The Sun 09052023

are carried out manually can be made automatic, thus freeing farmers from mundane work and allowing them to engage in additional income-generating activities. “If done right, the implementation of advanced agricultural technology could see farmers improve their ability to deal with production risks, improve resource management and increase income potential. “Several challenges must be addressed before implementing smart technology on a large scale. It is crucial, for instance, to consider the potential challenges of embarking on such technology. “One of these is the need to train more minds on the new agriculture gig economy and the proliferation of start-ups. In addition, funding for research and development in Malaysia needs to be stepped up,” he told theSun. In supporting Siva’s call, Institute for Development Studies Sabah CEO Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul said Malaysia is ready for modern, smart precision farming processes to address the national food security issue. “Smart farming has the potential to facilitate higher productivity, providing significant benefits for livestock and crop growth. “Although the initial investment costs are higher compared with traditional farming and require learning new skills, the cost of production is much lower in the long term, hence potentially increasing market demand and productivity. “Digital and engineering technologies, including the application of AI and biotechnology, which aims to genetically improve the quality of crops and livestock species, are engines of agricultural change,” he said. However, Ramzah added that regulatory measures should be in place to monitor the impact of biotechnology on the environment and human consumption, while the potential negative impact on the natural ecosystem must also be addressed. “Advanced countries such as Japan have practised innovative ways of farming. This has prompted Malaysia to consider hydroponic systems to produce rice within buildings. “This provides an alternative method for season-dependent crops that are exposed to climate change, and allows for an increase in productivity.” He said the transition from traditional to technology-driven agriculture will require training in new skills, but these technologies are KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must embark on smart farming to improve agriculture yields and ensure food security, said Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Agriculture Technology Department head Assoc Prof Dr Siva K. Balasundram. He said this would reduce the RM482.8 billion food import bill that was recorded over the past 10 years, with a significant portion coming from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, India and Australia, according to the Statistics Department. Siva told theSun: “The implementation of advanced agricultural technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology has been gaining momentum. “The potential benefits are numerous, ranging from higher crop production to better management of risks due to climate change. This is something we must embark on to improve agriculture yields and ensure food security.” The Statistics Department earlier said the huge import bill was due to the demand and preferences of consumers, who frequently purchase items such as imported mutton, mango, coconut and beef, with over 70% of mutton imports coming from Australia. Siva said UPM is serious about modernising agriculture in the country and taking it to the next level by addressing the food security issue. It is even offering an academic programme on smart agriculture. “The implementation of advanced agricultural technology can also create job opportunities and support sectors conducive to driving economic growth.” Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohammad Sabu had previously commented on reviving the agricultural sector in the country. He said although the country faced economic uncertainties, the ministry was focused and committed to ensuring the well-being of the people in terms of guaranteeing sufficient food. Siva said through smart farming, tasks that oAdoption of advanced technology that includes AI key to boosting yields, ensuring food security, says expert █ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com Farm smart INSIDE SPRINGBOARD DIVAS ... Southeast Asian Games Women’s Individual 3m Springboard gold winner Kimberly Bong Qian Ping of Malaysia and compatriot Ong Ker Ying, who took the bronze, showing their medals at the Morodok Techo National Aquatics Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia yesterday. – REUTERSPIC user-friendly and have already been implemented in other countries. “The government must design policies that protect farmers as the whole agriculture sector is changing. It must ensure affirmative policies are in place so that aid through the upgrading of skills and financial assistance can be given to farmers.” Govt firmly against special 2 EPF withdrawals page Eye on food sold 3 at schools page TELLING IT AS IT IS ON TUESDAY MAY 9, 2023 No. 8263 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my Report on — page 22

2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Govt firm on not allowing special EPF withdrawals SHAH ALAM: For the sake of the future of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributors, the government has taken an unpopular decision to no longer allow special withdrawals from the fund, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the EPF is a statutory body entrusted with the big responsibility of protecting contributors’ savings for retirement and it has to keep to this objective. “That’s why despite strong political pressure for withdrawals, I agreed with the management’s proposal and took the unpopular decision to disallow further (special) withdrawals. “But during the (Covid-19) pandemic, I was one of those who insisted that it (withdrawal) be allowed because of the urgent situation during the emergency then, and the figure (withdrawals) reached RM145 billion,” he said at the opening of Menara KWSP in Kwasa Damansara here yesterday. Anwar said the situation had, however, changed and the people are now free to go about their daily oUnpopular decision vital as statutory body has to safeguard savings of contributors for retirement, says PM lives, and he did not want the EPF to deviate from its objective just to meet the wishes of certain parties. He added that he believed the issue of special EPF withdrawals would be played up in the six state elections due this year but this does not prevent the government from remaining firm in its decision. “In our wisdom, we do what is right and should not be dragged into making a decision just to satisfy some people.” He said for those really facing hardship, he would not reject measures to tackle the issue of eradicating poverty and eliminating extreme poverty. “That’s why I said if GLC (government-linked companies), GLIC (government-linked investment companies), EPF and others, including Khazanah, ministries and departments can avoid leakages, we can help the people.” Anwar described Menara KWSP Kwasa Damansara as a landmark signifying service with integrity and responsibility. He said the new development area revealed that sustainability awareness includes the achievement of rapid growth which takes into account sustainability as well as green values that benefit the people. He added that this also includes solving national problems, good management and governance for rapid progress which must be managed with integrity and the elimination of all forms of leakages and corruption. He also called on the EPF to increase its domestic investment to 70% this year, compared with 64% last year. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the fund should review its direction so that investments made by it would reflect the aspirations of the government which focuses on, among others, youth involvement, food security and startups. “In Malaysia, while productivity has gone up, wage levels remain low in comparison. “So, the gap continues to widen. These are the challenges we need to overcome. “If the government can find new investments, more revenue will be generated, and this will benefit the people.” He said domestic investment should follow the present needs of the country and people, Bernama reported. “There have been good strategic investments, not just in terms of industry but also in infrastructure, such as PLUS highway, Smart Tunnel and housing projects, I admit that. “The difference is that I do not interfere in investment affairs as had happened in the history of EPF.” ‘Strike balance between growth and environmental protection’ KUANTAN: The Pahang government should ensure that development and investments are fully monitored to ensure that they benefit the people and are not detrimental to the environment, said the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah. Tengku Hassanal expressed pride in the state government’s achievement in finalising seven international investment projects, including from Singapore, China and South Korea, amounting to RM11 billion last year. He added that he did not want the investments to be simply “based on numbers”. “Let people also benefit from the abundance of jobs that will be created. “Above all, investments should not pollute the environment in my state. “The projects implemented must have a balance between development and net zero carbon emissions.” He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 15th Pahang state assembly’s first meeting yesterday. The opening ceremony this time is the last one that Tengku Hassanal is officiating, as his father Al-Sultan Abdullah, who is currently the King, will return to Pahang next year. Tengku Hassanal said the need to protect the environment is crucial because Pahang is a state rich in natural resources and valuable natural treasures, which will not last long without organised management and planning. Although natural resources in Pahang are expected to last for 150 years, the Regent wants them to last for more than 300 years or even longer. “We have no choice. We need to draw up strategies to shift from traditional economy resources such as mineral products and timber to alternative economy resources.” Tengku Hassanal also reminded that enforcement against land encroachment, theft of mineral products and illegal forest exploitation should be intensified, with the agencies involved being more firm, courageous and professional regardless of offenders’ background. Tengku Hassanal also said he wants to see the crime rate in Pahang drop yearly. He said he also wants the implementation of empowerment programmes for women, persons with disabilities and the Orang Asli community. – Bernama Tengku Hassanal inspecting a guard-of-honour mounted by officers and personnel from the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Kuantan, in conjunction with the opening ceremony yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Anwar attends Asean Summit in Indonesia LABUAN BAJO (Indonesia): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will attend the 42nd Asean Summit in West Manggarai, Flores, in East Nusa Tenggara province, starting today. The summit will be divided into a plenary session and retreat session. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said Anwar would also chair the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines East Asean Growth Area Summit and the IndonesiaMalaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Summit. “These two summits will further strengthen cooperation aimed at increasing cross-border activities in efforts to further increase the value of trade and investment in the regions,” he said in a statement. The prime minister is also expected to attend a meeting with representatives of Asean Youth, the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the Asean Business Advisory Council and the High Level Task Force on Asean Community’s Post 2025 Vision. Zambry said the summit is a good platform for all Asean member countries to discuss the direction of the grouping and the development efforts of the Asean Community, which include the Asean Community Vision Post2025 as well as Action Plans for the three pillars of the Asean Community – namely political security, economic and sociocultural. Zambry, who arrived here yesterday, will also attend three preparatory meetings today, namely the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 26th Asean Political Security Community Council Meeting, and the 33rd Asean Coordinating Council Meeting. The region’s foreign ministers will discuss various issues in addition to considering and confirming various draft reports and documents that will be submitted for the decision of the Asean leaders at the Summit, including decisions on the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s participation in Asean. – Bernama Lynas given six months extension KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed on Saturday that the government has provided Lynas Malaysia with a sixmonth extension to fulfil the conditions of its operating licence in the country. “I think Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang will give a detailed explanation but from our understanding, the extension is contingent upon conditions and would be strictly observed,” he said in a brief statement. A news outlet had reported on Lynas’ licence extension, which was based on an appeal submitted by the company over four conditions imposed by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board. The appeal is a last-ditch effort to ensure that the rare earth producer could continue operations in Gebeng, Kuantan after July 1. The company had previously repeatedly defended itself, claiming that its operations were safe, and stressed that the implementation of such licensing conditions would result in a loss of jobs in Malaysia. – Bernama National mineral policy soon PUTRAJAYA: The government plans to develop a National Mineral Policy within three months in accordance with the current standard operating procedures for rare earth mining, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said the policy is aimed at managing the nation’s minerals responsibly, balancing the needs of the economic sector and national revenue while ensuring that environmental sustainability is safeguarded. “The potential contribution of minerals to national revenue is quite big, while our current mineral reserves are valued at around RM4 trillion. “Therefore, efforts taken to develop mineral resources should be orderly and organised so that the economic needs do not affect the people’s social welfare as well as the environment.” He was speaking after chairing the second National Mineral Council meeting here yesterday. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry (MOE) will act against school administrators and canteen operators that flout its guidelines on food that is prohibited for sale. Its spokesman was commenting on why some schools continue to sell burgers, nuggets and syrup drinks in contravention of the Healthy School Canteen Management Guidelines 2011 (Revised 2016). He said upon the advice of the Health Ministry (MOH), it issued a notification titled “Prohibition on the Sale of Food and Beverages that are Not Encouraged in School Canteens” dated March 15, 2017. Another notification was issued on October 27, 2020, on the “Sale of Food and Drinks at School Cooperatives”. “These two documents include information and instructions on the type of food and drinks that can be sold in school canteens and cooperatives. “MOE also issued a letter dated April 26, 2017, stating that all vending machines with prohibited food and drinks will not be allowed in school premises and areas.” The spokesman said the issue of prohibited food being sold in school canteens was also addressed by way of letters sent through state education departments, district education offices and school administrators. “MOE monitors canteen operations from time to time so that the person in charge of the canteen complies with the provisions in the Healthy School Canteen Management Guide (2011) and school canteen management and rental agreement. “Officers in charge of food quality in the district health office also make periodic inspections and act against canteen operators who do not comply with regulations in the Food Act 1983.” He added that student affairs committees were also responsible for monitoring the operations of school canteens. “The committee is responsible for ensuring food and beverages sold in school canteens are always sold at reasonable prices, clean, of high quality, nutritious, safe and sufficient to help the healthy growth of students. “The main role of this committee is to monitor the canteen’s operations and hold discussions with operators to ensure that the rules contained in the guidelines and school canteen rental and management agreement are followed.” According to the guidelines, the school principal or headmaster and school canteen committee are responsible for inspecting canteen operations. The spokesman said MOH also provides support to ensure school canteen services are at a satisfactory level. “Occasionally, MOH also conducts periodic monitoring at schools, to ensure food and beverages sold in the canteen are safe to consume and in accordance with a list provided by MOE. “Last year, MOH issued certificates of appreciation to schools that complied with the menu we prescribed,” said the spokesman, adding that in enforcing the guidelines and notifications, MOE will take action against the school administrators or canteen operators that flouted them. “Through monitoring sessions, several school administrators and canteen operators were reprimanded and warned during the initial stages when the notification letters were issued. “MOE has also made it known to canteen operators that based on the rental agreement and school canteen management, the contract can be cancelled if there is a breach of the agreement by any party.” Heatwave no threat to supply chain SUNGAI PETANI: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry does not expect the current hot weather to affect the supply of daily necessities. Its minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the situation was under control and issues affecting the supply of goods, including sugar, that reportedly hit East Coast states recently have been resolved. “So far, nothing has been affected. Everything is under control. In Kedah, I understand there is no issue of a shortage of sugar or mineral water. So, I hope the situation would remain. “However, in dealing with the sugar issue, the ministry will act more proactively to plan early and have more frequent engagements so that there is no sugar supply crisis in our country,” he said after launching TF Value-Mart Sungai Lalang branch yesterday. He added that the ministry has been monitoring the market situation constantly and will take appropriate action to ensure the supply of essential goods remains sufficient. On incentives for Menu Rahmah food traders, Salahuddin said the matter would be decided by the end of the month. “The ministry has held an engagement once and we will hold another two or three meetings and table the packages that can be offered to help traders who participate in the Menu Rahmah initiative,” he said. – Bernama Eye on food sold at schools oGovt to act against canteen operators selling items prohibited under guidelines issued in 2011 Tampin MP to skip state polls SEREMBAN: Gemencheh state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa announced yesterday that he will not defend the seat in the upcoming state election. The first-time Tampin MP said he made the decision as he wanted to fully focus on his parliamentary constituency. “I pray my friends will win in the upcoming elections as I will not be contesting. It means the Gemencheh seat is vacant. So, if Datuk Speaker (Datuk Zulkefly Mohamad Omar) is interested, he can go ahead (and contest). “But the first condition is to join Umno,” he said during the adjournment session of the fifth session of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly. He also expressed appreciation to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and the state government leadership for carrying out their responsibilities well throughout the session. Mohd Isam said he was optimistic that the state government would remain under the unity government in the coming session. “We hope the next government will focus on continuing to help the community, especially in Tampin, Jempol and Jelebu. Win or lose, as long as the community’s welfare is taken care of. Fulfil the pledges,” he said. Mohd Isam, 54, of Barisan Nasional (BN), has been Gemencheh assemblyman since 2013 and became Tampin MP after polling 23,283 votes ahead of Pakatan Harapan candidate Faiz Fadzil (22,007 votes), Perikatan Nasional’s Abdul Halim Abu Bakar (14,962 votes) and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air candidate Zamani Ibrahim (781 votes) in the 15th general election. Fellow first-time Senaling assemblyman Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan of BN, who is also Kuala Pilah MP, then interrupted the sitting, stating that it might be his last speech as an assemblyman. “If this is my last speech as an assemblyman, I wish to express my thanks. We have built good rapport with all the people’s representatives, and issues presented to the government were discussed well,” Adnan said. Earlier, the state assembly sitting also passed the Members of the Administration and Members of the Legislative Assembly (Remuneration) (Amendment) Enactment 2023 after the amendment motion by Aminuddin was unanimously supported by assemblymen. Among others, it aims to include the words “Timbalan Yang Dipertua Dewan” (Deputy Speaker of the House) in the definition of ahli or anggota (member) to clarify the rights and privileges of the deputy speaker of the House as part of a member. The state assembly meeting has been postponed to a date to be announced later. – Bernama RM3.8m sales from handicraft sector SEREMBAN: The handicraft sector in Negeri Sembilan generated sales of RM3.8 million as of Dec 31 last year, the state legislative assembly was told yesterday. State Youth and Sports Development Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Taufek Abdul Ghani said it involved 179 craft entrepreneurs in the state registered with Kraftangan Malaysia and 304 workers. “Kraftangan Malaysia continuously train entrepreneurs through product development programmes, technical and entrepreneurial skill development and marketing. They are given guidance from the aspect of new design development, use of new techniques and materials in the production of products as well as the latest fashion and colour trends to ensure that the products meet the market’s requirements,” he said when replying to a question from Suhaimi Kasim (PH-Lenggeng). He added that the state government would also upgrade the handicraft centre here into a sales centre soon. “We will also hold NS Fest this month or in June for craft entrepreneurs to promote their products.” – Bernama █ BY THARANI NAIR newsdesk@thesundaily.com Post-Covid economic prosperity plan KUCHING: The Sarawak government spent more than 20,000 man-hours to engage with over 1,000 stakeholders from the public and private sectors to prepare the state’s Post Covid19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said PCDS 2030 is the Sarawak government’s key strategy to achieve economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability by 2030. “The plan dwells in 13 sectors and presents a cohesive and robust strategy to address the worldwide economic disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said in his speech during the 42nd International Association for Impact Assessment Annual Conference yesterday. His speech was read by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Abang Johari said the plan was also meant to ensure that Sarawak could embark on a full-fledged transformation by capitalising on the megatrends around the world and transition to a low-carbon economy. He added that the Covid-19 pandemic had made 2020 a challenging year as it brought health and economic crises that disrupted businesses and livelihoods. – Bernama HELD IN AWE ... Participants watching a demonstration by a member of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team during an event organised by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – SYAZWAN KAMAL/THESUN

4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Status of Covid infection areas to remain unchanged KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) yesterday announced that the status of local areas of infection would remain unchanged for the time being although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that Covid-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the move is necessary to meet the need for quarantine or isolation of Covid-19 cases in places other than hospitals, and the need for employers to bear the cost of treatment and testing for Covid-19 for their employees, Bernama reported. Prior to this, MOH extended the declaration of local areas of infection from Jan 1 to June 30. “Based on the current assessment, the status of local areas of infection will continue. “Another risk assessment of the Covid-19 infection situation is expected to be carried out in mid-June to review the declaration of local areas of infection and the next course of action,” she said in a statement yesterday. Meanwhile, the declaration that Covid-19 is no longer a PHEIC followed the decision of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee’s meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on May 4. Zaliha said the decision took into account the global trend, which shows a decrease in the number of deaths from Covid-19, admissions to hospitals and intensive care units, and the high level of the world’s oMove necessary to meet need for quarantine, isolation of cases in places other than hospitals, says health minister Age, health and environment among heatstroke factors KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals aged 65 and above, and children aged five and below are at higher risk of suffering from heatstroke as it is harder for them to regulate their body temperature, said Sunway Medical Centre consultant paediatric endocrinologist Dr Ch’ng Tong Wooi. He said other factors contributing to the risk include health or physical condition. “Chronic diseases patients, for example individuals with diabetes, respiratory conditions and heart diseases, or individuals who are taking medications also may be affected by extreme heat. “Expectant and nursing mothers are at risk too as they are more likely to become dehydrated,” she said in a statement yesterday. Working individuals who are exposed to the hot weather such as farmers and construction workers are also at risk of heatstroke. Ch’ng advised the public to take extra precautions and measures to reduce their exposure to the current hot weather as it could affect their health and well-being. She said as many parts of the country are facing the hot spell and there are already cases affecting children, it is important for individuals, especially parents, to be able to recognise the symptoms of heatstroke early. “Among symptoms are high body temperature (40°C or higher), lethargy, headache, nausea and dizziness, having trouble breathing, confusion or disorientation and loss of consciousness.” Ch’ng added that people have to be cautious about being in hot surroundings once the temperature reaches 33°C or higher, especially when it involves school-going children. “In schools, teachers can monitor the students’ condition and act quickly when they see symptoms of a heatstroke. Schools are also encouraged to take preventive measures to avoid it. “It is also advised to use sunscreen when they are outdoors and to minimise outdoor activities as much as possible.” Ch’ng also advised the public to focus on releasing heat from their body by drinking enough fluids to rehydrate the body. “We can also drink fruit juice with added water or sport drinks to replenish electrolytes.” – Bernama No escape for traffic offenders SEREMBAN: Enforcement action will still be taken against any individual who commits a traffic offence even if his or her driving licence has been renewed for a period of 10 years, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He added that the Road Transport Department (RTD) has a system capable of detecting offenders and actions such as licence suspension or revocation for certain offences will still be carried out. “Even if some parties claim that through this way, people will not pay their summonses and so on, we have another way (to identify traffic offenders) digitally. “If they commit an offence such as (being involved in) a crash case, their licence will still be suspended. It does not mean that if the licence holder has already paid (for the licence renewal) it will not be suspended,” he said during a visit to the Seremban RTD branch. Meanwhile, Loke said the government has started a new policy of allowing a 10% discount for all driving licence categories if they were renewed for a period of 10 years. “You’ll only pay RM270 instead of RM300. That’s a new policy we’re introducing to make it easier for people. I received a lot of feedback and requests from the public to extend the maximum renewal period for driving licences.” In another development, Loke said RTD will continue efforts to strengthen its integrity and enforcement to overcome problems posed by tonto (lookouts for syndicates), and weaknesses will be rectified to prevent information from being leaked to external parties. “We know there are attempts to get information from insiders and so on, RTD will continue to strengthen its integrity. The tonto issue is indeed one that plagues RTD.” Loke added that whatever method used by irresponsible parties would not be able to challenge the laws of the country. – Bernama Unemployment rate in Kelantan at 4.1% KOTA BHARU: The unemployment rate in Kelantan is high, after recording 4.1% in February, said state Social Security Organisation (Socso) director Nora Yaacob. She said based on data obtained from the Statistics Department, the figure is high compared with the national rate of 3.6%. According to her, being picky is one of the factors identified as the cause of the high unemployment rate in the state. “Some are still very picky about jobs, some do not want to work outside Kelantan and some only want to work in the state. “In addition, most Kelantan folk are self-employed and not formally employed. These factors caused the unemployment rate to be high, namely 4.6% last December, 4.4% in January and 4.1% in February.” She was speaking at a media conference after attending the Kelantan Socso Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at Wisma Perkeso yesterday. In a bid to reduce the unemployment rate, Nora said Socso plans to get as many job placements as possible to help those who want to work. – Bernama population immunity against the virus. She added that accessibility to diagnosis, treatment and vaccines had also contributed to the declaration. “The monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants also showed that it did not cause severe Covid-19 infection. “Although the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still in the environment and will continue to evolve, it is no longer an unexpected or an unusual incident.” Zaliha also said MOH would continue with Covid-19 control and prevention measures based on the existing protocol as well as carry out reviews and update Covid19 guidelines with reference to WHO recommendations regarding the long-term management transition of the pandemic. She said the ministry is committed and will continue monitoring the Covid-19 situation in the country and abroad and ensuring that health services are optimally prepared to ensure the health and welfare of the people. Forest therapy programme gets green light PASIR PUTEH: The Kelantan government has approved the state Forestry Department’s proposal to develop a forest therapy programme. Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said the programme is based on a concept developed through research to maintain human physical and mental health by doing health-related activities in the forest. “To achieve this, the state government is committed to preserving and conserving efforts to maintain more than 629,880ha of permanent forest reserves in the state,” he said in his speech at the launch of the state-level International Forestry Day celebrations at Taman Eko Rimba Jeram Linang yesterday. The text of his speech was read out by Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah. Also present was state Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology, Green Technology and Environment Committee chairman Tuan Mohd Saripudin Tuan Ismail. – Bernama HAZMAT DRILL ... A firefighter conducting a decontamination process as part of a demonstration during the opening ceremony of the Seremban Fire and Rescue station yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 Former CEO claims trial to RM5m bribe charge KUALA LUMPUR: A former CEO of an automotive institute claimed trial in the Sessions Court yesterday to a charge of soliciting a bribe of RM5 million to help a company secure a training and work placement programme. Datuk Mohamad Madani Sahari, 56, is alleged to have solicited the bribe from a 37-year-old man as inducement to secure the RM24 million programme from Syarikat A2Z Technology Sdn Bhd, which is a subsidiary of the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute. The offence was allegedly committed at the A2Z Technology Sdn Bhd office in Solaris Dutamas between 11am and 3pm in May 2021. The charge, framed under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 and punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act, provides imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of not less than five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. DPP Law Chin How urged the RM300,000 bail imposed on the accused by the Shah Alam Sessions Court be tied to the case. “The accused will be charged again in the same court with money laundering on May 10 and in the Alor Setar Sessions Court on May 24 and we will apply for the cases to be tried together at the Sessions Court,” he said. Counsel Wan Aizuddin Wan Mohammed, who represented Mohamad Madani, agreed that the bail be tied to the earlier case. Judge Suzana Hussin allowed the prosecution’s application and set June 9 for mention of the case. On April 14, Mohamad Madani was charged with accepting a bribe as inducement for helping a company secure a contract worth RM12 million. – Bernama Duo charged with murder of businessman KAJANG: An e-hailing driver and his friend were yesterday charged with the murder of a businessman whose body was found inside a luggage bag in a ravine in Hulu Langat. J. Devan, 41, and his unemployed friend S. Hariharan, 22, nodded to acknowledge the charge, which was read out before Magistrate Nik Siti Norazlini Nik Mohamed Faiz. No plea was recorded as murder cases are under the jurisdiction of the High Court. The two were jointly charged with murdering Mohamed Usman Chan Bacha, 41, on the slopes of the 27m deep ravine along Jalan Sungai Tekali, Batu 14 in Hulu Langat, between 12.45pm on April 26 and 6.40pm on April 28. The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same Act, provides the death sentence. The prosecution was conducted by DPP Norfarhanim Abdul Halim while Devan was represented by lawyer Kenny Tan Cheng Yee and Hariharan was unrepresented. The court set June 19 for mention. On May 2, Bernama reported that police had arrested several individuals in connection with the murder of the owner of a chain of clinics, whose body was recovered from the ravine. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said police believed money was the motive for the murder as one of the suspects had financial problems and had obtained RM20,000 from the victim. – Bernama Muhyiddin seeking transfer of cases to High Court KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has applied for the trial of his cases involving using his position to receive bribes amounting to RM232.5 million for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and receiving money from illegal activities, to be transferred to the High Court. His lawyer Rosli Dahlan said the application was filed last April 27 on the grounds, among others, that the cases involved complex legal issues involving the Federal Constitution. “Therefore, the cases need to be transferred,” he said after case management yesterday, which was held before Senior Assistant Registrar Nur Azizah Jaafar, who then set May 31 for further case management. In his supporting affidavit, Muhyiddin, 76, said the Sessions Court does not have jurisdiction to determine matters involving the Federal Constitution and only the higher courts, namely the High Court, Court of oAffidavit states Sessions Court does not have jurisdiction on Federal Constitution matters Shop employee jailed for fake gun offence MALACCA: The Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court yesterday sentenced a telephone shop employee to a total of 14 months in jail for criminal intimidation by pointing an imitation gun at a mechanic. Magistrate Mazana Sinin passed the sentence on Low Zhao Yuan, 29, after the man pleaded guilty to two charges. Low was sentenced to eight months in jail for criminal intimidation and six months’ imprisonment for possession of an imitation gun. On the criminal intimidation charge, Low was alleged to have pointed a fake gun at Muhammad Zulhusni Mohamad Amin, 25, on the roadside in front of the Melaka Mall building in Jalan Lebih Ayer Keroh at 12.17am last April 28. The charge, under Section 506 of the Penal Code, provides a jail sentence of seven years or a fine, or both. He was also charged under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 for possession of an imitation gun at the same place and time. The law provides imprisonment for a year or a fine of RM5,000, or both. DPP Fikri Hakim Zamri prosecuted, while lawyer James S. Thanjong Tuan represented Low. – Bernama Two killed in motorcycle collision ALOR SETAR: Two people were killed and another injured in a crash involving two motorcycles along Jalan Sungai Dedap near Yan yesterday. Police chief DSP Shahnaz Akhtar Haji said Mohd Khatib Sharbini Tajuddin, 41, and Nur Aina Ellysya Abdul Hadi, 13, died on the spot due to serious injuries. Nur Aina Ellysya’s sister, Nur Aina Syafiqa, 11, who was riding pillion, sustained body injuries. The sisters were riding from Kampung Bahagia to Sungai Limau Dalam while Mohd Khatib Sharbini was heading towards Kampung Bahagia when the incident occurred at 9.15pm. “She was riding a motorcycle with her sister as pillion, when it skidded onto the opposite lane and collided with the (motorcycle) ridden by Mohd Khatib Sharbini,” Shahnaz said, adding that the injured were sent to the Yan Hospital. The remains of the two deceased were also sent to the same hospital. – Bernama OFF THE STREETS ... Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain examining drugs worth RM274,000 seized during raids in the state between May 2 and 6. – BERNAMAPIC Appeal and the Federal Court has the expertise. “It is more appropriate for the proceedings to be heard and tried before a High Court judge who has jurisdiction, extensive experience and a deep understanding of the law to determine constitutional issues,” said Muhyiddin. Regarding the Bersatu president’s application to quash the four charges of misusing his position to receive bribes, Rosli said Deputy Registrar Nurshafini Mustafha set June 12 for further case management. On April 18, Muhyiddin, who is Perikatan Nasional chairman, filed a notice of motion seeking that he be released and acquitted of all four charges made against him on March 10 and the proceedings of the case in the Sessions Court be postponed. In a supporting affidavit filed with the notice of motion, he claimed that all the charges were flawed and invalid in law. Muhyiddin was charged as the then prime minister and Bersatu president with using his position to obtain bribes from three companies, namely Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, Nepturis Sdn Bhd and Mamfor Sdn Bhd and Datuk Azman Yusoff. The offences were allegedly committed at the Prime Minister’s Office, Main Block, Perdana Putra Building, Federal Government Administration Centre in Putrajaya between March 1, 2020, and Aug 20, 2021. The charges were framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which provides imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe, or RM10,000, whichever is higher. Muhyiddin was also charged with two counts of receiving money from unlawful activities amounting to RM195 million from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd, which was deposited into Bersatu’s CIMB Bank account. The offence was allegedly committed at CIMB Bank Menara KL Branch, Jalan Stesen Sentral between Feb 25, 2021, and July 16, 2021, and Feb 8, 2022 and July 8, 2022. The charges were framed under Section 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, read together with Section 87(1) of the same law, which provides imprisonment of 15 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the proceeds from the unlawful activity or RM5 million, whichever is higher, Bernama reported. The Pagoh MP was also charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court last March 13 with one count of receiving RM5 million in proceeds from unlawful activities and the case had been transferred to the Sessions Court to be tried together with the other cases.

6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Imperative to stabilise relations, China tells US oTwo superpowers must avoid downward spiral in ties and prevent accidents: Minister BEIJING: China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang said yesterday it is imperative to stabilise Sino-US relations after a series of “erroneous words and deeds” threw ties back into a deep freeze. Qin, in a meeting in Beijing with US ambassador Nicholas Burns, stressed in particular that the America must correct its handling of the Taiwan issue and stop the hollowing out of the “one China” principle. The relationship between the world’s two biggest economies sank to a low last year when then speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi paid an official visit to democratically governed Taiwan, angering China, which claims the island as its territory. In response, Beijing severed formal communications channels with the US, including one between their militaries. The tension between the two superpowers eased in November when US and Chinese leaders Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met at a G20 summit in Indonesia and pledged more frequent dialogue. “A series of erroneous words and deeds by America since then have undermined the hard-won positive Thai election agency criticised after early voting snags Tourist boat capsizes in India, 22 dead NEW DELHI: Rescuers searched yesterday for survivors from an overcrowded tourist boat that capsized on a south Indian waterway with the death of at least 22 people, authorities said. Police said the exact number of people on board the boat that capsized on Sunday evening in an estuary near the town of Tanur, in Kerala state, had yet to be confirmed. Police said they were searching for the owner of the boat who had absconded. A man identified as Shafeeq, who was on board the converted fishing boat, told the Manorama News channel the vessel had listed badly soon after it set off. “Most of the people on the upper deck jumped into the river and swam to safety.” According to initial estimates there were about 40 people, most believed to be domestic tourists, on board including several children, said Tanur police official Jeevan George. “We’re not clear about the total number of people on board the boat as the passengers included several children who did not need tickets.” Famous for its picturesque backwaters, Kerala is a major destination for domestic and international tourists. The state government and police B R I E F S‘FLYING COFFIN’ CRASH KILLS THREE NEW DELHI: Three people on the ground died in India yesterday when a Russian-made MiG-21 fighter jet suffered an “onboard emergency” and obliterated a house. The MiG crashed onto the house in the western state of Rajasthan and three villagers died, said police officer Sudhir Chaudhary. The pilot “experienced an onboard emergency, following which he attempted to recover the aircraft as per existing procedures,” said an air force statement. “Having failed to do so, he initiated an ejection,” it said. The crash was the sixth MiG-21 to have gone down since 2021, with five pilots killed. Numerous crashes have led to the planes being dubbed “flying coffins”. – AFP ‘HIMALAYAN VIAGRA’ PICKERS MISSING KATHMANDU: Three people are missing and 12 others were injured after an avalanche hit northwestern Nepal, where the group was picking “Himalayan Viagra”, officials said yesterday. Every year, thousands of villagers in Nepal and Tibet harvest the parasitic fungus Cordyceps sinensis, known locally as yarchagumba, which grows on the body of a caterpillar. It can fetch huge sums in China and is only found at certain elevations for a few weeks each year. Chinese herbalists believe it boosts sexual performance. The group were in search of yarchagumba in the highlands of the Mugu district when they were hit by an avalanche on Saturday. – AFP Rescuers searching for survivors from the boat off Tanur. – REUTERSPIC momentum of Sino-US relations,” Qin told Burns, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “The agenda of dialogue and cooperation agreed by the two sides has been disrupted, and the relationship between the two countries has once again encountered cold ice.” Tensions flared in February when a Chinese high-altitude balloon appeared in American airspace and in response US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled a visit to Beijing. Last week, Blinken appeared to offer hope of a visit, telling the Washington Post that it was important to re-establish regular lines of communication at all levels. Also last week, US climate envoy John Kerry said China had invited him to visit “in the near term” for talks on averting a global climate crisis, further raising hope of resetting one of the world’s most important stateto-state relationships. “The top priority is to stabilise Sino-US relations, avoid a downward spiral and prevent any accidents between China and the United States,” Qin said. Taiwan remains the thorniest issue in Sino-US ties. Last month, China staged war games around Taiwan after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles. Since 1979, the US-Taiwan relationship has been governed by the Taiwan Relations Act, which gives a legal basis to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, but does not mandate that America come to Taiwan’s aid if attacked. As a part of the 2023 budget, US Congress has authorised up to US$1 billion worth of weapons aid for Taiwan using a type of authority that expedites security assistance and has helped to deliver arms to Ukraine. – Reuters BANGKOK: Thailand’s election commission came under scrutiny yesterday after what a monitoring group said were widespread complaints in early voting, fuelling concern on social media about the competence of a body appointed under military rule. The People’s Network to Monitor Elections, an alliance of NGOs, said it received about 300 complaints during Sunday’s early voting, including missing names, votes cast by the wrong people, mistakes with mailed ballots and incomplete lists of candidates at polling stations. Thailand holds an election on May 14 that could see an end to nine years of government led or backed by the military since it overthrew an elected government in 2014, in what was its second coup in less than eight years. The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) said it had received 92 complaints and investigations were going on. It promised that similar mistakes would not be repeated on May 14. The contest broadly pits parties of the ruling coalition with ties to the army and royalist establishment against an opposition movement that has won every election in the past two decades and was removed from office three times. Opinion polls last week showed two opposition parties with significant leads. Yingcheep Atchanont, executive director of NGO iLaw, which is part of the monitoring group, said mistakes were not major but showed a lack of understanding or training by some election personnel. “They don’t understand the system so they only do what they understand,” he said, adding many complaints were over the same issues. “I think in these cases they’re making honest mistakes.” The hashtag “why do we have an election commission?” was trending widely in Thailand yesterday, with hundreds of thousands of users questioning the commission’s ability to deliver a fair and accurate result. The commissioners were chosen in 2018 by institutions appointed by the junta after a 2014 coup by former army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has been in power ever since. The poll body endured intense criticism during the last election in 2019, with widespread allegations of manipulation and negligence, after it delayed the official result by more than a month. – Reuters Convoy of Asean diplomats attacked in Myanmar YANGON: A convoy of diplomats travelling in Myanmar came under fire from an unknown armed group, a military official and a diplomat said yesterday. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a military coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration in February 2021. On Sunday, a convoy of several vehicles travelling in Taunggyi township in eastern Myanmar’s Shan State was attacked by an unknown armed group, a foreign diplomat based in Yangon told AFP on condition of anonymity. The convoy was carrying diplomats from the embassies of Indonesia and Singapore and officials coordinating humanitarian relief from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regional bloc, they added, noting that no casualties were reported. A senior military official who did not want to be named confirmed to AFP that a convoy had been fired on. The officials and diplomats had been travelling on Sunday to “hand over humanitarian aid”, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said yesterday. “Regretfully on their way, there was a shootout,” he said, without giving any further details. Southern Shan state – home to Taunggyi township – has seen relatively little of the violence that has ravaged Myanmar since the coup more than two years ago. But in March, around 30 people sheltering at a monastery in the same state were killed, with the junta and anti-coup fighters trading accusations over the massacre. – AFP said they had launched investigations into the accident. Residents of the area said the cruise service had only been launched last month and it lacked safety measures. One man said he and his brother decided not to go on the cruise because the boat looked too crowded. “The operators were asking more people to join, saying it was the last trip of the day.” – Reuters

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 Eight killed as SUV rams group outside US migrant centre WASHINGTON: At least eight people were killed and several others injured on Sunday when an SUV ran a red light and ploughed into a group waiting at a bus stop outside a migrant aid centre in the US state of Texas, police said. Law enforcement said they were treating the incident as an accident for now, although a witness told AFP the driver had yelled insults at the group before accelerating. The grey sport utility vehicle “went through a red light and ran over several people” at around 8.30am local time in Brownsville, a border city at the southernmost tip of the state, said police spokesman Martin Sandoval. He said seven people died and “nearly 10” others were injured. US media later reported that one person had died from their injuries at a local hospital. Witness Luis Herrera, whose arm was hurt in the incident, said the crash was “sudden”. “A woman went by in a car and warned us to get out of the way,” said the 36-year-old Venezuelan. “It was a matter of moments. The killer came (through) in the car, gesturing at us, insulting us.” Herrera then described the driver as accelerating the car with full force. The motorist, whom Sandoval said was also taken to the hospital, was detained by witnesses until police arrived. He has been charged for now with reckless driving. “More than likely there’s going to be other charges coming on later,” Sandoval earlier told a local ABC affiliate, without clarifying what the additional charges might be. Police still had not publicly identified the driver, though a news conference was planned today. Authorities have launched an investigation into whether the fatal crash was an accident or intentional, Sandoval said. “We’re looking (into it),” he told AFP. The victims were among a crowd of about 25 people waiting at a bus stop, according to Victor Maldonado, the executive director of the Ozanam Centre, a homeless shelter across the street from the crash. The group, whom he said were all Venezuelan, had just eaten breakfast at the facility. Maldonado described a grisly scene, with body parts left behind along the street. Witnesses were “really shocked”, he told AFP. “It was pretty intense.”– AFP No breakthrough in Sudan ceasefire talks RIYADH: Ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia between Sudan’s warring generals have yielded “no major progress” so far, a Saudi official told AFP yesterday, dampening hopes for a quick end to the fighting. Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy turned rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, sent representatives to the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on Saturday for meetings that Washington and Riyadh have described as “pre-negotiation talks”. Goals include reaching “an effective short-term halt” to the fighting, facilitating aid delivery, restoring basic services and setting “a timetable for expanded negotiations to reach a permanent cessation of hostilities”, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement yesterday. The two sides have “begun to discuss the security measures they should take in order to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid and the restoration of essential services”, the statement said. But a Saudi diplomat told AFP yesterday that “no major progress is achieved so far”. “A permanent ceasefire isn’t on the table. “Every side believes it is capable of winning the battle.” The UN’s top humanitarian official Martin Griffiths arrived in Jeddah on Sunday intending to meet representatives of both camps, though his role in the process is unclear. A spokesman for Griffiths said he had arrived in Jeddah “to engage in humanitarian issues related to Sudan”. A separate UN official said yesterday that Griffiths had “asked to join the negotiations” but that his request had not been approved so far. The talks “will continue in the following days”, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said, without specifying a clear timeline. – AFP B R I E F SDUTCH COPS BREAK UP BRAWL AT TURKISH VOTING STATION THE HAGUE: Dozens of Dutch policemen broke up a “large fight” on Sunday at an Amsterdam polling station set up for Turkish-Dutch voters wanting to cast ballots ahead of next week’s crucial vote in Turkiye. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing off in a tense race with opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, and Turkish citizens abroad can vote ahead of the polls. Dutch media reports yesterday showed images with numerous policemen, some in riot gear or with dogs, intervening to keep warring parties apart. The fight at the ballot station at the city’s RAI conference centre was apparently sparked after an argument by representatives of opposing parties. – AFP NASA LAUNCHES SATELLITES TO TRACK HURRICANES WASHINGTON: Nasa launched two small satellites designed to track tropical cyclones hour by hour from a base in New Zealand yesterday, in a project that could improve weather predictions on devastating storms. The new storm trackers, sent into orbit on a rocket built by US company Rocket Lab, can fly over hurricanes (or typhoons in the Pacific) every hour, compared with every six hours with current satellites. Researchers will be able to see storms evolve on an hourly basis, said Nasa scientist Will McCarty at a press conference for the first launch of the Tropixa mission. “We still need the large satellites. What we get from this is the ability to add more information to the flagship satellites that we already have.” – AFP Air strike in Syria kills major drug trafficker and family DAMASCUS: An air strike killed a major drug smuggler and his family in southern Syria yesterday, a war monitor said, attributing the strike to Jordan though Amman did not immediately confirm. Drug dealer “Marai al-Ramthan, his wife and six children were killed in a Jordanian air force strike” in the eastern countryside of the Sweida province, near the Syrian-Jordanian border, said the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. “Marai is considered to be the most prominent drug trafficker in the region, and the number one smuggler of drugs, including captagon, into Jordan” from that area, said the Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria. It comes on the heels of a May 1 meeting with several Arab foreign ministers in Amman, during which Damascus had agreed to “enhance cooperation” with neighbouring countries “affected by drug trafficking and smuggling across the Syrian border”. On Sunday, the Arab League welcomed Syria back into the bloc after a more than decade-long suspension, securing President Bashar al-Assad’s return to the Arab fold after years of isolation. An AFP investigation in November found that Syria has become a narco state, with the US$10 billion (RM44 billion) captagon industry dwarfing all other exports and funding both Assad and many of his enemies. The main destinations are oil-rich Gulf countries, but Jordan has also become a transit route for the captagon trade. – AFP Wagner backtracks on Bakhmut pullout threat MOSCOW: The head of the Wagner mercenary group said on Sunday that Russia had promised his fighters enough ammunition to stay in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, after threatening to pull out in scathing videos. Rivalries between Yevgeny Prigozhin and the conventional army had boiled over during the battle for the now-devastated flashpoint, where Wagner is leading the assault. “Overnight we received a combat order ... they promised to give us all the ammunition and armaments we need to continue the operations” in Bakhmut, Prigozhin said. Wagner has been assured “that everything necessary will be provided”, he said. On Friday, he had threatened to pull out of Bakhmut on May 10, blaming Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General View of an apartment building damaged by wreckage of a drone that was shot down by Ukrainian defences in Kyiv yesterday. – REUTERSPIC oMercenary group says Russia promised ‘everything necessary’ for battle Staff Valery Gerasimov for “tens of thousands” of Russian casualties in a series of blistering, profanity-laced videos. “Their unprofessionalism is destroying tens of thousands of Russian guys and that is unforgivable.” The internal row comes as Russia has reported increasing drone strikes and sabotage inside its territory ahead of an expected spring counteroffensive from Ukraine. Ukraine also reported casualties yesterday from fresh Russian strikes on Kyiv. The Ukrainian air command said all 35 Russian drones launched at the city had been detected and shot down, while the local military administration said at least five people were wounded, with falling debris blamed for damage in multiple areas. In Odessa, the district military administration reported an airstrike hitting a warehouse, adding that “there has not been any information about victims”. In one of his previous video broadsides against Russia’s army, Prigozhin stood before what he said were rows of dead Wagner fighters. “They came here as volunteers and they are dying so you can get fat in your wood-panelled offices.” On Saturday, the mercenary chief asked Moscow to let him hand over his positions to Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, who had said that his forces were “ready to move” towards Bakhmut. Prigozhin has for months accused the conventional army of refusing to deliver ammunition to his men. Nevertheless, the emotive language used in Friday’s videos and the ferocity of his attack on the leaders of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine were unprecedented. On Sunday, Prigozhin said General Sergei Surovikin, one of Gerasimov’s deputies, would oversee Wagner’s operations. “He is the only decorated general that knows how to fight,” Prigozhin said in a fresh dig at Russia’s other army chiefs. Surovikin was named military commander in Ukraine in October. Three months later, he was replaced by Gerasimov, whom Prigozhin regularly criticises. – AFP

8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 SPEAK UP Challenges in CSR implementation THE main driving force behind the implementation of corporate social responsibility projects in any organisation is inherently and inextricably linked to the desire to promote the public good and uphold the interests of stakeholders. Despite the theoretical benefits of corporate responsibility initiatives, their implementation is often hindered by methodological challenges that can limit their degree of success. The key to the success of any ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) project lies in the careful and comprehensive consideration of the obstacles that arise due to the inherent complexity of ESG planning. Failure to address these challenges can restrict the organisation’s ability to achieve a high ESG success rate, ultimately diminishing its perceived performance and effectiveness in its operations. In a world where the environment, sustainability and people’s welfare are gaining traction, organisations should place greater emphasis on conservation efforts. The shift towards implementing ESG policies underscores the importance of considering the environment in corporate culture and promoting policies that prioritise sustainability. Many argue that ESG policies are essential for promoting sustainable global development and advancing ethical business practices. By creating opportunities for organisations to drive crucial developments and expedite transformation, ESG policies are seen as key to transitioning towards a more sustainable future. To ensure the successful and strategic execution of ESG projects, it is essential for organisations to critically evaluate the specific aspects of corporate social responsibility that are embedded within them. This approach should involve a solution-oriented methodology that takes into account potential challenges and obstacles that may arise. Several entities are widely recognised in the realm of corporate social responsibility. Of these, three are considered to be the most crucial: resources, public trust and the environment. Conservation initiatives must be designed to align with these three entities to ensure that an organisation can achieve its intended goals without hindrance. It is essential to maintain a proportional focus between the economic, social and environmental aspects of ESG policies and the scale of the intended activities. The less attention an organisation pays to these aspects, the less likely it is for it to achieve greater sustainability and mould an efficient corporate culture. There are three challenges associated with implementing CSR activities, which can be derived from analysing the economic, social and environmental aspects that are interconnected. The first challenge concerns the potential lack or mismanagement of resources, as evidenced by the need for a viable and robust workforce that can be effectively managed to carry out conservation projects in a coordinated manner. The success of a corporate social responsibility programme will depend on an organisation’s ability to allocate the necessary resources in accordance with the programme’s goals. Companies need to ensure that they have sufficient resources in proportion to the scope of the CSR programme to achieve sustainability. Mismanagement or undermanagement of resources can limit an organisation’s ability to fund projects, thereby constraining its scope. A shortage of resources can dissuade companies from investing in an organisation’s CSR project as it may indicate fundamental instability that can adversely affect the organisation’s reputation in the long run. Hence, focusing on the economic aspect is crucial. Secondly, it is important to demonstrate public value and garner community interest in the project. This highlights the importance of addressing the social aspect, as a successful CSR project is one that strengthens public trust in the moral commitment of companies towards environmental issues and demonstrates an active and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the community. This can be better achieved by active engagement with consumers to ascertain their concerns regarding the environment and addressing them effectively through CSR initiatives. Businesses must also maintain a healthy relationship with their consumers by establishing communication channels with stakeholders to focus on pressing concerns. The third challenge relates to potential insufficient incentive value. Companies must strategically allocate and prioritise their resources as there may be other projects or challenges that require more attention and resources. If conservation and welfare projects are poorly executed, where excessive resources are inadvertently exhausted, this can adversely affect and weaken an organisation’s ability to allocate its resources effectively towards more pressing environmental matters. If the benefit-risk analysis of these projects reveals that it poses a significant risk to an organisation’s ability to address larger environmental concerns due to the potential misapplication of resources, then the incentive to execute the project diminishes. This highlights the importance of attending to the environmental aspect to ensure that the organisation is operating sustainably and by its ESG policies. To realise the ESG goals, emphasis must also be given to ethical governance and leadership in corporate culture. A key factor for the successful implementation of ESG is the establishment of a strong corporate culture that values and prioritises ethical behaviour. To achieve this, an organisation may need to reform its leadership structure to better support and promote ESG policies. When an organisation’s leadership is committed to sustainability and has a clear understanding of the importance of ESG, it is more likely to establish a culture that encourages responsible decision-making. A committed leadership will ensure that the implementation of ESG policies is successful while promoting environmentally and socially conscious practices, resulting in greater benefits for the public and the environment. Although the challenges can hinder an organisation from seeking to implement CSR or ESG projects, a thorough assessment of these challenges can provide opportunities and room for improvement in the implementation methodology. By addressing these challenges, such as resource management, public engagement and incentivisation, an organisation can better accommodate the implementation of these initiatives and work towards achieving its sustainability goals. Strengthening commitments to CSR or ESG practices is imperative for businesses as they are regarded as pivotal to the functioning and success of a business in the eyes of stakeholders. Pravin Periasamy, Student Researcher at Sunway University. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com Put rakyat’s well-being first MY family and I run a small shoemanufacturing business in the Nilai Industrial Area and have been operating for over 15 years. We have around 50 employees and have been doing well since the business was set up. However, like many other businesses, we were severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting movement control orders. As a result, we were forced to cut salaries and eliminate overtime pay as well as other benefits for our staff. We dug deep into our reserves to keep our staff as they had been with us for many years and also had families to feed. It was the toughest time of our lives but fortunately, with the help of the government at that time, we were able to weather it and are still operating today. Our business is just beginning to pick up and we have only recently settled our outstanding debts and resumed paying our staff their full salaries. Production is almost 100%, and hopefully, in a month or so, we will be able to reintroduce staff benefits, including overtime. What is frustrating is the proposal by Union Network InternationalMalaysia Labour Centre (Uni-MLC) for employers to contribute 20% towards the Employees Provident Fund. The timing for such a proposal is inappropriate as most businesses are just reviving. One thing the government can do is to put a stop to the move by Bank Negara Malaysia to raise the OPR (Overnight Policy Rate), to ease the rakyat’s sufferings. Given the current challenging economic conditions brought about by the pandemic, the government should not allow such measures to be enforced, which will put an additional burden on businesses. There are also fears mounting that we may be hit again by another wave of Covid-19, considering the increasing number of infections recently. The government should assist businesses in their recovery and rebuilding efforts, ensuring they are on solid footing to contribute to economic recovery. Khairul Nizam Ziauddin Nilai COMMENT by Pravin Periasamy LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com “The key to the success of any ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) project lies in the careful and comprehensive consideration of the obstacles that arise due to the inherent complexity of ESG planning. Failure to address these challenges can restrict the organisation’s ability to achieve a high ESG success rate, ultimately diminishing its perceived performance and effectiveness in its operations.

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 theSun ONWEDNESDAY | NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSun ON WEDNESDAY | NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS THE OBJECTIVES TO achieve greater unity among Malaysians TO maintain a democratic way of life TO create a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared TO ensure a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions TO build a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology RUKUN NEGARA: THE PRINCIPLES BELIEF IN GOD LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY THE SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION THE RULE OF LAW COURTESY AND MORALITY THE OBJECTIVES TO achieve greater unity among Malaysians TO maintain a democratic way of life TO create a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared TO ensure a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions TO build a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology RUKUN NEGARA: THE PRINCIPLES BELIEF IN GOD LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY THE SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION THE RULE OF LAW COURTESY AND MORALITY Are 5G benefits overhyped? AS a tech enthusiast, I have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of 5G for a while now. With the potential for faster download speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections, it is no surprise that many people are enthusiastic about the possibilities of this new technology. However, as the rollout of 5G networks continues around the world, it is becoming increasingly evident that the actual benefits of 5G may not be as significant as initially touted. According to the latest data from Ericsson’s November Mobility Report, 5G subscriptions were expected to reach 780 million by the end of 2022. China, the US and South Korea are expected to lead in terms of deployment. While these numbers may seem impressive, the report also emphasises that subscription numbers alone will not measure 5G’s success. The reality is that the deployment of 5G networks is slow and expensive, and many people may not have access to 5G for years to come. Let us explore some of the concerns and challenges associated with 5G, and why it may not be the game-changer that many of us had hoped for. Health concerns One of the major concerns about 5G is its potential health impact due to increased exposure to radiofrequency radiation. Some studies have suggested a link between radiofrequency radiation and health problems, such as cancer, infertility and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. However, the scientific community has not yet reached a consensus on the extent of the potential risk. On one hand, some experts and organisations, such as the World Health Organisation and the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), have stated that based on current scientific evidence, 5G technology does not pose a significant risk to human health. According to ICNIRP chair Eric van Rongen, “the exposure from 5G is expected to be similar to or lower than that from existing mobile phone technologies, and any potential health effects are expected to be negligible”. On the other hand, other scientists and organisations have expressed concern about the potential health risks associated with 5G. Environmental Health Trust epidemiologist and founder Devra Davis said: “5G radiation has not been proven safe for humans. On the contrary, scientists worldwide are calling for a halt to the rollout of 5G, citing health effects ranging from cancer to reproductive harm to electromagnetic hypersensitivity.” While the debate about the safety of 5G is ongoing, it is important that we consider and evaluate all available scientific evidence. As we continue to deploy 5G networks, we should prioritise research and studies to further understand any potential health risks and how to mitigate them. Expensive rollout Another issue with 5G is the high cost of deploying the necessary infrastructure. Building a 5G network requires a significant amount of investment in new equipment and infrastructure, which can be costly for telecommunication companies and governments alike. For example, according to a report by Deloitte, the total cost of building a nationwide 5G network in the US can range from US$130 billion (RM576.90 billion) to US$275 billion. As a comparison, Nasa’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) budget for its lunar exploration programmes, including the Artemis programme to land humans on the moon by 2024, costs only US$25.2 billion, according to its 2022 fiscal year budget request. The high cost of 5G deployment can be attributed to a few factors. First, 5G networks require a significant amount of new equipment and infrastructure, including new cell towers and small cells, fibre optic cables and specialised radios and antennas. Second, the deployment of 5G networks can be more challenging and costly in certain regions, such as rural or mountainous areas, where there may be limited access to existing infrastructure or difficult terrain to navigate. Finally, the cost of deployment may also depend on the regulatory environment in a given country, with some governments, like the US, China, Japan and the UK, providing subsidies or other incentives to encourage the rollout of 5G networks. Despite the high cost of deployment, many telecommunications companies and governments view 5G as a worthwhile investment. It has the potential to support the development of new applications and services in areas, such as healthcare, education and transportation. Security concerns While 5G networks offer the promise of faster and more connected devices, there are concerns about the potential security risks that come with this increased connectivity. As more devices become connected to 5G networks, there is a greater risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches. In addition, the use of new and untested technologies in 5G networks may create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. While these security concerns are valid, it is important to note that telecommunication companies and governments are aware of the potential risks and are taking steps to address them. For example, the 5G security standards developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project include features, such as encryption, authentication and network slicing, that can help protect against cyber-attacks and data breaches. Additionally, governments and regulatory bodies are also implementing regulations and guidelines to ensure that 5G networks are secure and reliable. It is worth noting that security concerns are not unique to 5G networks and that all networks are potentially vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches. Similar concerns were also raised when 4G was introduced commercially in the late 2000s. While there were some bona fide incidents of security breaches and cyber-attacks on 4G networks, like the “Fake ID” vulnerability, the impact was relatively limited and the industry was able to develop effective security measures to address these issues. The same can be expected for 5G networks too as the industry continues to work to develop and implement security measures to protect against potential vulnerabilities and threats. In conclusion, the introduction of 5G networks represents a significant leap forward in mobile connectivity, promising faster speeds, lower latency and greater reliability. However, as with any new technology, there are also potential challenges and risks that must be addressed. Ultimately, the decision of whether to jump onto the 5G bandwagon or not will depend on a wide range of factors, including individual preferences, available infrastructure and the potential risks and benefits of the technology. As with any decision involving new technology, it is important to stay informed and to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision. So, are you ready to embrace 5G and all the benefits it has to offer? “To go 5G or not to go, that is the question.” The writer is the Chief Operating Officer of Uniten (Universiti Tenaga Nasional) and Associate Professor at the Department of Computing, College of Computing and Informatics, Uniten. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com “The introduction of 5G networks represents a significant leap forward in mobile connectivity, promising faster speeds, lower latency and greater reliability. However, as with any new technology, there are also potential challenges and risks that must be addressed. Should banks be bailed out? BANKS play a crucial role in a nation’s economy, serving as safe havens for the secure storage of people’s money. They also provide home or business loans to keep the economy flowing smoothly. However, banks have not always had a smooth ride. Just like individuals, banks too can go bankrupt if they live beyond their means. Banks can fail due to various risks, such as the risk of customers not repaying loans, losses in the value of financial assets and errors in judgement in investments like forex. Economies are volatile and move through cycles of booms and busts. During the “boom” phase, certain sectors may appear to be running particularly hot, such as technology in the case of Silicon Valley Bank, or housing in the lead-up to the global financial crisis in the US. However, such sectors can also be the harbingers of the busts to come. A bank may make losses because it is overexposed to a particular business or industry. Another reason is that the guard rails applied to pre-empt one kind of scenario may not necessarily apply to the next crisis. For instance, the collapse of the US investment bank Lehman Brothers in 2008 was due to a variety of reasons but a telling one was its involvement in the repackaging of risky home loans. The Silicon Valley Bank collapsed for different reasons: its heavy exposure to bonds and reliance on technology start-ups as clients. One common factor that seems to run in the boom and bust cycle is the interest rates. As banks compete for a larger share of the loan market, they reduce interest rates to lure investors into taking greater risks to make fast profits. However, when inflation sets in, interest rates inevitably rise, causing pain for investors struggling to stay afloat. As investment legend Warren Buffett succinctly put it: “You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out”. If depositors’ confidence collapses and large numbers of customers withdraw their deposits simultaneously, it can trigger a wider panic, known as a bank run, as occurred with Silicon Valley Bank recently, causing the second-biggest bank collapse in US history. Banks and regulators take extensive measures to manage the risk of bank runs and constantly do stress tests to maintain their integrity and security. Technology is a double-edged sword. In this modern era, one can move huge sums of money in a matter of minutes through an app instead of lining up to withdraw cash. However, advancements in technology have also made it easier for panic to spread rapidly throughout the banking system, commonly known as a contagion effect, which can cause a run on banks and lead to the suspension of their operations. Australia experienced a banking crisis in 1893, which led to the closure of many banks and contributed to a severe economic depression that lasted until the late 1890s. In 1907, New York bank the Knickerbocker Trust went bankrupt, sparking The Panic of 1907. This crisis had a ripple effect on other banks, ultimately leading to the establishment of the US Federal Reserve system. And more was to come. In 2008, America suffered its biggest banking failure on record when Washington Mutual collapsed after customers rushed to withdraw their deposits. Banks and regulators go to great lengths to manage the risk of bank runs like introducing new regulations and policies aimed at preventing such upheavals. In the Silicon Valley Bank scenario, regulators, who were acutely aware of the contagion effect, stepped in to guarantee the bank’s deposits and launched a new scheme to support other banks’ liquidity. Trust is the focal point for all banks. However, that trust can be eroded into a full-blown crisis by a trigger, such as a deterioration in the economy, which can bring to the surface problems that were not visible when the economy was more stable. Can we stop bank failures? In practical terms, the answer is “no”. History can repeat itself. One explanation for this is that memories fade. Many of the staff working at a bank in one crisis may not be there the next time a bank run makes its appearance. With the pain having long gone numb, banks tend to get more involved in risky activities and hubris begins to take hold. Who should bear the brunt of loss? When a person buys shares in the share market, there is always the risk that a company may go under. In our capitalist economy, if a company is wildly successful, an investor will enjoy the spoils but if the contrary happens, he may have to bear the brunt of the loss. Similarly, in the event a bank goes bankrupt, it should not be bailed out as shareholders took the risk to invest in the bank. This was what happened to Lehman Brothers, which was allowed to fail in 2008. However, the downside was that it had unleashed chaos across the global markets, which likely exacerbated the recession in the US. On the other hand, if taxpayers were to pick up the tab each time a bank goes bust, then the bank will be grossly tempted to go unbridled and take big risks in their greed for profits. Sometimes, regulators opt for an “orderly failure” of the bank where depositors’ money is safe and the financial system remains stable while shareholders bear the brunt of the pain. Regulators could take over the bank, as they did at Silicon Valley Bank and look to sell its assets. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com COMMENT by Dr Soorian Arjunan COMMENT by Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Ezanee Rusli

10 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 MEDIA & MARKETING A hazy issue AS the scorching weather intensifies and Kuala Lumpur’s skyline grows blurry, ‘haze’ has become a trending topic both online and offline. Headlines have recently reported that Malaysia may be one of several ASEAN countries destined for another haze season. This year, local groups intensified efforts to combat haze caused by M a l a y s i a n - o w n e d companies involved in open burning using u n c o n v e n t i o n a l mediums. Mysterious public murals have been appearing around KL and Penang over the past few months, alerting Malaysians about the imminent haze. These murals are part of a larger movement led by Greenpeace Malaysia to sound the alarm on recurring haze pollution and to demand urgent action. Penang-based artist Ernest Zacharevic unveiled a thoughtprovoking mural last June that spelt out the words “Transboundary Haze”. Last week, Zacharevic revealed another one in the heart of Georgetown Penang, signalling the arrival of yet another season of haze. Zaharevic is also the curator of an art e x h i b i t i o n entitled Haze: Coming Soon, which will run from now to May 14 at REXKL. The event brings together a r t i s t s , filmmakers, and activists, who will illustrate their interpretations of c r e a t i v e interventions to the issue. Z a h a r e v i c e x p l a i n e d : “ W e want to get people to engage with the conversation and explore positive creative solutions to the problems, and get inspired to do anything they can regardless of their background. “Even a conversation with a friend or family member or a Facebook post is better than silence, there’s silence in between every haze season and we want to keep the conversations going so that people remember to look for solutions.” The event will feature artwork from prominent artists such as Zacharevic, Cloakwork, Pangrok Sulap, Wong Kai Yi, Fahmi Reza, Trina Teoh and Bibichun; offering an educational and inspirational space for the public to engage with the issue of transboundary haze and understand its origins. The exhibition will also feature the film premiere of “Haze-zilla”, a satirical short film which boldly tackles the issue of corporate greed and e n v i r o n m e n t a l destruction. In addition, there will be a panel discussion on the topic of haze pollution and creative activism. Moderated by environmental activist Melissa Tan, the panel will invite environmentalists and creatives to share their insights. Celebrating independent musicians PARTY-GOERS were treated to an unforgettable experience by Yoodo, the official telco sponsor of the City ROARS! Festival here in Kuala Lumpur on April 29 and 30, 2023 at KLPAC and Zepp KL. Yoodo is the first mobile service to allow full customisation for data, voice and plan, enabling incredible savings. Since its inception in 2018, Yoodo has since established itself as the go-to brand for those seeking freedom and more control of what’s in their plans, the way they want it. The brand is sought after not just for its nifty DIY plans but also for its exciting headline-worthy campaigns for youths. At City ROARS! Festival, it was two days of non-stop energetic beats and good oYoodo pumps it up at this year’s The City Roars! Festival 2023 vibes. Day 1 heated up at KLPAC while Day 2 ignited at Zepp KL. The festival brought together independent artists from all over Asia, showcasing the best of innovative independent music, with talents from the local music industry like MASDO, Lost Spaces, DIRGAHYU, and PITAHATI on Day 1. And that was not all -the crowd was also treated to a myriad of indie artists hailing from Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan on Day 2. Chow Tuck Mun, Head of Yoodo shared: “The City ROARS! Festival was an important event that highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of the Kuala Lumpur music scene. At Yoodo, we have always been actively supporting our local independent artists, and we believe that the City ROARS! Festival is a great opportunity to showcase our commitment to promoting local talent.” He added: “Yoodo also places a strong emphasis on recognising and rewarding our loyal users. As an appreciation for their consistent support, we have rewarded our users with tickets to the City ROARS! Festival, as a small but meaningful way of giving back to them.” We all know that good music needs to flow uninterrupted, right? Well, Yoodo has got you covered with a seamless and reliable telco connection that’s perfect for keeping the beats bumping without any pesky interruptions. Yoodo believes in giving its users the best of both worldscustomisable mobile plans that cater to individual preferences with content addons such as Spotify (20GB) and JOOX (20GB) at an unbeatable price point of RM1 a month, as well as a chance to experience an awesome line-up of live music at the City ROARS! Festival. Yoodo has and will continue to revolutionise the telco industry by expanding its services and providing its customers with faster internet, better rates, and ease of access, as well as being supportive of local talents in different industries regardless of how established they are. For any further information on the City ROARS! Festival, visit cityroarsfest.com.

KLCI 1,433.74 2.70 STI 3,257.66 HANG SENG 20,297.03 247.72 SCI 3,395.00 60.50 NIKKEI 28,949.88 208.07 TSEC 15,699.57 73.50 KOSPI 2,513.21 S&P/ASX200 7,276.50 56.50 TUESDAY MAY 9, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: sunbiz@thesundaily.com Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com 5 MOST ACTIVES May 8, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) VINVEST 181,652,200 20.0 UNCH MMAG 147,159,900 1.5 -0.5 FITTERS 120,497,700 5.0 UNCH HSI-CLQ 82,876,700 27.0 +4.5 SALUTE 82,102,800 92.5 +30.0 EXCHANGERATES MAY 8, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.5040 4.3680 4.3600 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0550 2.9330 2.8970 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.3950 3.2960 3.2850 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.3620 3.2710 3.2240 1 EURO 4.9720 4.8090 4.7900 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8500 2.7430 2.7240 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.3950 3.2960 3.2850 1 POUND STERLING 5.6980 5.5160 5.4730 1 SWISS FRANC 5.0440 4.9260 4.9400 100 ARAB EMIRATES DIRHAM 124.0800 117.6200 117.4500 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.2960 4.0290 3.8350 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.2000 62.7000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 58.0000 55.0900 54.9200 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6000 5.2600 5.0600 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0318 0.0287 0.0237 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3400 3.2330 3.2450 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.8000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6500 1.5200 1.3100 100 PHILIPPINES PESO 8.2600 7.7800 7.5700 100 QATAR RIYAL 124.9300 118.6000 118.5100 100 SAUDI ARABIAN RIYAL 121.4000 115.2500 115.1000 100 THAILAND BAHT 13.8900 12.3200 11.9500 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY May 8, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,466.50 +8.27 FBMKLCI 1,433.74 +2.70 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 578.23 +0.29 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 170.33 +0.84 CONSTRUCTION 161.09 -0.97 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,750.70 +42.06 ENERGY 840.32 +12.08 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 628.35 +2.32 HEALTH CARE 1,731.52 -23.70 TRANSPORTATION 914.47 +0.25 PROPERTY 697.49 +1.37 PLANTATION 6,828.56 -5.23 FBMSHA 10,757.80 -0.87 FBMACE 5,122.21 -90.70 TECHNOLOGY 59.86 -0.39 TURNOVER VALUE 3.050 BIL RM1.583 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS May 8, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM CARLSBG 69,300 21.52 +0.38 SALUTE 82,102,800 0.925 +0.30 UTDPLT 159,700 15.92 +0.28 NESTLE 22,100 134.80 +0.20 HARISON 66,800 9.95 +0.17 5 TOP LOSERS May 8, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM HEXTECH 246,000 22.78 -0.50 AJI 117,400 15.02 -0.48 PETDAG 40,300 22.52 -0.28 F&N 497,300 27.18 -0.26 HSI-HNH 2,300 1.92 -0.23 8.97 12.27 Malaysia, Indonesia launch cross-border QR payment link KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and Bank Indonesia (BI) yesterday announced the commercial launch of the Malaysia-Indonesia cross-border QR payment linkage. The commercial launch of this linkage follows from the successful completion of the pilot phase of the linkage announced on Jan 27, 2022 which will see the number of participating financial institutions which include non-banks increase. This will enable more Indonesians and Malaysians to make instant retail payments in either country by scanning Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) or DuitNow QR codes2 at physical stores or online merchants using services offered by participating financial institutions. oInstant retail payments by scanning QRIS or DuitNow codes at physical stores or online CIMB introduces financial solutions to drive EV adoption PETALING JAYA: CIMB Bank Bhd and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd have introduced a suite of electric vehicle (EV) financial solutions, including financing, insurance protection and others, to drive the adoption of EV in Malaysia. Group consumer and digital banking CEO Effendy Shahul Hamid said that through this market offering, the bank is able to make the customer’s EV ownership journey accessible and convenient. “We will continue to offer innovative sustainable finance solutions that encourage Malaysians to consider a more sustainable lifestyle, as we work together towards achieving the country’s Net Zero ambitions,” Effendy said in a statement yesterday. The bank anticipates substantial growth in demand for EV financing, due to the growing availability of EV models and infrastructure in the market, coupled with the extension of Malaysia’s EV tax incentives and exemption. Meanwhile, CIMB recorded year-onyear green vehicle financing growth of 350% in 2022, and it intends to accelerate growth in the segment as part of its sustainable finance commitment. It also aims to mobilise RM60 billion in green, social, sustainable impact products and services across its markets by 2024. FSBM partners Selangor agency for industrial tech R&D SHAH ALAM: FSBM Holdings Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary, FSBM MES Elite Sdn Bhd (FMES), has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) to collaborate on research and development (R&D) of technology applications aimed at optimising industrial processes. The two-year industry partnership, aligned with SHRDC’s Malaysia Smart Factory 4.0 programme, intends to enhance operational processes through the implementation of technology such as the Manufacturing Execution Solutions (MES) which helps businesses to control, monitor and optimise their manufacturing and operation processes. During the implementation phase, FMES and SHRDC will exchange information, share best practices and engage in marketing and promotional activities. Additionally, they will create case studies and white papers showcasing successful implementations of smart manufacturing technologies across various industries. This collaboration will also facilitate talent development programmes and initiatives Teh (left) and Pang at the signing ceremony. █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com In a statement, Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus said, “Asean is more connected now than ever. Many more users from Malaysia and Indonesia will benefit from a secure, more seamless and more efficient experience to make and receive crossborder payments. This in turn, she added has significant potential to boost economic activities, including tourism spending in the two countries. “The payment linkage will also help expand markets for some businesses and facilitate increased settlements in local currency, thereby improving financial outcomes. The QR payment linkage between Malaysia and Indonesia complements a growing network of bilateral payment linkages within Asean that will contribute towards a more vibrant Asean and further development of the region as a centre of growth,” she added. BI governor Perry Warjiyo said, “Crossborder QR payment linkage between Indonesia and Malaysia is concrete evidence of strengthened cooperation on Regional Payment Connectivity to promote faster, cheaper, more transparent and more inclusive cross-border payments, particularly for the benefit of micro, small and medium enterprises.” The linkage, he added, aligns with the G20 initiative in establishing the Roadmap for Enhancing Cross Border Payments, and serves as a significant deliverable of Indonesia’s chairmanship of the Asean in 2023, as well represents another milestone of the Indonesian Payment System Blueprint 2025. “It provides more options for users in cross-border payment transactions and serves as a key to improve efficiency, to promote digital economy and financial inclusion in the region, as well as to maintain macroeconomic stability by promoting more extensive use of local currency for bilateral transactions under the Local Currency Transaction Framework,” he said. The launch of the payment linkage is a result of close industry collaboration championed by BI and BNM which worked closely with the Indonesian Payment System Association, PayNet4, and participating financial institutions. BI and BNM said they welcome participation from more financial institutions to expand the cross-border payments ecosystem. through hands-on, competency-based training, promoting the acquisition and application of skills relevant to the industry. SHRDC head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0 Dr Chua Wen Shyan said their aim is to help businesses in controlling, monitoring, and optimising their operations in order to minimise waste, reduce costs and ultimately decrease unproductive and wasted time. “MES systems like FSBM’s MES will help you create real time capabilities, better system integration, and better decision support. Moreover, there is a lot more that you can do once you have data in your pocket. “So the whole Smart Factory concept that we focus on revolves around three key areas: Operational Technology being the hardware, software integration; Information Systems Technology, where data hosting takes place; and eventually analytics AI,” he said during his presentation at the MoU signing yesterday. The MoU was signed by FSBM Holdings executive director Pang Kiew Kun, and SHRDC executive director Teh Sook Ling. Pang believes the cooperation with SHRDC will encourage Malaysian industries, especially SMEs, to transform to Industrial Revolution 4.0 and strengthen technological innovation. FMES is primarily engaged in the provision of industry digitalisation transformation, loT solution manufacturing execution system integration and smart manufacturing solutions. SHRDC is a skills development centre established through a partnership between the government and industry in 1992. Participation 48.0 30.7 21.3 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 767.3 474.9 341.8 1584.0 Sold RM m 755.1 496.5 332.4 1584.0 Net RM m 12.2 -21.6 9.4 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad SECUR ITIES S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 8/05/2023

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 SUNBIZ BNM likely to keep key rate at 3% for rest of 2023: BMI PETALIN JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has reached the end of its hiking cycle and will leave the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 3.0% for the rest of 2023, said BMI. The research firm, which is a unit of Fitch Solutions, said BNM would increasingly turn its focus to supporting growth over the coming months as inflation continues to moderate domestically. “This view is supported by a statement released by the central bank, where it believes the current monetary policy stance is slightly accommodative and remains supportive of the economy,” BMI said in a note yesterday. It also expects the central bank to leave its policy rate on hold at its next meeting in July for two reasons. oFitch Solutions unit believes Bank Negara will increasingly turn its focus to supporting economic growth over the coming months First, headline inflation continued to ease to 3.4% year-on-year in March from 3.7% in February, marking the slowest pace in nine months. The brokerage firm noted that inflation would continue to moderate in the coming months due to base effects and softer commodity prices. Second, BMI expects the ringgit to continue range trading over the coming months, which means that currency volatility would not pose a major concern for BNM. “Following the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) latest meeting on May 3, our global team expects the Fed Funds Rate to be raised only marginally further to a peak of 5.50% by the first half of 2023, from 5.25% currently. “Even if BNM leave rates on hold for the rest of 2023, this is unlikely to trigger significant portfolio outflows as the divergence in interest rate differentials would be small,” BMI said, adding that headline inflation to moderate to 2.5% by the end of 2023, bringing the average inflation to 2.9% compared with 3.4% last year. Meanwhile, BMI expects Malaysia’s economic growth to moderate over the coming quarters to 4.8% in the first quarter of 2023 and 4.0% in the second quarter of the year from 7.0% in the last quarter of 2022, and this would be below the prepandemic average of 4.6% recorded between 2018 and 2019. “We expect pent-up demand to fade and the slowdown in external demand to also filter through to other parts of the economy. “In its monetary policy statement, BNM is also of the view that exports are due to moderate,” it added. – Bernama Analysts positive on Westports after it posts strong performance in first quarter KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts remain positive on Westports Holdings Bhd after the port operator reported a stronger net profit for the first quarter of 2023 (Q1’23). According to a filing with Bursa Malaysia last Friday, the port operator’s net profit rose by 21% year-on-year to RM183.59 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2023, from RM151.85 million previously, attributed to the corporate tax rate reverting to 24% compared with the one-off Prosperity Tax in Q1’22. Revenue decreased marginally to RM512.92 million from RM516.36 million previously, due to lower value-added services, particularly storage revenue. In a separate statement, the largest listed port operator in the country said its container segment contributed 86% to total revenue by handling a throughput volume of 2.55 million twenty-foot equivalent units in Q1’23. In a note, MIDF Research said gateway container volume growth is expected to remain resilient, supported by competitive local exports and foreign direct investments. However, there is still a potential risk of global inflationary pressures impacting transhipment container demand as goods consumption in the Western region softens. “The management maintains their guidance of low single-digit growth in container volume for financial year 2023 (FY23).” Meanwhile, negotiations on the expansion of Westports 2 are progressing favourably and the signing of the concession agreement is anticipated to take place in the second half of 2023 (H2’23), the research firm said. As such, MIDF Research has upgraded its call on Westports’ shares to “buy” with an unchanged target price of RM3.90. Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB), meanwhile, remained cautious about Westports’ outlook, as it anticipates global trade to remain sluggish in FY23, amid economic uncertainties. “The recent banking crises in the West are likely to erode consumer confidence, leading to reduced spending and consequently lower trade volumes that will negatively impact port operators like Westports. “With regard to the Westports 2 expansion, the government is aiming to finalise the concession agreement in H2’23 and we gather that progress is advancing smoothly,” it said in a yesterday. HLIB has maintained its “hold” call on Westports, with a lower target price of RM3.52 a share. Yesterday, Westports closed 8 sen or 2.3% higher at RM3.60, with 204,900 shares traded. – Bernama The largest listed port operator in the country says its container segment contributed 86% to total revenue in Q1’23. – WESPORTS WEBSITE PIC Bank Muamalat revises rates, effective today KUALA LUMPUR: In response to Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to increase the overnight policy rate (OPR) to 3.00% announed on May 3, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd’s standardised base rate (SBR), base rate (BR) and base financing rate (BFR) will be revised by 25 basis points from 2.75% to 3.00% per annum (pa), 3.56% to 3.81% pa, and 6.56% to 6.81% pa respectively. The new rates take effect today. The revision affects all floating rate financing packages pegged to the bank’s SBR, BR and BFR. In line with the increase in SBR, BR and BFR, Bank Muamalat’s FTA-i deposit rates will also be revised accordingly. Bank Muamalat president and CEO Khairul Kamarudin said the rate revision corresponds with the increase in OPR to 3.00% as announced by the central bank. Bank Muamalat will continue to manage its assets and liabilities responsibly while supporting the current economic growth initiatives and meeting the expectations of stakeholders, he said in a statement yesterday. Hartalega to decommission Bestari Jaya facility by end of year PETALING JAYA: As part of Hartalega Holdings Bhd’s commitment towards sustainable long-term growth, the group will decommission its facility in Bestari Jaya, Selangor, with operations to be consolidated at its Next Generation Integrated Glove Manufacturing Complex (NGC) in Sepang. Decommissioning of the Bestari Jaya facility, which comprises four production plants, some of which have been operational since 2004, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. In relation to the decommissioning exercise, the company expects to recognise an impairment loss of RM347 million for financial year 2023, and further provision for retrenchment costs and contract obligation expenses amounting to about RM70 million for financial year 2024. Hartalega CEO Kuan Mun Leong said, “This is a difficult yet necessary decision to ensure that Hartalega will be able to weather the tough market landscape. “As we undertake this exercise, we are committed to treating all Hartanians fairly and with respect. With a period of approximately six months for the decommissioning to be completed, we have put in place measures to support affected employees, which include but are not limited to the opportunity for redeployment to our NGC facility for relevant roles, competitive severance packages, engaging with affected employees to provide outplacement support during the six-month period, helpdesk to address any employee concerns and queries and human resource assistance and counselling for affected employees.” Given the challenging market conditions, he said, Hartalega has put in place a five-year strategic plan to reinforce business resilience and long-term sustainability and the decommissioning of the facility is part of its operational rationalisation efforts. “Compared with our state-of-theart production lines at our NGC facility, our Bestari Jaya facility is less efficient and restricted by older technology, as well as generating higher energy and labour costs, in addition to higher maintenance costs due to the age of the facility. Hence, once the decommissioning is completed, we expect to see a reduction in operating cost and depreciation, which will have a direct benefit on our bottom line,” he added. Ultimately, Kuan said, this will lay the groundwork to enhance cost optimisation and strengthen operational efficiencies, leveraging the higher line speed and technological advancements at the NGC facility. Taking a longer-term perspective, Hartalega’s NGC facility has the capacity for future expansion, as it continues to progress strategically in line with prevailing market supply and demand dynamics, he added. M’sian services producer price index up 3.4% on-year in Q1 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s services producer price index (SPPI) gained 3.4% year-onyear (y-o-y) to 114.7 points in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1’23) from 110.9 in the same quarter last year as most subsectors recorded price increases in the quarter under review. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said among the subsectors, accommodation and food and beverage (F&B) service activities increased 8.3% y-o-y in Q1’23 from 8% y-o-y in Q4’22 due to an increase in restaurants and mobile food service activities, which rose 9.8%. “The transport subsector increased 6.5% y-o-y from 5.3% y-o-y in Q4’22 contributed by passenger air transport (up 25.6%),” he said in a statement yesterday. Mohd Uzir said the arts, entertainment and recreation as well as education subsectors inched up 1.1% y-o-y respectively in Q1’23 supported by other amusement and recreation activities (up 1.9%) and secondary education (1.9%) respectively. He said other subsectors which showed positive growth in 1Q 2023 were professional (up 0.5% y-o-y) and health (0.4% yo-y) while the real estate activities as well as information and communication subsectors were flat during the quarter under review. Quarter-on-quarter, he said the SPPI rose 0.3% in Q1’23 against 0.4% in the previous quarter supported by increases in the indices of accommodation and F&B service activities (up1.3%), education (up 0.5%), transport (0.3%), health (0.2%) and professional (0.1%). He added that the arts, entertainment and recreation index contracted 1.7% while those for real estate activities and information and communication activities remained unchanged. – Bernama

13 * SUNBIZ theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Net foreign selling on Bursa narrows to RM20.79m PETALING JAYA: Foreign investors net sold for the third week consecutively on Bursa Malaysia, at a moderated amount of RM20.79 million as compared to RM187.79 million recorded in the week prior, following a shortened trading week due to festivities, according to MIDF Research. In its weekly fund flow, the research house said that foreign investors net sold RM60,000 on Tuesday and RM49.23 million on Wednesday. It said that Friday was the only net buying day among foreigners amounting to RM28.5 million, which was the next trading day after Bank Negara’s surprise rate hike on Wednesday. “The day saw foreign investors picking up counters such as Public Bank Bhd (RM30.5 million), Yinson Holdings Bhd (RM11.7 million), Malayan Banking Bhd (RM8.5 million) and RHB Bank Bhd (RM8.4 million),” it said yesterday. MIDF said that the top three sectors that saw net foreign inflows last week were telecommunications and media (RM25.2 million), transportation and logistics (RM11.1 million), as well as energy (RM10.9 million). “Sectors with the most outflows were financial services (RM39.8 million), industrial products and services (RM17.3 million) as well as healthcare (RM15.9 million). Year-to-date, foreigners have net sold Malaysian equities for 12 out of 18 weeks, totalling RM2.14 billion. Meanwhile, it said that the local institutional investors maintained their net buying stance with a total of RM53.2 million. They net bought RM45.11 million on Tuesday and RM23.61 million on Wednesday before net selling RM15.53 million on Friday. Year-to-date, they have been net buyers for 13 out of 18 weeks with a total of RM2.04 billion. In addition, the research house said that the local retailers turned net sellers again at RM32.4 million after two weeks of net buying. They net sold RM45.05 million on Tuesday and RM12.97 million on Friday. While, Wednesday was the only net buying day at RM25.62 million. They have net bought for nine out of 18 weeks this year, with a total of RM96.93 million. In terms of participation, there was an increase in average daily trading volume among local institutions by 0.9% whereas retailers and foreign investors saw declines of 2% and 7.6% respectively. RHB IB maintains ‘overweight’ on auto, auto parts KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB IB) has maintained its ‘overweight’ call on the auto and auto parts sector, based on the sector’s earnings visibility and attractive yields of between 4% and 10%. In a research note, the firm said that the overall sector demand remains healthy, especially the key marques, and the interest in recently launched models should continue to fuel future orders. Its expectations were reinforced by the public’s response to the Malaysia Autoshow 2023, where some booths were more packed than others. “Honda, Toyota, Chery, Great Wall Motors (GWM), BMW and Mercedes had noticeably crowded booths. “While not packed, Perodua’s booth had a lot of car buyers awaiting loan approval and at the same time, Chinese brands were making their presence felt,” said RHB IB. At the same time, it noted that demand for electric vehicles (EV) is still soft, and although many EVs in the market are readily available, some EVs have a long and uncertain waiting period mainly because the dealerships lack visibility on when they will receive their imported units. “Our discussions with sales personnel confirmed that consumers generally still prefer petrol-fuelled cars over EV,” it said. RHIB IB added that Bermaz Auto and UMW remain as its top picks for the sector with the target price of RM3.45 and RM5, with the latter being a clear beneficiary of the strong demand for Toyota and Perodua. At 10.22am, Bermaz’s shares were flat at RM2.28 per unit with 108,600 shares traded, while UMW’s shares rose one sen to RM3.80 with 6,400 shares traded. – Bernama Pos Malaysia opens its first convenience store – Pos Shop KUALA LUMPUR: As part of Pos Malaysia’s strategic transformation journey, Pos Malaysia Bhd opened its first convenience store Pos Shop, a one-stop centre retail experience for customers at Medan Tuanku post office, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. The new concept store serves as a model for future developments in selected post offices in Malaysia, with the aim to create an even more exciting in-store experience and offer further retail convenience at the post office. Leveraging on its unrivalled reach and retail footprint, the convenience store offers a wide selection of beverages, desserts, snacks, and personal care products at a very competitive price, and it is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Measat, Mont Aero launch portable satellite service PETALING JAYA: Satellite solutions provider Measat Global Bhd has partnered with technology solutions company Mont Aero Sdn Bhd, which specialises in the oil and gas and maritime industries, to deploy the former’s portable, communicationson-the-pause (COTP) service for the latter. The portable COTP service is a quickto-deploy mobile satellite broadband solution that enables users to utilise highspeed broadband where broadband coverage is lacking. The lightweight and transportable as well as electronically steered antenna empowers field engineers to perform complex tasks that require live communication or prompt exchange of information via Measat’s high-speed broadband connectivity, without having to install antennas in each location. Chief commercial officer Ganendra Selvaraj said that its growing portfolio of end-to-end mobility managed services reinforces its position as a preferred satellite solutions provider. “Building on success in connecting rural communities and businesses in locations lacking terrestrial internet coverage, we are now expanding our solutions and services offerings, both onshore and offshore”, he said in a statement yesterday. Meanwhile, Mont Aero managing director Alimin Hafizi Aminudin said that with Measat’s portable COTP service, its personnel can coordinate live between teams in the field, enabling them to complete complex installations even in remote onshore or offshore sites with greater efficiency, to enhance customer satisfaction. AIMS unveils data centre expansion plans KUALA LUMPUR: AIMS Group, Southeast Asia’s leading carrier-neutral data centre services provider, will construct AIMS Cyberjaya Block 2 to meet the overwhelming demand for data centre space in Malaysia. This is also in line with AIMS’ plan to accelerate the expansion of its data centre business across Asia. AIMS is collaborating with Gamuda Engineering Sdn Bhd to construct AIMS Cyberjaya Block 2, a turnkey project featuring a purpose-built data centre with improved efficiency and building structure, and a total IT load of 8MW. Gamuda’s “Next-Gen Digital IBS” solution, which employs cutting-edge IR 4.0 technology, From left: TIME dotCom Bhd executive director Patrick Corso, Chiew and DigitalBridge Investment Management managing director Wilson Chung. oGroup will construct its Cyberjaya Block 2 to meet demand as its Cyberjaya Block 1 has achieved 90% occupancy in less than a year will be used to construct AIMS Cyberjaya Block 2, driving a more sustainable approach to construction. It is due to be completed by the end of 2023. AIMS CEO Chiew Kok Hin said, “We achieved more than 90% occupancy in AIMS Cyberjaya Block 1 in less than a year. This has accelerated our plans to expand our operational facilities in Malaysia with the construction of Block 2 to not only meet overwhelming response in the region, but also align with our initiative towards driving environmental, social and governance practices within the company and facilitating innovation in the industry.” As a regional engineering and infrastructure company, he said they have a track record of delivering innovative breakthrough solutions. “Our Gamuda Next-Gen Digital IBS is a sustainable construction innovation that enables fast-tracked delivery and increased certainty for our business partners, leveraging our digital construction ecosystem from cloudbased design to AI-IoT-enabled robotic manufacturing. “We are excited to be part of AIMS’ longerterm expansion plans,” said Gamuda engineering executive director Lim Hui Yan. Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO Mahadhir Aziz, said, “MDEC is proud to support AIMS’ expansion plans in Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur city centre, as we believe it will further enhance the local data centre ecosystem development. This expansion demonstrates the strong partnership between MDEC and AIMS in strengthening the digital ecosystem that is aligned with our Malaysia Digital agenda.” He added that they look forward to continued collaboration and facilitation with AIMS to drive innovation and build a sustainable digital ecosystem for Malaysia. Following the acquisition of the Bangunan KWSP building in Kuala Lumpur last year, AIMS has also announced the construction of this property which will mirror its flagship facility, AIMS Kuala Lumpur. This new retrofitted carrier-neutral data centre is located within 100m of AIMS Kuala Lumpur and will have a total IT load of 5MW. Targeted for completion in this month, it will form a part of AIMS’ comprehensive ecosystem of businesses and partners, and have interconnectivity with other AIMS data centres across Southeast Asia.

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 SUNBIZ Alibaba logistics arm eyes US$2b HK IPO oCainiao’s listing plan comes after tech giant parent company flagged in late March that it will split its business into six units HONG KONG: Alibaba’s logistics arm aims to raise up to US$2 billion (RM8.9 billion) via a listing in Hong Kong likely early next year, sources with knowledge of the matter said, bolstering hopes for a capital markets revival in the Asian financial hub. Cainiao Network Technology’s initial public offering (IPO) plan comes after Alibaba flagged in late March it would split its business into six units and that most of them would explore capital raisings or market debuts to help fund future growth. Cainiao, which has started work on the IPO, is looking to raise between US$1 billion and US$2 billion in Hong Kong, according to three sources. They declined to be named because the listing deliberations are private. The planned IPO, the size of which has not been reported before, is likely to be launched in early 2024, two of the sources said. The sources cautioned that the plans are not finalised yet and remain subject to changes. Binance lifts block on bitcoin withdrawals amid heavy volumes Battle for China’s EV SUV market hots up at home, abroad SHANGHAI: China is ground zero for the price war in electric vehicles (EV) and the battleground is shifting to SUV-styled EVs, the largest segment of the market, dominated by Tesla Inc and BYD . The market, crowded with more than 90 models, is about to get even tighter with at least 20 new models of both Chinese and foreign brands launched in April, squeezing pricing and margins at home and driving exports, analysts and executives said. EV makers in China have followed Tesla’s bold price cuts by lowering prices for their own electric SUVs, cannabalising sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as the price gap between the technologies narrows, analysts said. The trend will spread abroad with growing exports of Chinamade electric SUV. “We’re going to see a lot of Chinese exports because of the ultra-competitive market in China. It’s actually going to be a pressure release valve,” said Tu Le, founder of Beijing-based advisory firm Sino Auto Insights. The market for SUVs has boomed in China over the past decade and now represents almost 40% of all cars sold, with 400 SUV models of all fuel types. Almost as many China-made SUVs were sold in 2022 as cars of any type in Europe last year, or more than 11 million. The popularity of electric SUVs has exploded since Tesla delivered its domestically-produced Model Y two years ago in China, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the world’s largest auto market. Both domestic and foreign brands were represented among the new models rolled out at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. Legacy automakers Volkswagen, BMW and Toyota are counting on new electric SUVs to bolster China sales. Made-in-China EV startups Xpeng and Nio have six SUV models and the EV-only brands launched by B R I E F STOYOTA HALTS SALES OF YARIS AFTER SAFETY TEST PROBLEM BANGKOK: Japanese car maker Toyota Motor Corp has stopped sales of its Yaris Ativ, a senior official said yesterday, after its affiliate Daihatsu rigged part of the door in side-collision safety tests. Speaking at a press conference in Bangkok, Toyota’s CEO for the Asia region, Masahiko Maeda, said the problem may have occurred due to pressure during the development of the Ativ model, adding that the vehicle customers using were safe. Toyota and Daihatsu disclosed last month they were investigating how part of the door in side-collision safety tests carried out for some 88,000 small cars had been changed for the purpose of side-on crash safety testing. – Reuters AUSTRALIA PLEDGES A$15B IN BUDGET TO EASE COST OF LIVING SYDNEY: Australia’s centre-left Labour government said on Monday it would include A$14.6 billion (RM44 billion) over four years in the federal budget for cost of living relief for families and businesses, which it promised would not stoke inflation. The plan is designed to directly ease price pressures and inflation, the federal government said, which has eased in the first quarter but still sits near 30-year highs of 7%. The government is set to unveil in the budget financial assistance for more than five million lowincome families, small businesses and pensioners struggling with high power bills. – Reuters GO AIRLINES SEEKS URGENT ORDER ON BANKRUPTCY PLEA NEW DELHI: Go Airlines called on India’s company law tribunal to urgently pass an order on its bankruptcy plea yesterday, citing efforts by lessors to repossess planes during ongoing legal proceedings. The request comes less than a week after the cash-strapped Indian airline, widely known as Go First, filed for bankruptcy, blaming “faulty” Pratt & Whitney engines for the grounding of about half its Airbus A320neo fleet. Lawyers representing Go First told the tribunal to urgently pass an order on its plea, saying lessors are trying to repossess the planes, which could further impair its operations. – Reuters JAPANESE SERVICE ACTIVITY GROWS AT RECORD PACE IN APRIL TOKYO: Japan’s services activity grew at a record pace in April, a private-sector survey showed yesterday, helped by a boost in consumer spending following the end of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The final au Jibun Bank Japan Services purchasing managers’ index climbed to a seasonally adjusted 55.4 last month from March’s 55.0. – Reuters Cainiao said it would not comment on market speculation. Alibaba did not respond to a request for comment. Alibaba, which acts as a massive online marketplace for buyers and sellers, has in past years picked up stakes in top express delivery players to ensure reliable services for the group. It co-founded Cainiao in 2013 with partners including department store owner Intime Group, conglomerate Fosun Group and a handful of logistic firms. Alibaba took control of Cainiao four years later and has lifted its stake to 67% from 47%. Cainiao, which provides software and shares data with warehouses, carriers and logistics firms, reported 42 billion yuan (RM27 billion) in revenue in the nine months ended December, up 22% year-on-year and accounting for 6% of Alibaba’s total revenue. The logistics arm’s IPO plan is the first of the expected capital raisings for Alibaba’s spun-off units to be reported publicly as it pursues the biggest restructuring in its 24-year history. Analysts have said that the breakup could ease scrutiny over Chinese billionaire Jack Ma’s sprawling business empire, which has been a target of local regulators as part of a broader crackdown on private enterprises since late 2020. The other five units include Cloud Intelligence, Taobao Tmall Commerce, Local Services, Global Digital Commerce and Digital Media and Entertainment. Dealmakers hope that Cainiao’s potential IPO, expected to be followed by market debuts from some of the other Alibaba units in the near-term, could help revive sluggish fundraising activities in Hong Kong. While Alibaba has not divulged potential listing venues for the other units, bankers say that Hong Kong would be a preferred destination because of its proximity to the group’s home market and Sino-US tensions. – Reuters SINGAPORE: Crypto exchange Binance halted bitcoin withdrawals for several hours yesterday, citing heavy volumes and a surge in processing fees, before clearing them at a higher cost. Late on Sunday and again early yesterday the world’s biggest crypto exchange shut bitcoin withdrawals saying there was a glut of pending transactions because it hadn’t offered so-called miners a high enough reward to log the trades on the blockchain. The halt pushed bitcoin lower though its losses were marginal, with the cryptocurrency last down about 1% to US$28,162 (RM124,981), its lowest in nearly a week. “Our set fees did not anticipate the recent surge in (bitcoin) network gas fees,” Binance said in a tweet. “We’re replacing the pending bictoin withdrawal transactions with a higher fee so that they get picked up by mining pools.” Gas fees refer to payments made to crypto miners whose computing power processes transactions on the blockchain. “If the withdrawal amount is large, the gas fee required to process the transaction may also be large, especially during times of high network congestion,” Joshua Chu, group chief risk officer at blockchain technology group XBE, Coinllectibles and Marvion. “We need more information as to what has led to the large withdrawals.” After an hour-long stoppage late on Sunday and several hours yesterday, Binance said withdrawals resumed. “To prevent a similar recurrence ... our fees have been adjusted.” It also denies there had been large outflows from the platform. – Reuters Chinese state-owned car companies such as GAC’s Aion are also pushing all-electric SUVs. They will compete with 93 existing electric SUV models in a market that saw 1.5 million sales in 2022, with the top 10 brands making up 84%, a Reuters analysis of data from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers shows. Xpeng, Leapmotor and others have fired back with their own discounts, while BYD offered a discount of $1,000 on its market-leading Song Plus SUV, or about 4% off. Those refusing to slash prices on existing models to protect brand value have instead chosen to offer lowerthan-expected starting prices for new models, along with longer driving ranges and greater autonomous driving features. The reality is “brutal” for legacy foreign brands targeting the mass market with small SUVs priced below US$40,000, such as Ford, said Le of Sino Auto Insights. Ford chief executive Jim Farley acknowledged the intense market competition for two-row, SUV-styled EVs as a factor driving China’s car export boom. “That’s why they’re going big on Europe. Europe is a premium export market. They’re all going there,” Farley said in April after a trip to China. Ford will also restructure its China operations to turn one of its joint ventures into an export hub for low-cost commercial electric and combustion vehicles, Farley said last week. General Motors, which saw profit from China tumble by almost a fourth in the most recent quarter, needs new EVs to be a success in order to rebuild its market share in China, but the pressure is intense. – Reuters The popularity of electric SUVs has exploded since Tesla delivered its domestically-produced Model Y two years ago in China. – AFPPIX

9 M A Y 2 0 2 3 T U E S D A Y Sun-kissed destinations AS summer approaches, greater attention will turn to plans with family and friends for that long-awaited trip abroad. With brighter days, warmer temperatures and the kids off school, August remains a popular choice of month for a summer holiday. From a Greek island to the Croatian coast, Italian lakes to a Colombian city, here are some destinations that are sure to inspire your August summer holiday. 0 Crete, Greece With an average temperature just under 30°C and just under 12 hours of sunshine per day, August in Crete offers a more pleasant and temperate experience than nearby Corfu or mainland Greece. The largest and most populous of the Greek islands, Crete is a mountainous island as famed for its historical importance (think of the the Minoans) as it is for its beaches. Tourists can visit the capital, Heraklion, to see a stunning old harbour, Venetian architecture and the ruins of the (alleged) oldest city in the world, Knossos. Alternatively, go to Chania for another scenic harbour, colourful buildings and beautiful beaches. Other towns, such as Rethymno, are less touched by tourism for those hoping for more of an “authentic” experience of Greece. 0 Nice, France One of the most famous cities on the French Riviera, Nice has long been a tourist destination. Queen Victoria was known to have visited several times, while other visits from European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries contributed to its establishment as a fashionable destination. With several plazas, its own beach (and the famous Promenade des Anglais), a picturesque port and buzzing nightlife, Nice’s high-end reputation has morphed into it being a city with something for everyone. 0 Valencia, Spain Spain’s third city has enjoyed a rise in popularity with foreign tourists in recent years. Offering miles of golden sand, warm sea and the guarantee of heat and sun, it also contains an extensive old town that is lined with cobbled streets, a range of quality restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars and independent shops. Three impressive plazas and a A view of Chania, a town in Crete. – ALL PIX BY THE INDEPENDENT oFor those looking to travel to destinations where the weather isn’t too chilly, here are some suggestions Dubrovnik is perhaps most famous for its walled Old Town. Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, British Colombia. (right) A village on Lake Como. (left) A view of Ljubljana and its river, the Ljubljanica. stunning cathedral form the focal point of the city, while the beaches of Malvarrosa and Patacona are home to dozens of cafes, beach bars, excellent (often paella-led) restaurants, football and volleyball pitches, and dozens of happy locals. 0 Dubrovnik, Croatia Perched tantalisingly close to the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is the seaside gem of Croatia. While more recently famous for being the filming location for Game of Thrones, the Old Town, encircled by 16th-century walls, is replete with Baroque and Gothic architecure, impressive squares and limestone streets. Visitors can walk along some sections of the walls before taking in several medieval buildings, such as the clock tower or cathedral. Though pebbly in places, the beaches offer great access into the azure waters of the Adriatic and also house – along with the Old Town – a good portion of the city’s nightlife. 0 British Colombia, Canada Home to the city of Vancouver, part of the Canadian Rockies and incredible forests and lakes, British Colombia is best experienced in summer, when the full range of outdoor activities is possible. The cooler temperatures allow for getting out and about in any of the seven national parks, where you can swim, hike, fish, cycle and kayak to your heart’s content. If you prefer, visit Vancouver – the third largest city in the country – or go to Whistler; even outside of ski season, the famous resort town provides plenty of natural beauty and opportunities for physical activities. 0 Medellin, Colombia Nicknamed “The City of Eternal Spring” due to its good weather, the city was once more famous for drug production than as a tourist destination. However, the sprawling city set in the mountains of Antioquia has improved enormously in recent years, with recent advances in transport and infrastructure saw it named as the most innovative city in the world by the Urban Land Institute. It now holds a reputation as a clean, thriving and safe city, with several features – such as its wildlife setting, extensive metro system, and its cable cars – contributing to the city becoming a “hipster holiday destination”. 0 Ljubljana, Slovenia The Slovenian capital is another city that has become somewhat of a hipster destination in recent years, for good reason. With the river and medieval castle as focal points, the city offers several lesser-known cultural attractions and plenty of opportunities to learn about the region’s often understudied history. The city is home to several excellent bars and restaurants (both on the riverside and further into town). Those looking to combine an urban break with some rural escapism can pair a visit with a trip to Lake Bled, a lakeside town just an hour from the capital. 0 Milan and the Lakes, Italy Famous as a fashion capital, Milan is one of the most accessible cities in Italy due to the number of daily flights from the UK. In summer, it receives less tourists than southern destinations and is often far cooler, with its average temperatures of 29°C ensuring it’s still a smart summer choice. While the city itself has a plethora of cultural, historical, architectural and leisure attractions, the nearby lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda can be reached by direct train services (journeys take between 4°0 minutes to just over an hour) and offer more picturesque views with a lakeside setting. – The Independent

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Jamie Foxx in ‘stable’ condition ACADEMY Award winner Jamie Foxx – who was admitted to the hospital last month for an unidentified medical issue – is continuing to recover in the hospital. Prior to his hospitalisation, the 55-year-old actor was filming a scene for the Netflix film Back in Action with co-star Cameron Diaz in Atlanta, Georgia. Natasha Blasick, who co-stars with Foxx in his directorial debut, 2019’s unreleased All-Star Weekend, said she’s been told he’s recovering. “I was texting him, and just yesterday I talked to his friend, who’s like really in touch with him. I was, like, really freaking out [with] all of the news that he’s getting worse,“ Blasick, who said she’s been praying for Foxx, told late last week. “So I was texting [his friend], and he’s like, ‘No, no, no, he’s recovering.’ So just hearing that he was recovering made me feel so much better.” An unnamed “source in the actor’s circle” also told People magazine that, “Jamie is stable and not in a life-threatening situation now. [Doctors] are doing more tests and want to be completely sure that he will be okay before allowing him to [be discharged].” The insider added the Django Unchained star’s is being advised to “keep his stress level down” when he is allowed to go home. They also said Foxx is keen to be released as being in the hospital is “the last place Jamie wants to be”. Since news of his mysterious health issue became public, Foxx has received a flood of well wishes from fans, friends, and family. – by Hazique Zairill POPULAR K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have been breaking records and topping international charts for years. Now, it appears that newgeneration group NEWJEANS is not far behind. The five-member girl group recently set the Guinness World Record for being the first group to break one billion streams. The record was officially set on March 8, 2023 on Spotify, just 219 days after their debut, making it the fastest achievement by any K-pop group to date. The group, comprising six girls; Minji, Danielle, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein, has released a total of six songs on Spotify, like Attention, Ditto, Hype Boy, Cookie, Hurt, and OMG. Helping them reach the cumulative one billion streams was the song Ditto, which was streamed 313.2 million times, while OMG streamed 312.4 million times, and their latest track Zero, released just last month, has already been streamed 18 million times so far. While NEWJEANS is the first group to set the record, solo K-pop stars have already breached the one billion stream mark on Spotify. BTS’ Jungkook holds the record for Kpop solo male singer, while BLACKPINK’s Lisa holds the record for K-pop solo female singer. – by S. Tamarai Chelvi The strike has stopped production on several major streaming shows. – AFP NEWJEANS have reached one billion Spotify streams. – INSTAGRAM Fans have been hoping for his swift recovery. – AFP IMAN VELLANI made her Ms. Marvel TV debut in 2019 and will join the ranks of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s newest heroes in the upcoming film The Marvels. The Marvels, which is scheduled for release on Nov 10 this year, will be the first film to bring together Captain Marvels from across the multiverse. In a recent interview with People magazine, the 20-year-old Canadian-Pakistani actress voiced her appreciation for costar Brie Larson, who was the MCU’s original Captain Marvel. Larson will reprise her role as Captain Marvel (Carol Denvers), whom she first played in 2019. According to the official synopsis: “Carol is shouldering the burden of a destabilised universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan, a.k.a. Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau.” When questioned about Larson, Vellani remarked that she admires Larson’s on-screen persona greatly, adding that she thinks of her as one of the family. She stated: “We’re close and then she’s honestly an older sister at this point ... I think she’s really taught me a lot about how to take care of myself and the importance of self-care mentally and physically, and I really value our friendship.” She further disclosed that Larson had advised her to “get a Theragun.” Vellani also discussed how, in terms of representation, the comics were “monumental” to her in her “high school” years. She said that she had no idea that a story like that could just exist in public. “I think the fact that we got to have it on Disney+, and Marvel is one of the most successful franchises in the world. It means the world that little girls are going to grow up and have this be something that they could watch on a Friday afternoon.” – by Thashine Selvakumaran Vellani has formed a close bond with Larsen. – AFP Iman Vellani praises The Marvels’ Brie Larsen The strike has largely affected television the most, with even late night shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Show, and John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight being affected. Streaming has also been hit. Netflix’s Cobra Kai closed its writers room just days after it began production on its sixth season. Series co-creator Jon Hurwitz tweeted “Pencils down” in solidarity. Stranger Things’ series creators Matt and Ross Duffer took to the show’s writers’ room Twitter account and claimed that while they were excited to start production, the strike has made it “not possible”. “Writing does not stop when filming begins,” the duo wrote, further adding that they hope a fair deal is reached so that everyone is able to get back to work. Yellowjackets co-creator Ashley Lyle tweeted that all progress on the writing for Showtime’s popular show’s third season was halted, after one day of progress. However, not everything was cancelled. Unlike the others in the industry, HBO’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’s production for the second season will still be moving forward – but without the services of executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. On the other side of the medieval high fantasy coin, House of the Dragon seemingly avoided the writers strike altogether, as all scripts for the show’s second season had already been turned in. This is in contrast to what happened to AMC’s Walking Dead spin-offs. Reportedly, scripts for the shows are done, but production is still shut down. Beyond television shows, Disney and Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated Mahershala Ali-led Blade had its production shut down late last week. It is the first tentpole film impacted by the strike. – by Mark Mathen Victor PICKET lines have formed across Hollywood and New York City ever since the WGA Writers Strike began about a week ago, with many scripted projects going dark. It has resulted in a Hollywood shutdown not seen since the COVID era began, and not felt since the last WGA strike 15 years ago. A look at the demands shows that the WGA members are demanding an increased pay, better residuals, staffing requirements and shorter exclusivity deals; the demands are rooted in an era of increasing streaming services. Record-breaking NEWJEANS oProduction on TV series, films halt following the WGA Writers Strike Fighting for their rights

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformers the Maximals - to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth. CHECK out the new trailer, plus a poster and new image for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wish, which opens exclusively in cinemas on Nov 23. The trailer introduces 17-year-old Asha, the powerful King Magnifico, Asha’s pet goat Valentino, and Star, a celestial ball of boundless energy that Asha’s wish calls down from the sky. It also features a snippet of the song This Wish, performed by Ariana DeBose; it’s one of several new songs written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice for the film. The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said director Chris Buck, who helms the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires – someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.” Added Veerasunthorn: “We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years, especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honour that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.” Making wishes come true Hanks gives his best performance as Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive whose plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean. When Chuck washes up on a deserted island with no survivors, he must fight for survival for weeks, months, and eventually years. Hanks was nominated for an Academy Award for his ability to make audiences feel for his volleyball buddy Wilson. The Martian (2015) Ridley Scott’s excellent 2015 Mars survival film follows Mark Watney (Matt Damon), a botanist who is trapped on the red planet’s surface. In order to survive for as long as possible – possibly forever – Watney must rely on science and figure out how to be his own one-man crew. The movie received high praise for being a return to form for Scott, and the elegant framing of Watney’s solitude was credited to their partnership with cinematographer Dariusz Wolski. I Am Legend (2007) I Am Legend is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie released in 2007, directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Will Smith. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Richard Matheson and tells the story of a military virologist named Robert Neville, who is the last surviving human in a world plagued by a virus that turns people into bloodthirsty creatures. Neville’s mission is to find a cure for the virus and save humanity while also struggling with loneliness and isolation. According to Warner Bros, the second installment is currently in development. The Revenant (2015) Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Academy Award for Best Actor on this film, and director Alejandro González Iñárritu his second Oscar after Birdman. With beautiful shots of the North American wilderness, The Revenant tells the story of a man in the early 19th century who is left for dead after witnessing the murder of his own son. He will do anything to avenge himself, traveling across Montana and the Dakotas. The movie was largely adapted from Michael Punke’s 2002 novel of the same name, which was in turn based on real historical figures. It was nominated for 12 Oscars and won three. 127 Hours (2010) 127 Hours is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a 27-year-old climber who got his arm trapped between two rocks while canyoneering in Utah. After five days have passed, Ralston realises that the only way to save his life is to make a grueson sacrifice. The film is directed by Danny Boyle and stars James Franco as Ralston, a mountaineer whose 2003 brush with death and resultant memoir Between a Rock and a Hard Place provide the factual basis for the film. S URVIVAL movies have always been a fun and thrilling genre to watch, even by yourself. From being stranded on a deserted island to surviving a zombie apocalypse, these films take audiences on an intense and often emotional journey. And you might have noticed that the best survival films highlight the spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Not only that, these films also have captured the hearts of many people with their gripping storylines, breathtaking visuals, and outstanding performances by the cast. So, whether you are a fan of the classic survival stories or prefer the more modern takes on the genre, there is something for everyone on this list. Prepare to be on the edge of your seat as we take you through the five best survival movies ever made. Cast Away (2000) The masterful Cast Away, led charismatically by Tom Hanks, is undoubtedly the top on our list. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, captures the life-changing journey of a man lost at sea with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to genuine emotion. Last one standing oKeep your heart racing with our pick of the best survival movies of all time, some of which are based on true stories With only potatoes to eat on Mars, Damon’s Watney’s struggle to survive will captivate audiences. – 20TH CENTURY The Revenant is famous for its hyper-realistic bear attack scene, which sets up the protagonists’ epic quest for vengeance. – MUBI The heartbreaking true story of Aron Ralston is portrayed with determination by Franco. – IMDB █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Scan the QR code to watch the trailer Smith plays the last living man on Earth. – IMDB Scan the QR code to watch the trailer Hanks plays a FedEx employee who crashes on a deserted island. – 20TH CENTURY

18 FEATURE theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 The fMRI machine scans allowed scientists to map out how meanings and phrases prompted responses in different regions of the brain. – AFP S CIENTISTS said last week they have found a way to use brain scans and artificial intelligence modelling to transcribe “the gist” of what people are thinking, in what was described as a step towards mind reading. While the main goal of the language decoder is to help people who have lost the ability to communicate, the US scientists acknowledged that the technology raised questions about “mental privacy”. Aiming to assuage such fears, they ran tests showing that their decoder could not be used on anyone who had not allowed it to be trained on their brain activity over long hours inside a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. Previous research has shown that a brain implant can enable people who can no longer speak or type to spell out words or even sentences. These “brain-computer interfaces” focus on the part of the brain that controls the mouth when it tries to form words. Alexander Huth, a neuroscientist at the University of Texas at Austin and co-author of a new study, said that his team’s language decoder “works at a very different level”. “Our system really works at the level of ideas, of semantics, of meaning,” Huth told an online press conference. It is the first system to be able to reconstruct continuous language without an invasive brain implant, according to the study in the journal Nature Neuroscience. ‘Deeper than language’ For the study, three people spent a total of 16 hours inside an fMRI machine listening to spoken narrative stories, mostly podcasts such as the New York Times’ Modern Love. This allowed the researchers to map out how words, phrases and meanings prompted responses in the regions of the brain known to process language. They fed this data into a neural network language model that uses GPT-1, the predecessor of the AI technology later deployed in the hugely popular ChatGPT. The model was trained to predict how each Read my mind oScientists are using brain scans and AI to ‘decode’ thoughts ACCA remains top choice worldwide for a career in accountancy KUALA LUMPUR; ACCA retains its popularity as top choice for aspiring accountants seeking a professional qualification, recognized internationally for its quality, which can be completed through self-study or in a college. Apart from its international recognition, the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification attracts high salaries, and equips the individual with all the competencies required of professional accountants and auditors. As one of the oldest accounting bodies, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), founded in 1904, achieved a milestone of 700,000 members and students worldwide in 2017, including 503,000 students in 178 countries. Why do students aspire to qualify as Chartered Certified Accountants? Apart from the high salary packages offered for fully qualified accountants, especially those with professional certification, the other advantage of being ACCA qualified, is the ability to work in other areas of finance, banking, auditing, financial accounting, taxation and law as well as business management. ACCA, as a unique professional accounting body, supports its students and members with unique pathways to help chart their career path through the ACCA Career Navigator. The specialist skills needed are highlighted in the Career Navigator portal, such as audit and assurance, advisory and consultancy, financial reporting, risk management, among other skills. These skills can be continuously updated via Continuous Professional Development (CPD), for which points are awarded annually. These CPD and development opportunities are made available on the ACCA portals. ACCA also supports CPD for its professional accountants as well as those who have joined other fields in finance, law or tax in the form of work based learning, research, project work, consulting with experts, studying for additional qualifications and online learning. This further adds to the long term employability of ACCA graduates. Other support provided to members can be accessed through ACCA Careers, a global employability site connecting ACCA members with potential employers, also webinars and Professional Insight reports to keep accounting and finance professionals informed of local, regional and global trends, one of the most recent being the Global Talents Trends Survey 2023. Being one of their largest studies conducted across the accountancy profession, the new annual Global Talent Trends Survey 2023, provides a unique and vital view of how people feel about working as an ACCA professional. Over 8,400 professional accountants from 148 countries, including Malaysia were asked about their concerns regarding work in the future as well as their aspirations for their careers. The survey also addressed and assessed key workplace issues such as employee engagement, wellbeing, and attitudes to technology adoption. ACCA’s Global Talents Trends Survey (GTTS) 2023 revealed that a career in accountancy remained a smart choice for those seeking long term career prospects and possibilities to continually acquire new skills. The survey also indicated that ACCA as a professional qualification was attractive and in demand due to cross-sectoral and international mobility. As an in-demand qualification, it provided job security in turbulent times. ACCA is largely recognized by top major international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank and other major finance institutions worldwide. “Career development and remuneration are the top two attraction factors to an organization, yet they are also the two areas that have the most influence on employees’ decision to leave,” said Jamie Lyon, Head of Skills, Sectors and Technology ACCA. The security, reward and opportunities for ACCA qualified individuals remain highly attractive, with long-term career prospects for accountancy and finance related careers. Andrew Lim, Portfolio Head, ACCA Maritime South East Asia said, “Attracting the next generation of talent to Malaysia’s accountancy profession is vital to healthy economies. This survey ensures the voices of those studying and working in the profession are heard, and that the profession helps create a working environment where today’s professionals thrive and where tomorrow’s talent wants to be,” he said. ACCA accountants are in demand world wide. There are a number of available opportunities supported by ACCA for CPD person’s brain would respond to perceived speech, then narrow down the options until it found the closest response. To test the model’s accuracy, each participant then listened to a new story in the fMRI machine. The study’s first author Jerry Tang said the decoder could “recover the gist of what the user was hearing”. For example, when the participant heard the phrase “I don’t have my driver’s license yet”, the model came back with “she has not even started to learn to drive yet”. The decoder struggled with personal pronouns such as “I” or “she”, the researchers admitted. But even when the participants thought up their own stories – or viewed silent movies – the decoder was still able to grasp the “gist”, they said. This showed that “we are decoding something that is deeper than language, then converting it into language,” Huth said. Because fMRI scanning is too slow to capture individual words, it collects a “mishmash, an agglomeration of information over a few seconds,” Huth said. “So we can see how the idea evolves, even though the exact words get lost.” Ethical warning David Rodriguez-Arias Vailhen, a bioethics professor at Spain’s Granada University not involved in the research, said it went beyond what had been achieved by previous braincomputer interfaces. This brings us closer to a future in which machines are “able to read minds and transcribe thought,“ he said, warning this could possibly take place against people’s will, such as when they are sleeping. The researchers anticipated such concerns. They ran tests showing that the decoder did not work on a person if it had not already been trained on their own particular brain activity. The three participants were also able to easily foil the decoder. While listening to one of the podcasts, the users were told to count by sevens, name and imagine animals or tell a different story in their mind. All these tactics “sabotaged” the decoder, the researchers said. Next, the team hopes to speed up the process so that they can decode the brain scans in real time. They also called for regulations to protect mental privacy. “Our mind has so far been the guardian of our privacy,” said bioethicist Rodriguez-Arias Vailhen. “This discovery could be a first step towards compromising that freedom in the future.” – AFP

19 EDUCATION theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 Games as training tools for industries WHEN technology is powered by creativity and innovation, it is another step forward into the future that awaits us. In the world of gaming, for instance, it is already a trend where games are used as effective teaching and learning tools. Gamification is the name of this trend and it is gaining traction in the industries to train employees effectively and efficiently. As students of interactive software technology, what better way to put to good use the knowledge they have learnt in developing interactive games as effective training tools in companies. This is why industry collaborations and partnerships are important components of the Beyond Education experience at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), where students are able to work with industries even while studying at TAR UMT. For Chee Juen Wei, a Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) in Interactive Software Technology student at TAR UMT for example, had the opportunity of working with two of his coursemates to develop multiple mini-games for a manufacturing company as training tools to help its employees familiarise themselves with certain processes in the assembly line. This was an important task for the company in order to reduce wastage and training time. The project was quite a challenge for Juen Wei and his coursemates, especially to properly understand what the company required of the games they were developing. “My friends and I started working on this project during the Covid-19 lockdown. As physical meetups were not possible, we relied completely on materials and information provided by the company to understand their assembly line and what are the important knowledge and information the factory employees need to remember to do their work well. These insights were the fundamentals that we needed to fully comprehend before we could develop the required minigames for this project. However, not being able to visit the factory and seeing how the assembly lines work provided us with many limitations which resulted in us not being able to properly develop the games,” he explained. He further added: “Another major challenge we had to deal with is the language barrier as the end users for the games we are developing are foreigners and English is not their main language. This limitation required us to then use more graphics as compared to words in developing the games.” These major hurdles were a great challenge for the students to develop the games properly. However, things started to turn for the better when the lockdowns were lifted and Juen Wei was able to visit the factory and spend quality time with the supervisors to compile the required inputs which helped him and the team to better enhance the games. “The company understood the challenges we were facing and this is why they bore the expenses for my trip to the factory during my semester break so that I can further enhance the game the team was working on. It was like a short internship where my whole day was spent in the factory with several supervisors who thoroughly explained everything I needed to know about the assembly line.” The experience was fulfilling as I also had the opportunity to be part of the company’s teambuilding activities and I am amazed to see how well the company’s employees work as a team. Experiencing this firsthand was uplifting and I am hopeful that I too will be part of a dynamic team once I graduate,” he went on. Guiding the students at each stage of this project is Ts Andrew Tan Khin Huat, Programme Leader in the Department of Computer Science and Embedded Systems, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (FOCS). “Gamification is an effective training tool as it engages important senses in learning such as sight, hand movements and quick thinking to complete the game. And although this project was quite a complex task for the students to complete, I am happy that this project exposed the team to work with industry professionals and for the company to actually use what the students have built as one of their training tools.” There are several goals I have outlined for the students to learn and benefit from this project. The first is to ensure the students communicated well with the company’s supervisors to understand what the supervisors were looking for. In addition, I also probe Juen Wei and the others on the team with questions and scenarios to enhance their attention to detail and to also train them to think of different ways of solving the limitations they face.” I also wanted the students to learn a higher level of time and task management which includes prioritising the purpose and goals of the project over other issues and problems they may encounter. This is important to ensure the end result of their effort and hard work not only meets but exceeds expectations. And the students have achieved this because the company supervisors were happy with the students’ results and plan to continue collaborating with the faculty for future projects,” Ts Andrew detailed. To find out more about TAR UMT’s computing and information technology programmes offered in 2023, please visit us during our 2023 Open Day from May 20-21 and 27-28 at TAR UMT KL Campus and/or all TAR UMT branches nationwide. You can also contact the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at 011-10758554. Alternatively, you can find out more about our programmes or apply online at tarc.edu.my. Various financial aid and merit scholarships are available for qualified students.

20 EDUCATION theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 MSU and UNISMA expands cooperation MANAGEMENT and Science University (MSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA), Indonesia. Aimed at expanding cooperation and facilitating the exchange of ideas in areas of mutual interest, the MoU counts joint development of research projects, organisation of scientific as well as cultural events, and dual as well as double degree programmes between the two universities among its objectives. Representing Management and Science University (MSU) was MSU President Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid, whilst signing for UNISMA was its Rector Professor Dr H. Masykuri Bakri. MSU recently launched its Jakarta campus and double degree programme. Launching the MSU Shah Alam and MSU Jakarta Dual Campus as well as the MU Double Degree Programme between MSU Malaysia, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), and Jakarta Global University (JGU) was Malaysia Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Whilst MSU Dual Campus facilitates seamless international learning experiences for students attending both the MSU Shah Alam and the MSU Jakarta campuses, MSU Double Degree Programme offers two degrees from two universities in the three-university programme. Other programmes offering international learning experiences at MSU include the MSU Global Mobility Programme (GMP), the MSU Global Internship Programme (GIP), and the MSU Global Leadership Programme (GLP). Smart collaboration…….representing MSU was MSU President Professor Tan Sri Dr Mohd Shukri, whilst signing for UNISMA was its Rector Professor Dr H. Masykuri. The mobility programmes offered are the Global Mobility Programme (GMP); where students can live and study abroad for one semester or two at any one of over 150 partner universities, the Global leadership Programme (GLP); discover new places, make international friends, or engage with international communities and Global Internship Programme (GIP); work alongside global professionals via placements with industry partners onboard. With an increasingly globalised world, global mobility exposure is more important than ever. It is no doubt MSU graduates remain the popular choice among employers, with the help of MSU’s global mobility programmes. MSU’s mission for excellence is benchmarked by internationalisation, industry employability, entrepreneurship, community sustainability, research, lifelong learning, and flexible education with a 97.5% of graduate’s employability rate, ranked by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education Blending technical vocational education and training (TVET) with traditional academic curricula, MSU enhances competencies with industry internship, community and creative entrepreneurship, as well as global exposure; empowering MSU graduates with the well-roundedness desired and sought after by employers. Further, various skills enhancement programmes which are aimed to improve student’s competitiveness are offered to students. The Graduate Employability Skills (GEmS) and Personal Enrichment Competencies (PEC) programme at MSU serves to improve the students’ soft skills. MSU is a Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and multi-global-ranked institution focused on building holistic human capital. Envisioning a better, more sustainable future for all, we champion equality by providing a level playing field across extensive efforts in transforming lives and enriching the future. MSU currently ranks in the Top 100 among the world’s top young universities; Top 200 among Asia’s best universities; Top 30 among Southeast Asia’s best universities; Top 301+ for Graduate Employability Ranking as well as Top 401+ for Times Higher Education University Impact. MSU has also been awarded QSrated 5-Stars on the metrics of Overall as well as Teaching, Graduate Employability, Academic Development, Internationalization, Hospitality and Leisure Management, Online Learning, Social Responsibility and Inclusiveness. For further information, contact the Engagement and Enrolment Department at 03 – 5521 6868. For more, view the website at msu.edu.my.

21 * SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 MAX VERSTAPPEN hailed his victory at the Miami Grand Prix as “simply f****** lovely” after he beat Sergio Perez and the boo brigade to extend his world championship lead. Verstappen was jeered before and after the race, as he celebrated a triumph that moves him 14 points clear of teammate Perez, who finished second. Fernando Alonso was third for Aston Martin. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and sixth for Mercedes. Verstappen divides opinion in the sport and he was targeted by the Hard Rock Stadium crowd as he was presented on the grid ahead of the 57-lap race by rapper LL Cool J. But the boos did not faze the double world champion as he raced from ninth on the grid to top spot to claim his third win from five rounds. “Simply f****** lovely,” said Verstappen on the radio before he was also jeered on the podium as he collected his winner’s trophy. Verstappen added: “It was a good race. I stayed out of trouble in the beginning. I had a good battle with Checo and we kept it clean and that was the most important thing. A great win today. “Yesterday was a setback in qualifying but today we kept it calm and clean and winning a race from ninth is always very satisfying.” He later told Sky F1: “I always feel unbeatable. Sometimes other people also have a really good day. “You try to be close to 100% or perfect all of the time. It’s a long season, I try be always as close as possible to perfect.” Verstappen, who started on a different strategy to teammate and pole-sitter Perez, was up to second on lap 15. He stopped for tyres with a dozen laps to go and then cruised into the lead by out-braking Perez at the opening corner on lap 48. Perez said: “I gave it my all. The first stint was poor and that compromised my race. “Max was particularly good today so a welldeserved win for him. We need to analyse what happened today because I didn’t have the pace.” – The Independent DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA KUBU BHARU DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: BF-A72NCvC-18-02/2023 Antara MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) ...PLAINTIF Dan KOK CHOONG TUCK (NO. K/P: 650511-01-5517) ...DEFENDAN TAY SIEW HONG ...DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN Kepada, KOK CHOONG TUCK (NO. K/P: 650511-01-5517) TAY SIEW HONG M2 D-25 Jalan Pandan Indah 4/1A, Pandan Indah 55100 Kuala Lumpur KOK CHOONG TUCK (NO. K/P: 650511-01-5517) TAY SIEW HONG No. 3 Jalan Telipot 2C/1 Perindustrian Jalan Telipot, Bukit Sentosa, 48300 Rawang, Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Kubu Bharu dalam Guaman Sivil No. BF-A72NCvC-18-02/2023 oleh MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) yang beralamat di Jalan Bukit Kerajaan, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah ini telah memberi perintah bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 15.02.2023 hendaklah dilaksanakan secara penyampaian ganti kepada Defendan-Defendan dengan menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada papan kenyataan di Mahkamah Majistret, Kuala Kubu Bharu, menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada alamat terakhir DefendanDefendan yang diketahui dan juga secara menyiarkan sesalinan Notis Periklanan untuk sekali sahaja di suratkhabar tempatan dan bahawa penyampaian sedemikian hendaklah menjadi satu penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup dalam tempoh empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dokumen tersebut dan pengiklanan notis tersebut mengikut yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari penampalan dan penyiaran pengiklanan ini, memfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran. Kegagalan kamu untuk berbuat demikian boleh menyebabkan Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 09 haribulan Mei 2023. t.t. ……………………… Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif Law Practice of K.A. Ramu Notis Penyampaian Secara Pengiklanan ini telah dikeluarkan oleh Law Practice of K. A. Ramu , Peguambela & Peguamcara, peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang dinamakan diatas dan yang mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di 15-1-A Jalan MH3, Taman Muzaffar Heights, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Tel: 06-3182425, 016-6114891 Ruj: KARV/LIT/MDHS(KCT)/1410/2019 Email :lawpracticeofkaramu@gmail.com IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF HEY PINEAPPLE SDN. BHD. Registration No: 201801028456 (1290482-W) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the Special Resolution set out below was duly passed by the members of the Company on 5 May 2023. That the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Ms. Chok Hui San of No.42A, Jalan SS21/39, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan was appointed as liquidator for the purpose of such winding up. Lim Shi Ting Director Petaling Jaya Date: 5 May 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF HEY PINEAPPLE SDN. BHD. Registration No: 201801028456 (1290482-W) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the above named Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before the 8 June 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and any security held by them, and the names, addresses of their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator, Ms. Chok Hui San of No.42A, Jalan SS21/39, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Chok Hui San Liquidator Petaling Jaya Date: 5 May 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices Item Reg No Make Model Price 1 BQJ7389 0 NISSAN ALMERA 29000 2 VDG6913 2016 NISSAN TEANA 46000 3 BQD4758 2013 PROTON SUPRIMA S 12000 4 SYS4789 2017 BMW 330E TBA 5 PQK1458 2016 NISSAN ALMERA 29000 6 VHB3642 2013 PROTON PERSONA 6000 7 VGX2534 2014 NISSAN ALMERA 22000 8 VJH7053 2016 NISSAN ALMERA 29000 For more information contact us at 016-6999170 | 012-5553727 (WhatsApp) www.pickles.my | info@pickles.my Scan QR to download Pickles Auctions App PICKLES ASIA SDN BHD [1231292-D] Lot 19391, Batu 8 ½, Jalan Klang Lama, Taman Desaria, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Bank Repossessed bikes and vehicles for sales by eBidding auction. eBidding auction on May 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st, 2023 starts at 10.00am (for bike) and 11.00am (for vehicles). All are invited, come join our weekly Wednesday PUBLIC AUCTION. Viewing and inspection is every Tuesday from 9.30am - 5.30pm. Download Pickles Auctions app to view all auction listings or visit www.pickles.my 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 ‘I always feel unbeatable’ Max sends chilling message to rivals after win Flashy intro leaves drivers unimpressed FORMULA ONE has decided that a big show needs a big introduction and the Miami Grand Prix opened with a bang yesterday as drivers appeared through a line of pompom-waving cheerleaders and a 30-piece orchestra provided a musical backdrop. That over-the-top scene seemed to go down quite well with fans but left drivers unimpressed, with some looking unsure of what to do beyond wave and smile. “I understand the point of view of everybody but I’m not a big fan of those kinds of things just before the race,” said double world champion Fernando Alonso. The Aston Martin driver’s sentiment was shared by race winner Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez, who both hoped the routine does not become a regular part of race weekends. It is no coincidence that F1 chose Miami, one of America’s major party hubs, to introduce two new fan focused features by rolling out a Formula One theme song and the glitzy prerace showbiz-style introduction. F1 says it plans similar splashy intros at eight races this season. “I just hope we don’t have that every single time, because we have a very long season, so we don’t need an entry like that every time,” said Verstappen. “But it also depends a bit on the crowd, I think, in terms of what you want in terms of entertainment. “Some people like to be more in the spotlight, some people don’t. I personally don’t. So for me, I think that naturally, of course, what they did today is not necessary.” Formula One tried something similar at the US Grand Prix in Austin when famed boxing announcer Michael Buffer, known for his “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” catchphrase, introduced each driver before the start of the 2017 race. It was widely panned and scrapped. The emcee in Miami was rapper LL Cool J, who called the drivers out one by one as will.i.am provided the soundtrack with his new release The Formula, written specifically for F1. – Reuters CHRISTIAN HORNER called out Ferrari and Mercedes’ lack of pace after Red Bull secured another one-two finish in Miami. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez cruised out front yesterday with Red Bull maintaining their 100% win record. Nearest rival Fernando Alonso was over 20 seconds behind while George Russell’s Mercedes and Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari were only P4 and P5. After the race, Horner admitted the team were confused by the lack of performance shown by their competitors. “Five races, five wins, plus the spirit, four one-two finishes, We’ve never ever had a start like this and we’re kind of wondering where are the others,” he said. “We’ve made a normal step over the winter and it’s more where did Ferrari and Mercedes go? They are working hard on I’m sure big upgrades for Europe.” Despite their early season advantage, Horner has refused to get carried away as he warned Red Bull still had the effects of their budget cap penalty to come. The team were slapped with a 10% wind tunnel reduction after they were found guilty of breaching F1’s budget cap rules. The sanction is likely to affect the Red Bull’s ability to develop their car mid-season which could be a major blow. But, Horner still feels the squad can work around the problem in a bid to stay one step ahead of their rivals. He explained: “With the penalty we have to develop the car later in the year it’s important for us to get as much fresh air as we can between us and the opposition at this stage.” When asked when the penalty could start to hurt Red Bull, Horner added: “I think you’ll see from the next race. I think there’s big upgrades coming. We just have to be super selective in terms of what we test and how we develop the car. “Thankfully the cars got off to a great start and therefore we are not having to solve big issues and big problems so we are able to focus on those incremental gains. But I still expect it to converge later in the year.” – Express Newspapers Horner sticks knife into rivals Miami considers night race THE Miami Grand Prix is considering a switch to becoming a night race, Tom Garfinkel, the event’s managing partner, said yesterday. Garfinkel said that talks were ongoing with Formula One management about options for the future and said a night race was one item on the agenda. “We’ve had some discussions about potentially doing that,” Garfinkel told reporters. Garfinkel indicated that the intense heat of last year had contributed to the idea. “Obviously at this time of year, the weather is a little unpredictable,” he said. “This year is pretty nice and the breeze helped a lot, but last year was unseasonably hot. There’s a lot of factors that go into that (decision) with F1 and television and everything else. So, we’ve got to weigh all those things. But we’re certainly open-minded to it,” he said. “We’re not at a place where we’re making a decision right now. I think we’re having discussions about if we did it, and what would it look like.” Alonso admits watching TV mid-race YOU might think that Formula One drivers powering around a track at average speeds of around 220kph would have their eyes fixed solely on the road ahead and their rivals. Not always it seems. Veteran Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso admitted he was following the action on the giant TV screens at the Miami Grand Prix while driving to a third-place finish on Sunday. Alonso gave the game away with his radio communication to his team where he commented on a move with around 10 laps to go from his Canadian teammate Lance Stroll, who overtook Alex Albon in the Williams. “Which position is Lance? Great move into turn one,” Alonso was caught saying on the team radio. His comment caused puzzlement and amusement on the race broadcast commentary and when asked by reporters about the observation, he admitted he had seen the action on the course’s big screens. “I think this circuit, we have big TV screens out of some of the low speed corners. So it was very easy to follow the race on TV,” he told the post-race press conference. “I saw one overtake… it was a little bit unexpected lonely race for us, we were thinking (we would have) a more difficult race.” 1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 3. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 4. George Russell (Mercedes), 5. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari), 6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 9. Esteban Ocon (Alpine), 10. Kevin Magnussen (Haas), 11. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri), 12. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), 13. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), 14. Alexander Albon (Williams), 15. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), 16. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo), 17. Lando Norris (McLaren), 18. Nyck De Vries (AlphaTauri), 19. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 20. Logan Sargeant (Williams). PITLANE MIAMI GP RESULTS Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen (centre) and team principal Christian Horner (left) celebrate with the team after winning the Miami GP. – AFPPIX

22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 SPORTS NOT EVEN the glare of the sunlight nor her low level of difficulty could stop young diver Kimberly Bong from bagging a surprise gold in the women’s 3m springboard individual at the 2023 SEA Games at the Morodok Techo National Aquatic Centre in Phnom Penh yesterday. The 20-year-old attributed those two factors to her failing to, at least, equal her personal record of 280 points after managing to accumulate 276.30 points from the five dives yesterday. However, the Sarawak-born diver is elated with the result, which enabled her to clinch her first gold medal at the biennial Games since her debut at the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur. “I am happy but I still can’t believe it because my level of difficulty was quite low compared to other divers while the (condition) at the venue and the water surface was kind of glaring and that affected some of my dives,” she said. Kimberly, who is making her third appearance in the biennial Games, had clinched a silver in the 1m springboard individual at the 2021 edition in Hanoi, Vietnam last year. Her gold-medal feat extended Malaysia’s domination in the women’s 3m springboard individual since Cheong Jun Hoong won gold in the 2011 edition in Palembang, Indonesia. Elsewhere, the sweltering heat did not stop national women’s hammer thrower Grace Wong from achieving double success. Besides defending the gold medal, Grace also broke the Games record of 59.24m that she herself had set in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur, with a distance of 61.87m in her fourth throw on the first day of athletics. Even sweeter, the success of the athlete from Sarikei was also celebrated by compatriot Nurul Hidayah Lukman, who clinched bronze with a throw of 49.61m while the silver medal was won by Mingkamon Koomphon from Thailand (57.86m). “I like the hot weather more, like in Malaysia and it helped me to do well here in the SEA Games” Grace told reporters afterwards. – Bernama @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Victor-y party Osimhen sinks Fiorentina at Napoli’s Scudetto title celebrations NAPOLI fans hailed the return of their Serie A title-winning heroes yesterday as Victor Osimhen shot Napoli to a 1-0 win over Fiorentina in their first home match since being crowned kings of Italy for the first time in 33 years. Nigeria striker Osimhen lashed home the winning penalty in the 74th minute, after missing from the spot just after half-time, to take his league-leading tally to 23 just a few days after netting the goal which sealed Napoli’s third Scudetto with a record-equalling five matches to play. The 24-year-old is now the highest scoring African player in the history of Serie A after overtaking George Weah and lapped up the applause of Napoli fans as the team did their postmatch lap of honour. “I had the confidence I would score the second one. It’s a good feeling to get the goal,” said Osimhen to DAZN. A party mood has enveloped Naples since Thursday’s draw in Udine, and yesterday fans let off fireworks and flares in the jammed streets around the stadium named after their icon Diego Maradona. Before kickoff supporters put on a display of the Italian flag with the No. 3 in honour of their title wins and hailed their team with loud chants of “we are the champions”. But once the match got underway a torpor slowly washed over the ground, not helped by two teams with nothing to play for going through the motions and Napoli creating next to nothing. However Osimhen saved the day when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s weaving dribble towards goal was stopped illegally by Nicolas Gonzalez and the striker duly punished Fiorentina. After the match, owner Aurelio De Laurentiis promised that Napoli would try to win the Champions League next season and that Napoli needed to “repeat, repeat, repeat, win, win and win”, before the team and then coach Luciano Spalletti were called out one by one. “It must be true that Naples is the city of miracles because if it can help me win a title then anything can be done,” joked Spalletti, who has crowned a long career with his first Scudetto. “If there were a way to transmit the joy here tonight you could light up every stadium in Serie A.” Juve are second after a 2-0 win at fellow Champions League chasers Atalanta, whose fans racially abused goalscorer Dusan Vlahovic. Serbia forward Vlahovic finished the job deep in stoppage time and then goaded a section of the home supporters after having previously being insulted as a “gypsy”, abuse which had led to the match being briefly stopped by referee Daniele Doveri. “Unfortunately these chants keep happening, they need to be fought against,” said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri to DAZN. – AFP Thailand win LPGA International Crown THAILAND captured the LPGA International Crown yesterday, blanking Australia 3-0 in the championship match to complete a near-perfect run in the global team event at Harding Park. Patty Tavatanakit defeated Hannah Green 4&3 and Atthaya Thitikul beat Stephanie Kyriacou 4&2 in singles to clinch the trophy before Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn downed Minjee Lee and Sarah Kemp 4&3 in foursomes to complete the sweep. “It means a lot for all of us,” said Thitikul. “It’s incredible work we put in this week to get this trophy for our country. We’re one of the best teams in the world and I think we can beat every team in the world.” Clark nails first PGA victory WYNDHAM CLARK outclassed reigning Olympic champion Xander Schauffele in a back-nine battle yesterday to win the Wells Fargo Championship by four strokes for his first career PGA Tour triumph. The 29- year-old American fired a 3-under 68 to complete 72 holes on 19-under 265 at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina and defeat fifth-ranked Schauffele, who shot 70 to finish on 269. “I’m a little choked up,” Clark said as he fought back tears. “It has been a long five years to get to this point on tour. I thought I would have had one earlier but it was well worth the wait. I’m just so grateful. There’s so much that goes into this,” Clark said. “There are so many times when I wanted to cry and break clubs, and I did break the clubs sometimes, in this journey and to get to this point is so sweet. It’s just amazing to finally do this.” Nadal missing Paris would be brutal: Federer ROGER FEDERER said he hopes Rafa Nadal will recover in time for the French Open and that it would be a “brutal” blow for tennis if the 14-time Roland Garros champion is absent this year. Nadal has been dealing with a hip injury he suffered at the Australian Open in January, and fears that the Spaniard may miss the Paris Grand Slam grew after he pulled out of this week’s Italian Open. Nadal skipped last week’s Madrid Open and also missed tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. “It would be brutal, it would be tough for tennis if Rafa isn’t going to be there,” 20-times Grand Slam winner Federer told Sky Sports yesterday at Formula One’s Miami Grand Prix. “I still hope so, I saw he pulled out of Rome so I wish him the best.” PSG take control of Ligue 1 PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN got their bid for a record 11th French league title back on track by beating Troyes 3-1 yesterday after a troubled week for the Qatar-owned club. Kylian Mbappe scored first with a close-range header after seven minutes and Vitinha’s rightfooted finish on 58 minutes seemed to have put PSG on the way to victory. But they lowered their guard and allowed Xavier Chavalerin to pull a goal back for Troyes when he headed past Gianluigi Donnarumma. PSG poured forward looking for a third goal and after Mbappe’s poked finish from Renato Sanches was saved, Fabian Ruiz curled in the rebound to make the three points safe. “That looked far more like what we have to do to take control of games and have consistency. It was an important win,” coach Christophe Galtier said. Galtier refused to comment on Messi’s suspension, saying it was an “internal matter”. Bellingham brace helps Dortmund keep pace with Bayern TWO goals from England’s Jude Bellingham helped Borussia Dortmund to a spectacular 6-0 win over Wolfsburg yesterday, keeping the Bundesliga title race on a knife edge with three games to go. Bellingham struck twice in the second half as Dortmund ran Wolfsburg ragged in a statement victory to keep alive their hopes of a first title in 11 years. The win keeps Edin Terzic’s team within a point of league leaders Bayern Munich, who battled to a narrow 2-1 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday. “It’s not over yet. We need to win all our games and see what happens, but the belief is definitely still there,” said Dortmund midfielder Emre Can, who also heaped praise on Bellingham and fellow goalscorer Karim Adeyemi. “It makes it easier for me when they play like that. They both have the quality to score goals and they showed that today,” he said. England international Bellingham, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent days, now has 13 goals in all competitions this season. The England midfielder’s future remains uncertain, but Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl insisted before the game that he was yet to receive any official offer for a transfer. “It’s not surprising that the rumours are swirling, we’ve been in this situation before. But there’s nothing new to announce and there has been no offer,” he told DAZN. – AFP Diving, hammer deliver gold in Phnom Penh BRIEFS FROM LEFT: Thailand’s Mingkamon Koomphon (Silver), Malaysia’s Grace Wong (Gold) and Nurul Hidayah Lukman (Bronze) celebrating on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women’s hammer at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia yesterday. – REUTERSPIX

23 * SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 9, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Pep on Real mission Guardiola hoping for repeat of ‘really good’ City display in Madrid PEP GUARDIOLA hopes Manchester City can replicate the dominance they showed against Leeds when they face Real Madrid on Tuesday (Wed 3am Malaysian time). Aside from a frantic final five minutes, the Premier League leaders were in a different class to the relegation-threatened Yorkshire side at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. They eased ahead with two Ilkay Gundogan goals in the opening half-hour and could have scored several more – with Gundogan missing a penalty and Erling Haaland twice hitting the woodwork among their better chances – before an 85th-minute Rodrigo strike left them hanging on for a 2-1 win. Their next challenge is a lot tougher, as they face holders Real in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal at the Bernabeu, but Guardiola feels his side are in good shape. The City manager said: “I would love to play on Tuesday the way we played Saturday. We played really good. “They played a back six, so you have to read the spaces and pick the right moments to attack. “Erling had two, three or four chances to score. He played an exceptional game, all of them did. Before 2-1 and that situation, it was really good.” Guardiola made seven changes for the game with Jack Grealish, Rodri, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Bernardo Silva along those to get a rest. That should ensure he can again freshen the team up in Madrid but Guardiola insists it is not a case of prioritising the Champions League now they look to be in command of the domestic title race. He said: “I didn’t rotate the team because I was thinking in Madrid. I rotated because some players told me they are so tired. “I take the Premier League so seriously. In October, November, December you can drop points but now if you drop points the damage is huge. I would be naive to prioritise.” Treble-chasing City are unbeaten in 20 matches – 17 of which they have won – and are approaching what could be a glorious end of the season in fine form. Guardiola said: “We have to still be focused but the moment we beat Arsenal, destiny was in our hands. “We have done it against Fulham, West Ham and Leeds. After Madrid we have five days to recover well and go to Goodison Park and win the game. Every time we win we are closer to doing something exceptional.” Guardiola was clearly annoyed when Gundogan missed from the spot on Saturday. Regular penalty-taker Haaland deferred to the German to allow him to complete a hattrick but, by hitting the post, he failed to put the result beyond doubt before Leeds scored. The City boss felt Haaland should have taken it and did not acknowledge Gundogan after substituting him, but he calmed down after the final whistle. Guardiola retains high regard for the 32- year-old and would like to see him recommit after his contract expires at the end of the season. He said: “It is not necessary for him to score two goals to know how I like this player and how I would like to work with him in the future. “He is so intelligent, so clever, so competitive. He is one of the best players I have trained in my career. Top class.” – The Independent Lamps urges Blues to enjoy long-overdue win FRANK LAMPARD encouraged his players to celebrate with a beer or glass of wine after Chelsea took a “small step forward” by halting their six-match losing streak with a 3-1 win at Bournemouth. The former England and Blues midfielder urged his team to embrace the club’s first triumph in almost two months but warned they cannot ease off going into their final four fixtures of a dismal campaign. “They should enjoy it and we’re happy because when you don’t have that feeling for a while, it gradually knocks you down,” said Lampard. “It was very evident in the dressing room from coming in that there was a lot of picking up that needed to be done and unfortunately you need results to come in line with that to keep you stepping forward, so that’s been tough. Today was a nice small step forward. “The lads are all human, we’re all affected in similar ways when you’re not winning games or you don’t feel like you’re at your best and the only way to get through that is to fight and to work through it.” – The Independent █ ANDY HAMPSON █ ED ELLIOT ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Newcastle 0 Arsenal 2 (Odegaard 14, Schar 71- og), West Ham 1 (Benrahma 27) Manchester United 0. P W D L F A Pts Man City 34 26 4 4 89 31 82 Arsenal 35 25 6 4 83 39 81 Newcastle 34 18 11 5 61 29 65 Man Utd 34 19 6 9 49 41 63 Liverpool 35 18 8 9 67 42 62 Tottenham 35 17 6 12 64 57 57 Brighton 32 16 7 9 62 40 55 Aston Villa 35 16 6 13 46 43 54 Brentford 35 12 14 9 52 45 50 Fulham 34 13 6 15 45 46 45 Chelsea 34 11 9 14 34 39 42 Crystal Palace 35 10 10 15 35 46 40 Wolves 35 11 7 17 30 50 40 Bournemouth 35 11 6 18 37 67 39 West Ham 35 10 7 18 38 50 37 Leicester 34 8 6 20 46 59 30 Leeds 35 7 9 19 44 69 30 Nottm Forest 34 7 9 18 30 62 30 Everton 34 6 11 17 27 52 29 Southampton 34 6 6 22 28 60 24 SERIE A: Atalanta 0 Juventus 2 (Iling 56, Vlahovic 90+8), Napoli 1 (Osimhen 74-pen) Fiorentina 0, Torino 1 (Sanabria 46) Monza 1 (Caprari 86), Lecce 0 Hellas Verona 1 (Ngonge 71). TOP 5 P W D L F A Pts Napoli 34 26 5 3 70 23 83 Juventus 34 20 6 8 52 28 66 Lazio 34 19 7 8 52 26 64 Inter Milan 34 20 3 11 62 35 63 AC Milan 34 17 10 7 55 39 61 BUNDESLIGA: Borussia Dortmund 6 Wolfsburg 0. TOP 5 P W D L F A Pts Bayern 31 19 8 4 83 34 65 Dortmund 31 20 4 7 73 40 64 RB Leipzig 31 17 6 8 55 37 57 Union Berlin 31 16 8 7 44 32 56 Freiburg 31 16 8 7 46 38 56 LIGUE 1: Troyes 1 Paris Saint-Germain 3, Angers Monaco 2, Ajaccio 0 Toulouse 0, Auxerre 1 Clermont 1, Lorient 2 Brest 1, Nantes 0 Strasbourg 2, Lyon 5 Montpellier 4. TOP 5 P W D L F A Pts Paris SG 34 25 3 6 79 35 78 Lens 34 21 9 4 57 26 72 Marseille 34 21 7 6 62 34 70 Monaco 34 19 7 8 68 51 64 Lille 34 17 8 9 60 41 59 CHAMPIONS Kane aiming for Conference League salvation HARRY KANE has insisted Tottenham should view the Europa Conference League as a chance to end the club’s trophy drought if they are involved in the competition next season. Spurs remain in the hunt for European football after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace where Kane’s first half header helped move them up to sixth in the Premier League. Brighton, in seventh, are still favourites for Europa League qualification given they have three games in hand and are only two points off Tottenham. “We’ve got three games left, a big game against Villa away,” Kane said. “Obviously Brighton have a few games in hand on us. If we can come away from this season with European football, that’s a small prize at the end of a tough season. “We’ll be fighting for that and fighting in the three games to try to pick up three wins. “Ultimately I like to play football games no matter what competition it is. That’s what you deserve from where you finish in the season. “You can’t disrespect any competition that you play in. It’s one of those, if you end up in the Conference League and win it, it’s worth it. If you don’t, then people probably look at it as an inconvenience. “But when you’ve been at a club where we haven’t won a trophy for 15 years, if we do end up in it, it could be an opportunity to try and put that to bed.” ‘Mitrovic ban really tough for club’ FULHAM boss Marco Silva admits Aleksandar Mitrovic’s eight-game suspension has affected not just his striker but the whole west London club. The Serbian missed yesterday’s meeting with Leicester as he serves the final game of his lengthy ban, incurred after he grabbed referee Chris Kavanagh during the Cottagers’ FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in March. Silva said his staff were doing everything they could to ensure Mitrovic was ready to face Southampton on Saturday, but revealed it has not been a straightforward process. “Of course it’s been a tough period for him, like you expect,” said Silva. “He’s been working hard, it has to be like that with no chance (to play) and the mood in some days is a little bit better than the others. “He knew one month ago that he is going to be out eight games, it’s really tough for any player. “If you have an injury, muscular injury or something that we know, ok, it’s part of life. “But in all this situation, the way it has come for us, the way everything happened as well, the treatment behind all that scenario, it was really tough, not just for Mitro, I have to say for our football club. We felt something that is not good.” Kompany signs new long-term deal BURNLEY have rewarded manager Vincent Kompany with a new five-year deal. The former Manchester City defender won promotion back to the Premier League in his first season in the dugout at Turf Moor, winning the Championship title in style. “Burnley and Turf Moor felt right pretty much from the start – so it also feels right to sign for the next five years. Together with the fans we have made Turf Moor a fortress again and continue to look forward to the future and the job of making Burnley better with every step,” Kompany said. Chairman Alan Pace added: “We are ecstatic Vincent has signed a new deal. “He is the perfect fit for how we all see Burnley Football Club moving forward. An extraordinary leader, setting ever higher standards and driving our club to the levels we all want to achieve.” RESULTS & STANDINGS UEFA Champions League 2022-23 S-FINAL, 1ST LEG – MAY 10 @ 3am in M’sia CL form W D L Form Goals for / against Passes Corners Possession 25 / 8 26 / 4 REAL MADRID vs MAN CITY Santiago Bernabéu Head-to-head Won 3 Drawn 2 Won 3 70 71 5730 53 55.1% 168 Total shots / Shots on target 5988 62 60.0% 167 Team statistics (10 matches) Source: UEFA Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS REAL HONOUR: Ancelotti will equal Alex Ferguson’s record of 190 Champions League matches as Madrid take on Man City in replay of epic 2022 semifinal, in which Real secured a pulsating extra-time victory Matches in Champions League Alex Ferguson Carlo Ancelotti Arsene Wenger Pep Guardiola Jose Mourinho Win ratio: 55.3% 57.1% 49.4% 63.1% 55.2% 189 157 145 178 190 2 titles 4 0 2 2 Carlo Ancelotti Real Madrid supremo SHORTS Kane

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: newsdesk@thesundaily.com • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com or download app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my FREE access Interactive TUESDAY • MAY 9, 2023 Arteta hails Gunners for ‘putting it right’ against Magpies MIKEL ARTETA saluted his Arsenal side for showing the stomach for the Premier League title fight after their revenge-mission raid on St. James Park. Twelve months ago, Arsenal’s defeat at Newcastle cost them Champions League qualification. But Arteta’s side turned the tables on Sunday with a 2-0 victory courtesy of Martin Odegaard’s strike and an own goal Fabian Schar that closed the gap behind Manchester City at the top to just one point. “We are there and we want to keep digging. Be determined, let’s keep going and see what happens,” said Arteta. “We have won at some very difficult grounds this season but to win today was going to have to be our best performance of the season. “I think the word to describe it is fight. When you have question marks, you have to answer them. “We didn’t do enough last year here and we had to put that right today. “You don’t have to be a genius to understand how painful that was. I think they had revenge in their bellies today.” Arteta, who showed his squad video clips of last season’s defeat at St. James’ Park from the Amazon documentary All or Nothing on the morning of the game, is convinced the prize is still there for the taking with leaders Manchester City a point better off with a game in hand. “We are there, now we want to keep digging. The prize is there, not too far. “The only thing we can do is keep insisting and don’t turn our backs and lose the focus on something else, be determined every single day. Let’s keep going and see what happens.” A first half goal from captain Martin Odegaard and a second half own goal from Fabian Schar gave Arsenal a tenacious victory. “We showed something special here today. To come here and win is not easy,” said Odegaard. “We had to be very smart and to be ugly at times. It is a big step for a young team like ours to come here and do the things we did. It shows we have come a long way “After dropping points against Man City, to win against Chelsea and then come here and win shows the mentality. “We have to keep going and digging in and fight until the end. It is football, anything can happen and we need to be ready.” Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, whose side are now just three points clear of Liverpool in the race for a top-four finish, although with a game in hand, was in philosophical in defeat. “We have four games remaining and need three results. Liverpool and other teams are coming. They are top level,” said Howe. “We can only do what we can do and I believe in the character of the team to get it over the line. “I don’t think there’s any time for negativity to creep into my psychology or the players’ psychology. “I’m proud of the players today. I know the result went against us, but you could see the effort and commitment of what we tried to deliver. “It was a high-quality game, it was end-toend, it was open, but we were just missing that X-factor today, that missing part of our game. “They managed the game well from their perspective. They slowed it down, lots of breaks in play, frustrating for us. “Naturally, we wanted the ball in play more especially when you are chasing the game. “But we have to look at what we can control. We can’t control that, that’s the referee’s job. What we can control is our ability to take our chances, and possibly defend better than we did today. “We hope against Leeds in our next game that we deliver that together because we have a tough run of fixtures to come and we need to get some results to get over the line.” – Express Newspapers/The Independent Keeping the faith ERIK TEN HAG threw his backing behind David De Gea despite the slip which loosened Manchester United’s grip on the final Champions League place. Goalkeeper De Gea is in talks over a new contract at Old Trafford, but he did not exactly enhance his negotiating position after letting let Said Benrahma’s hopeful shot from 20 yards bounce over his glove to condemn United to a 1-0 defeat at West Ham. They now lie just one point ahead of a rapidly advancing Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand, after an eighth defeat on the road this season and a second in four days following the last-gasp loss at Brighton. “Frustrating? Yes, I’ve seen it in the same way. I think we started well, dictated the game, created chances, didn’t take them and then one mistake,” said United boss Ten Hag. “Twice individual mistakes and you lose games. But it is what it is. Now we have a full week, we have to reset, reload and keep going. “(De Gea) has the most clean sheets in the Premier League, we would not be in this position without him. No concerns. “It happens but as a team you have to deal with it, show character and resilience. We want him to stay and to extend his contract.” Lukasz Fabianski made late saves from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial but Ten Hag’s side offered little in their 57th match of a gruelling season which, as well as Liverpool, might just be catching up with them. But Ten Hag insisted: “Nothing changed. We could have made it easier with a win. We need three wins from four games, everything is in our hands. “Tiredness is in your head. If you have the willingness you can take it. It’s up to the players and staff to be together, to get the willingness in that we can take it.” Rio Ferdinand labelled United and Ten Hag as “lucky” that three of their final four matches of the Premier League season are at home. The United legend described his former team as “terrible” away from Old Trafford but backed them to just pip Liverpool to fourth place. “If you went in that changing room and said three of the last four games are at home at Old Trafford, you’d take that now,” Ferdinand said. “Form hasn’t been great of late but they’ve got to find it from somewhere. That crowd at Old Trafford have got to play their part. “But the players also have to set the tone and they haven’t been good enough in recent weeks. They haven’t closed games out. They’ve got to change that right now. “Liverpool are hot on their heels and it doesn’t look Liverpool will lose. I think they’ll win all of their last three games to put the pressure on. “But I think Man United will just do enough to get into the top four. I’ll be very surprised if they don’t.” United’s defeat could prove as costly for the visitors as it was priceless for West Ham, who climbed seven points above the relegation zone and are surely now safe. It was a first victory over his former club for Hammers manager David Moyes since he was in charge at Everton, in August 2012, and a huge boost ahead of this weeks Europa Conference League semifinal against AZ Alkmaar. “It’s a huge step, getting three points is huge against whoever but against Manchester United was massive for us,” said Moyes. “It’s a great result going into a European semifinal and we’ll take a lot of confidence from it. We have another big challenge and we are looking forward to it.” Hammers skipper Declan Rice put in another terrific display, showing just why the likes of United, Arsenal and Chelsea are constantly being linked with him this summer. “He was outstanding tonight. He’s great across the ground, very quick. I’m pleased, but not surprised,” added Moyes. – The Independent/ Express Newspapers West Ham’s Said Benrahma (not in picture) scores past Man United’s goalkeeper David de Gea during the English Premier League match yesterday. – REUTERSPIX Ten Hag backs De Gea after costly mistake against Hammers