oCall to step up preparedness for
[email protected] coronavirus surge as China opens up travel

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia needs to no response to the idea. receive a high number of patients. conduct a Covid test on them. Turn to
keep close tabs on not only China but Muruga Raj said primary care via the close to Universiti Malaya professor of The idea of a person testing a
also other countries, as there may be a —
need to be more restrictive on travel if 9,000 private general practitioners, as the epidemiology and public health day before a flight will have no
there is a significant rise in Covid-19 deaths or country has seen, has an important role in Dr Sanjay Rampal said the Covid real impact because the person page 3
severe illness reported in other countries. managing pandemics. variants in China are the same as could get infected after the test,
the variants all over the world and Sanjay said.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) “As for booster shots, regardless of China in Malaysia.
president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said opening up travel, those in the high-risk
looking at the current situation in China, MMA category have been advised to take their second He said the reason China is
proposes that only fully vaccinated travellers booster dose.” hitting the news with a huge
from China with negative polymerase chain number of infections is because its
reaction (PCR) test results be allowed entry into Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor people were “immune naive” and
Malaysia. Hisham Abdullah said MOH will continue to did not get themselves immunised,
step up its preparedness to face a possible hike adding that it was the same here in
“Upon arrival, they should undergo in the number of daily Covid cases and deaths Malaysia during the Covid outbreak.
professional rapid test kit (RTK) antigen following the surge of infections in China.
screening (within 24 hours), similar to the “There can be specific screening
system adopted in April when Malaysia He said among the measures to be taken was for tourists arriving from China but to
reopened its borders. to increase the percentage of booster dose test every Chinese tourist is easier
uptake to reduce the severity of infections and said than done because it will be
“While in the country, travellers will need to the risk of death. operationally very difficult and the
adhere to our SOP such as the requirement to costs will be prohibitive.
wear face masks on public transport.” “MOH is urging all eligible individuals to
take the booster dose of the vaccine so that the “One option is to take a random
On Malaysia’s preparedness for a surge, he Malaysian population gets optimal protection sample of passengers of about 20% of
said MMA believes that after three years of the against Covid-19,” he said, adding that MOH all arrivals per plane load.
pandemic, steps have been taken by the will also strengthen the country’s Covid
government to be better prepared. management through the digitilisation of “The other option is to test everyone
health management by improving the but it is the passenger who will have to pay for
“We should be prepared for any eventuality. automated “find, test, trace, isolate and the test. Although it is not expensive, some
It must also be ensured that in the event of a support” approach. people may not like it.”
surge, non-Covid care can still continue
unhindered.” Noor Hisham said MOH will also ensure that He said MOH will need to quickly identify
all Covid assessment centres are ready to and isolate Chinese tourists who have fever and
He added that Malaysia should also be
adopting the concept of pandemic-prepared
private clinics, which MMA had proposed to the
Ministry of Health (MOH), but there has been

2 theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ME
@thesundaily

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah presenting the letter of appointment as the 10th prime minister to Anwar at In September, Rosmah was sentenced to 10
Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur. – BERNAMAPIC years in jail and fined RM970 million after being
KUALA LUMPUR: As the curtain falls on 2022, A look back at 2022 found guilty of corruption in connection with
theSun looks back at a year filled with trials, the RM1.25 billion Sarawak rural schools’ solar
tribulations, jubilance and grief. From the energy project. The fine was the highest
uncertainties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic imposed by a court in the nation’s history.
to the nail-biting 15th general election (GE15)
and the Batang Kali landslide tragedy, the year Also having their day in court was Sabah
was certainly not short of challenges. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar
Below are just some of the main highlights of oFilled with challenges and grief, year ends on a Radin and his wife Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul
the year. Samad, who were ordered to enter their
In January, the National Disaster high note with new govt, political stability defence on three charges of corruption
Management Agency reported 12 landslides, amounting to RM2.8 million in unit trust
including 10 in Kuala Lumpur and one each in investments.
Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
However, there was good news for travellers September also saw the demise of former
as quarantine upon arrival was dropped for MIC president and long-time minister Tun
those fully vaccinated against Covid-19, but S. Samy Vellu. He was 86. His death was
they were still required to take RTK Antigen announced by MIC veteran Datuk Seri
tests at international checkpoints. Dr S. Subramaniam.
Those who had not completed their
vaccinations or were not vaccinated needed to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr
undergo a seven-day quarantine on arrival in Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was freed by the Shah
the country and take a Covid-19 detection test. Alam High Court of all 40 graft charges in the
In February, nearly 98,000 children aged foreign visa system case. High Court judge
between five and 11 years were given the first Justice Mohd Yazid Mustafa held that the
dose of the vaccine under the National Covid- prosecution had not succeeded in establishing
19 Immunisation Programme for Children, a prima facie case against him.
which was launched on Feb 3.
In March, Malaysians were evacuated from In October, Ismail Sabri dissolved the 14th
Ukraine after that country and Russia went to Parliament, paving the way for GE15.
war.
The Immigration Department prepared Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir
970,000 passports for renewal following the Mohamad questioned why no investigation
reopening of the country’s borders on April 1. was launched against ex-attorney general Tan
Malaysia and Singapore agreed to reopen Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali over his handling of
their land borders for fully vaccinated travellers Rescuers at work at the Batang Kali landslide site. – REUTERSPIC the 1MDB scandal, and contrasted the case
from April 1, without the need to take Covid-19 with that of Najib’s. The latter is serving jail time
pre-departure and arrival tests or be passengers for a month. supposed to be delivered by April 2019, and the for his involvement in a multi-billion ringgit
quarantined. Sabah and Sarawak also reopened In July, the Kuala Lumpur High Court remaining were to be handed over in six-month corruption scandal.
their international borders after more than two postponed to Sept 1, the verdict in the solar intervals until 2023. But eight years on, none of
years. power corruption case of Datin Seri Rosmah the ships had been delivered to the navy. The High Court dismissed Najib’s legal
A memorandum of understanding on the Mansor, the wife of former prime minister challenge over the Prisons Department’s
recruitment and protection of Indonesian Datuk Seri Najib Razak. refusal to allow his request to attend Dewan
domestic helpers was inked by Malaysia and In the same month, the Attorney-General’s Rakyat proceedings.
Indonesia. Chambers denied allegations that it had
Malaysian Nagaenthran Dharmalingam, nullified Najib’s SRC International trial Also, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed
who had learning disabilities and an IQ of just proceedings. Abdul Rahman was ordered to enter his
69, was convicted of trafficking 42.7g of heroin And, in a landmark vote, the Dewan Rakyat defence on charges of abetting in criminal
in 2010. Although the case attracted global passed the anti-party hopping law with a breach of trust, misappropriation of assets and
attention, he was executed in Singapore’s two-thirds majority. money laundering. Judicial Commissioner
Changi prison despite last-ditch efforts by his In August, the Federal Court affirmed Najib’s Azhar Abdul Hamid said the prosecution had
mother for leniency. conviction and sentence in the SRC proven its case beyond doubt.
In May, several roads in Kuala Lumpur were International case. With the decision, he
inundated by flash floods following non-stop became the first ex-prime minister in Malaysian In November, the Kuala Lumpur High Court
rain. Netizens took to social media to share history to be jailed. The Prisons Department fixed Jan 30 next year to decide whether Najib
videos and images of their areas. also denied social media comments that he was and former 1MDB chief executive officer Arul
In the same month, people were dismayed being given special treatment at Kajang Prison. Kanda Kandasamy would be acquitted or
when the prices of favourites such as teh tarik The RM9 billion Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) ordered to enter their defence on an audit
and roti canai rose by 10-15%. The new price of scandal about a contract awarded to Boustead tampering case.
roti canai hit RM2.20 while a glass of teh tarik Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) for six LCS as
ranged between RM1.80 and RM2.50. part of the Royal Malaysian Navy’s fleet renewal Sixteen stations on the Kelana Jaya LRT line,
In June, at the launch of the first phase of the plan caught the attention of the nation. which caters to over 300,000 passengers daily,
were shut down from Nov 8-13 due to problems
with the automatic train control system.

It was also in November that GE15 resulted
in a hung Parliament, with Pakatan Harapan
winning 81 seats and Perikatan Nasional 74.
After several days of uncertainty, Datuk Seri
Anwar Ibrahim was appointed Malaysia’s 10th
prime minister. Immediately, the ringgit and
Bursa Malaysia strengthened on news of his
appointment.

The final month of the year saw the landslide
in Batang Kali, Selangor, which killed 31 adults
and children while 61 others were rescued. It
took nine days for all the bodies to be
recovered, thanks in large part to a K9 unit that
worked day and night to the point of exhaustion
as they found one victim after another.

After a voice vote in the first parliamentary
sitting, Anwar won a vote of confidence and was
confirmed as prime minister. This opened up a
new chapter in the nation’s history, with
Malaysians celebrating the dawn of political
stability. Many foreign leaders expressed
confidence and willingness to work with the
new government.

Long line of vehicles at
the Johor-Singapore
Causeway following the
reopening of borders.
– BERNAMAPIC

Putrajaya MRT line, former prime minister Signed in July 2014, BNS was to build the
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced free ships with the help of French naval company
fares for all RapidKL public transport DCNS, beginning in 2015. The first vessel was

3theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Call to act against errant airlines

o Mavcom should address apathy and important. When complaints are flying to all corners of the country. Loke said on Dec 28 that
‘immunity’ shown by firms over shortcomings, received from passengers, Mavcom The airlines can say they sell at high Mavcom, and not his ministry, is the
says Fomca CEO should investigate and if the airline prices due to demand-and-supply, right option for disgruntled air
is found responsible, penalise them. but if the data show the tickets are passengers to lodge complaints on
█ BY MUHAMMAD YUSRY most budget airlines in Malaysia. This can keep them in check and not deliberately sold at unreasonable issues such as refunds for delayed or
[email protected] They always over-promise. Some take their passengers for granted.” prices, then Mavcom should cancelled flights.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian may do a promotion for cheap flight penalise them.
Aviation Commission (Mavcom) tickets but do not take care of the Saravanan said Mavcom should He said using the right channel
needs to be more involved in welfare of their passengers. set up complaint centres at airports “Airlines can’t do that, as it will would allow the relevant authority to
the interests of flight passengers nationwide. have an adverse effect in the long look into complaints immediately.
and penalise airlines that do not “Flight overbooked? They won’t run, like people preferring to take
deliver on their services, said refund your money. Flight delayed? “Mavcom currently has an online alternative modes of transport Loke also mentioned that the
Federation of Malaysian Consumers They will never explain or reveal the complaint form and direct hotline. to avoid spending ridiculous government has no plans to fix
Associations (Fomca) CEO reason for it, and there are no Those are okay but not when issues amounts of money, not to mention prices for flight tickets, since it is
Saravanan Thambirajah. blankets and pillows to keep have to be resolved swiftly, on the the risks too.” confident the aviation industry will
passengers who are stranded at spot. They should be present at the pick up in 2023 following the
He said such firms, especially terminals comfortable while waiting airports themselves. This can greatly Saravanan also commended the reopening of China’s borders.
budget airlines, often sell domestic for their flights. That is against reduce the number and extent of government for highlighting
flight tickets at unreasonable prices customer protection standards. It’s a unhappy passengers and ensure people’s issues and swiftly taking “If you put a price ceiling, there
and do not place much emphasis on never-ending story,” Saravanan said. everything is in order.” action on airlines that neglect their will be negative implications. For
issues such as missing baggage, passengers. example, airlines may cut down on
delays and over-booking. “It is high time that Mavcom On ticket prices, Saravanan said capacity. No airline will want to
really do something about it, if it Mavcom should release data to “We have seen Transport operate if it’s a losing concern.”
“This is the modus operandi of wants our airline industry to be at a compare ticket prices from time to Minister Anthony Loke (take action)
respectable level. Their role is very time, to show if any airline is in a recent incident where a budget Loke said prices have
unreasonably raising fare prices. airline delayed its flight and left traditionally increased during festive
passengers stranded. seasons, and encouraged airlines to
“Fomca advocates affordable increase their flight frequency.
flight tickets, especially for domestic “I believe we are in good hands.
flights. With affordable tickets, we We hope for more of the same from However, he conceded that not
can boost our own economy by industry players,” he said. all airlines have large fleets that can
accommodate increases in demand.

Pahang state assembly speaker appointed Mechanism needed
to curb Covid spread
KUANTAN: Former Lanchang state Barisan Nasional (BN) Lanchang Pahang assemblyman in 2013 after winning
assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar assemblyman for five terms, since 1999, the Ketari seat in the GE13 before switching to “It is important for Chinese tourists to
Shamsudin was yesterday appointed Pahang before losing the seat in the recent 15th the Bilut state seat in 2018. provide an immunisation certificate for two
state assembly speaker. general election (GE15). vaccine shots. They must also register
Yesterday also saw all 42 state assembly with MySejahtera and quickly
The motion to appoint Mohd Sharkar was He was formerly a state executive members take their oaths of office, beginning isolate themselves if they have
proposed by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan councillor (exco) and chaired the State with Wan Rosdy and the 10 exco, followed by symptoms. They will need to From
Rosdy Wan Ismail and seconded by the State Tourism, Culture, Environment, Plantation the other assemblymen, including
Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, and Commodity Committee, as well as the Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim conduct a Covid-19 test.” front
Biotechnology and Education Committee Information, Science, Technology and Tuan Man, who is a Cheka assemblyman. Malaysian Association of page
chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak, Innovation Tourism Committee.
with no objection from members of the House The state government was formed through Tour and Travel Agents
during the first session meeting of the 15th Meanwhile, Bilut assemblyman Lee Chin a collaboration between BN and PH when no president Datuk Tan Kok Liang
Pahang state assembly. Chen of Pakatan Harapan (PH) was elected party managed to obtain a simple majority of said the organisation was waiting for
state assembly deputy speaker. His name was 22 seats after GE15. information from the authorities on who will be
Mohd Sharkar replaces Datuk Seri Ishak also proposed by Wan Rosdy and seconded allowed to travel from China to Malaysia.
Muhamad, who was the state assembly by Mohd Soffi. Wan Rosdy was sworn in as mentri besar He said it was important to have a
speaker since 2013. on Nov 28, followed on Dec 2 by the 10 exco mechanism to control and prevent the spread of
Lee, who was the Opposition Leader in the comprising eight from BN and the rest from Covid-19 from tourists arriving from China.
Temerloh-born Mohd Sharkar was the state assembly for the last term, became a PH. – Bernama

“Carrying out Covid-19 test on arriving
Chinese tourists is an option but at the moment,
it seems only investors and students might be
allowed to travel out of China. We hope for the
leisure market to open up, but steps must be
taken to protect the country. The nation cannot
afford another disaster similar to the
nationwide shutdown to prevent the spread
Covid-19, which lasted two years.”

Budget 2023 to be
retabled on Feb 24

Wan Rosdy helping Lee with his songkok during the state assembly session yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC KUALA LUMPUR: The Finance Ministry has
confirmed that Prime Minister and Finance
Special dept for welfare of children to be created Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will table
the revised Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat on
KUCHING: The Cabinet has agreed in making a decision. Mamacare confinement centre yesterday. Feb 24.
principle to establish a special department or “It is true that we already have a children On Wednesday, Human Rights
institution to look after the welfare and “Yes, the date is confirmed,” a ministry
interests of children, said Women, Family and division under the Social Welfare Commission of Malaysia Children’s spokesperson told the media when met
Community Development Minister Datuk Department, but there is always room for Commissioner Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd yesterday.
Seri Nancy Shukri. improvement. Awal was reported as saying a special
department or institution for children needs Several media agencies had earlier reported
She said the proposal was presented at the “Our officers are looking into this so that to be established, as existing institutions were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul as
previous Cabinet meeting, and the ministry is the department or institution becomes more focusing on various age groups and were not saying Budget 2023 would be presented on Feb
currently looking into the matter before specific and better focus can be given (to the specific in their operations. – Bernama 24, as only a mini-budget was previously
group concerned),” she said after visiting the presented for service expenses and salary
payments.

“Overall, the budget presentation and
debate process, including committee matters
and policies, will take 21 days,” he was quoted as
saying in an online news portal on Wednesday.

According to the Parliament official portal,
the first meeting of the second session of the
15th Parliament will run from Feb 13 until
March 30.

On Dec 20, the Dewan Rakyat unanimously
approved the “2023 Mini Budget” and the
Consolidated Fund (Accountable Expenditure)
Bill 2022.

On Oct 7, then finance minister Datuk Seri
Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz tabled a RM372.3
billion Budget 2023, the largest allocation in
Malaysian history.

Three days later, Parliament was dissolved to
make way for the 15th general election on Nov
19. – Bernama

4 theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Permaisuri Johor saddened over death of injured boy Perak religious
studies initiative
JOHOR BARU: The Permaisuri of “As a mother and also a Also present were Johor legal not act indifferent (to the point) on track
Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris grandmother, I am not only calling adviser Datuk Amir Nasruddin and there is prolonged abuse and loss
Shah has expressed sadness over on but appealing to all Malaysians Johor Women’s League president of life. IPOH: A total of 100,656 from 114,377
the death of a four-year-old boy who to be more sensitive and Thanam Visvanathan-Suresh. Muslim students have participated in
is suspected to have been a victim of concerned about children’s safety. “We all have an important role Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (Kafa)
child abuse in Batu Pahat. Every life is priceless,” she told the Raja Zarith Sofiah said she in society, which is to protect classes in schools throughout Perak
Royal Press Office in a post hoped the child’s death would children from abuse. Our to date, the state legislative assembly
“It was so heartbreaking to hear uploaded on The Royal Johor serve as a reminder to the responsibilities are enormous.” was told yesterday.
the explanation from (Johor police Facebook page. community to be more sensitive in Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani
chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman protecting the group. The boy died on Dec 26, four Mohamad said the state government
Mamat). Even he shed tears. It Her Royal Highness was briefed days after being admitted to the has taken a number of initiatives to
reminds me of the case of the late on the facts of the case by Kamarul “There is a saying that it takes a intensive care unit of Sultan Ismail
‘Baby Bala’ in 1990 which led to the Zaman at Istana Bukit Serene on village to raise a child. Children Hospital, after he succumbed to
enactment of the Child Act. Wednesday, Bernama reported. expect and need us members of the serious injuries believed to be from
community to keep them safe. Let’s physical abuse and torture.

█ BY ELLY FAZANIZA ensure that no student drops out
[email protected] of school, which include the setting
up five Kafa classes in selected
We built this nation national schools.
PETALING JAYA: In 1968, one of the Saarani was responding to a
first Malaysians to qualify as an Filial tribute to question from Sallehiuddin Abdullah
anaesthetist, Datuk Dr ‘gentleman doctor’ (PAS-Selinsing), who wanted to know
Thambinathan Sachithanandan, what plans the Perak government
pioneered the use of regional had regarding Kafa.
anaesthesia, a medical procedure The state government, in addition
where drugs are selectively used to to awareness of the importance of
numb or block the sensation of pain Kafa education for children, also
in a specific area of a patient’s body. recognises the Kafa Class Assessment
The procedure, developed in Test certificate and the Sijil Rendah
Germany six decades earlier, allows Agama Islam as the main
surgeons to perform operations requirements for admission to the
while the patient is fully conscious, first level of government religious
but free of pain. secondary schools.
Thanks to Thambinathan, o Surgeon speaks to theSun about late Meanwhile, the assembly was also
countless lives have been saved, and father’s work in pioneering regional informed that 75 of 176 new
his work also paved the way for anaesthesia, setting up first ICU in country telecommunication tower sites have
many specialists to be trained been completed, in addition to
locally. providing communication
He was also the first to recognise infrastructure facilities for broadband
the importance of intensive care. services using satellite technology at
Trained in the United Kingdom and 73 sites across the state.
witnessing the need for intensive Anand took two years to write the “Instead, he himself would aid State Communications,
care units (ICU), he set about to book, with no intention at first to do them to do it.” Multimedia and NGOs Committee
improve quality patient care in it until he came across his father’s chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said
Malaysia. contributions to the nation. Anand and his elder sister Dr two satellites were operational,
Towards that end, he managed to It was also when Malaysia was Sharmila fondly remembers their namely in Kampung Orang Asli
raise about RM120,000 with the being battered by Covid-19 in 2020 father’s parenting, as he would Balang and Kampung Orang Asli
Junior Chamber International, a US- that ICU facilities were highlighted. sometimes take them with him to Balang Satu.
based NGO of which he was a At a time when such units were work, leaving them with the nurses He was responding to a question
member, for an ICU to be opened at packed to the brim with patients, for short spells while he attended to from Hashim Bujang (Bersatu-Bukit
the Johor Baru General Hospital. Anand was prompted to revisit his patients. Chandan), who wanted to know what
The ICU, which started with eight father’s legacy. steps were being taken to improve the
beds in 1968, expanded to 16 by the Through extensive “That gave us (an understanding according to Anand, although quality of internet services in
early 1990s. It was later closed and a correspondence with the medical of ) his work and perhaps having served at the Penang General suburbs, rural areas, villages and
new ICU facility was built in the fraternity, Anand could see a theme subconsciously influenced us in our Hospital and meeting a specialist by interiors, including Orang Asli
south wing of the hospital. in his father’s work ethics – a career path. He’d often emphasise the name Dr L.P. Scott could have settlements. – Bernama
Thambinathan’s work had a calming presence with a bowtie who for us to make an effort in our prompted him to pick up
profound impact and it was often came to the defence of his studies,” Anand said. anaesthesia as a sub-specialty.
replicated in other hospitals junior doctors and nurses at a time Domestic maid
nationwide. when a certain hierarchy was still Thambinathan, or “Sachi” as he Sadly, Thambinathan died at age abuse cases to
His life’s deeds have been strictly held in the field. was known, was the second of four 49 during elective heart surgery in be reviewed
compiled by his cardiothoracic Page 160 of the book gives an siblings of a Ceylonese family. London.
surgeon son Dr Anand insight into how Thambinathan was JAKARTA: Malaysia will review
Sachithanandan (pic) in his recently protective of his female nurses – if Born in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 2, Proceeds from the sale of the Indonesian domestic maid
published book Portrait of a they were pregnant, they would not 1931, he studied at the Victoria book will be channelled to the mistreatment cases to ensure that
Malaysian Anaesthetist - Pioneer, be allowed to lift patients or heavy Institution, before being the first in Malaysian Society of Intensive Care justice is served based on existing
Leader, Gentleman. equipment. the family to enrol in the Loyola and the Lung Cancer Network laws, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri
College in India for his tertiary Malaysia, of which Anand is the Zambry Abdul Kadir.
education. founding president.
“I understand the concerns of the
His reason for choosing to Indonesian authorities regarding the
become an anesthetist is unclear, well-being and welfare of their
domestic maids in Malaysia,” he said
Frontliners, high SPRUCING UP ... A shopper selecting Chinese New Year home decorative items at a store in Kuala Lumpur during a joint press conference with
risk groups urged yesterday ahead of the festival on Jan 22. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN his counterpart Retno Mardudi after a
to get boosters bilateral meeting yesterday.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health He said Malaysia will extend its
Ministry has recommended that cooperation to Indonesia to ensure
frontliners and the public, especial that employment and protection of
high-risk groups, get an additional domestic helpers are in accordance
booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine with the law.
following the latest developments on
the pandemic in China. Zambry lauded the contributions
of Indonesian workers and maids
Health Director-General Tan Sri towards the betterment of the lives
Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said on of Malaysians and socio-economic
Facebook yesterday although Covid development of the country.
cases in the country are currently
under control and decreasing, He is currently on a three-day
precautions must be taken. official visit to Indonesia to discuss
bilateral issues, investment
On Tuesday, he said in a opportunities in Indonesia’s new
statement that the ministry was capital Nusantara as well as maritime
increasing preparedness to face the delimitation and land borders
possibility of increased cases and between the two countries. His trip
deaths due to Covid following a also serves as preparation for an
drastic increase in cases in China. official visit by Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Anwar Ibrahim, that is expected
Among the steps that will be sometime in January. – Bernama
taken is to increase the percentage of
individuals eligible to receive
booster doses to reduce the spread
of infection and deaths. – Bernama

CONFISCATED 5theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
CONTRABAND ... NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
Johor Customs
Department director Trio held over drone
Misbahudin Parmin smugglling attempt
showing cigarettes worth
more than RM428,000 KOTA BARU: Three men have been arrested for
hidden in a modified allegedly attempting to smuggle prohibited
container at Johor Port in items into a rehabilitation centre in Machang
Pasir Gudang yesterday. using drones on Dec 12.
– BERNAMAPIC
Kelantan police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki
Courts make headlines with Harun said the arrests were made after police
slew of high-profile cases received a report about a drone being flown
above the centre at 1.05am.
o Rulings see many politicians and public figures charged Another high-profile case that made
with corruption, money-laundering and CBT headlines was the acquittal of former Baling “Tracking devices installed at the centre
MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim on detected the drone flying near the prison on
KUALA LUMPUR: This year, the courts 10 years in prison and a fine of RM970 million three corruption and 10 money laundering Jalan Kuing Indah at Kampung Pangkal Meleret
certainly made headlines with salient verdicts by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Sept 1. charges in connection with road work projects in Machang.
handed down against politicians and public in Perak and Kedah.
figures charged with corruption, money- The court also ordered Rosmah, 70, to be “Upon the arrival of the authorities, the three
laundering and criminal breach of trust (CBT). jailed for 30 years if she failed to pay the fine. Lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee suspects jumped into in a car and sped away.
Abdullah also made headlines after being
The high-profile rulings saw Datuk Seri She was granted a stay of execution of the freed from two counts of money laundering “They were later arrested near the Kuala
Najib Abdul Razak become the country’s first jail sentence and fine pending an appeal at the involving RM9.5 million allegedly received Krai-Kota Baru main road at Kampung Bukit
former prime minister to be sent to jail for a Court of Appeal, Bernama reported. from Najib and for making false declarations Belah in Machang.”
criminal offence. to the Inland Revenue Board.
Meanwhile, Najib, still has four pending Muhamad Zaki said following a check of the
Najib, 69, was sent to Kajang Prison to serve court cases involving the misappropriation of Another verdict in a high-profile case that suspects’ car, police found five mobile phones,
a jail term after the Federal Court, on Aug 23, RM2.3 billion from 1Malaysia Development captured public attention was that of two power banks, a machete, 20 firecrackers,
upheld the conviction – 12-year jail sentence Bhd (1MDB), abusing his position to amend Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar and a badik – a type of dagger – as well as a roll
and RM210 million fine imposed on him by the 1MDB audit report, CBT amounting to Radin and his wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izette of double tape.
the High Court for misappropriating RM42 RM6.6 billion over payments to International Abdul Samad, who were ordered by the
million of SRC International Sdn Bhd funds. Petroleum Investment Company and money sessions court, on Sept 2, to enter their “We also found an RC123 drone remote
laundering involving SRC International funds defence. control device, 13 packets of tobacco and 41
A five-member bench led by Chief Justice worth RM27 million. small compressed packages, also believed to
Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, in dismissing The trial has been set to begin on Jan 3. contain tobacco.
Najib’s appeal against the Court of Appeal Another high-profile case of public interest On Nov 25, the High Court allowed former
ruling, which affirmed the High Court’s concerns Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas’ “All of the items were seized pursuant to
decision, held that Najib, during the Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was acquitted and application to quash a suit filed by Najib over Section 447 of the Penal Code, Section 8 of the
SRC International trial did not dispute that the discharged at the end of the prosecution case alleged misfeasance in public office for Explosives Act 1957 and Section 6 of the
RM42 million had entered into his personal by the Shah Alam High Court on Sept 23, on 40 prosecuting him on charges involving 1MDB Corrosive Substances, Explosives and
bank accounts. counts of receiving bribes in connection with and ruled that the claim brought by Najib was Dangerous Weapons Act 1958.”
the Foreign Visa System. obviously unsustainable and that there was no
Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, reasonable cause of action. He said the suspects, aged between 35 and
was also in the spotlight the week after Najib’s Ahmad Zahid is, however, still on trial for 47 In yet another case, the High Court on 39, were charged in the magistrate’s court on
appeal was dismissed, she was found guilty of counts of CBT, corruption and money Nov 14 dismissed the prosecution’s bid to Dec 19 under section 58(1) of the Prisons Act
three counts of graft in connection with a solar laundering involving funds amounting to tens forfeit 2,435 pieces of jewellery, seven luxury 1995 and Rule 140 of the Malaysian Civil
hybrid project for 369 rural schools in Sarawak of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan watches, and 29 designer handbags, and cash Aviation Regulations 2016 and Section 6 of the
worth RM1.25 billion and was sentenced to Akalbudi. amounting to RM114,164,393.44 belonging to Corrosive Substances, Explosives and
Najib and Rosmah, which were seized by Dangerous Weapons Act 1957.
The trial continues on Jan 6. police in a raid in May 2018.
Muhammad Zaki said it is an offence to fly a
Tok Bali beach in need of cleanup drone without a permit from the Civil Aviation
Department. – Bernama
PASIR PUTEH: Some of the waste left behind “It was beautiful when I came here three sea. How can we maintain the cleanliness of
after the recent flood in Kelantan has marred years ago and I was hoping its pristine this beach if we do not take care of it? Flood: Only one relief
the beauty of Tok Bali beach, a hotspot for local condition would have been maintained. centre still open
and foreign tourists. “I hope the authorities will take note of this
“But I was shocked at what I saw, there were matter and not shirk their responsibility to KUALA LUMPUR: The situation in states hit by
Recent visitors have had enough of the heaps, of rubbish, empty plastic bottles and keep Tok Bali beach clean.” floods since the end of last month is reported to
rubbish – empty plastic bottles, rotten wood pieces of rotten wood strewn all along the be improving with only one relief centre still
and dry leaves – strewn along the sandy beach beach. It was most disheartening.” Zakaria Harun, 49, who lives near the operating in Terengganu.
lined with casuarina and coconut trees. beach, said the Dec 18 floods, which had forced
Mohd Zulfadhli Rosley, 31, of Pengkalan him and his family to evacuate to a relief centre, According to the State Disaster Management
Siti Masyitah Mohd Sekeri, 30, a visitor from Chepa in Kota Baru, said an unkempt beach was to blame for its sorry state. Committee secretariat, a total of 53 evacuees
Johor Baru, who had visited the beach with her would affect tourism in Tok Bali and damage from 12 families are at the Kampung La Mosque
children during the ongoing school holidays, marine habitats. “The heaps of rubbish on the beach is relief centre in Besut, since Wednesday.
expressed shock at its current condition. believed to have been left behind by the flood,”
“I am a nature lover. I love the beach and the he said. – Bernama The evacuees are expected to remain at the
relief centre for some time as most of them have
lost their homes in the floods.

Meanwhile, the number of people in
Sandakan, Sabah, who were affected by the high
tide phenomenon and were moved to the
SK Sungai Anib 2 relief centre, reduced to 652,
involving 113 families, compared with 688 from
121 families, on Wednesday night.

The Meteorological Department has advised
residents in East Coast states to remain vigilant
even though the flood situation is improving as
heavy rain is still expected to continue as the
Northeast Monsoon has not ended. – Bernama

Thief in woman’s
clothing charged

SHAH ALAM: A man, who disguised himself
as a woman by wearing a telekung (women’s
prayer clothing) to steal in a mosque was
charged in the magistrate’s court yesterday
with two counts of theft.

Mohamad Amirul Shafiq Abdullah, 20,
pleaded guilty to both charges before
magistrate Mohamad Redza Azhar Rezali,
who postponed sentencing pending a
probation report on him.

Mohamad Amirul was charged with
stealing a mobile phone belonging to one
Maznah Selamat at 6.25am on Dec 22 at the
Al-Azhariah Mosque in Section 18, here.

He was also charged with stealing a mobile
phone belonging to one Kasmunah Abd
Rahman at 8.50pm on Dec 20 at the
Al-Hidayah Mosque, also in Section 18.

Both the charges were framed under
Section 380 of the Penal Code, which provides
for up to 10 years’ jail and a fine. – Bernama

BRIEFS6 theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022 Asian countries brace for
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Chinese tourist influx

SIX DEAD IN S. KOREA oAirlines to ramp up capacity while businesses As the Lunar New Year holiday starts on Jan
ROAD TUNNEL FIRE preparing special promotions to gear up for arrivals 21, some businesses are already gearing up.
as Beijing relaxes Covid rules
SEOUL: Six people have been killed Sofitel Sentosa in Singapore is creating Lunar
after a bus and truck crash caused a BANGKOK/SINGAPORE: Asian countries are International flights to and from China are New Year packages aimed at Chinese visitors,
huge fire at an expressway tunnel on bracing for an influx of Chinese tourists as at just 8% of pre-pandemic levels, VariFlight including a hotpot buffet and romantic
the outskirts of Seoul, the local fire Covid restrictions are dismantled, and while data shows, but carriers are looking to ramp up packages for couples, said hotel manager
department told AFP. Images of the some are wary, operators in others are capacity as authorities ease Covid-driven limits Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale.
scene in local media showed huge preparing packages such as hotpot buffets to on the number of flights.
flames and plumes of smoke rising cash in on the expected spike in travel. However, Japan is being cautious about
from the tunnel, as hundreds of “There is little doubt mainland Chinese are Chinese tourism due to the rapid spread of the
firefighters battled to bring the blaze Chinese tourists will no longer need to the spark plug for Thailand’s tourism recovery,” virus in China. It is requiring a negative
under control. The fire started when a quarantine on return home starting Jan 8, the said hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks Covid-19 test on arrival from Chinese visitors,
bus collided with a truck in the government announced this week, a move that managing director Bill Barnett. and those who test positive must quarantine for
expressway tunnel in Gwacheon, an spurred a surge in bookings from what was the seven days under new border measures taking
official at the Gwacheon fire world’s largest outbound travel market in 2019. “It’s not a question of if it will happen, it’s effect on Dec 30.
department said. The raised tunnel, now just a matter of how many and how fast.”
which is designed to protect The once US$255 billion (RM1.1 trillion) a The United States said it would impose
surrounding buildings from the noise year in global spending by Chinese tourists Malaysia Airlines and Vietnamese budget mandatory Covid tests on travellers from China,
of the road, was quickly engulfed in ground to a halt during the pandemic, leaving a carrier VietJet Aviation said they hope to joining India, Italy and Taiwan in taking new
flames, images in local media gaping hole in the Asian market, where restore China flights to pre-pandemic levels by measures, while the Philippines is considering a
showed. Firefighters have brought countries from Thailand to Japan had June, while others such as Singapore Airlines testing requirement.
the blaze under control, the official depended on China as the largest source of and Australia’s Qantas Airways declined to
said. About 20 people are being foreign visitors. provide detailed targets, as the situation was Australia, Germany, Thailand and others
treated for smoke inhalation, he still evolving. said they would not impose additional rules on
added. Chinese travellers for now, with France taking to
social media platform Sina Weibo to emphasise
MANILA-BEIJING DEAL it welcomed “Chinese friends with open arms”.
OVER DISPUTED SEA
In Vietnam, Saigon Halong Hotel in Halong
MANILA: The Philippines and China Bay expects it will receive Chinese arrivals from
will establish direct communication the second quarter of next year. – Reuters
between their foreign ministries to
avoid “miscalculation and Hong Kong wants Japan to drop airport restriction
miscommunication” in the hotly
disputed South China Sea, Manila HONG KONG: The city’s government has government said in a statement on airports in Japan, the government said, to
said yesterday. The deal will be signed asked Japan to withdraw a Covid-19 restriction Wednesday. “ensure the smooth return of Hong Kong
next week during Philippine that requires passenger flights from the residents from Japan and to minimise the
President Ferdinand Marcos’ visit to financial hub to land at only four designated City leader John Lee said the government impact to Hong Kong travelers”.
Beijing, where he will meet his Japanese airports. has indicated to the Japanese government it
Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, a was disappointed. Hong Kong’s flagship carrier Cathay Pacific
foreign ministry official said. Marcos Japan, which is a top travel destination for Airways said in a statement yesterday it would
has insisted he will not let China visitors from Hong Kong, said it would limit “We think that Hong Kong visitors should continue to operate flights to Japan, although it
trample on the Philippines’ maritime flights from Hong Kong, Macau and mainland be allowed to use not just these four airports,” would reduce them to 65 per week, down 20%
rights in the sea, in contrast to his China to Tokyo’s two airports, plus Osaka and Lee said. from its planned schedule for January.
predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who Nagoya from today.
was reluctant to criticise the Yesterday, the government said Japan Hong Kong Airlines and Peach Aviation
superpower. The Philippines last The decision comes during a peak travel would let passenger flights from Hong Kong announced they would cancel some flight
week ordered its military to boost season and ahead of the Lunar New Year also land in Hokkaido, Fukuoka and Okinawa routes because of the rules.
their presence in the contested holiday, which begins on Jan 22. provided that no passengers aboard had been
waters after a report that China had in mainland China during the prior seven China in December began dismantling the
started reclaiming several “It is understood that around 250 outbound days, but said the condition was world’s strictest Covid regime of lockdowns
unoccupied land features around the flights of Hong Kong airlines will be affected “unreasonable”. and extensive testing, putting its battered
Spratly Islands. – AFP between today and the end of January, economy on course for a complete reopening
affecting around 60,000 passengers,” the Flights of Hong Kong airlines can still carry next year. – Reuters
Philippine flood, passengers back to the city from various
landslide death
toll reaches 33 Firefighters and
rescue workers at
MANILA: One person died and three the scene of the
others were missing in the southern fire. – AFPPIC
Philippines after a landslide, police said
yesterday, taking the nationwide death 19 killed, 30 hurt in Cambodia hotel-casino fire
toll from recent rains to at least 33.
POIPET: At least 19 people are reported dead public health official Prapas Pookduang saying In another, a group of people huddle on a
Authorities were still searching for and more than a dozen on life support after a that 13 people were “on life support”. ledge as flames draw near.
more than two dozen other people fire at a Cambodian border casino, with photos
missing after downpours over the from the scene showing people desperately Sa Kaeo governor Parinya Phothisat said A Thai foreign ministry source said they had
Christmas weekend caused flooding huddled on ledges and perched on another 60-odd people caught in the been coordinating closely with local
and landslides across central and windowsills in a bid to escape the flames. conflagration had already been checked and authorities, “including by sending in firetrucks
southern regions. cleared by Thai hospitals. from the Thai side”.
The blaze at the Grand Diamond City hotel-
The latest death happened on casino in Poipet, on the Thai border, broke out Images obtained by AFP showed the Parinya said Thai hospitals had treated 79
Wednesday in Mati City in the province on Wednesday night, Cambodian police said. building consumed by flames, with Thai nationals, 30 Cambodians and eight
of Davao Oriental on Mindanao Island firefighters struggling to contain the blaze and Indonesians.
when a landslide buried four people as A provisional police report sighted by AFP rescuers attempting to pluck people from
they fished, police said. put the number of injured at 30. a ledge. A volunteer with Thai rescue group
Ruamkatanyu Foundation said the blaze
The body of a 62-year-old man was But Thai authorities in neighbouring In one video, an unidentified man is seen started on the first floor but spread quickly
recovered and the search for his Sa Kaeo province later said more than 50 sitting on a window ledge as smoke billows along the carpets, leaping up through the
companions was still under way, said victims had been hospitalised there, with out from behind him. multi-storey building. – AFP
Mati City police chief Ernesto Gregore.

“There was a downpour in the
mountains. They were fishing in a river
when the landslide occurred,” Gregore
said.

The weather turned bad over the
weekend as the disaster-prone nation
of 110 million people prepared for a
long Christmas holiday.

Hundreds of houses have since been
destroyed and more than 5,000ha of
crops wiped out by rains that have
forced tens of thousands of people into
evacuation centres, the national
disaster agency said.

Most fatalities have been in the
province of Misamis Occidental, also
on Mindanao, where 15 people died
from drowning or rain-induced
landslides.

The Philippines is ranked among the
most vulnerable nations to the impacts
of climate change. – AFP

7theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

US nod to possible sale of anti-tank systems to Taiwan

WASHINGTON: The US State US law requires the executive and economic pressure on Taiwan to make its forces more agile. strongest international backer and
Department has approved the branch to notify Congress of assert its sovereignty claims, “The Chinese Communist Party’s main source of arms, which angers
possible sale of Volcano anti-tank potential arms sales that are over a including almost daily Chinese air Beijing.
mine-laying systems to Taiwan for an certain amount. But these force missions near the island during frequent military activities near
estimated US$180 million (RM796 notifications are usually not made the past three years. Taiwan have posted severe military China claims self-governed
million), the Pentagon said on unless lawmakers have given the threats to us,” the ministry said, Taiwan as its own territory and vows
Wednesday. State Department and Pentagon Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said in adding that continuous US military to take the island by force, if
informal approval to move ahead. a statement that the sale would take sales are the “cornerstone of necessary. Taiwan strongly rejects
Northrop Grumman and effect in about a month and that the maintaining regional stability and Beijing’s sovereignty claim and says
Oshkosh Corporation are the prime The potential deal comes as system would help boost the island’s peace.” it will defend itself if attacked.
contractors for the potential sale. China ramps up military, diplomatic “asymmetric warfare” capacity to – Reuters
The United States is Taiwan’s

More than 100 missiles Erdogan retirement
strike Ukrainian cities age move affects
millions of Turks
o Explosions rock Kyiv, Zhytomyr and Odesa as blitz last month.
comes hard after Russia’s rejection of peace plan In a video address, Zelenskey urged ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan
eliminated a retirement age requirement on
KYIV/BAKHMUT: Air raid sirens sounded Kremlin’s rejection of a Ukrainian peace Ukrainians to hug loved ones, tell friends Wednesday in a move that allows more than
across Ukraine as Russia unleashed more plan, insisting that Kyiv accept Russia’s they appreciate them, support colleagues, two million workers to retire immediately, less
than 100 missiles yesterday morning, annexation of four regions. thank their parents and rejoice with their than six months before an election.
according to a Ukrainian presidential children more often.
adviser, and blasts were heard in several Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting The presidential announcement came
cities, including the capital Kyiv. civilians, but Ukraine says its daily “We have not lost our humanity, although during a Wednesday news conference on the
bombardment is destroying cities, towns, we have endured terrible months, and we popular policy move.
“A massive air raid. More than 100 and the country’s infrastructrure, from will not lose it although there is a difficult
missiles in several waves,” presidential office power to medical. year ahead.” Erdogan’s ruling AK Party delivered a hefty
adviser Oleksiy Arestovych wrote on hike to the minimum wage last week as part of a
Facebook, and the head of Ukraine’s On Wednesday, Russian shelling hit the Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24. Kyiv campaign to win back support eroded by
Mykolaiv region also reported Russian maternity wing of a hospital in Kherson, and its Western allies have denounced inflation, a fall in the lira, and a sharp drop in
missiles in the air. although no one was hurt, said Kyrylo Russia’s actions as an imperialist-style land living standards.
Tymoshenko, President Volodymyr grab. Russian President Vladimir Putin calls
Explosions were heard in Kyiv, Zhytomyr Zelenskey’s deputy chief of staff. Patients it a “special military operation” to The new arrangement will benefit people
and Odesa, according to a Reuters were moved to a shelter, Tymoshenko said in demilitarise its neighbour. who started working before September 1999,
correspondent and local media reports. a post on Telegram. when the law regulating retirement
Sanctions have been imposed on Russia requirements changed, and who have
Power cuts were announced in the Odesa Ukraine’s recently liberated Kherson has for the war, which has killed tens of completed 20 to 25 years of social security
and Dnipropetrovsk regions, aimed at remained under constant bombardment thousands of people, driven millions from registered working life.
minimising potential damage to the energy from Russian forces, which retreated to the their homes and left cities in ruins.
infrastructure. east bank of a river when the city was retaken Previously, the retirement age was set at 58
in a major victory for Ukraine Russian gas exports to Europe via for women and at 60 for men. It was not yet clear
The blitz came hard on the heels of the pipelines collapsed to a post-Soviet low as its how much the new system would cost, but
largest customer cut imports due to the Erdogan said 2.25 million people were eligible
Ukraine conflict and a major pipeline was to retire immediately. There are currently 13.9
damaged by mysterious blasts, Gazprom million pensioners in Turkiye.
data showed. – Reuters
Labour groups had been protesting the
minimum age requirement for several years,
asking that instead workers should just be
required to complete the mandatory number of
work days to retire. The move is seen as giving a
boost to Erdogan before a critical election due
in June.

In two decades in power, Erdogan has
overseen a crackdown on dissent and in recent
years adopted unorthodox economic policies
that helped push the lira down to one tenth of
its value against the dollar a decade ago.
– Reuters

BRIEFS S. AFRICA TANKER BLAST
DEATHS JUMP TO 27
ONE FOR THE ALBUM ... Tourists takes a picture at Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario on Wednesday. Niagara Falls only saw a small amount
of snow during the winter storm which hit the region late last week but Buffalo, only 40km away, received an epic blast of lake effect snow. JOHANNESBURG: The death toll from a gas
– AFPPIC tanker blast in Johannesburg on Christmas
Eve has climbed to 27, the provincial health
Twitter outages hit thousands of users worldwide department said yesterday. The explosion in
the city’s Boksburg suburb on Saturday tore
SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter users around the on Twitter, with users unable to see their main few hundred to several thousand. the roof off the emergency department at
world reported errors accessing the app for feed, check notifications or use other According to DownDetector’s breakdown, the Tambo Memorial hospital, destroyed
several hours, web monitors said on functions such as lists. two houses, several cars and injured
Wednesday, in one of the biggest outages the outage appeared to mainly affect people bystanders up to 500m from the scene. “Ten
since Elon Musk bought the platform. “Can anyone see this or is Twitter broken,” using Twitter on the web interface. Around who died are health workers from Tambo
tweeted one user. 10% of complaints logged by the monitor Memorial Hospital,“ the Gauteng Health
Twitter has been plagued by chaos since were from mobile app users. The cause of the Department said in a statement. Authorities
the controversial billionaire completed his “Works for me,” replied Musk. outage was not immediately clear. had earlier said 18 people died, but the
US$44 billion (RM194.5 billion) acquisition in At the peak of the outage, which appeared number was expected to rise because of the
October and quickly moved to cut costs. to be resolving as of 12pm Malaysian time Web monitor NetBlocks said the outages severe nature of the burns inflicted by the
yesterday, DownDetector clocked more than were international and “not related to blast. The truck driver, who was earlier
Thousands of employees, including 10,000 complaints in the United States, as the country-level internet disruptions or filtering”. arrested on suspicion of culpable homicide,
engineers, have since been fired or quit, hashtag #TwitterDown trended on the was released on Wednesday due to lack of
raising concerns about Twitter’s ability to platform. Twitter is one of the world’s most evidence, local media reported. – Reuters
quickly fix outages and technical problems. The number of reports logged by the influential social media platforms, used by
monitor from other countries ranged from a world leaders, media, businesses and SALVADORAN CITY MAYOR
DownDetector reported a spike in issues celebrities. – AFP HELD FOR CORRUPTION

SAN SALVADOR: Salvadoran authorities on
Wednesday arrested the mayor of
Soyapango, a city currently besieged by the
military in its war against drug gangs, the
attorney-general’s office said, with the
official accused of corruption.“In compliance
with our mission to watch over the interests
of society, an arrest warrant was executed
for the mayor of Soyapango, in an operation
coordinated with the police,“ the country’s
Attorney-General’s Office said on Twitter.
Nercy Montano is accused of embezzling
public funds, breaching her duties to the
detriment of public administration and
misappropriation of labor quotas. Since the
beginning of December, 8,500 soldiers and
1,500 police have surrounded Soyapango,
located on the outskirts of the capital San
Salvador. – AFP

8 theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022 READ OUR HERE SCAN
SPEAK UP ME
/thesundaily

Time for global awakening

COMMENT stronger ties to Beijing and Moscow. deeply concerned about a disease whose origin Thousands of
The hundreds of thousands, perhaps remains a mystery. People ask, is it linked in civilians and
by Chandra Muzaffar some way to unfolding geopolitical challenges? soldiers have
millions, of Pakistanis who have come out to perished in the
AS 2022 draws to a close, the world protest since April represent the mass When we reflect upon all that has happened Ukraine war.
bears the tragic burden of the war in expression of democratic aspirations seldom in 2022, the various happenings can be – REUTERSPIX
Ukraine. It began on Feb 24, with the seen in any society in the world. This classified into two categories.
Russian invasion of its neighbour. It outpouring of sentiment was further reinforced document went public.
has been 10 months. There is nothing to by sweeping by-election victories by Imran’s One, those that are directly linked to the war The citizens of the world were invited to join
indicate that it will end any time soon. party, the Tehreek-i-Insaf in July. Imran and his in Ukraine, and two, those that have been
party are demanding that free and fair elections overshadowed by the war and yet call for the effort to stop wars, reduce global tensions
Thousands have perished – soldiers and be held immediately to allow the people to resolution in the larger interest of humanity. and build a world committed to justice and
civilians. A huge number of people have been decide on who should rule Pakistan. There are also a couple of events that fall compassion in which the dignity of all creation
injured and maimed. Both Russian and outside the two categories. Everything is the primary goal of all human endeavour. To
Ukrainian prisoners have been subjected to While there has been some coverage of the considered, Ukraine remains at the vortex of date, 3,646 people have signed up on
torture. people’s uprising in the media, its underlying humanity’s concerns in 2022. Change.org.
significance has not been given the focus it
Accompanying the deaths and suffering is deserves for an obvious reason. The uprising The world realises why it is so urgent to bring In spite of our effort and the endeavours of
the destruction of infrastructure. A nuclear represents a direct challenge to the politics of the fighting to an end and to work out a others, peace moves have not made a dent so
facility in Ukraine has been caught in the regime change, which is one of the primary diplomatic solution to the conflict. There have far. While there are many reasons that explain
crossfire, thus enhancing the danger of a weapons in the arsenal of those who seek to run been attempts in that direction. the continuance of the Ukraine war, the
nuclear conflagration. This has been the world. absolutist position adopted by the antagonists
exacerbated by reckless threats over In the early months of the conflict, Pope appears to be a formidable obstacle.
the deployment of nuclear weapons by Let us now turn to yet another event Francis of the Catholic Church tried to mediate.
combatants. The world has not been this close involving Pakistan’s neighbour, Afghanistan. He was followed by Indonesian President Joko For the Russian president, Vladimir Putin,
to such a confrontation since the end of the When the Taliban regained power in Kabul in Widodo in his capacity as the then Chair of G20 his initial aim was to dissuade Ukraine from
Cold War in 1991. August 2021, after 20 years of US misrule, the (Group of Twenty). Widodo met with the main joining Nato, which would have brought Nato to
defeated American elite retaliated by freezing protagonists on both sides of the divide and his country’s doorstep and perhaps threatened
The Ukraine war has also been a huge boon financial assets belonging to the Afghan people pleaded for the cessation of the conflict. its security. But as the fighting became more
to arms merchants. Billions of dollars of kept in the country’s Central Bank. Worth at complicated, with massive Western and Nato
weapons have been rushed to Ukraine by the least US$7 billion (RM31 billion), the US Civil society groups have also offered ideas military assistance to Ukraine, he seems more
United States and other Nato (North Atlantic government placed this money in September on ending the war. NGOs Code Pink and determined now to emasculate his neighbour
Treaty Organisation) members. In some under the authority of a so-called independent Common Dreams have articulated their completely.
instances, they have helped to advertise new panel, over which the Taliban or the Afghan thoughts on a peace initiative.
varieties of combat tools. people have no say. Similarly, Ukraine and its backers were
Two of my friends (Richard Falk and Joseph concerned with defending Ukraine’s
The war has also had a severe impact on the In reality, it is still the US government that Camilleri) and I also launched a call to end the sovereignty, but as Ukraine began to repel the
global food supply chain, brought about largely will decide how or when the money will be war in Ukraine through a public document Russian invasion, its backers began to feel that
by the sanctions imposed upon Russia by the unfrozen and for what purpose it would be entitled “To all who care about humanity’s and they would be able to confront and defeat
US and some of its allies as a way of punishing used. This is a travesty of justice. Even United the planet’s future”. The document not only the Russian armed forces, and seize the
the former. However, the actual victims of Nations officials in Kabul have criticised the discusses the perilous situation the world is in opportunity to destroy Russia’s military might
these sanctions are the poor in countries of the move. They feel that part of the money should but also analyses the underlying causes of once and for all.
global south. be used to feed millions of Afghanis who are global friction and tension. It suggests solutions
suffering from hunger and malnutrition. It is to both the Ukraine war and the conflict over The extreme positions adopted by both sides
The Ukraine war has also aggravated global highly immoral to manipulate money Taiwan, and proposes concrete steps that can are unrealistic and dangerous. Ukraine is not
inflationary trends – already evident before the belonging to the Afghan people in order to be taken to create a world that is not burdened going to disappear from the map, and neither is
war. Global inflation is affecting millions of avenge one’s defeat and fulfil a larger by hegemonic politics, a world distinguished by it possible to crush the Russian nation. A
people. Economies are stagnating because hegemonic agenda in the region. just and equitable relations between nations prolonged war will only increase the suffering of
investment flows are slowing down, yet another and communities. both Ukrainians and Russians, and other
consequence of the war. This affects the This brings us to the third event that should Europeans.
generation of jobs and employment patterns, be high on our radar. The mass hunger and Towards this end, it advocates the reversal of
even in countries far from the war zone. suffering in parts of East Africa, a region the militarisation of the international system With winter setting in and the energy crisis
that covers Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and and espouses far-reaching reforms of looming large on the horizon, the toll upon lives
The war’s impact upon both long-standing South Sudan. UK independent charitable international institutions. The document and lifestyles can become unbearable. This is
and more recent political crises has also been organisation Oxfam estimates that one person recognises that there has to be “a massive global the time for both sides to concede and
telling. Kashmir is still under occupation, and is likely to die every 36 seconds in that region awakening of human wisdom and energy”. compromise. They should move away from
yet it is receiving less attention from the media partly because of acute hunger and extreme hard-line positions and work towards a
because of another war more closely linked to poverty. Across East Africa, six million children Richard, Joe and I then invited a number of negotiated settlement.
powerful global actors. suffer from malnutrition. individuals to endorse the document on Aug 27.
Forty-four of them, comprising some of the The world, especially civil society groups,
Likewise, Palestine erupts every other day The underlying causes for the plight of the world’s leading civil society personalities, should convey this message to all parties
because of harsh Israeli aggression but the people are varied. Drought linked to climate public intellectuals and activists, responded involved. There is no way that anyone can score
world is preoccupied with Ukraine, mainly change, local-level conflicts and escalating food positively. With their endorsement, the a decisive victory in this conflict. This is why it is
because it is the present epicentre of the prices brought about by a number of reasons, better to sue for peace now.
struggle for global hegemony. Then there is one of them being the war in Ukraine. The war
Somalia, Eritrea and Peru, among other also explains to an extent why humanitarian Dr Chandra Muzaffar is the president of the
conflicts. Each is significant in its own way. But funding for the region is far below the target. International Movement for a
they have been pushed to the margins by the There is a gap of more than US$3 billion. Just World (JUST), Malaysia.
tragedy in Ukraine.
There have been other important Comments: [email protected]
I shall end this section of my analysis by happenings which have been given emphasis
highlighting three other major events, each of they deserve by the media. For example, the
which should have received more attention. climate crisis. Freezing winter storms in the US
this month have come as a shock to many. The
The first is the popular uprising in Pakistan media should have also given as much
following the ouster of Prime Minister Imran attention to yet another climate change disaster
Khan in April by a segment of the military core, – the massive flooding in Pakistan from June to
working hand in glove with political leaders, October that resulted in one-third of the
backed to the hilt by specific elites in country being submerged in water.
Washington.
The media continues to accord appropriate
The Pakistani people know that this was a attention to the Covid-19 pandemic. Though its
blatant regime change operation because overall impact is much less in 2022, many
Imran was more inclined towards pursuing an people in the global north and south remain
independent foreign policy for his country, with

Exercise safely and stay active

LETTERS slush to carry out the search. More than a taken by surprise. peak of Kledang Hill. Unfortunately, another
hundred personnel, supported by several As an experienced swimmer, I survived a few regular hill walker whom I used to have coffee
[email protected] excavators, were deployed to assist. These with revealed the downside of hillwalking.
unsung heroes had only one mission in mind,“to close shaves but one of my friends was not so
ON Dec 24, the body of the last Batang Kali find the last victim”. It was an extremely tough fortunate. The strong current swept him away He regrets having done it, and it was too late
landslide victim of an 11-year-old boy was finally mission, but they persevered. swiftly. His body was found a day later, 48km before he realised its impact. The cartilages in his
found, thus ending the nine-day search and away from the spot we were swimming. It was a knees have been severely damaged through
rescue (SAR) operations. The disaster claimed 31 Natural calamities occur from time-to-time. heart-wrenching incident. vigorous hillwalking. He was in pain even while
lives while 61 campers were found safe. The Therefore, we need to be vigilant especially he was sitting and chatting with me, despite
efforts of the courageous rescue team and during the monsoon and wet seasons. We Hillwalking is exciting but also risky. The being on medication.
canines in carrying out the SAR operations should avoid travelling to riversides or hilly areas Kledang Hill in Ipoh is a wonderful place for
impressed many, who were able to view some of as they are prone to floods and landslides. morning and evening walks. During the I have benefitted from exercising regularly,
the video clips on social media. weekends, this hill is filled with young and and I urge youngsters to start exercising while
I used to swim in the Kinta river while I elderly people wanting to flex their muscles. they are young. They do not need to drive to a
The SAR team and tracker dogs had to wade was growing up. Occasionally, there would However, they have to be cautious as landslides gym or hillside to exercise.
in the rain through tough terrain, thick mud and be sudden gushes of water that would sweep can happen with the rainy season.
through even in good weather, and Patrick Teh
many downstream swimmers would be Hillwalking is a strenuous exercise and many Ipoh
of my friends are proud when they reach the

ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022

We share new year messages from our readers
looking forward to fresh beginnings >>> Page S4S5

S2 Buzz

theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022

Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. – IMDB/PARAMOUNT PICTURES Steve Carell and Pierre Coffin in Minions. – IMDB/UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

█ BY MARIETTA MU o The top 10 grossing movies for 2022 captivated audiences with their 8. Thor: Love and Thunder
(RM3.37B)
AS we inch towards an After a series of ‘will they, won’t they’
endemic world, 2022 was compelling stories, beloved characters, and stunning special effects regarding Love and Thunder being
the year of films finally released in Malaysia, the film didn’t
getting released. Many of make it to our theatres in the end,
these films were ideated right before the list, the movie received mainly along with several countries in the
the pandemic and experienced a negative reviews from critics as the Middle East due to certain elements
number of filming and production finale of the latest trilogy. However, but still made it to the top 10 list
challenges during the ongoing Covid- the general public has worldwide. In line with its diversity
19 pandemic. Although it was a long overwhelmingly disagreed with that and inclusion plans, Love and
wait with delayed production sentiment, clearly from how much it Thunder was dubbed “the gayest
schedules, it certainly was a made. Jurassic World Dominion sold movie ever” in the MCU, and
worthwhile one. itself on a combination of nostalgia audiences clearly loved director Taika
and finality, with the returns of Waititi’s campy and hilarious second
With blockbuster franchises, original trio Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Thor effort. This is also not the end of
animated hits, and live-action and Jeff Goldblum. In spite of that, Thor, as Marvel added that “Thor will
adaptations of popular stories, a props should be given to the CGI and return” at the end of the film.
common denominator for these VFX for bringing old and up-to-date
movies was that they certainly dinosaurs alive on screen, which 9. Water Gate Bridge (RM2.77B)
captivated audiences with their must’ve wowed audience. The Battle at Lake Changjin II, also
compelling stories, beloved known as Water Gate Bridge, is a 2022
characters, and stunning special 3. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Chinese war film and the sequel to
effects. Here are the top 10 grossing of Madness (RM4.23B) The Battle at Lake Changjin that was
movies for 2022’s Worldwide Box It wouldn’t be a top grossing list Robert Pattinson in The Batman. – IMDB/WARNER BROS. PICTURES released in 2021. It was directed and
Office. without a couple Marvel movie, and produced by Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark,
1. Top Gun: Maverick (RM6.58B) Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of squeeze from this premise. The film Wakanda as they mourn the death of and Dante Lam and stars Wu Jing,
At RM6.58 billion at the worldwide Madness sits at number 3 on the list. received generally positive reviews King T’Challa. As the final film in Jackson Yee, and Duan Yihong. The
box office, Top Gun: Maverick tops For Phase Four of the Marvel and was deemed an improvement Phase Four of the MCU, the film film commemorates the 100th
the charts for the top grossing movies Cinematic Universe, Benedict over its predecessor by some critics, received praise from critics for its anniversary of the Chinese
of 2022. From the amount of money Cumberbatch donned his cape and with praise earned for its musical action sequences, direction, and Communist Party and is based on the
they made, it was clearly a massive returned as Doctor Strange in a sequel numbers, entertainment value for performances from Letitia Wright as historical fighting at Funchilin Pass
hit, both critically and commercially. that lived up to expectations at the box families, humour, and aesthetic, Shuri / Black Panther, Danai Gurira as during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir
In Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise office. Sam Raimi’s blend of horror although its plot was criticised.The
returned to the role of Maverick 36 and action plunged the MCU further film was dedicated in memory of
years after the first movie in 1986. into a multiverse, and featured a new animator Madeline Montero, who
With old and new cast members, fans hero, with Xochitl Gomez playing died during production of the film.
flocked the theatres for the action America Chavez, the first
adventure movie to see how Maverick Latin-American character as 5. Avatar: The Way of Water
pushes the limits of both himself and the MCU films slowly inch (RM3.93B)
his fighter jets, while inspiring a new toward becoming more James Cameron’s long-awaited epic is
generation of aviators. inclusive. a follow-up to 2009’s Avatar. Recently
2. Jurassic World: released in early December, it has
Dominion (RM4.43B) 4. Minions: The Rise of climbed up all the way to number 5 on
Although the sixth Gru (RM4.15B) the list. It has received generally
instalment of the
Jurassic World
franchise is
second on

The spin-off prequel positive reviews from critics, with
to 2015’s Minions praise going to the technical
and the fifth entry achievements, direction, visual
in the Despicable effects, and performances. The film
Me franchise also received numerous other
proved there accolades, including nominations for
was still Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Sigourney Weaver in Avatar: The Way of Water. – IMDB/20TH CENTURY STUDIOS
m o r e Director at the 80th Golden Globe
j u i c e Awards. Okoye, Tenoch Huerta Mejía as in the Korean War. Released on
left to Namor, and Angela Bassett as Chinese New Year this year, the film
6. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Ramonda. made most of its profit back in its
(RM3.54B) homeland China. The film was
Chris Ryan Coogler returned to direct the 7. The Batman (RM3.41B) released in less than 10 countries and
Hemsworth in sequel to Black Panther after the A reboot of the long-running film still made it onto the top 10 grossing
Thor: Love and passing of original star Chadwick franchise, The Batman stars Robert list.
Boseman. Despite having to rewrite Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman 10. Moon Man (RM2.04B)
Thunder. – the script, the team pulled off an alongside Zoë Kravitz as Catwoman. This Chinese science fiction comedy
IMDB/MARVEL impressive feat for the Marvel sequel The project was initially dropped

STUDIOS

and made it a tribute to the people of when Ben Affleck was cast as Batman also managed to bag a spot on the top
in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) 10 list with at its domestic Chinese
in 2013, but after director Matt Reeves box office on its own. Co-written and
took over and reworked the story with directed by Zhang Chiyu, the film
Peter Craig, they removed the DCEU stars Shen Teng and Ma Li and is an
Chris Pratt connections and made a noir-driven, adaptation of South Korean illustrator
and detective version of Batman which Cho Seok’s webcomic series Moon
DeWanda focuses on the superhero’s detective You. It tells the story of the last human
Wise in skills. in the universe, after an astronaut
After two delays to its original finds himself stranded on the moon
Jurassic release date due to the pandemic, The after an asteroid destroys all life on
World: Batman finally premiered this year to Earth. Little did he know, there were
Dominion. – become a commercial success. The some survivors on earth that was
IMDB/UNIV Batman is intended to launch a watching his every move in a live cast.
ERSAL Batman shared universe, with two According to Zhang, the one-man
STUDIOS sequels planned and two spin-off space fantasia is about exploring the

television series in development for desperation and dilemmas of a
HBO Max. person.

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN Buzz S3
ME
/thesundaily theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
(left) Shakira
and Gerard
Pique
announced
their
separation in
June this
year. –
MARCA

(right) The
separation
between
Harry Styles
and Olivia
Wilde was
one of the
most startling
events of the
year. – AFP

█ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL oHereisalist ofcelebritieswhotiedtheknot–
and those who called it quits – throughout 2022
THIS year, we have witnessed
numerous breakups as well as
weddings. Even as I was
halfway through my search,
the list kept getting longer and longer.

Despite Kim Kardashian and
Kanye West’s difficult divorce taking
up most of the spotlight among the
breakups this year, we saw some splits
we never expected. There were also a
lot of fresh pairings to celebrate.

GOODBYE ...
First, let’s take a look at the fraught
breakups that happened during this
year:

Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde Leonardo DiCaprio and Camila Morrone. – INSTAGRAM
The whirlwind romance and split of
this year goes to Harry Styles and relationship private as they never Shakira and Gerard Piqué Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz. – INSTAGRAM
Olivia Wilde. Sources told Page Six walked the red carpet together, Shakira and her longtime partner,
that despite their breakup, there is “no although they did sit in the front row Spanish football player Gerard Piqué, romance after a 20-year break, got couple tied the knot in Palm Beach,
bad blood” between the Watermelon at the 2020 Academy Awards. ended their relationship in June 2022 married in Las Vegas. Florida, at her family’s £103 million
Sugar singer and Don’t Worry Darling due to what is reportedly (RM548 million) mansion.
director. After almost two years of The Don’t Look Up actor and the “irreconcilable differences”. Shakira According to information
dating, People reported that Harry model were first linked in December and Gerard Piqué announced their circulating on Instagram and picked Brooklyn then thrilled fans by
and Olivia are “taking a break”, with a 2017, when DiCaprio was spotted separation in a joint statement at the up by the media, Affleck and JLo sharing a never-before-seen photo of
source explaining: “He’s still touring leaving Morrone’s home. beginning of June, stating: “We regret resumed their relationship, got his wife Nicola on their wedding day
and is now going abroad. She is Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey to confirm that we are separating. We engaged, and got married in less than along with the caption: “6 months
focusing on her kids and her work in Actor Michael B. Jordan and Lori ask for privacy at this moment for the a year. with my best friend x wouldn’t
Los Angeles. It’s a very amicable Harvey have gone their separate ways well-being of our children, who are Britney Spears & Sam Asghari choose anyone else to live life with xx
decision.” after a year and a half of dating. A our maximum priority. Thank you in Embattled pop star Britney Spears love you forever, you are the absolute
Leonardo DiCaprio and Camila source close to the model and advance for your understanding and confirmed her engagement to Sam love of my life xx (sic).”
Morrone influencer told People that Harvey respect.” Asghari, her long-term beau earlier Kourtney Kardashian & Travis
According to People magazine “wasn’t ready to commit”, which is Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet / Eiza this year. The couple, who met in Barker
sources, Leonardo DiCaprio and what led to their breakup. “She is very González October 2016, became engaged in Kourtney Kardashian and Blink-182
Camila Morrone have broken up after focused on her career,” the source In January 2022, Jason Momoa and September 2021, and broke the news musician Travis Barker had not one,
more than four years of dating. It added. Lisa Bonet delivered the bombshell with a humorous Instagram picture in not two, but three weddings, making
broke news of the split on Aug 30, only news of their separation, saying in a which Britney displayed her it difficult to pinpoint exactly when
two months after Morrone’s 25th Fans also observed that Harvey joint statement: “We have all felt the engagement ring. US magazine they first tied the knot.
birthday, with details from unnamed appeared to have erased all images of squeeze and changes of these verified that the couple hitched the
sources who did not disclose the Jordan from her Instagram account, transformational times … feeling and knot in California on June 9, less than Their first wedding was an
reason for their separation. and that they have since unfollowed growing from the seismic shifts a year after their engagement took unofficial ceremony held in Las Vegas
each other. occurring. And so we share our family place. in April. In May of 2022, the
Despite the fascination of the news, that we are parting ways in Brooklyn Beckham & Nicola Peltz ceremonial event was held in Santa
public, DiCaprio and Morrone went marriage.” The extravagant wedding of Brooklyn Barbara, California. The couple’s
to great lengths to keep their Beckham and Nicola Peltz earlier this third and final wedding was a
Later, Momoa and his rumored year was only published in Vogue. The grandiose affair held at the L’Olivetta
girlfriend Eiza González apparently home of Dolce & Gabbana in
ended their four-month relationship. Portofino, Italy.
The Aquaman actor reportedly began
seeing the Baby Driver star in
February, one month after Momoa
announced his separation from
estranged wife Lisa Bonet.

... AND CONGRATULATIONS
After a couple of quiet years for
weddings, a number of top celebrities
chose to take the plunge this year.

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker. – INSTAGRAM Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez
News outlets confirmed on July 17
that lovebirds Jennifer Lopez and Ben
Affleck, who rekindled their earlier

S4 Buzz

theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022

Saseekala
Elangovan
and her
family. –
SASEEKALA
ELANGOVAN

█ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN o Let the old year end and the New Year begin
with the warmest of aspirations
WHETHER you’re ready or not, 2023 is
just around the corner, and with it, the
moment for everyone to start fresh.
You will probably want to convey New
Year’s wishes in a meaningful way to the people in
your life as you look back on everything that 2022
held and ahead to your goals for the New Year.

Prior to the New Year dawning on Sunday,
BUZZ requested readers to send in their thoughts
and best wishes for the 12 months ahead.

Anushri Saravanan, 15, Selangor
“And with that, the year 2022 has come to a close.
Love what you are doing at the moment. Spend
quality time with your family and friends, go on a
trip to a destination you enjoy, and carry out jobs
or things that are worth your time and feelings. You
will not get the time or moment back if you
continue to put off doing things that are important
to you. Second, be grateful for what you have.
Being thankful for the things we have or the people
we love makes us feel happier, gives us more
energy, and enables us to recognise the good
things that happen in our lives. Lastly, accept your
mistakes. Of course, everyone makes mistakes but
pick yourselves up and go on. Never give up trying
to achieve your aspirations. May 2023 be filled with
luck, happiness, and wealth! Happy New Year
everyone.”

Ariana Ng, 23, Selangor Have a great new year! – 123RF learnt, and the values developed this year. Zahirah with her family during her graduation. –
“In 2023, I wish to see a positive change in our Selvakumaran, Selangor “This year showed that it is possible to some very wonderful individuals for whom I
country, to see a brighter glimmer of hope in “Life is about appreciation, fresh goals, and thankful. Graduating and landing my first full-t
everyone’s eyes, to listen to the birds sing, and to aspirations. May the sun rise once more as one experience both ups and downs, from landing a job this year was also an exciting experience
feel a wave of quiet calm. I wish for a clearer year comes to a close, illuminating upcoming steady job to losing someone I loved. The 2023, I hope to welcome even more new
direction in what I want in life and for more time chances, views, and adventures. Happy New Year upcoming year should be a wonderful journey positive energy. Manifesting nothing but g
for my family, friends, and myself. Most of all, I to my wonderful girls and my dear wife. I am filled with many happy memories. Keep it wild, health, new opportunities, financial freedom an
wish for happiness. Happy New Year everyone.” incredibly proud of each and every one of you and folks. Happy New Year!” happy heart!”
Saseekala Elangovan, 36, Selangor what you have accomplished over the past year. Izzudin, 24, KL Aida Isma, 25, KL
“Every new year starts out with a bang and with I’m really blessed to have such a wonderful family. “It seems surreal that 2022 will come to an end. “As the new year approaches, we pause to re
intentions for happiness and success. I pray for the I wish for the happiness and health of everyone This year has been a roller coaster ride for me, on the past and plan for the future. We wish
happiness and health of the people in my life, both reading this, including my family. Cheers to filled with whirlwind of emotions. Above all, I health, happiness, and success in all y
now and forever. I wish you a very happy and happiness!” would like to thank the Almighty for all of His endeavours in the next year. May you be rewar
blessed new year filled with fresh possibilities and Gloria, 30, Selangor blessings throughout the year. My family, friends, with good fortune, success, and the chance
new hope. I hope this year proves to be the greatest “Phew! Another year is gone and a new one is and the people around me, you are the reason that realise your aspirations.
among many, and is successful for my family and about to begin. This year has been a new chapter in I am still breathing. As for 2023, this is the year
friends. my life and I am so glad to have met new faces and where I wish for nothing but a peace of mind, long- “We wish you a joyful and healthy new
go through so many new experiences. Huge lasting health and ignite with fulfilling and exciting filled with love, laughter, and all of life’s pleasu
“On January 1, we go room by room through shoutout to my Mum, Dad, Aud, Wald, Jo, Iso, Oa, opportunities. Whatever this year brings, be it May you be surrounded by the love and suppo
our life, making a list of the tasks that need to be Liam, Uncle Andrew, Ann Nee and all my sunny happiness or despair, let’s rock it together. Happy your family and friends, and may you find
completed and the gaps that need to be filled. colleagues. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, New Year!” fortitude and bravery to face any obstacles
Perhaps this year, in order to balance the list, we Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai!” Jaayne, 22, Selangor come your way. Here’s to a bright and beau
should explore each space in our life, searching for Theivi Navina, 25, Selangor “To say ‘new year, new me’ would be overstated, new year!”
opportunities rather than flaws. Happy New Year! “With the tragedy of Covid and the ensuing pain but the key focus would be to reflect on 2022 and Chloe Chong, 25, Selangor
Best wishes for peace and prosperity in 2023.” that carried across two years, 2022 has been a roller effectively set boundaries and goals. To say the “My resolution for 2023 is to be happy
Zahirah, 26, Sarawak coaster for everyone. I’m grateful for everyone who least, it’s been a wild ride; I’ve been through hell healthier. In terms of my physical health, 2022
“Happy New Year to my family, loved ones and stayed, for the memories created, the lessons and back, had some wonderful memories, and met been a rather bad year for me. This yea
friends! There is nothing more important than you experienced my worst illness. I thus wish I coul
guys. I appreciate you being here for me. Please
know that I am here for you at all times. I wish you
guys all the best in the New Year. I’m hoping for
amazing possibilities and experiences for you guys
in the upcoming year. Happy New Year 2023! May
your new year filled with new adventures,
accomplishments, and learnings!”

(left) Aida is Buzz S5
thankful she
can always theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
rely on her
friends. – Anushri learned a great deal about other people, the
AIDA ISMA world and herself. – ANUSHRI SARAVANAN
(right)
Selvakumaran
is happiest
when he’s
with his
family. –
SELVAKUMAR
AN

Ariana has made 2023 all about focusing on Chloe aims to make
herself. – ARIANA NG. herself happier in 2023.
– CHLOE CHONG

– ZAHIRAH (above) Jaayne
is replacing
I am healthy in 2023. Will attempt to work out more and negative
time eat healthier. In addition, I’d like to be happier. I thoughts with
e. In want to discover new things, try them out, get out positive self-
and of unhealthy situations, and/or learn how to create talk. – JAAYNE
good boundaries. I’m hoping for the best in the coming Izzudin (left)
and a year! Happy New Year everyone!” says practicing
gratitude is a
great way to
appreciate the
small things in
life. –
IZZUDDIN

eflect (right) Gloria
you is thankful
your for all the
rded good souls
she met this
ce to year. –
year GLORIA
ures.
ort of
d the
that
utiful

and Despite losing her loved one, she never stopped appreciating life. – THEIVI NAVINA
2 has
ar, I
ld be

ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2022

Brand► Contributing Editor: KESHY DHILLON / [email protected] ► Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 / +6012-580 3470 ► To advertise email: [email protected]
power
Is the Veloz worth the extra cost?

High-quality material and tech-filled █ CHIPS YAP Toyota loyalists.
cockpit give a premium image. THE FACT that the Toyota Veloz is The Veloz is also assembled at
the same vehicle as the latest
Perodua Alza but costs more the same factory as the Alza so
raises the question of why anyone quality-wise, one could say both
would choose the Toyota when models should be at similar levels.
they have to pay more.
An interesting point which not
The simple answer is that there many may know is that when
are car-buyers who are loyal to a Perodua began assembling the
brand, have had long and Toyota Avanza for UMW Toyota
satisfying experience with it, and Motor many years ago, they were
like to continue using its products. required to upgrade their quality
And from the sales numbers levels (especially the paintshop) to
reported, there are certainly many Toyota’s high standards.

Panoramic 3D monitor While the two vehicles are the
makes parking easier. same, there are details which
differ and in the case of the Veloz,
the additional money also gets
you a more premium level of
equipment and features.

This basically differentiates the
Toyota and Perodua products,
with one positioned as entry-level
and the other more as a premium
model.

Looks-wise, the exterior
appearance has the modern and
bold design language which
makes the Avanza look dated.

The expressive look is typical of
the latest Toyotas, which is a
significant change that lifts the
brand from its sometimes
conservative image.

The LED headlights with
Daytime Running Lights have

Expressive styling typical
of today’s Toyotas.

7

DECEMBER 30, 2022

Three rows can seat seven
adults comfortably.

Front-wheel drive helps improve cabin space.

integrated sequential turn signals seven persons can be Standard features like push- Variable cargo space.
in the units. The sequential signals accommodated and they can all start ignition, automatic air- Digi-graphic display can be customised.
are a first in this class as they are be adults. The two seats in the conditioning, wireless charging,
usually found in more expensive third row have good legroom and ambient lighting, keyless entry
models, so that’s a premium touch ceiling height so they do not have and even an electronic parking
to the Veloz. to be suitable only for children. brake places the Veloz right in the
21st century in terms of tech
For convenience and safer Access to the third row is easy features.
motoring, the headlamps will and even with the high ground
adjust their level automatically clearance, the step up onto the The new powertrain retains the
according to the load on board. cabin floor is not great. The 1.5-litre displacement and with
This will ensure that they do not second row seats fold forward 106ps/138Nm, there’s decent
point too high and dazzle easily and can slide a bit as well to performance even with a full load
oncoming drivers when there is a allow for a comfortable gap. on board. Though it now uses a
heavy load at the back. CVT, the transition through the
The versatility of the cabin “gears” is a bit like a conventional
Additionally, there is also the means that it’s ideal for a growing automatic, thanks to the addition
Adaptive Driving Beam function family as well as for those who of a gear drive. So under hard
which will detect oncoming have active lifestyles and carry lots acceleration, the power delivery is
vehicles and automatically adjust of gear. smooth rather than feeling like
the distribution of light so that there is “slip”.
there is no strong glare shining at Like most MPVs though, when
the drivers. all seats are in use, then the The use of the DNGA platform
available cargo space is narrow and monocoque gives the Veloz a
Dimensionally, the Veloz is a but depending on the number of driving dynamics that is closer to a
larger MPV than the Avanza which people, the seats on the second passenger car. The suspension still
it replaces. Having been and third rows can be folded to feels a bit on the firm side but this
developed primarily in Indonesia, enlarge the space. could be due to the engineers
the ground clearance has been anticipating that heavy loads will
given more attention due to floods Malaysians don’t usually carry more often be on board.
and rough roads being common stuff on the roof but Toyota has
conditions. provided roof rails and the load on So, should you pay RM95,000 –
the roof is rated for up to 75kg. So,
The same conditions apply in if there is really a need for extra an extra of almost RM20,000 – for
Malaysia and other Asean space, there is still the roof.
countries too, so generous ground a Veloz instead of an Alza?
clearance of 205mm will be useful. Where the Avanza used to be a As mentioned earlier, there are
low-cost product and looked the
With the bigger body part, the Veloz cabin has the same some people who will want a
dimensions, there’s more space in sort of high-tech appearance as Toyota, no matter what, and
the cabin and certainly, it is better other Toyota models. accept that they have to pay more.
than the Avanza. Having front-
wheel drive now also helps The cockpit has a 7-inch digi- There’s also the after sales
because it allows the floor to be graphic display which can be support, which Toyota has proven
flatter, especially towards the back. customised, and there’s a larger 9- to excel in. This too is an
inch panel in the middle for the important aspect to consider as it
With three rows of seats, up to infotainment system. will affect your ownership
experience.

The Veloz is larger than the
Avanza which it replaces.

8 Don’t overlook brake
fluid when servicing
DECEMBER 30, 2022
THERE are different fluids flowing around in a car,
Electrifying the desert each having a function that is important. But one fluid
WHEN the Audi RS Q e-tron Audi aiming for podium result in 2023 Dakar Rally which is usually overlooked is the brake fluid.
started the 2022 Dakar Rally,
there were many unknowns especially to the electric drive, energy bad day can mean lost opportunities. Brake fluid, as its name indicates, is used in the
for the Audi Sport team. converter and high-voltage battery, the “The details in the cockpit, our set-up functioning of the brake system. Like any fluid poured
Audi Sport is no stranger to tough off- team is aiming for a podium result in the into the engine, it is at its best when new.
road racing – having been successful in 2023 Dakar Rally which starts this plans, the instructions, practicing the tire
the World Rally Championship in the weekend in Saudi Arabia. changes, the search for the optimum: we However, its properties and quality will change
1980s with its Quattro – but the car for the really went about our work thoroughly,” over time. Part of the reason is that brake fluid is
Dakar Rally was something entirely new. It The route of nearly 5,000km through said Mattias Ekstrom, who finished hygroscopic and that means it absorbs water.
ran primarily on electricity, something the desert kingdom will have wider highest among the Audi drivers at ninth
they had not done before in off-road coverage, with 14 stages after the place last time out. As the amount of water in the brake fluid increases,
competition. prologue. it affects performance, in particular the boiling point
“Detailed decisions on the choice of which will become lower.
Though the team did not win on that With distance of 350 to 500km each, the springs, for example, we make depending
first attempt, it claimed 4 stage victories stages between the Red Sea and the on the route, whether we’re more likely to The boiling point varies, depending on the
but more importantly, the experience Persian Gulf are longer and more difficult drive on stony ground or in sand.” designation of the fluid which is usually based on the
helped the engineers improve the than before. standards established by the US Department of
prototype rally car in many areas. For three-time Dakar winner Carlos Transportation (DOT).
During extended tests and a rally in Sainz, the focus is on the team’s noticeable
“We learned a lot at rallies and tests in October, the second generation of the RS development in a very short time. There are 6 designations (DOT 1 to DOT 5.1), with
our first year and implemented everything Q e-tron demonstrated reliability and the one having the bigger number able to perform in
consistently – technically, logistically and performance. “You can’t compare the current more extreme conditions where operating
organisationally. The close cooperation situation with that of the 2022 Dakar Rally. temperatures are higher.
between Audi Sport, drivers, co-drivers Besides testing the cars extensively, the The experience with the new car helps a
and Team Q Motorsport is paying off and drivers and co-drivers also received lot, so our goals are also changing. Which type is used for your car will be mentioned
running very smoothly,” said Uwe training in the use of technology so that in the Owner’s Manual and it would be recommended
Breuling, head of vehicle operations. they can help themselves in the event of “Before, we were cautious, and now we based on the anticipated usage conditions. If you are
damage during the stages. hope we can race for the top. The biggest uncertain, you can consult the service centre which
With the changes and improvements, challenge remains the Dakar itself. Every should have the information or ask a reputable brake
With 15 days of competition, just one day holds surprises,” he said. fluid manufacturer.

Audi RQ Q e-tron. Like engine oil, brake fluid doesn’t last forever and
needs to be replaced. The intervals will be mentioned
Charging from Singapore to Thailand in the Owner’s Manual but if you have an old car and
no manual to refer to, it is recommended that you
ANYONE wanting to drive from Singapore station in Malaysia was opened in Tangkak change the fluid every 50,000km. However, you might
to Bangkok can do so on nice highways earlier this year and since then, five more also top up as the level drops as the brake pads wear
through Malaysia and Thailand. have been opened within 200km of each out.
other along the N-S Expressway.
Like other highways around the world, SHORTS
there are many petrol stations all along the Besides the station at Tangkak (south
way so refuelling is not a concern. bound), the others are at Pagoh (north Bertone to produce own hypercar
Bound), Simpang Pulai (north bound), Tapah
The situation is a bit different for those (south bound), Seremban (north and south THE mention of Bertone brings to mind the exotic
with electric vehicles (EVs) as they need Bound). supercars of the 1960s and 1970s, the most notable
electricity rather than liquid fuel. being the various Lamborghini models. Although
All the recharging stations have high- Nuccio Bertone passed away in 1997, the greatness of
It is only in the past couple of years that performance chargers which come with two the company as an automotive design studio has lived
EV sales started and the need for recharging CCS Type 2 charging connectors, allowing a on.
stations has taken on urgency. single vehicle to be charged at up to 180kW,
or two vehicles to charge simultaneously at On the 110th anniversary of its founding, it has
Unless there is a comprehensive network up to 90 kW each. unveiled the first in a series of limited edition
of stations around the country, EV owners hypercars that will be sold under its own name. This is
will be unable to travel far and this will The charging stations on the N-S the GB110, which starts a new era for Bertone under
discourage buying such vehicles. Expressway are complemented by 21 its current owners – Mauro and Jean-Franck Ricci –
locations in Singapore (of which 3 have who acquired the Bertone brand in 2020.
The private sector has been giving its HPC), and 11 in Thailand (all HPC).
support to the government’s call to One interesting fact about the GB110 is it will be
establish this network and Shell Malaysia It will take a long time before motorists the first hypercar to use fuel made from plastic waste.
has collaborated with Porsche Asia Pacific to in Asia can drive EVs around the continent Bertone is partnering with Select Fuel, a company
set up stations not just in Malaysia but also the way European motorists drive around which has developed a patented technology to
in Singapore and Thailand. their continent now. convert polycarbonate materials into renewable fuel.

The network is along the North-South But the start has been made with this The powertrain will have an output of 1,100bhp
Expressway in Malaysia and then highways initiative by Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell to and 1,100Nm with the engine’s redline at 8,400rpm.
in Thailand, the longest cross-country high- provide the charging stations over 2,200km
performance charging (HPC) infrastructure of highway from the southern tip of A 7-speed gearbox will be used and power will
EV network in Southeast Asia. Peninsular Malaysia up to Bangkok. flow to all four wheels. The targeted 0 to 100kph time
is 2.79 seconds with a maximum speed expected to
The first High Performance Charging be over 380kph

Electric vehicle charging station. No price has been indicated but only 33 people in
the world will be able to own one.

Truly one-of-a-kind Bugatti
to be auctioned

EACH time Bugatti announces a new model, it is sold
out almost immediately. And because only a very
small number will be made, it is already a collector’s
item. The Centodieci, for example, was so sought after
by customers that all 10 units were booked even
before being officially revealed.

With the Chiron Profilee, however, it is a different
matter: Bugatti has announced it and shown it but is
not taking any bookings for the single unit built.

This will be a truly one-of-a-kind model which will
be put on auction by RM Sotheby’s on Feb 1, 2023,
with a percentage of the proceeds going to benefit
charitable causes.

It’s rare for manufacturers to spend the time and
effort to bring a car to full production specification
when they know only one can ever be produced.

But the Profilee has been fully developed, tested
and has passed each of the high-quality standards
that Bugatti applies to all of its cars, allowing it to
acquire a single Type Approval for Europe.

The Profilee can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 2.3
seconds and up to 200kph in 5.5 seconds, with a top
speed is 380kph.

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. FRIDAY
DECEMBER 30, 2022
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Email: [email protected]
Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888
29/12/2022 Fax: 03-7784 4424

Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected]

% RM m RM m RM m

48.8 Institutions 764.8 723.2 41.6

29.7 Retail 437.3 469.1 -31.8

21.4 Foreign 321.7 331.5 -9.8 17.73 157.77 13.70 44.05 13.04 66.30
STI HANG SENG SCI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
100.0 1523.8 1523.8 0 11.52 3,249.24 246.83 14,085.02 2,236.40
KLCI 19,741.14 3,073.70 NIKKEI 7,020.10
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,491.63 26,093.67
Source: Bursa Malaysia

KL MARKET SUMMARY Mark of authenticity for
December 29, 2022

INDICES 10,681.20 CHANGE +62.30 Taichung mandarin orange
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,491.63 +11.52
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 583.07 +0.69
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 181.23 +0.33
CONSTRUCTION 151.57 -0.63
FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,536.71 +167.67
ENERGY 774.31 -9.30
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 588.75 +1.36 o Taiwanese city’s govt
HEALTH CARE 1,748.10 +8.11 introduces premium
TRANSPORTATION 849.82 +2.32 agricultural products
PROPERTY 645.36 +0.62 anti-counterfeit label
PLANTATION 7,047.92 +47.70
FBMSHA 10,884.40 +34.02
FBMACE 5,346.21 +58.51
TECHNOLOGY 63.55 +0.14

TURNOVER VALUE KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwan’s Taichung City
2.429 BIL RM1.523 BIL government has introduced a “Taichung
Premium Agricultural Products” anti-
5 MOST ACTIVES counterfeit label to help consumers identify
December 29, 2022 authentic Taichung ponkan (mandarin
orange) in the Malaysian market.
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) From left: Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Malaysia economic division secretary Chang Kai
TOPGLOV 78,040,700 91.0 +1.5 The city government said there had been Ting, Taiwan Trade Center Kuala Lumpur director Eva Peng, Fu, Taiwan Chamber of Commerce
HSI-CJ5 73,012,700 13.0 4.0 cases of counterfeit Taichung ponkan gift & Industry in Malaysia president Eric Tu Shu Yao, Shihkang District Farmers’ Association of
EAH 63,285,000 1.0 UNCH boxes in the Malaysian market in past Lunar Taichung City director of supply and marketing Liao Ting-Chien, and Khaishen Trading CFO
HSI-CLC 47,602,800 50.0 -6.5 New Year seasons, which led to losses for Edmanda Chang promoting the Taichung ponkan.
VINVEST 44,482,800 19.5 UNCH both consumers and farmers.

5 TOP GAINERS To ensure consumers are buying Malaysia and Singapore accounting for a food safety training, personnel management,
December 29, 2022 authentic agricultural produce from significant proportion of the sale. workplace standards, employee welfare,
Taichung, the Taiwan Shihkang District environmental protection, food-safe packaging,
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM Farmers’ Association and the Dongshih “The moderate weather in Taiwan this high-quality grading, and sorting.
PANAMY 800 23.10 +0.30 District Farmers’ Association from Taichung year and the lower rainfall towards the end
KLK 774,500 21.96 +0.26 City launched the label initiative at a press of the growing season have resulted in “With these certificates, consumers can
SUNMOW 2,000 0.90 +0.26 conference here yesterday. outstanding quality ponkan,” said Fu. be rest assured that they are buying the
AJI 101,300 12.80 +0.16 best-quality and safest ponkan in the
HLBANK 190,400 20.54 +0.16 The mandarin orange brand will be He added that the Shihkang District market,” said Fu.
registered in Malaysia and Singapore in the Farmers’ Association and the Dongshih
5 TOP LOSERS near future to protect the brand in these District Farmers’ Association have obtained Taiwan’s golden ponkan is a popular
December 29, 2022 markets. Global Good Agricultural Practices and ISO seasonal gift during the Lunar New Year.
22000 certifications.
Shihkang District Farmers’ Association of Taichung ponkan is sold across Malaysia
Taichung City marketing department director “These certificates show that Taichung by retailers including Harvest Impact, Aeon,
Fu Yu Chin said Taichung is exporting a total farms have achieved high standards across all Cold Storage, Whole Food Express, and Star
of 650 tonnes of ponkan to Malaysia, aspects of farming, including management, Grocer. – By Hayatun Razak
Singapore, Japan, Brunei and Canada, with

STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM Malaysia, Japan reaffirm M’sian economy
HEIM 30,900 25.38 -0.26 commitment to to moderate in
IMASPRO 334,000 5.70 -0.18 boost trade, investment ties 2023 on global
F&N 101,300 21.58 -0.14 uncertainties: DOSM
GREATEC 710,000 4.77 -0.12
APOLLO 68,600 3.84 -0.10

EXCHANGE RATES DECEMBER 29, 2022

Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Japan Public-Private Industrial Dialogue in KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian economy
reaffirmed their commitment to Kuala Lumpur (2023) and reaffirmed is anticipated to start moderating due to the
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD strengthen bilateral trade, investment their commitment to solidify effects of global economic instability in the
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.4950 4.3600 4.3500 and industrial ties for both countries’ collaboration in line with the elevation months ahead in 2023, said the Department
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0510 2.9290 2.9130 benefit, said the Ministry of of the Malaysia-Japan bilateral of Statistics (DOSM) yesterday.
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.3290 3.2330 3.2250 International Trade and Industry relationship to a comprehensive
1 EURO 3.3030 3.2130 3.2010 (Miti). strategic partnership earlier this year,” Citing the Economic Outlook 2023 by
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.7870 4.6320 4.6120 Miti said. the Finance Ministry, chief statistician
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.8540 2.7480 2.7320 In a statement yesterday, Miti said Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the
1 STERLING POUND 3.3290 3.2330 3.2250 this commitment came after Minister Tengku Zafrul expressed his Malaysian economy is forecast to
1 SWISS FRANC 5.4200 5.2480 5.2280 Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul gratitude to Japan for their unrelenting moderate between 4.0% and 5.0% in 2023.
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.8360 4.7220 4.7070 Aziz hosted his Japanese counterpart support to Malaysia thus far and
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 123.8200 117.3700 117.1700 Nishimura Yasutoshi and his delegation reaffirmed Malaysia’s continued Meanwhile, Mohd Uzir said the growth
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 4.3350 4.0280 3.8280 on Wednesday. commitment to the Look East Policy, forecast for the Asian region was revised to
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 64.8500 62.0900 which has underscored the streng- 4.2% in 2022 from 4.3%, and to 4.6% from
100 INDIAN RUPEE 58.3000 55.3900 N/A The one-hour maiden engagement thening of the Malaysia-Japan bilateral 4.9% in 2023, based on the recent Asian
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.5200 5.1800 55.1900 covered key issues such as supply chain relationship over the past 40 years. Development Outlook Supplement for
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0296 0.0268 4.9800 resiliency, the embracing of the December 2022.
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.3590 3.2530 0.0218 environment, social and governance On this, Miti said Malaysia will
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 3.2430 (ESG) concept in investments and continue to strategically work with On the domestic front, Malaysia’s
100 PHILIPPINE PESO N/A N/A industry, as well as possible mutual Japan, particularly in areas such as ESG, Leading Index (LI) increased 0.4% to 109.6
100 QATAR RIYAL 2.0200 1.8900 N/A collaborations in sectors such as the artificial intelligence, the internet of points in October 2022 compared to 109.2
100 SAUDI RIYAL 8.1100 7.6500 1.6900 energy and aircraft industries. things, robotics, smart manufacturing points in October last year, however,
100THAI BAHT 124.3600 118.0500 7.4500 and renewable energy. looking at the smoothed long-term trend
120.8700 114.7500 117.8500 The discussions also centred on in October 2022, the LI started trending
13.5200 11.9900 114.5500 economic cooperation in various free trade Japan has been one of Malaysia’s top below the 100-point trend.
11.5900 platforms such as the Comprehensive and sources of foreign direct investment
Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific with total investments amounting to On the latest macroeconomic
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama Partnership, Regional Comprehensive RM90.9 billion (US$27.6 billion) performance, Mohd Uzir said several key
Economic Partnership, Asia Pacific recorded in 2021, creating 337,280 jobs. indicators continued to register upward
Economic Cooperation and the Indo- trends as compared to October last year
Pacific Economic Framework. Japan was also the fourth largest such as Malaysia’s total trade performance
trading partner for Malaysia in 2021, which recorded double-digit growth of
“Both ministers also discussed the with total trade amounting to RM149.76 21.1% to RM245.2 billion from RM202.4
convening of the Malaysia-Japan billion (US$36.14 billion). – Bernama billion in October 2021. – Bernama

10 theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022 FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
/theSunMedia

Making Malaysia great in trade

o Lessons learned in 2022 provide more Malaysia’s trade expanded by should be proud that we have the 12th Malaysia Plan and the
wisdom for Matrade to elevate country in close to 30% to RM2.613 strengths in high-value National Entrepreneurship Policy,”
international commerce trillion. Within this period, industries like electrical & he added.
exports increased by 27.2% electronics, machinery &
to reach RM1.42 trillion equipment, aerospace, halal, Along with the advancement of
while imports rose by 33.3% medical devices, technology, Mohd Mustafa said, cross-
to RM1.193 trillion. Trade pharmaceuticals, healthcare, border e-commerce opportunities are
surplus edged up by 2.6% to construction, chemicals, and also growing. Hence, it is vital for
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia 5 for Asean countries. RM227.89 billion. energy, to name a few, for a Malaysian MSMEs to adopt
External Trade Development “As other developing countries country with only 33 million digitalisation to be more competitive
Corporation (Matrade) CEO Datuk However, Mohd Mustafa people,” he added. globally. In 2021, gross value added of
Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz (pic) said become more competitive and said this is not a reason to Mohd Mustafa said foreign e-commerce amounted to RM201.1
2022 is a milestone year for Malaysia’s Malaysia is no longer seen as a rest on our laurels. investments in Malaysia played a billion, an increase of RM37.2 billion
achievement in international trade. manufacturing hub with inexpensive significant role in the growth of from 2021 with a growth of 22.7%.
With a comprehensive labour, Malaysia’s trade ranking has “We must continue our concerted Malaysia’s trade over the last few
understanding of how Malaysia’s undoubtedly declined compared to efforts to ensure Malaysian MSMEs decades. “In the same vein, we must also
trade has transformed through time, 20 years ago. Despite this, we have remain a part of the global supply “This is still very much the case, recognise our mid-tier companies’
he said, “We will continue progressing made great strides in our capabilities, chain and be prepared for any but it is also important to highlight (MTC) significant efforts in
the nation’s economic resiliency.” making history in 2021 when adverse changes in global economic that our own MSMEs (micro, small contributing 30% of the gross
In the current context, considering Malaysia’s trade reached the RM2 conditions. Matrade is placing a and medium enterprises) domestic product and 22% of our
various political and geopolitical trillion mark for the first time, barely a strong emphasis on high-value contributed 37.4% of Malaysia’s GDP Malaysian workforce. Despite
situations including market year after the Covid-19 epidemic,” he industries, developing access into and 11.7% to overall Malaysia’s making up only 1% of businesses in
conditions and of course, the added new and emerging markets and exports for 2021. Nonetheless, we still Malaysia, MTCs play an important
pandemic, Mohd Mustafa said, creating partnerships that are in line need to pursue the goal of a 25% role in developing a competitive
Malaysia is among the world’s top 25 This year, according to the latest with Matrade’s key pillars – contribution by MSMEs to the domestic supply chain, where 75% or
trading nations and ranked in the top figure published by the Department digitalisation, adopting values of nation’s export by 2025 as set under more than 7,000 SMEs are involved in
of Statistics of Malaysia, for the period sustainability and to be guided by the the MTCs’ export supply chain,” said
of January to November 2022, National Trade Blueprint (NTBp). We Mohd Mustafa.

Producer price index eases further in November Rehda wants foreign
worker management
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s producer price index was buoyed by growth in the 2022, it said. to be under human
index (PPI), which measures prices of goods manufacturing sector (+6.2% y-o-y), water In terms of PPI local production by stage of resources ministry
at the factory gate, eased further to 3.2% year- supply sector (+4.2% y-o-y), mining sector
on-year (y-o-y) in November 2022 from 4% y- (+2.4% y-o-y) as well as electricity and gas processing, the department said crude KUALA LUMPUR: The Real Estate and
o-y in the previous month, according to the supply sector (+1.4% y-o-y). materials for further processing index Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda)
Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). contracted 8.5% y-o-y in November 2022, Malaysia yesterday expressed surprise over the
On a monthly basis, it said PPI local while the intermediate materials, supplies announcement made by the Minister of Human
In a statement yesterday, DOSM said production rose by 0.6% in November 2022 and components index increased 7.7% y-o-y Resources (MoHR), V Sivakumar, to move the
November’s PPI was mainly weighed down by versus 0.1% in October 2022, mainly in the same month. one-stop centre (OSC) for recruitment of
the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector supported by the agriculture, forestry and foreign workers back to the Ministry of Home
which contracted to -18.5% y-o-y from -18.2% fishing sector (+5.5%), mining sector (+0.5%), The finished goods index posted a rise of Affairs (MoHA).
y-o-y in October 2022. as well as manufacturing and water supply 3.3% y-o-y in November 2022, it added.
sectors (both up by 0.2%). “We strongly support the calls made by other
“The index for this sector has been Month-on-month, the crude materials for professional bodies to maintain the foreign
recording a double-digit decline for five The electricity and gas supply sector further processing index increased by 2.6% worker management system under MoHR as it
consecutive months,” it said. contracted 0.1% month-on-month (m-o-m) and the finished goods index grew by 0.7%, will not only minimise red tape but also
from an increase of 0.4% m-o-m in October whereas the intermediate materials, supplies streamline the process within one ministry,”
Nonetheless, DOSM said November’s and components index fell by 0.1%. – Bernama said Rehda president Datuk NK Tong.

Passengers The association, he added views the sudden
walking through change a setback to the industry, especially as
a departure they are currently in the recovery stage
terminal of the following the Covid-19 pandemic.
international
airport in Beijing “A lot of discussions took place among
yesterday. industry players and the government before we
Malaysia Inbound finally came to the decision of appointing
Tourism MoHR as the custodian of foreign workers
Association related matters,” he said.
president says
tourists from However, Tong said this latest change of
China are very policy where two ministries will now be
important involved will definitely add to more red tape,
because they leading to further delays.
have big volume
and they are ‘big “Whilst we understand that the government
spenders’– will only undertake measures to benefit the
AFPPIC nation, the call to move the OSC back to the
Home Ministry will only cause detriments,
Tourism players gear up to receive visitors from China especially in the construction industry. At the
moment, severe shortage of workers is seriously
KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism industry players preparation for tourists from China and the Uzaidi said that after a two-year break due affecting developers’ output.
are eager to receive tourists from China amid Launching of Fish Tales 2023 Cup – The Global to the pandemic, some 500 participants from
the expected further relaxation of the Chinese Pro Challenge, here yesterday. China are expected to take part in the fishing “We hope that MoHR is open to engagement
country’s zero-Covid policy early next year, competition next year while contributing to with us and stakeholders of all affected
said Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association Meanwhile, Uzaidi said the association is community-based tourism in Rompin, industries in order to find a holistic approach to
(Mita) president Uzaidi Udanis. fully committed to adhering to the Health Pahang.
Ministry’s Covid-19 preventive measures to mitigate this issue,” he added.
He said Beijing’s decision to scrap avoid another outbreak in the country. “The market for angling tourism is big in Tong said Rehda Malaysia also reiterates its
quarantine for travellers and reopening of its China. Statistically, there are estimated 120 call for the government to step in to address the
border is expected to bring in three million Also present at the press conference were million fishing enthusiasts in China and 2% of shortage of workers.
tourists to Malaysia, which in turn will help Tourism Malaysia director of package this group (2.4 million) will travel at least once “More needs to be done to guarantee that
boost the economy. development division Shahrin Mokhtar and a year outside of China to conduct their construction workers will be available as soon
Fish Tales Cup Series founder Kenneth Chan. angling activities,” he said. as possible in order for developers to deliver
“China is very important because they homes to house buyers in a timely manner,” he
have big volume and they are ‘big spenders’ On the Fish Tales 2023 Cup – The Global Uzaidi said each angler will spend an added.
and this will be able to contribute good Chinese Pro Challenge, Uzaidi said the event average of US$2,500 to US$3,000 (RM11,058
numbers for Malaysia’s economy,” he told a will be held on Aug 18 to Aug 22, 2023m co- to RM13,270) per fishing trip in Malaysia. –
press conference on the tourism industry’s organised by Mita as one of its efforts to attract Bernama
affluent Chinese nationals to Malaysia.

FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN 11theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
ME * SUNBIZ
/thesuntelegram

Sunway Medical to acquire hospital building, land worth RM430m

KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway Bhd’s unit Sunway and all fixtures and fittings affixed or located or assets by having full ownership and control. total disposal consideration of RM310 million
Medical Centre Sdn Bhd (SMCSB) is acquiring used in the buildings. The proposed acquisition will enable SMCSB on Dec 31, 2012.
a seven-storey purpose-built hospital building
and land worth RM430 million. “The property is currently leased and used to improve the operational efficiency of the SMCSB had also entered into a master lease
by SMCSB to operate a medical centre,” it said hospital by having more flexibility in managing agreement dated Oct 9, 2012, with RHB
The group said SMCSB has entered into a in a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday. its operating and financing costs, it said. Trustees (as the lessor) and Sunway REIT
conditional sale and purchase agreement with Management Sdn Bhd (SRM) for a 10-year term
RHB Trustees Bhd, as trustee for Sunway Real Sunway said the property includes a seven- “Over the longer term horizon, it is expected which commenced on Dec 31, 2012, and will
Estate Investment Trust (Sunway REIT), for the storey purpose-built hospital building with a to outweigh a long-term lease,” it added. expire on Dec 30, 2022.
acquisition. lower ground floor annexed with a multi-storey
car park block as well as a convention centre. Sunway also said the acquisition is SMCSB is a 99.99 %-owned subsidiary of
“The proposed acquisition entails the synergistic with the overall capacity expansion Sunway Healthcare Holdings Sdn Bhd, which in
purchase of the land and buildings known as It said the acquisition is part of Sunway of SMCSB in solidifying its current position as turn is a 90.26%-owned joint venture of Sunway
Tower A and Tower B of Sunway Medical Healthcare Group’s plan to rationalise and one of the largest medical centres in Malaysia. City Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Centre, together with the plant and machinery, streamline its decision on capital expenditure Sunway. – Bernama
enhancement and value preservation on its Sunway said that SMCSB had previously
disposed of the property to Sunway REIT for a

Auto parts makers Baidzawi (front left) and Graphjet Technology executive director Jay Aw showing the letter of offer documents. Looking on are from left ECERDC senior
seek deferment of manager Chin Chok Li, COO Datuk Ragu Sampasivam, Lim and Graphjet Technology chief technology officer and chief science officer Liu Yu.
power surcharge hike
Graphjet to build RM400m
KUALA LUMPUR: Automotive component production plant in Kuantan
makers are calling on the government to
BRIEFSdefer the implementation of the “sudden o Facility is expected to at a significantly lower cost than the current and investment in the downstream new energy
upward revision” of the electricity tariff generate RM3.6 billion of production of single-layer graphene. industry. This will play a vital role in advancing
surcharge by more than 566% to between 20 revenue per year the development of new technology, future
sen and 27.7sen/kWh beginning Jan 1, 2023, The production plant is expected to materials, and energy industry in Malaysia. We
from 3.0 sen/kWh currently. KUALA LUMPUR: Nasdaq-bound Graphjet produce 10,000 tonnes of graphite and 60 believe that the impact of our investment will
Technology Sdn Bhd, the world’s leading tonnes of single-layer graphene annually. It is have a far-reaching and positive spill-over
Perodua Suppliers Association (P2SA) graphite and single-layer graphene producer, expected to generate a revenue of RM3.6 effect in the country,” Lee said.
president Helmi Sheikh Mahmood said the recently signed a letter of offer to build its billion a year for Graphjet Technology.
increase “will have a profound impact on RM400 million production facility in Phase 3 of “We are also optimistic that the
every industry, regardless of size as the net Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park. Graphjet Technology’s founder and development of the production plant in the
result will be shared by all”. chairman, Lim Hooi Beng said, “Today’s East Coast Economic Region will create a
A signing ceremony between Graphjet signing heralds a substantial beginning of our greater economic effect on the local
Helmi was speaking, in a joint statement, Technology and the East Coast Economic first plant producing graphite and single-layer community,” he added.
on behalf of the Proton Vendors Association, Region Development Council (ECERDC) was graphene. The new 20-acre plant integrated
Toyota Suppliers Club, Honda Malaysia held recently in the presence of ECERDC CEO plant (upstream and downstream) is expected Lee said, “Our technology to use industry
Suppliers Club, and the Malaysian Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat. to be completed within 18 to 20 months after waste as raw materials to produce graphite and
Automotive Component Parts Manufacturers the IPO, and this project is expected to single-layer graphene will be a game changer
Association. Graphjet Technology is the first and only generate up to 700 jobs over the next four to accelerate the adoption of this wonder
company in the world to transform palm years. material of the 21st century. This will help
He said the group of automotive industry waste materials, palm kernels, into achieve a green, recyclable, low-carbon
component manufacturers understands the graphite and single-layer graphene. Graphene “We have great growth ambitions for environmental production plant.
government’s intentions to remove is known as the super material and was Graphjet and will not only stop with one plant.
subsidies away from the medium-voltage attributed to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. We expect the first products to come online in “The revolutionary patented technology
and high-voltage industrial users as a way to the first quarter of 2025 and serve customers will help us to achieve low-cost, high-quality
mitigate the impact of high coal costs on the The revolutionary patented technology will across Asia, Europe, and the United States in automated mass production of graphene and
energy sector. transform palm kernel shell, a waste from palm automotive and renewable energy businesses.” artificial graphite. We believe that the setup of
kernel production, into single-layer graphene, the production plant based on our patented
“That being said, the soon-to-be- Graphjet Technology CEO Aiden Lee Ping technology will increase the added value of
implemented tariff, coupled with the recently Wei thanked the ECERDC for its active Malaysia’s palm oil industry by-products and
revised Employment Act 1955 (Amended recommendations and support that helped generate a greater economic effect to the local
2022), will be too heavy for us to bear,” Helmi contribute to today’s development. community and the country.”
said in the joint statement yesterday.
“Our project will lead and drive innovation
“We kindly ask the government to delay
the increase in power tariff and work with us TT Vision to raise RM28.7m from ACE Market listing
to insure any changes, with regard to
policies, laws, taxes, incentives, tariffs or KUALA LUMPUR: TT Vision Holdings Bhd, en He said 27.85% or RM8 million of the he said.
other initiatives would have the desired route for a listing on the Bursa Malaysia ACE proceeds will be used as R&D expenditure, Upon listing, TT Vision will have enlarged
effect,” he added. – Bernama Market on Jan 18, 2023, aims to raise RM28.7 37.17% (RM10.68 million) for working capital,
million from its initial public offering (IPO). 20.88% on repayment of borrowings (RM6 issued shares of 468.0 million with a total
S. KOREA’S TMAX DEPLOYS million), 11.14% (RM 3.2 million) on listing market capitalisation of RM152.12 million.
TIBERO AT UITM’S The company, which is principally involved expenses and 2.96% (RM850,000) for marketing.
DISASTER RECOVERY SITE in the development and manufacturing of The group’s principal markets are Malaysia
machine vision equipment, is offering 84.5 “We intend to strengthen our R&D and China, and it is also present in South
PETALING JAYA: South Korea’s Tmax has million new shares at a price of 34 sen each. capabilities and expand the department with Korea, the Philippines, the United States,
deployed its Tibero database management relevant talents from the industry, and procure Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong.
system at Universiti Teknologi MARA “The proceeds from the IPO will mainly be materials as well as equipment and software
(UiTM)’s Disaster Recovery (DR) site, used for the expansion of our research and for the development of prototypes to ensure TT Goon said TT Vision plans to expand its
replacing the legacy systems. Tmax said development (R&D) segment and for working Vision stays ahead of the latest technologies. coverage to more foreign markets to enhance
Tibero allowed economical use of UiTM’s capital to continue the group’s growth market awareness and subsequently secure
current system resources whilst giving momentum,” said CEO and executive director “The expanded R&D department will orders from prospective customers.
enhanced performances. The DR project Goon Koon Yin at the launch of the IPO enable us to innovate further and develop new
is supported by Tmax’s Tibero relational prospectus yesterday. products to fulfil the needs of our customers,” KAF Investment Bank Bhd is the principal
database management system (RDBMS) adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter and sole
which is compatible with UiTM’s current placement agent for the IPO. – Bernama
production database and both
heterogeneous database systems
synchronize in real-time via Change Data
Capture replication technology.

TM EXPLAINS DECISION
TO EXIT CONCESSION
FOR MENARA KL

PETALING JAYA: Telekom Malaysia Bhd
(TM) yesterday clarified that Menara KL
(MKL) is owned by the government while
the operations and maintenance of the
tower are granted under a concession.
TM via its wholly owned subsidiary,
Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd (MKLSB),
had undertaken the concession since 1996.
As part of its business transformation
programme, TM is focusing its efforts and
resources on strengthening its core
business of telecommunications and
technology. After due consideration on
the change in the business nature of
MKL, TM decided in October 2021 not to
renew the MKL concession and informed
the government accordingly.

BRIEFS12 theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022 TSMC starts mass output of
SUNBIZ Taiwan’s most advanced chips

VIETNAM ECONOMY o Chairman says demand
GROWS 8% THIS YEAR for firm’s 3nm product is
very strong, driven by new
HANOI: Vietnam’s economy grew by technologies
8% in 2022, driven by strong exports
and retail sales, authorities said TAINAN: Chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Liu passing a
yesterday. Growth in the nation Manufacturing Company Ltd (TSMC) began wafer on display
stuttered at around 3% for two mass production of its most advanced chips after delivering
consecutive years due to the yesterday and the company’s chairman said it his speech
pandemic. This year the economy would continue to expand capacity on the yesterday. –
grew by an estimated 8%, beating the island. REUTERSPIC
government’s target of 6-6.5%, the
official statistics office said. “The The long-awaited mass production of chips including super computers, cloud servers, high Liu said the mass production was successful
economy has recovered” from the with 3-nanometre (3nm) technology comes as speed internet and many many mobile devices,” and with good yields, adding that the new 3nm
Covid-19 pandemic, it added. However, attention focuses on the world’s largest he said. technology would create end products with a
growth slowed in the final quarter of contract chipmaker’s investment plans at market value of US$1.5 trillion within five years.
the year as economies worldwide were home and abroad. TSMC has a dominant Liu said demand for the firm’s 3nm chip was
hammered by the war in Ukraine and position as a maker of advanced chips used in “very strong”, driven by new technologies TSMC said it was working to build factories
massive inflation. – AFP technology from cellphones to fighter jets. including 5G and high-performance computing for the next generation 2nm chips. – Reuters,
products. He did not elaborate. AFP
DIGITAL YUAN TRIAL “TSMC is maintaining its technology
RESULTS‘NOT IDEAL’ leadership while investing significantly in Taiwan,
continuing to invest and prosper with the
SHANGHAI: China’s central-bank environment,” TSMC chairman Mark Liu told a
digital currency is little used, a former ceremony marking the production and capacity
director-general of research of the expansion in the southern city of Tainan.
People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said,
financial news outlet Caixin reported “Our 3nm technology will be used massively
yesterday. Expressing disappointment in future state-of-the-art technological products,
with the result of a trial in select
provinces and cities, the former China to adjust trade tariffs on some goods from Jan 1
official, Xie Ping, told a conference on
Wednesday that application of the BEIJING: China will adjust import and export tariffs adopted for most favoured nations resources.
so-called digital yuan needed to be tariffs on some goods from Jan 1, in order to from April 1, the ministry said in another To meet shoppers’ demands, import tariffs
widened. “The results are not ideal,“ speed and promote development and expand statement.
he said. Usage of the digital yuan domestic demand, the finance ministry said will be further lowered on coffee makers and
could be expanded – for example, by yesterday. As the world’s second biggest economy juice extractors, the tariff commission said.
letting individuals buy financial battles a surge in Covid-19 infections after
products with it, Xie said. Also, it could Export tariffs on aluminium and aluminium Beijing’s abrupt U-turn on stringent curbs, it As competition grows with the United States
be connected with more payment alloys are to be raised, the ministry said in a will set tariffs to zero on ingredients of some on technology issues, China has decided to
platforms, to move into more statement, citing the tariff commission of anti-Covid drugs, so as to ease the financial further reduce the tariffs for most favoured
consumption situations. – Reuters China’s State Council, or Cabinet. burden on patients. nations on 62 types of information technology
products from July 1 next year.
THAILAND HAS US$400M The current import tariff will stay on seven Domestic hospitals and funeral homes
CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT types of coal until March 31 next year, with faced intense pressure as the surge drained That step will cut China’s overall tariffs to
7.3% from 7.4%. – Reuters
BANGKOK: Thailand recorded a
current account deficit US$400
million in November after a revised
surplus of US$600 million the
previous month, the Bank of Thailand
said yesterday. Exports dropped 5.5%
year-on-year in November, and
imports rose 8.2% year-on-year,
resulting in a trade surplus of US$500
million in the month. The Thai
economy was still on the recovery
path in November, helped by a
rebound in the vital tourism sector.
Economic activity was likely to
recover further in December, the BOT
said. – Reuters

Indonesia delays mandatory 35% palm oil biodiesel blending to Feb 1

JAKARTA: Indonesia will start its mandatory statement late Wednesday. The policy has been allocation for domestic consumption at 13.15 based fuel to reduce crude oil and fuel imports
35% palm oil biodiesel blending programme on in place since 2020. million kilolitres. “Total allocation is and cut its greenhouse gases emissions, while
Feb 1, a month later than initially planned, the unchanged at 13.15 million kilolitres. The maintaining palm oil prices.
energy ministry said. The start date for the B35 programme was excess January allocation will be used if there is
delayed “to ensure that supply, infrastructure, an increase in demand,” Edi said. The government has been running road
Indonesia will maintain its mandatory 30% everything is ready”, energy ministry director tests for biodiesel with 40% palm oil since July
palm biodiesel blending, known as the B30 Edi Wibowo said yesterday. The world’s biggest palm oil producer has 2022. The tests are scheduled to be concluded
programme, throughout January, it said in a been planning to increase the use of palm- by the end of this year. – Reuters
Indonesia will maintain next year’s biodiesel

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PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN IN THE MATTER OF 13theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 SPORTS
PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-516-10/2022
AND IN THE MATTER OF SHORTS
Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 GOLD HENG JEWELLERY SDN. BHD. Vettel opens talks with Red Bull
Dan
Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 26281/2008 (bertarikh : 07/07/2008) 201701019693 (1233858-X) SEBASTIAN VETTEL waved an emotional
ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Hakmilik Strata No. Berdaftar (IN MEMBERS’ goodbye to the F1 paddock a little over a
Pajakan Negeri 220/M1/10/234 , Lot 1278 Seksyen 2, Mukim Bandar Air Itam, month ago – but is already being tipped
Daerah Timur Laut, Pulau Pinang VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) to return to the sport in a senior
Dan NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING management position.
Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012
UNDER SECTION 459 OF And the legendary German driver has
ANTARA ...PLAINTIF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 even held preliminary talks with Red Bull
RHB BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 196501000373 (6171-M) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Final advisor Helmut Marko over a future return
Meeting of the Company will be held at to the team where he claimed four world
DAN No. 7, JALAN ROTAN CUCUR, TAMAN SRI titles.
JAYA, 83000 BATU PAHAT, JOHOR on 30
LIM TEIK HIN (No. Kad Pengenalan : 750913075481) ...DEFENDAN JANUARY 2023 at 10.00 a.m. And according to Sky F1 in Germany,
LIM BEE WAH (No. Kad Pengenalan : 780531075600) AGENDA Marko has already discussed a future “top
1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s management role” with the perceptive
Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah account of receipts, payment and and informed Vettel.
Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 22 Ogos 2022 dan 12 Disember 2022, adalah dengan statements of distribution among the
ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi contributories, showing the manner in “It is not impossible that he will come
e-Lelong di Kuantan which winding-up has been conducted back for a top management position,”
and to hear any explanation arising Marko said. “We had a conversation, and if
AKAN MENJUAL SECARA therefrom. he could get a top management position,
LELONG AWAM 2. To determine pursuant Section 518 of that would appeal to him.
the Companies Act 2016, the manner
Pada Hari Selasa, 31 Januari 2023, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK in which the books, papers, accounts “That became clear during the
DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH and documents of the Company and conversation. He would certainly have the
of the Liquidator(s) thereof shall be potential and personality for it. But for
KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR disposed of. now, we’ll let him plant a few trees.”
TEW BEE YONG
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan agar membuat carian Hakmilik PHAN LI CHING He has also been earmarked by old
AND IN THE MATTER OF: - secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanggungan, bebanan NURATIKA BINTI MOHAMED boss Christian Horner as a future driver
serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan Ielongan Liquidator(s) manager.
1) CAMAR MELATI SDN. BHD. dijalankan. Dated: 30 DECEMBER 2022
199401036317 (322001-K) “He’s a great people person,” Horner
(In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb 322 Notices said. “He’s one of those guys that’s
annoyingly good at anything he chooses
2) PETANG RIA HOLDINGS SDN. BHD. BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: : Hakmilik Strata No. Berdaftar Pajakan Negeri 220/ 322 Notices to do. So I’m sure if he chose that path, he
199401035549 (321232-H) No. Hakmilik M1/10/234 would be very good at it.”
(In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) No. lot IN THE MATTER OF
Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : Lot 1278, Seksyen 2 THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 ‘I’ll room with Sergio
NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING Pegangan : Bandar Air Itam / Timur Laut / Pulau Pinang to win Ryder Cup’
No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ : Hakmilik Pajakan AND
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final No. Bangunan : 234 / 10 / M1 IN THE MATTER OF AMONA BUILDING AT least one potential member of Europe’s
Meeting of the Company will be held at Business Suite 19A-19-2, Level 19, UOA Centre, 19 Keluasan Tanah : 377.000000 kaki persegi Ryder Cup team for 2023 said he is willing
Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan on Thursday, 2nd February 2023. Pemilik Berdaftar MANAGEMENT to overlook the controversies of the past
Syarat Nyata 35.000000 meter persegi SERVICES SDN BHD year in order to author a defeat of the
1) CAMAR MELATI SDN. BHD. Time Sekatan Kepentingan : LIM TEIK HIN, LIM BEE WAH Co. No. 199801009890 (466018-U) United States.
199401036317 (322001-K) 9.00 a.m. : Petak ini hendaklah digunakan untuk tujuan rumah (In Members Voluntary Winding Up)
(In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) Bebanan / Lain-Lain pangsa sahaja. The following Special Resolution was duly England’s Matt Fitzpatrick made a case
Kawasan Rizab : The land hereby alienated shall not be transferred, passed by the members of AMONA BUILDING to have Spain’s Sergio Garcia on the
2) PETANG RIA HOLDINGS SDN. BHD. 10.00 a.m. Kaveat charged, leased, sub-leased or ortherwise in any MANAGEMENT SERVICES SDN BHD, on the Europe Ryder Cup team despite the
199401035549 (321232-H) manner dealt with or disposed of without the written 30th December, 2022 in accordance with latter’s move to the Saudi-funded LIV tour
(In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) sanction of the State Authority Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016. in 2022.
: ‘That the Company be wound up voluntarily
for the following purposes: - : pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies The Ryder Cup will take place in Rome
: Act, 2016 and that Mr. Taufik bin Mohd over the summer as Europe aims to avoid
i) To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding up Salleh of Suite 1603, Level 16, Plaza a loss to the United States on European
has been conducted and property of the Company has been disposed of and to hear any LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, soil for the first time since 1993.
explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. Hartanah tersebut adalah Rumah Pangsa yang beralamat pos di No. D9-12, Rumah 51200 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby
Pangsa Padang Tembak, Mukim 16, 11400, Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang. appointed Liquidators for the purpose of “I think there definitely are a few
ii) To determine the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company HARGA RIZAB: such winding-up’. personal relationships that have been
and of the Liquidators thereof, shall be disposed of. Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu Dated this: 30th December, 2022 dented by this,” Fitzpatrick said to Sky
harga rizab sebanyak RM 60,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: ENAM PULUH RIBU Sgnd Sports News. “I’m not bothered, I just want
Yow Yew Voon SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat …………………………………… to win, and I’m sure those boys do too.
Liquidator hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas ABD MANAF BIN AHMAD
nama RHB BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga Director “Sergio would be the one that would
Kuala Lumpur belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada RHB BANK BERHAD dalam IN THE MATTER OF stand out for me, particularly… I’m happy
Dated : 30th December 2022 tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 to share a room with him.”
sila berhubung dengan.-
NOTE: AND While Fitzpatrick is willing to partner
A member entitled to attend and vote at this meeting may appoint a proxy to attend and vote Firma Guaman : TOH THEAM HOCK & CO. IN THE MATTER OF AMONA BUILDING with LIV participants in order to bring a
on his behalf. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. The instrument appointing the Alamat : NO. 155, 1ST FLOOR Ryder Cup title back to Europe, his
proxy must be deposited with the Liquidator at the abovementioned address at least forty- No. Telefon MANAGEMENT compassion for those players has its
eight hours before the time appointed for the Meeting. No. Fax MEDAN KIKIK SATU SERVICES SDN BHD limits.
No. Rujukan TAMAN INDERAWASIH, 13600, PG, MY Co. No. 199801009890 (466018-U)
PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN : 04-3981917 (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) “As long as you go (to LIV) and don’t
DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG : 04-3981921 Notice is hereby given that the creditors of come back, I don’t have an issue,”
PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-482-09/2022 : TTH/RHB/15/2022/0SY/NA the above named Company, which is being Fitzpatrick said to Sky Sports.
voluntarily wound up, are required on or
Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 322 Notices 322 Notices before 30th January, 2023 (30 days from “Go take the money, go play wherever
Dan advertised date ) to send in their names and you want, I could not care less, just don’t
Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2016003614 (bertarikh : CAI TECHNICAL & IN THE MATTER OF addresses with particulars of their debts and come back and then take spots from
03/02/2016), ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah GRN 78881/ CONSULTING (MALAYSIA) THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 claims and of any security held by them, and other guys that want to play.”
M1B/9/255, Lot 10090, Mukim 13, Daerah Timur Laut, Pulau Pinang the names, addresses of their solicitors (if
Dan SDN. BHD. AND any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite Nadal looks to get
Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 [201401041595 IN THE MATTER OF 1603, Level 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan back to winning way
PERISAI HIJAU SDN. BHD. Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur,
ANTARA (1117750-P)] [Company No. 201201025654 and if so required by notice in writing from RAFAEL NADAL is hoping that playing in
(In Members’ the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or the United Cup will give him the
Public Bank Berhad (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ... PLAINTIF Voluntary Liquidation) (1010144-V)] personally to come in and prove their debts confidence boost he needs as he looks to
DAN ...DEFENDAN (Incorporated in Malaysia) (In Members’ Voluntary and claims at such time and place as shall defend his Australian Open title next
NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING be specified in such notice or in default month after being plagued by injuries in
Tan Shao Wei (No. Kad Pengenalan : 850815715017) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Winding-Up) thereof they shall be excluded from the 2022.
pursuant to Section 459 (3), (4) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT benefit of any distribution made before such
Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah of the Companies Act, 2016, pursuant to Section 459 (1) of the debts or claims are proven. The 36-year-old won the Australian
Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 6 Mac 2020 dan 12 Disember 2022, adalah dengan the Final Meeting of Members Companies Act, 2016 the final Dated this: 30th December, 2022 and French Open trophies this year to
ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi of the Company will be held meeting of the members of the Sgnd increase his Grand Slam haul to a men’s
e-Lelong di Kuantan at Venue: GOOGLE MALAYSIA abovenamed Company will be held …………………………. record 22 but he required pain-numbing
SDN. BHD., of Physical at Suite 4.33A, Level 4, Pertama TAUFIK BIN MOHD SALLEH injections on his foot during his run to
AKAN MENJUAL SECARA Address at Axiata Tower, Level Office Tower, Pertama Complex, Liquidator the Roland Garros title and then had to
LELONG AWAM 20, 9, Jalan Stesen Sentral Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, withdraw from his Wimbledon semifinal
5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50100 Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, with an abdominal injury.
Pada Hari Khamis, 19 Januari 2023, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Federal 31 January 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for
SECARA ELEKTRONIK Dl LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, Territory of Kuala Lumpur and the following purposes :- After winning four titles in the first six
Meeting hosted virtually at months of 2022, it was a case of more
KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR https://meet.google.com/tid- AGENDA pain than gain for Nadal since he hoisted
wjse-smw on 06th February, 1. To receive and consider the the Musketeers’ Cup for a record 14th
NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan agar membuat carian Hakmilik 2023 at 11.00 a.m. for the time in June.
secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanggungan, bebanan following purposes - Liquidator’s Accounts showing
serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelongan 1. To receive and consider the manner in which the winding “My main goal now is to regain
dijalankan. the Liquidator’s Statement up has been conducted and positive feelings on the court and to be
of Accounts showing to receive any explanations competitive, and I hope to do that. I’m
Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb the manner in which the thereon. ready to do it, but we’ll see,“ Nadal told a
winding-up has been 2. To determine pursuant to Section news conference yesterday.
BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: conducted and the property 518 (3)(b) of the Companies Act,
disposed of and of hearing 2016 the manner in which the “Right now I’m just focused on having
No. Hakmilik : GRN 78881/M1B/9/255 any explanation that may be books, accounts and documents a competitive level… on playing at the
No. Lot : Lot 10090 given by the Liquidator. of the Company shall be highest level possible and being
Mukim/Daerah/Negeri : 13 /Timur Laut / Pulau Pinang 2. To determine by ordinary disposed off after the expiration competitive and fighting for everything.”
Pegangan : Hakmilik Pajakan resolution the manner and of the three months from the
No. Petak/No. Tingkat/No. : 255 / 9 / M1B period in which the books, date of the final meeting.
Bangunan : accounts and documents DEBBIE LOOI TIK YUE
Keluasan Tanah : 710.000000 kaki persegi of the Company and of the LIQUIDATOR
: 66.000000 meter persegi Liquidator shall be disposed Dated : 30 December 2022
Pemilik Berdaftar : Tan Shao Wei of. Notes:-
Syarat Nyata : Petak ini hendaklah digunakan untuk tujuan WONG CHEE SIONG 1. A member of the Company
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14 theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022 FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN
SPORTS ME
@thesundaily

KAI HAVERTZ believes Chelsea’s 2-0 Havertz hoping for turnaround after Cherries win Fofana will add depth to Graham
victory over Bournemouth can spark Potter’s options up front after
a winning run in the Premier League “I was delighted to score but the back, so we are very happy to do Meanwhile, Chelsea made their Armanda Broja was ruled out for the
after a faltering spell before the main thing was to get the win and this.” first move of the January transfer rest of the season with an anterior
World Cup. that’s huge for us,” Havertz told window yesterday with the signing of cruciate ligament injury.
Chelsea’s website. The German international added: striker David Datro Fofana from
The Blues, who had lost their “We have to keep winning and this Molde. “Fofana has previously revealed
previous three matches before Qatar “The win and the goals will period coming up is going to be that he wanted to follow in the
2022 to slip out of the top six, got hopefully give us confidence going crucial for us. The Ivorian international, who footsteps of Chelsea legend Didier
back on track on Wednesday as early forward. We lost three before the scored 24 goals in 65 appearances for Drogba, and that the Premier League
goals from Havertz and Mason World Cup break so it was important “We are going to give our best in the Norwegian club, will officially join was his big dream,” Molde said in a
Mount saw them ease past the we got the victory in the first game the next games to get on a run and the Blues on New Year’s Day. statement. “Now the dream is coming
Cherries at Stamford Bridge. this is a fantastic start for us.” true for the youngster.” – AFP

SHORTS

Conflicting fortunesMelbournelooksintohosting

India vs Pakistan Test
Mbappe delivers for PSG but Neymar sees red against Strasbourg
THE Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is
looking into the possibility of hosting a Test KYLIAN MBAPPE scored an injury- foul and his first yellow is very severe strength and power. There was a lot of impact
match between India and Pakistan, who time penalty to seal a 2-1 win for compared to the number of fouls in this match.
have not played each other in the longest Paris Saint-Germain over suffered by Ney.”
format of the game since 2007 with bilateral Strasbourg in Ligue 1 yesterday “I regret that the excess of commitment
cricket between the neighbours suspended. before admitting he will never get over The 56-year-old was not sanctioned more harshly for certain
added: “Strasbourg players. It could have generated a little
Since India hosted Pakistan in a bilateral France’s World Cup final defeat to is a team that plays frustration for Ney.”
limited overs series in 2013 the pair have Argentina. well, but also gives
only competed against each other at 20- and Mbappe was back in action after off a lot of Galtier also praised Mbappe, saying: “I
50-overs World Cups and the Asia Cup. scoring a hattrick in the final but then think he is on the level of what he did in Qatar.
seeing the South Americans win in a
The last time they met was at the penalty shootout. He’s benefited from a few days off.
Twenty20 World Cup in October, where more PSG had Neymar sent off for “Despite the sadness, he had an
than 90,000 fans piled into the Melbourne two yellow cards as the Brazilian exceptional tournament, and his
Cricket Ground to watch India win a last-ball made an unhappy return to recovery means he’s been on the
thriller. action following his country’s pace. Since his return, he was
elimination in the World Cup determined to play our next two
MCC Chief Executive Stuart Fox said the quarterfinals. matches.
atmosphere at that match showed there Captain Marquinhos had put “He was the trigger for
would be no problem filling the venue for a the hosts ahead with an early victory when it was tough. He
Test series between the two. header but the Brazilian defender has taught the whole team
scored an own goal after 51 with his selflessness.”
“The atmosphere for that game, I’ve never minutes as some of PSG’s stars After the game, Mbappe
felt anything like it,” Fox told radio station appeared to be suffering a post- said of the World Cup defeat:
SEN. “The noise after every ball was Qatar hangover. “I think I’m never going to get
phenomenal. Three (Tests) in a row would be Neymar picked up a yellow for a over it.
lovely at the MCG, you’d fill it every time.” petulant flick in the face of a “As I said to my teammates,
Strasbourg player and then there is no reason why the club
Monaco prodigy sparks earned another for a blatant should pay the price for the
memories of Henry dive in the penalty area just failure of the national team,
after the hour. they are two very different
DEFEATED World Cup finalists France may Mbappe had been a constant situations,” he added.
have had a glimpse of the future yesterday menace for PSG but was unable to Argentina superstar
when the 17-year-old Monaco forward find the target with two clear-cut Lionel Messi was absent
Eliesse Ben Seghir secured all three points in chances. from the PSG lineup
a 3-2 win over Ligue 1 rivals Auxerre. But deep into second-half after his World Cup-
injury time he was brought down winning exploits.
Thierry Henry was two months younger in the penalty area and converted The victory put PSG
when he scored his first double for Monaco the winner from the spot in the eight points ahead of
against Lens at 17 years and 8 months back 96th minute. Lens, who must beat
in 1995, but the brilliance of Ben Seghir’s Neymar’s sending off was one Nice overnight to keep
brace yesterday brought back memories of of the main talking points in up.
the Arsenal and France star. Christophe Galtier’s post-match PSG also
press conference. Strasbourg’s Jean-Ricner announced that their
Not 18 until February Ben Seghir came on The PSG boss said: “Neymar Bellegarde (left) fights for the 30-year-old Italian
as a second half substitute for Wissam Ben alternated the game between ups ball with Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielder Marco
Yedder, who had scored from the spot just and downs. I can understand that Kylian Mbappe during their Verratti has extended
before halftime but was replaced anyway. there is anger in him, he really Ligue 1 match. – AFPPIX his stay at the club until
wanted to play the next two 2026.
The newcomer unleashed his first goal games.” In other games, Lille beat
within 12 minutes with an unstoppable shot When questioned about 10-man Clermont 2-0 thanks to
to put Monaco 2-1 up. Neymar’s apparent dive, Galtier an Angel Gomes penalty and a
added: “As much as I can late settler from Mohamed
He then delivered a solo effort to savour understand the simulation, he Bayo deep in time added on.
delivering a curling winner from outside the deserves the yellow (card), a few Lyon thrashed Brest 4-2
box to make it 3-2. minutes before he suffers a bad away from home as they push
for the European places. –
Australia hammer Proteas AFP/Agencies
to clinch Test series
James ruled out for up to a month
SOUTH AFRICA were on the wrong end of a
“hammering” against rampant top-ranked REECE JAMES has been ruled out for up to a back out of five Premier League games, as to a knee injury.
Australia yesterday, losing the second Test by month after suffering an injury setback well as Chelsea’s FA Cup third round match “Scan results have regrettably confirmed a
182 runs and with it the series. against Bournemouth on Tuesday. against Manchester City.
The Chelsea defender lasted setback for the 23-year-old, with Reece now
The loss capped a dismal first two Tests for almost an hour on his Premier Starting with a trip to Nottingham Forest set to be ruled out for up to a month.”
the visitors who slumped by six wickets in the League return before he felt on New Year’s Day, Chelsea face
opener at Brisbane inside two days, with a discomfort in the same James sustained his initial knee problem
potential face-saving third match at Sydney still knee that ruled him out of Manchester City, Fulham, Crystal in October during a Champions League
to play. England’s World Cup Palace and Liverpool in the next fixture with AC Milan.
campaign. month.
“It is not easy at the moment. That was bit of James left Stamford In a post on Twitter, James said An eight-week lay-off was predicted,
a hammering,” Proteas skipper Dean Elgar said. Bridge in a knee brace 2022 has been his “toughest year which would have seen him fit for around the
and underwent a scan to date” after suffering the setback. knockout stage of the World Cup but
Australia declared on Wednesday at 575-8 yesterday, with the results “Just wanna thank you all for England boss Gareth Southgate decided
built on the back of man-of-the-match Warner’s confirming the extent of the the support, none of you go against selecting the defender in his 26-man
200 and a gutsy 85 from Steve Smith in searing 23-year-old’s injury. James unnoticed,” he said. “It’s naturally squad in November.
heat, in reply to South Africa’s first innings 189,
and then took complete control with the ball. James had previously been ruled effected me mentally, I’m currently just James conceded to being “devastated” at
out for eight weeks when he sustained the tryna deal with the cards I’ve been dealt.” the time having worn a knee brace for a
South Africa resumed day four on 15-1 after initial knee problem against AC Milan in A Chelsea statement said: “Defender month in an effort to try and speed up his
Elgar went for a duck before rain halted play October. Reece James underwent assessment earlier recovery in order to be fit for the tournament
early on Wednesday. The latest setback could rule the right today after being substituted during the in Qatar.
second half of last night’s 2-0 Premier
But their resistance didn’t last long with League victory over AFC Bournemouth due He will now face a waiting game to
three wickets falling before lunch at the discover the extent of this latest knee injury.
Melbourne Cricket Ground and the rest in the – The Independent
second session as they succumbed for 204.

Temba Bavuma top-scored with 65 while
Nathan Lyon took 3-58 in a depleted, injury-hit,
attack.

“The win is right up there. We have had a
number of great contests against South Africa
over the years. It’s really sweet and something
to be proud of,” said Australian skipper Pat
Cummins.

15theSUN ON FRIDAY | DECEMBER 30, 2022
* SPORTS

LEICESTER CITY manager Brendan Maddison getting ‘special advice’ on injury Rodgers insisted it was a game his
Rodgers has confirmed that James team need to learn from.
Maddison would miss their clash the game, he was with Mark (Waller) “The medical team have to bounce back from the loss to
with Liverpool tomorrow. our doctor, getting some special assessed that. He tried to go out Newcastle. He added: “We were very
advice in London today so I’ll wait to and do some multidirectional work disappointed with the performance
The 26-year-old midfielder hear from them later on,” Rodgers and he was getting a pain from Despite being in good form against Newcastle, it’s unlike how
recently returned from World Cup said. that. before the winter break with four we’d been for a few months. It’s a
duty with England, but did not game we have to learn from.
feature in Qatar and was absent for “He hasn’t trained with the squad. “The medical team and the wins from five games,
the Foxes’ 3-0 defeat to Newcastle on He was clearly getting treatment out club have gone down to Rodgers’ side were on the “We were due to have the day off
Boxing Day. (in Qatar) and he and the medical London to get another opinion receiving end of a yesterday but we came in and talked
team deemed him OK to train. on it and to see where he’s at. destructive period from about (the Newcastle game) and
Despite managing his knee injury That’s where we’re up to at this the Magpies. assessed it – and used that as a lever
out in Qatar, Rodgers told a pre- “He was available for games (for moment in time.” Newcastle scored three to move on.
match press conference that England). He’s come back here, goals in the opening 32
Maddison would be unavailable and looked to do some work and then felt Maddison’s absence is a big minutes that left no way “These guys have got so much
was in London seeing a specialist. a pain in a different part of his knee. blow for the Foxes as they look heart and mentality to have turned
back for Leicester, but this season around.” – Express
“(Maddison) won’t be available for Newspapers

Klopp excited Cody Gakpo. – AFPPIX
after Kop coup

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp has spoken Reds snatch Cody
for the first time regarding his new signing
Cody Gakpo, as the Reds announced that Gakpo explains why he chose Liverpool after United interest
they had signed the Dutch forward from CODY GAKPO believes Liverpool is
PSV yesterday. the perfect club to fulfil his huge develop here and there’s a lot of great players subsequent form and injuries at Anfield
potential as a player, after the sought- here (who) I can learn a lot of things from.” prompted them to bid for him.
Klopp highlighted Gakpo’s age despite after Dutch forward moved from PSV
being experienced in the game, his to Anfield for an initial £34 million Gakpo added he was persuaded to join the Gakpo, who has signed a five-and-a-half-
intelligence, the huge potential of the (RM184m), subject to a work Merseyside giants by Netherlands skipper year contract, will not play in tomorrow’s
forward and his ability to play in multiple permit. (4am Malaysian time) Premier League match
positions as reasons he is excited about the The 23-year-old was heavily Virgil van Dijk. with Leicester, which comes before the start of
deal. linked with Manchester United “What he told me was that this is the winter transfer window, but could play in
last summer following the the right move for me to make and Liverpool’s visit to Brentford on Jan 3
“It really is great news for us that we for me to develop and to become (1.30am).
have been able to do it and I have to say it a better player, that the club is a
has been a fantastic job by everyone really big and massive club but His first taste of Anfield could come in the
involved,” Klopp told the club’s website. also like a real family,” Gakpo FA Cup third round tie with Wolves on Jan 7.
said.
“The work that has gone into this has “I think that’s also very He added: “I’m really looking forward to
been really impressive and in the end we important for me because I’m a (playing at Anfield). I heard a lot of great
have managed to sign a player who we family guy. He said only good stories about the stadium, about the
have known about for quite some time things. I’m also happy that he’s atmosphere. I cannot wait.
and who we believe will have a really here, so he can help me with
bright future with us. some stuff.” “Obviously (my aim is) to win as many
Liverpool manager Jurgen prizes as we can as a team, to perform well, to
“There is a lot to like about Cody. He is Klopp has been a long-time show the world what we can do as a team and
still only 23 years old but he already has a admirer of the 23-year-old but the what I can do as a player.
lot of experience.
Reds accelerated their interest in him “And personally, just to keep developing
“He was the captain of PSV, he was the when injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, and become a better player every season.
Player of the Year in Holland last season who could both be out until March, left him
and, as a lot of people have just seen, he short of fit attackers. “I’m really thankful that everybody is
also had a great World Cup with his giving me such a warm welcome and I’m
national team. Klopp had considered a move for Gakpo really looking forward to seeing everybody in
last summer but Liverpool signed Darwin the stadium and around the city.”
“So, it is clear that he is already a really, Nunez and Fabio Carvalho and renewed
really good player but his age also means Mohamed Salah’s contract, but Gakpo’s Gakpo will wear the No. 18 shirt worn by
he also has the potential to become even Dirk Kuyt, Alberto Moreno and John Arne
better. Riise in the Premier League era. – The
Independent/Reuters
“Offensively, he is very versatile and on
top of this we know he is a smart footballer
and also a smart person, so we are really
excited to be able to work with him.” –
Express Newspapers

RESULTS & STANDINGS arrival of fellow Dutchman Erik
ten Hag at the Old Trafford helm,
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Leeds 1 but Liverpool stepped up their
(Struijk 73) Manchester City 3 (Rodri interest following injuries to
45+1, Haaland 51, 64). forwards Diogo Jota and Luis
Diaz and beat the competition
to his signature.
P W D L F A Pts Gakpo told
Arsenal 15 13 1 1 36 12 40 Liverpoolfc.com: “I feel really
Man City 15 11 2 2 43 15 35 good, I’m really excited to be
Newcastle 16 9 6 1 32 11 33 here. I’m looking forward to start
Tottenham 16 9 3 4 33 23 30 training and start playing for this
Man Utd 15 9 2 4 23 20 29 amazing club.
Liverpool 15 7 4 4 31 18 25 “I think this is a great club for me to come
Brighton 15 7 3 5 26 20 24 in and try to show what I can (do) and try to
Chelsea 15 7 3 5 19 17 24 help the team to achieve more beautiful
Fulham 16 6 4 6 27 26 22 moments that they already did in the past
Brentford 16 4 8 4 25 27 20 years.
Crystal Palace 15 5 4 6 15 21 19 “I think for me personally it’s also good to
Aston Villa 16 5 3 8 17 25 18
Leicester 16 5 2 9 25 28 17 United have moved on from CR7 saga: Eriksen
Bournemouth 16 4 4 8 18 34 16
Leeds 15 4 3 8 23 29 15
West Ham 16 4 2 10 13 20 14
Everton 16 3 5 8 12 19 14 CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN insists to the sword on Wednesday. very nice,” he said. start like this.”
Wolves 16 3 4 9 10 25 13 football quickly moves on as Marcus Rashford’s rich vein of “The football goes on. You feel Rashford’s form, with eight
Nottm Forest 16 3 4 9 11 33 13 Manchester United began life in
Southampton 16 3 3 10 14 30 12 the Premier League after Cristiano form continued as he scored the that the next game after, people goals in 13 games for club and
Ronaldo with a 3-0 win over opener and then made the second will forget what it was like before country, is a real tonic following
FRENCH LIGUE 1: Paris Saint-Germain 2 Nottingham Forest. for Anthony Martial, with Fred’s and now our focus is really like he Ronaldo’s exit.
Strasbourg 1, Brest 2 Lyon 4, Ajaccio 1 late goal putting the gloss on the is not here.
Angers 0, Troyes 0 Nantes 0, Auxerre 2 Ronaldo’s demise at Old win which saw United close the Eriksen says the 25-year-old has
Monaco 3, Clermont 0 Lille 2. Trafford dominated the news gap on the top four. “The atmosphere is good, we returned from the World Cup with
agenda for several weeks have a lot of people coming back confidence and hopes he can
(Top 5) P W D L F A Pts following his refusal to come on as Eriksen was proud to play with from the World Cup, the last guys continue firing for United.
Paris SG 16 14 2 0 45 10 44 a substitute against Tottenham Ronaldo, but knows life moves on are coming back and everyone is
Lens 15 11 3 1 26 10 36 and his explosive television and said the mood in the camp is coming together. “He played very well… he is
Rennes 15 9 4 2 31 14 31 interview. good. looking sharp and confident and
Marseille 15 9 3 3 26 13 30 “The atmosphere is good. It you can feel that when he is going
Monaco 16 9 3 4 32 23 30 His exit was agreed during the “First of all we are sad that helps winning games and also forward.
World Cup break and United have Ronaldo is not part of it, his legacy before we went away for the
quickly moved on, showing plenty and his name at any club is World Cup we had a few good “You feel that in the stadium
of life in attack as they put Forest special, for me to be fortunate to games and good wins and it and you feel that with him and it is
play with him in my career was makes it easier to come back and a nice thing and I hope he keeps it
going.” – The Independent

QUOTE OF THE DAY

I think he is on the level of what he did
in Qatar. He’s benefited from a few days
off. Despite the sadness, he had an exceptional
tournament, and his recovery means he’s been on
the pace. Since his return, he was determined to
play our next two matches.”

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 30, 2022 Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier on Kylian Mbappe.

Devils’ future may finally have arrived as old faces get new chance

█ RICHARD JOLLY the poorest of each’s career, they 2016, and who have teamed up 168 the conventional No. 9s that neither Rashford explained.
MANCHESTER UNITED’S future may could have been consigned to the times. Martial nor Rashford is. He is playing with a sense of
lie in their forward line’s past. They ranks of the Old Trafford old boys.
have long thought as much. It is just They have been twinned in the Each can cut in at speed from the freedom now, whether in surging 50
that they had picked the wrong part Instead, Erik ten Hag has instead team and on the bench, swapped in left flank; neither prefers to operate yards to score against Burnley or trying
of their past. made each central; literally in the case position, rivals for one spot. with his back to goal. Neither is really to chip Wayne Hennessey against
of Martial who, while injuries had a target man nor a penalty-box Forest.
There was the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer restricted his appearances, had They spent just eight minutes on poacher.
nostalgia project and the attempt to seemed his first-choice striker since the pitch together last season: were There is a sense of liberation, of
turn back time with Cristiano Ronaldo. the summer, and figuratively for there a permanent parting of the Ten Hag has borrowed from taking advantage of a roving brief to
Suffice to say that neither ended well. Rashford, who now feels the ways then, the eventual verdict may Solskjaer’s thinking; at least before get involved. It renders him a roaming
dominant figure in the attack. have been that, if opposites attract, Ronaldo’s return complicated it. menace.
But, in the post-Ronaldo era, their they were too similar to be a perfect
attack is now based around two men Each scored in the 3-0 win over match. The Norwegian began with Ten Hag has voiced his view
who debuted five managers ago Nottingham Forest. It will take more Rashford as his striker and Martial his Rashford can get 20 League goals in a
under Louis van Gaal. than a home victory over relegation Theirs has been the interrupted left winger, before switching them. season; as he is on six so far, it is
candidates to anoint them a double alliance, disrupted whenever United The Frenchman averages a goal every unlikely this will be that campaign. The
At 25 and 27, Marcus Rashford and act who will remain automatic choices signed bigger-name forwards, from 86 minutes this season from the Mancunian has set his sights on a
Anthony Martial are young to be for years. middle; the Englishman can be more career-best tally in all competitions.
described as part Zlatan Ibrahimovic to lethal from the left.
of United’s Martial, in particular, is no stranger Romelu Lukaku to “I think every forward has a number
history. to false dawns but this was an Alexis Sanchez to “More often than not I would like you want to reach,” he said. “For me, it’s
occasion to suggest United have Ronaldo; to play on the left but if there is a to score more than I have ever done in
If some found a new look in a duo who first many a season so 23, 22; something like that.”
had their way took the field together almost were weakness in the middle or
after last seven years ago, in Rashford’s a style of player that I can Rashford and Martial were long
season was third senior appearance in March exploit I like to have the touted as the future. Almost seven
freedom to try and years on, the future may finally be
move and do that,” arriving. – The Independent

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (centre)
controls the ball whilst under pressure
during his team’s Premier League match
against Leeds United. – AFPPIX

Best yet to come

Guardiola believes Haaland still struggling with foot injury despite two goals against Leeds

█ MARK WALKER & LAWRENCE OSTLERE the injury, to move his huge body is not easy for Mbappe score goals made him hungry for Marsch said: “I’m just really happy for him.
him, but as much as he can play minutes, (he) more. In some ways watching him score is painful. I
PEP GUARDIOLA claimed Erling will be better.” want him in a different kit.
Haaland is still not back to his best after Haaland’s Norway side failed to qualify for
injury despite scoring twice in Guardiola said Haaland, who joined City the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, affording the “But when you know some of these young
Manchester City’s 3-1 Premier League from Borussia Dortmund for £52 million Premier League’s leading scorer some time off men and you see their qualities as people, you
win at Leeds. (RM281m) in June, has not fully recovered from over the past six weeks. just want them to be their best – just not against
a foot injury sustained in his side’s goalless you.
Haaland struck two second-half goals after Champions League draw against his former Asked what he did during the World Cup,
Rodri had given City the lead in first-half club in October. Haaland told Amazon Prime: “Being home, “But, my gosh, I’m happy for him. He’s such
stoppage time and despite Pascal Struijk’s late being a bit mad that I don’t play at the World a great person and I’m really happy for him.”
header for Leeds, the result was never in doubt. “I have the feeling he is not at his best,” Cup.
Guardiola added. “It is a matter of time. Always Leeds remain 15th in the table, two points
Norway striker Haaland has now scored 26 an incredible threat for the opponent. “I was kind of a commentator for the World above the relegation zone with a game in hand
goals in 20 appearances for City in all Cup in my own home where no one listens to on most of their rivals, after their eighth League
competitions since his summer switch from “Of course we are delighted, but that little me. defeat of the season, which have all come in
Dortmund, including 20 in 14 top-flight (bit of extra) pace he had at the beginning of the their last 12 matches.
appearances. season, he struggles a little bit. “I kind of recharged my batteries and to
watch other people score and win games in the Marsch, whose side play at Newcastle in
Guardiola, whose side moved back up to “I am still more than satisfied, but the first World Cup kind of triggers me and motivates three days’ time, added: “They (City) got three
second, said: “He misses chances, but the part of the season he was sharper. He is getting me and also irritates me. I’m more hungry and on the day, so to say it was great isn’t accurate,
numbers are exceptional. He’s an incredible better, incredible professional. He takes care of more ready than ever.” but you know when you play these games the
threat for us and always in the right position the his body and mind.” opponents are so good.
right time, really good. Leeds boss Jesse Marsch spent time in
Haaland said he felt angry watching the charge of Haaland during his spell in charge of “But we are making progress and we have to
“I think he is still not at his best because of World Cup at home on TV, and seeing other RB Salzburg and has seen the 22-year-old stay laser-focused on our process.” – The
superstar forwards like Lionel Messi and Kylian develop into one of the world’s leading strikers. Independent

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