The Sun 30042023

TELLING IT AS IT IS ON FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2023 No. 8258 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) should not allow full withdrawal at age 55 and instead extend it to 60, in line with the current retirement age. Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said this would ensure contributors have enough funds for their retirement. Yeah said one other option is to increase the retirement age to 62 and then later to 65 as people are living longer these days. “There is also a need to promote productivity and reskilling for those who have little EPF savings to help them earn a higher salary and increase their savings. “Workplaces must also be conducive to re-employing senior citizens and retirees to help them earn an income. It is also important for people to learn financial literacy at a younger age to stop them from falling into the poverty trap later in life. “Those who are already over 40 years and closer to retirement must learn about income generating opportunities to help them beat poverty.” Yeah said if his suggestions or other suitable proposals are not put in place, then social spending by the government would increase on account of more Malaysians reaching their retirement age without adequate savings to sustain themselves as life expectancy rises. He also said EPF is one of the main financial sources for retirement, but it has been diminished as many contributors made four rounds of special withdrawals during the Covid-19 pandemic. “If contributors made the withdrawals for investment purposes, then they would be earning passive income. But if they used the withdrawals for consumption purposes, then it could lead to old age poverty as they would not have enough savings to sustain themselves. “Hence, the government will have to support these people if they are facing poverty, and that will lead to an increase in government spending, which is already going up due to the ageing population and poor health among many caused by non-communicable diseases. “Some contributors may have to rely entirely on their EPF savings as their children might not help out, or they may use the money to start a small business after retirement.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously revealed that 81% of EPF contributors will not have sufficient savings to live above the poverty line after they retire. He said as of December last year, only 19% of EPF contributors had reached the basic savings level based on their age to enable them to have RM240,000 in savings by 55 years of age. Anwar said 81% of contributors aged 55 and below are in a serious situation, where their savings will not be enough for them to retire above the poverty level. “More than half (56%) of those who will be able to withdraw their EPF savings fully in a year – those who are currently 54 years old – have RM50,000 or less in their retirement fund. “RM50,000 can only provide retirement income of about RM208 a month for 20 years,” said Anwar, who is also finance minister, in Parliament recently. As of Dec 31 last year, more than 51% of the 13.1 million contributors who are below 55 years of age have RM10,000 or less in their EPF accounts. Of this number, 26% are 40 years old and above, and able to withdraw their retirement savings within the next 15 years. Anwar said for this group, their EPF savings will only give them a retirement income of less than RM42 a month over 20 years. Finwealth Management financial planning director Felix Neoh said to ensure EPF contributors have enough savings for retirement, Malaysian wages need to be raised as purchasing power has not kept pace with real inflation for a long time, and it is better to benchmark this against regional peers. “Reskilling to take on higher value-added jobs with a higher salary, and delayed retirement or going into semi-retirement, such as working shorter hours and at a correspondingly lower salary after the official retirement age to delay the drawdown in retirement are some options,” he said. ‘Rethink withdrawal at 55’ AIR POWER ... Royal Malaysian Navy Air Wing helicopters flying in formation as part of the parade ceremony in conjunction with its 89th anniversary at the Lumut naval base yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC INSIDE Women feeling sidelined over senior editorial roles 2 page oEconomist suggests making it 60 for EPF members and increasing retirement age to 62 or 65 to boost nest egg █ BYRAJVINDER SINGH [email protected] On the occasion of Workers’ Day, there will be no publication of theSun on Monday. Please visit thesundaily.my for the latest news. See also page 2

2 theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS King expresses appreciation to Navy on 89th anniversary KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah conveyed greetings to all members as well as veterans of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in conjunction with the naval force’s 89th anniversary yesterday. Istana Negara, on its official Facebook page, stated that the King, as the highest commanding officer of the Malaysian Armed Forces, expressed his utmost appreciation for the devotion, service and sacrifices by RMN personnel in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and the security of the country’s territorial waters. “Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed his deepest appreciation to all the families of RMN officers and personnel who died while on duty. “The Yang di-Pertuan Agong prayed that their souls be blessed by Allah SWT and be placed with the pious.” Al-Sultan Abdullah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also prayed that the RMN would continue to be a respected naval force on the international stage. – Bernama Women feeling sidelined over senior editiorial roles KUALA LUMPUR: A new report shows that women still feel excluded from positions of power in the news media industry globally. According to the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism report 2023, only 22% of the 180 top editors at 240 news organisations worldwide are women despite 40% of journalists on average in the 12 markets surveyed being women. In Malaysia, the lack of women in senior editorial positions has resulted in a “toxic and selfperpetuating cycle in which there are few mentors in newsrooms for future female leaders”, according to a 2020 media report by the National Union of Journalists and International Federation of Journalists Asia-Pacific Region. The above report was based on the findings of a survey of 240 Malaysian media personnel and it gauged their respective working conditions ranging from wage concerns and safety issues to overall job security. The report found that while women were well represented in executive and management roles such as CEO, executive and general manager, they were less well represented in senior editorial roles oReuters study reveals gender group comprises only 22% of 180 top editors at 240 news organisations worldwide such as director, bureau chief and editor. According to the survey, 83.3% of the respondents said their organisations had women in highranking roles, but the proportion of women in top editorial positions was lower than that of men. The report said such underrepresentation of women in key editorial roles in the media industry also led to under-reporting of issues about women’s rights and gender equity. Independent broadcast journalist Tehmina Kaoosji, who is based in Malaysia, pointed out that gender diversity in editorial positions has increased “slightly” over the last decade. “While there is a fair representation of women in such positions, they often replicate parochial models of leadership. If these leaders are younger women, then there tends to be improved awareness and commitment towards gender mainstreaming principles in news coverage.” Galen Centre’s health portal CodeBlue editor-in-chief Boo SuLyn said female media professionals still have a long way to go before greater gender equality becomes more visible in top editorial positions. “The same goes for other fields as well. Women are often seen as having more family commitments than men, and they may not be willing to spend more time on their careers, which prevents them from being given opportunities to climb the ladder. “Another challenge is that many newsrooms are still being led by older men and vacancies are only created when they retire or resign. This leaves little opportunity for younger female journalists to shine and take on leadership positions.” Tehmina said mentoring and leadership programmes for women in newsrooms are essential to ensure that capable and talented female journalists are not overlooked for promotions due to conscious and unconscious bias, Bernama reported. “Newsrooms can begin addressing this by ensuring that female journalists who are mothers have adequate access to subsidised and affordable childcare. Both male and female journalists who are parents must be allowed to work flexible hours so they can pitch in equally to undertake childcare duties.” Tehmina added that Malaysian newsrooms should have more gender-sensitised copy editors to ensure that the daily news cycle “does not perpetuate sexist stereotypes”, uses gender-neutral language and also covers the general news cycle with gender mainstreaming as a guiding principle. “They also should provide regular training and awareness workshops for all levels of employees, including C-suite (executive-level managers), with organisational and management KPIs to track the progress for a nondiscriminatory workplace in the newsroom, and also fair, ethical, gender-sensitised news.” Malaysians stranded in Sudan to arrive home today PUTRAJAYA: Thirty Malaysians who were rescued from conflicttorn Khartoum, in Sudan, are scheduled to return home today, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. He said they comprise Wisma Putra officials, Petronas workers and students. Zambry told a media conference yesterday that they were among the 194 people of various nationalities, who arrived at the King Faisal Naval Base, in Jeddah, after travelling for about nine hours from the Port of Sudan onboard the Saudi Arabian naval ship HMS Abha. “Along with the Malaysians on the ship are 22 citizens of other countries, namely 14 Singaporeans, six Cambodians and two Americans, whom we helped to rescue.” Zambry said the 30 Malaysians would board Saudi Arabian Airlines flight SV834 from Jeddah and are scheduled to arrive at the Bunga Raya Complex, KL International Airport at about 3.55pm. More than 400 people were reported to have been killed and more than 3,500 others were injured as a result of the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that broke out on April 15. A total of 32 Malaysians were Zambry showing a picture yesterday of the Malaysians who are being brought back from Sudan. – BERNAMAPIC NGOs defend EIA approval for Penang project GEORGE TOWN: Two NGOs in the state have defended the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Penang South Islands (PSI) project. Penang Bayan Lepas Fishermen’s Welfare Association secretary Fajinah Jaafar said with the EIA approval, genuine fishermen here cannot wait for the PSI project to kick off so that they can enjoy the many spillover benefits from the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) scheme. “For years we have been waiting for this project to start, and despite various challenges, we were finally relieved to hear the announcement made by the chief minister on Wednesday. “We wish to express our gratitude to the Environment Department (DOE) and state government for seriously considering and prioritising the welfare of fishermen,” she said in a statement yesterday. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced on Wednesday that the EIA report for the PSI project had obtained approval from the DOE Putrajaya and the matter was conveyed through a letter dated April 11. Chow said the EIA approval is based on 71 stipulated conditions, including the need to continue the implementation of the SIMP and the PSI Ecology Offset Master Plan. Persatuan Kemajuan Nusa Pulau Pinang (Nusa) also threw its support behind the EIA approval for the PSI project. It added that through this project, local fishermen would reap benefits like free boats and helmsman courses, thus enabling them to catch fish in more distant areas and the deep sea. Nusa said fishermen could also increase their daily income with larger and more powerful boats. “If the fishermen go out to the sea using new boats, their safety will be more guaranteed and there will also be fewer risks involved. “This PSI project will also create large-scale employment opportunities for the local population and residents in surrounding areas,” it said in a statement. – Bernama reported to be at seven different places in Sudan and on April 21, two of them were transferred to a safe place. The two Malaysians are individuals serving with the United Nations Mission in Sudan and their evacuation process will be carried out by the United Nations. On April 25, it was reported that the 30 stranded Malaysians arrived at the Port of Sudan at 2.07pm on Monday (Sudan time), after a 30- hour journey covering a distance of 1,233km. – Bernama Allocation for opposition MPs BALING: The unity government has agreed in principle to provide an allocation for opposition MPs, but only for their administrative expenses, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the matter is being finalised, with discussions being conducted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof with relevant quarters, and an announcement would be made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “At this stage, we have agreed to provide the allocation to cover administrative expenses,” he said during a walkabout at Desa Keda Sadek here yesterday. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said this when asked whether the government would provide allocations for opposition MPs Prior to this, Fadillah was reported by the media as saying that no conditions were set by Perikatan Nasional during initial discussions on financial allocations for opposition MPs. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 Entrepreneur on mission to promote ethical silk production oVegan saree firm founder aims to educate, encourage others to join cruelty-free campaign to save silkworms and ecosystem PETALING JAYA: Imagine “silk” sarees made from plastic waste collected from the ocean and recycling centres. This is what Malaysian company A.J. Adhya Vegan Textiles does. It manufactures eco-friendly sarees from plastic waste products, thus making them environmentally sustainable. The company’s founder Ashvinaa Jeyabalan said she started the venture when she became a vegan in 2020 after reading a lot about silk manufacturing. “It was disheartening to learn that the production of a beautiful fabric like silk causes the loss of millions of silkworms and harms our ecosystem,” she told theSun. “People are also not aware that human and child traffickers are involved in the production of silk. Indians make up almost 20% of the world’s population and are the highest consumers of silk textiles,” she added. “I wanted to educate people and encourage them to shift to something else that is less harmful to the environment and silkworms, while indirectly fighting against human trafficking.” Ashvinaa created the vegan silk saree with the help of recycling centres and factories, and the saree weaving industry in Gujarat, India. “My aim is not on making profits but to encourage other textile manufacturers to join this crueltyfree campaign by going vegan and not using silk in their process, thus saving millions of silkworms,” she said. Women convention to align with Madani concept 13 foreign naval ships to participate in Lima LUMUT: The Navy has confirmed that 13 foreign naval ships will be participating in the Langkawi Internationl Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima’23) from May 23-27. Its chief Admiral Datuk Abdul Rahman Ayob said it is still waiting for two more countries to confirm their participation. “We are hoping for 15 foreign military ships from regional and foreign countries, such as Italy and the United States to participate in Lima’23,” he told reporters after attending the 89th Navy Day celebration at Lumut Naval Base here yesterday. The theme this year is “The Nexus of Asia’s Maritime and Aerospace Trade”. The last time the biennial exhibition was held was in 2019. Separately, Abdul Rahman said the Navy has never set any racial quota and its recruitment is opened to all races. “I think the poor response from other races is due to the lack of professional development,” he said. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan previously said the Armed Forces had never set any racial quota for recruitment of personnel. He added that a recruitment drive is being carried out twice a year for the intake of 6,000 to 7,000 personnel. Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said the Navy is facing challenges as it is operating outdated and ageing assets as well as in maintaining them. “The high operational demand and participation in large-scale exercises are also affecting asset management plans. “In light of these challenges and concerns, the Navy and Defence Ministry are actively working to strengthen the capabilities and improve the infrastructure of the assets, including ensuring that the Littoral Combat Ship project continues without delay.” Abdul Rahman added that attention is being given to the acquisition of new assets to replace obsolete vessels. – Bernama HATS FOR ALL SEASONS ... A trader in Stadthuys, Malacca selling a variety of hats to shield from the hot weather currently being experienced nationwide. – BERNAMAPIC According to Ashvinaa, the process of manufacturing ecofriendly sarees starts from the collection of plastic waste from the oceans and recycling factories in Gujarat. “These plastics are broken down into chips and melted to form threads and fibres, which are then sent to a factory to be processed into yarn and thereafter to weavers to make them into sarees. “We are not the first to create fabric from plastic as others have been making T-shirts from recycled plastic bottles for quite some time. However, we are possibly the first to make silk-like sarees from plastic. She added that the aim is to reduce the accumulation of plastic in oceans as it causes the death of photosynthetic plankton, which produces more than 10% of our world’s oxygen. “Our other vegan silk products are mostly made from plant fibres. They are also known as semisynthetic fabric despite being made from plants because of the chemicals used to make it last longer.” She said silk sarees are made by boiling live silkworms. This is to prevent them from exiting their cocoons naturally, which would leave a stain, thus affecting the quality of the final product. “Therefore, we came up with the vegan silk concept, which is made from plant fibres and discarded mushroom waste from food production units instead of harming silkworms.” Ashvinaa added that it takes 10,000 silkworms to make one silk saree. “Imagine how many silkworms are bred and killed just for fashion? “We believe silk is not a need, it is a want and you can live without it,” she added. Ashvinaa admits that it will take years to change the mindset of the whole fashion industry but she is willing to fight for the cause even if it takes time. She said ultimately, the decision to be environmentally conscious lies with the consumer. Ashvinaa added that she can only provide the information. KUALA LUMPUR: The Women Convention to be held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre on May 14 will focus on the economic agenda, nationbuilding and the role of women in the context of Malaysia Madani. The Women’s Leadership Consultative Council said in a statement yesterday, the content for the conference was finalised at its first meeting at Menara Datuk Onn here. “The Women’s Leadership Consultative Council hopes the convention, under the ‘Malaysia Madani: Mewajahi Masa Depan Malaysia’ theme, will strengthen the government’s agenda.” Meanwhile, the meeting yesterday was intended to strengthen collaboration and networking among the women. It was jointly chaired by BN Women’s chairman Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Pakatan Harapan Women’s chairman Aiman Athirah Sabu. – Bernama MTUC calls for safe workplaces on workers’ memorial day KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with International Workers’ Memorial Day, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is calling on all trade unions and workers to play an active role in ensuring safe workplaces. “Unions and workers have to come forward without fear or favour to highlight poor working conditions to their safety enforcement authorities, like the Occupational Safety and Health Department, MTUC or workplace safety committees, and urge them to investigate and take appropriate action,” MTUC deputy president Matkar Siwang said yesterday. This comes in the wake of the alarming number of accidents reported in various workplaces, according to a survey by MTUC and information received from other parties involved in occupational safety activities. Workers’ Memorial Day, which is an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or fallen ill due to their work, is observed today. Matkar said MTUC will also be organising an event on Sunday as part of the celebration. Meanwhile, Matkar urged the government to streamline procedures for permits to enable the speedy repatriation of bodies of foreigners to their home countries. “We want the relevant authorities to simplify the procedures for issuing permits for repatriation of bodies of foreigners as delays will mar the country’s image,” he said. He was commenting on a news report that permits for the repatriation of bodies of foreigners are only issued from Mondays to Thursdays, as opposed to seven days a week previously. – Bernama Foundation to join London Craft expo █ BYVEISHNAWI NEHRU [email protected] KUCHING: The Tun Jugah Foundation here will send three representatives to participate in an exhibition to be held in conjunction with the London Craft Week from May 6 to 14. The representatives include its managing trustee Melia Linggi, museum curator Janet Rata Noel and weaver Shirley Vilin, who will be showcasing kebat Iban and pua Kumbu, two well-known Iban textile products. According to a statement from the foundation yesterday, the exhibition will be organised by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah under her foundation Yayasan Tenun Pahang Diraja. The exhibition will be hosted at the High Commission of Malaysia in London. The Tun Jugah Foundation, formed in 1985, was set up, among others, to preserve and promote the traditional methods of Iban weaving and generate a greater understanding of Iban textiles. – Bernama

4 theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Tamil music virtuoso to hold concert after 30-year hiatus SHAH ALAM: South Indian film composer and singer, Deva, is set to make a return to Malaysia after 30 years with a live concert at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on June 3. Deva, who is known for his soulful voice and works predominantly in Tamil cinema, will be entertaining his Malaysian fans with his popular compositions, including his popular Gaana song, at the 8pm concert presented by City Production and PoketPlay. Given that the singer’s music has a huge fanbase in Malaysia, the concert is expected to draw 20,000 fans. Speaking about his upcoming performance, Deva, whose full name is Thenisai Thendral Deva, expressed excitement to be back in Malaysia after three decades and promised to deliver a memorable show for his fans, adding that the concert is set to feature some of his all-time hits. “I am thrilled to be performing alongside some of the greatest singers in the Tamil music industry. It is an honour to share the stage with them and to perform in front of my fans after such a long time. I hope the concert will be a night to remember for everyone.” Being in the music industry for over 40 years, Deva rose to fame as an independent director, composing music for several Tamil films. He is known for his ability to create catchy tunes and his innovative use of local instruments in his music, and he has composed music for over 400 films in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. The line-up of singers who will perform at the concert alongside Deva are some of the biggest names in the Tamil music industry, including Hariharan, Anuradha Sri Ram, Unni Krishnan, Harini, Sabesh, Murali, Srikanth Deva, S.P. Charan, Priyanka and Alka Ajith. Tickets for the concert are selling fast and fans are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the ticketing website at http://www.ticket2u.com.my/TTDEVA. – Bernama Sabah on track in protecting resources SANDAKAN: Sabah is presently maintaining 64% of its land mass under forest cover in an effort to protect its natural resources, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He added that the area includes 3.84 million hectares, or 52% of the state’s land mass, as gazetted forest reserves and other protected areas. He said the move was also in line with the Sabah government’s commitment to maintain at least 50% of the state’s land under state forest cover in the Sabah Forest Policy 2018. “To boost the state’s forest management and protect its resources, Sabah has gazetted up to 1.9 million hectares as ‘Totally Protected’ areas. “It is important to achieve the target of 2.2 million hectares, or 30% of the state, as Totally Protected by 2025,” he said at the Rainforest Discovery Centre state-level International Day of Forests event yesterday. The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Sabah Local Government and Housing minister. – Bernama Retired teacher finds passion in fighter jet origami GEORGE TOWN: Retired teacher Ee Choo Teck, 88, has proven to be an origami crafter, after having produced more than 600 types of fighter jets using the paper-folding technique. He has been into origami for 24 years and now owns a studio called “Modern Origami”, located in Bukit Jambul, to display thousands of his creations. Ee, who hails from Yong Peng in Johor, said he became interested in origami after attending an airplane exhibition in Singapore in 1998. “Upon my return, I started making fighter jets out of paper for my grandson. That was how I started with origami and it is now my passion.” Ee said the first origami jet fighter he made was an F15. He said the largest F15 origami piece is over a metre in length, adding that it took him almost a full day to complete it. Ee, who moved to Penang in 2000 to teach at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Kwang Hwa, said he would craft origami pieces to give to his students as gifts. “It was then that a teacher friend suggested that I sell origami fighter jets because the pieces were unique and beautiful. “So, that started me making origami fighter jets and I initially gave my creations to NGOs for them to sell and raise funds.” Due to the encouraging response, Ee said he participated at the “Armenian Street Market” on weekends to sell his works and was able to sell between 40 and 50 origami fighter jets of various sizes daily, with sales of up to RM300. “I sell the origami fighter jets at between RM5 and RM10 each, depending on the size and type. “I also have thousands of origami pieces on display at the studio.” Ee said he could make more than 100 origami fighter jets a day using A4-sized paper. “I can produce more than 600 types of origami fighter jets of different sizes, colours and types. “All of my origami fighter jets are not just decorative, they can fly like other paper airplanes.” – Bernama Govt proposes changes to state food source areas PUTRAJAYA: The Local Government Development Ministry, through the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia), has proposed that the distribution of the percentage of food source areas for each state be based on potential areas to be used as new food production areas. Food production areas are padi cultivation areas, permanent food production parks for livestock, grazing fields and aquaculture industrial zones. The Local Government Development Ministry said the proposal was mooted after PLANMalaysia conducted a study on land use planning for the purpose of maintaining, conserving and increasing the country’s food source areas. The study involved a series of dealings with relevant agencies, especially the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and agencies under its purview. “This study suggests the need to determine the appropriate percentage of food source areas to achieve a self-sufficiency ratio target, set in the National Agrofood Policy and the 4th National Physical Plan.” – Bernama Temple in high gear to prepare for Wesak Day PENANG: The Sian Chye Tong Temple at Hye Keat Estate in Air Itam here will be a hive of activity on the eve of Wesak Day, which falls on May 4. Members of its youth section have been burning the midnight oil to complete preparations for the event by May 3. A temple spokesman said its youth celebrate Wesak Day annually in a grand fashion with a colourfully decorated flower float of Buddha. This has been the tradition for more than The 30ft Buddha flower float, which is the centrepiece of the Wesak Day celebrations at the temple this year. oPublic encouraged to sponsor lighting of oil lamps for charity, health, good luck and prosperity █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] four decades. Thronged by families of devotees on May 3 for the “Bathing of Buddha”, the ceremony is a sight to behold with its beautiful decorations and lights. The warm atmosphere, chanting of prayers led by Rev Seck Chin Sooi, who is the youth adviser, and offering of light for world peace further adds to the experience. This year, the Wesak eve celebration will start with the lighting of oil lamps, speeches, presentation of souvenirs and cheques to various charitable organisations and the official opening of the Buddha float by VIPs and main sponsors, among others. The spokesman said the temple hopes to raise between RM8,000 and RM10,000 for charitable organisations. The float designer and youth chairman, Loh Choon Teik, said it took more than a month to decorate the temple and the 30ft Buddha float, which is filled with artificial roses, orchids, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, carnations, tulips and ferns. Various types of LED lighting, bulbs and spotlights were also added to brighten and beautify it. “The main attraction in the float is a 5ft golden pagoda surrounded by six mini golden pagodas. The statue of Buddha, measuring 4.5ft in height, sits in front of a large luminous lotus flower.” Loh said due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was no procession for the last three years. “This year, we have added another flower girl float to participate in the Penang Wesak Day procession.” He said the floats will join the procession on May 4, starting from the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Burma Road. “The design and creativity of our previous years’ floats had always received lots of praise from the public. “This has inspired us to be more creative in our design this year.” The temple spokesman also called on the public to sponsor the lighting of oil lamps for charity, good luck, prosperity and for one’s health. For more details, please contact Linda at 04-828 3296 or 010-337 2747.

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 Group takes bid to quash fatwa to Federal Court PUTRAJAYA: Woman’s rights group SIS Forum (Malaysia) has gone to the Federal Court in a final bid to quash a fatwa issued by the Selangor religious authorities labelling the group as deviants. The organisation and one of its co-founders, Zainah Mahfoozah Anwar, filed an application on April 14 seeking leave from the court to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of its challenge against the fatwa. In civil cases, litigants must obtain leave before they can proceed with appeals at the Federal Court. In a 2-1 majority decision on March 14, the Court of Appeal dismissed the bid by SIS Forum to quash the fatwa. SIS Forum took the matter to the Court of Appeal after its application for a judicial review was dismissed by the High Court on Aug 27, 2019. The fatwa, gazetted by the Selangor State government on July 31, 2014, declared that SIS Forum, any individual, as well as groups that adopted the deviant ideologies of liberalism and pluralism, were deviating from the teachings of Islam. The fatwa also directed that any publications containing liberal and plural views of Islam be banned and confiscated and further directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to censor social websites that go against Islamic teachings and syariah laws. The Federal Court has fixed May 15 for case management. In the notice of motion requesting for leave, the group proposed 10 questions of law. Among them was whether a fatwa, once published in the Gazette under Section 48(6) of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003, is a form of subsidiary law and/or delegated legislation. Another question was whether a civil court has jurisdiction to judicially review the issuance of a fatwa, or its publication in the Gazette under Section 48(6) of the Enactment, once it is so gazetted on the grounds generally available for the review of subsidiary or delegated legislation. – Bernama Four plead guilty to hurting cop PONTIAN: The Magistrate’s Court here yesterday set Sunday for the sentencing of four men, including two brothers, who pleaded guilty to a charge of using criminal force and causing hurt to a policeman last Saturday. The four pleaded guilty to the charge before Magistrate Nur Azzuin Abdul Moali, who then allowed them bail of between RM1,500 and RM2,000 each pending sentencing at the Kulai Magistrate’s Court. Brothers Mohamed Efendi Mohamed Said, 40, and Muhammad Fazli, 24, and Khalid Khamis, 38, were jointly charged under Section 353 of the Penal Code with using criminal force to deter L/Cpl Muhammad Hasrull Mohd Namiri from discharging his duty. They were charged with committing the offence at Km7 on Jalan Kulai heading to Kota Tinggi at about 3pm on April 22. They face a maximum jail term of two years or a fine, or both. The other accused, Mohamad Haikal Karim, 23, was charged with voluntarily causing hurt to the same policeman at the same time and location. The charge, framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, provides a jail term of up to a year or a fine of up to RM2,000, or both. Deputy public prosecutor Nurezzati Zaini prosecuted while the four were unrepresented. – Bernama Steps taken to curb corruption KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has implemented targeted programmes involving government procurement, public funds or government allocations and enforcement sectors throughout this year to prevent corrupt practices. MACC Community Education Division director Datuk Razim Mohd Noor said the programmes focused on issues such as cartels, leakage of government funds, violations of the law and inefficiencies in government revenue collection. “As of this month, a total of 33 programmes with enforcement agencies have been held nationwide. A total of 74 programmes were also carried out with ministries and government agencies that are at risk and that have received large allocations under Budget 2023. “Among them is the MACC dialogue programme with the Public Works Department, which was held to ensure that the department continues practising good governance in project management,” he said recently. He added that MACC also took the initiative to spread the oMACC working with enforcement agencies, ministries on cartels, leakage and good governance of project management Landslide location stabilised by PWD KUALA LUMPUR: Immediate action by the Public Works Department (PWD) in placing tarpaulin sheets at the landslide location at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (Maca) and the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) at Persiaran Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin on Wednesday succeeded in preventing a more serious landslide in the area. Sentul district police chief ACP Beh Eng Lai said there would have been a risk of further landslides in the area following heavy rain if such action had not been taken. “Following the placement of the sheets at the area by the Public Works Department, we found that there was no further soil movement or erosion. “Placement of the sheets (to cover the whole collapsed area) will be completed before work to install iron pilings begins,” he said at the location yesterday. Beh also said an alternative road to Maca will be built upon completion of the piling works, adding that both the Maca and IIM buildings were safe for use. – Bernama Cruise passenger suffering stroke rescued by MMEA SEREMBAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Malacca and Negeri Sembilan conducted a medical evacuation (medevac) operation on Wednesday night to transport a cruise ship passenger who had suffered a stroke. Its director Kapt Iskandar Ishak said the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre in Johor Bahru received information that an Indonesian woman passenger on the Spectrum of The Seas suffered a stroke during the cruise to Singapore from Penang. “A team which was on routine patrol was deployed to the ship’s location at 3.8 nautical miles southwest of Port Dickson. When they arrived, the victim was in a weak state and needed to be taken to a hospital immediately. “The 66-year-old victim, Hon Siu Fung, was then transferred to our boat and rushed to Port Dickson for further treatment,” Iskandar said in a statement yesterday. He added that apart from carrying out enforcement of maritime law, MMEA also assists the public and the maritime community in conducting medevac operations for emergency cases at sea. – Bernama anti-corruption message through formal and informal education in public and private higher education institutions as well as at primary and secondary schools, in collaboration with the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry. “Among them is the implementation of the Integrity and Anti-corruption Course Module on an elective basis that has been offered by all higher education institutions in addition to the Integrity and Anti-corruption Course Module Technical and Vocational Education and Training course for students taking certificate and diploma courses,” he said. Razim said for non-formal education, MACC was targeting primary and secondary school students through the Wira Anti-Corruption programme as well as themed competitions. “At the higher education level, it includes clubs such as the Anti-Corruption Student Force, MACC Chief Commissioner’s Cup Higher Education Institution Debate competition, Anti-Corruption Student Convention, AMAR Convention and dialogues between students and MACC officers.” He also said at the community level, the anti-corruption message was delivered in programmes through awareness and knowledge sharing, with a focus on certain target groups. “It is implemented according to the function and branch. For example, if it is a government agency, it targets civil servants and if it is a socio-cultural branch, it targets the community and influential leaders in the community.” On public perception and effectiveness of the programmes, Razim said 92.9% of 6,471 respondents comprising civil servants, students, private sector workers, the public and NGOs provided positive feedback. He said 57.1% of the respondents were civil servants, 24.7 were students, private sector workers comprised 11.9%, 4.3% were from the public and 1.9% were from NGOs. The findings were obtained through the 2022 MACC Anti-corruption Programme Effectiveness Evaluation Survey, that was conducted beginning March 3, 2022, in line with Section 7(f) of the MACC Act 2009, to educate and encourage community support in the fight against corruption. Razim said 93.8% of respondents were also of the view that anti-corruption action by MACC were effective, Bernama reported. He also revealed that MACC would be introducing a Malaysian Corruption Survey in collaboration with the Statistics Department, adding that it would involve help from experts as well as technical assistance from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes and academics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. “The survey will use a conceptual framework based on indications of perception, experience and administrative data.” Aerial photo of the area affected by the landslide. – BERNAMAPIC

6 theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Biden, Yoon issue nuclear warning to Pyongyang WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korea it would face a nuclear response and the “end” of the leadership there if Pyongyang uses its own arsenal. Speaking at the White House after Oval Office talks during only the second state visit so far in the Biden presidency, the two leaders said the US security shield for South Korea was being strengthened in the face of the nuclear-armed North’s aggressive missile tests. And they made clear that if the isolated, communist dictatorship in North Korea attacks the South or the US, the response will be devastating. “A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies will result in the end of whatever regime were to take such an action,” Biden presenting a guitar signed by artiste Don McLean to Yoon at a state dinner in the White House. – REUTERSPIC oBeijing warns against ‘provoking confrontation and stirring up tensions’ Indians rebuke German magazine’s ‘racist’ cartoon NEW DELHI: A cartoon published in German newspaper Der Spiegel about India overtaking China as the world’s most populous country has angered Indians who have dubbed it “racist”. Earlier this month, the UN had estimated that India will overtake China to become the world’s most populous country by the middle of the year. On Monday, it said India’s population will eclipse an ageing China this week. Der Spiegel’s cartoon depicts an overcrowded Indian Railways train with passengers hanging on from the sides and atop it, overtaking a sleek Chinese train running on a parallel track. Trains across India are usually overcrowded as they are a cheap mode of transport available for millions who wish to transit throughout the country. Many Indians criticised the outlet and claimed it reeked of racism and was a “crass” attempt at “peddling old stereotypes” about the country. “Notwithstanding your attempt at mocking India, it’s not smart to bet against India under PM (Narendra Modi). In a few years, India’s economy will be bigger than Germany’s,” tweeted Minister of State for Skill Development Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Kanchan Gupta, a senior adviser with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, lashed out at the German outlet and claimed the purpose of the cartoon was to show “India down and suck up to China”. “(Germany) this is outrageously racist. (Der Spiegel) caricaturing India in this manner has no resemblance to reality,” he tweeted. He added that “this is as bad if not worse than the racist cartoon in (New York Times) lampooning India’s successful Mars mission”. The reference was to a 2014 cartoon that New York Times published after India launched its Mars mission that Indians claimed mocked India. The newspaper later issued an apology after reader complaints. “A cartoon by German magazine Der Spiegel about India’s population overtaking China’s with typical elite, superior & colonial mindset depicting India as backward & less-evolved nation, is highly condemnable. West is jealous of India’s growth & prosperity,” wrote one observer. – The Independent WHO issues alert over cough syrup NEW DELHI: A batch of “contaminated” cough syrup made in India and found in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia has been flagged by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This marks the latest in a series of medicines manufactured by India-based pharmaceutical firms and distributed in different countries that are alleged to be of poor quality and harmful to use. In countries like The Gambia and Uzbekistan, consumption of syrups manufactured in India have been linked to the deaths of several children. The “substandard” medicine flagged by the WHO in a statement on Tuesday is known as Guaifenesin Syrup TG and is used to relieve chest congestion and the symptoms of cough. The drug was brought to the WHO’s attention earlier this month. The medicine was manufactured by QP Pharmachem Ltd, based out of the northern Punjab state and marketed by Trillium Pharma in neighbouring Haryana. Neither of the firms “have provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products”, it said. WHO did not say if any deaths or injuries were linked to Guaifenesin. The UN agency said there were “unacceptable amounts” of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol found in Guaifenesin. Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are said to cause acute kidney injuries and can prove fatal. The former is found in antifreeze and e-cigarettes and is said to make cheap wine taste richer as well. It can also be used as an engine coolant. – The Independent Hun Sen U-turns on rare dolphin conservation law PHNOM PENH: Cambodian leader Hun Sen yesterday cancelled a law he created just two months ago to protect critically endangered Mekong dolphins as the mammals continue to die from illegal fishing activities. The population of Irrawaddy dolphins in Mekong River has dwindled from 200, when the first census was taken in 1997, to just 89 in 2020 largely due to illegal fishing and habitat loss. Hun Sen issued a new decree in February creating protection zones in a 120km stretch of the Mekong, in which fishing is banned, following the death of three dolphins in a week. But two dolphins have since died, including a four-day-old calf found dead last week entangled in fishing nets. Hun Sen said he had decided to cancel the new decree because “dolphins keep dying and thousands of fishing families were affected”. “We want to protect dolphins that are at risk of becoming extinct, but dolphins keep dying. “Dolphins keep entangling in gillnets despite the ban,” he added, referring to nets strung across the river by fishermen. – AFP B R I E F SCHINA PASSES UPDATE OF ESPIONAGE LAW BEIJING: Chinese lawmakers passed a wide-ranging update to the anti-espionage legislation on Wednesday, banning the transfer of any information related to national security and broadening the definition of spying. The top legislative body passed the revised Counter-Espionage Law – its first update since 2014 – following three days of deliberations. It will take effect from July 1. All “documents, data, materials, and items related to national security and interests” are under the same protection as state secrets following the revisions, Xinhua news agency said. The update expands the definition of espionage to include cyberattacks against state organs or critical information infrastructure, it said. – Reuters WATCHDOG RAPS AUSSIE BROADCASTER CANBERRA: Australia’s media watchdog has rapped the climate coverage on Rupert Murdoch’s Sky News, finding multiple inaccurate and unfair statements that led to breaches of broadcasting rules. The Australian Communications and Media Authority said on Wednesday the channel aired inaccurate statements in segments of its Sunday Outsiders programme. The watchdog reviewed 80 allegations across 10 Outsiders episodes and identified code-breaching incidents in items on Antarctic ice cores, heat pumps in the UK, Great Barrier Reef corals and Japanese temperature data. “The programme has an obligation to its audience to clearly separate fact from comment,” said watchdog chair Nerida O’Loughlin. – AFP Biden told reporters at a joint press conference with Yoon. Yoon said his priority was to secure peace through “superiority of overwhelming forces and not a false peace based on the goodwill of the other side”. “In the event of a North Korean nuclear attack,” he said, Washington and Seoul have agreed to “respond swiftly, overwhelmingly and decisively using the full force of the alliance including US nuclear weapons”. A military honour guard and hundreds of guests massed outside the White House where Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, arrived for a day of pomp and ceremony. They rounded off the day with a lavish state dinner where Hollywood star Angelina Jolie was among the guests joining the Korean first couple, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. In a toast, Biden recalled the sacrifice by American soldiers to help fight the communist north during the 1950 to 1953 Korean War and said their countries were bound by “a belief in democracy, liberty, security and above all a mutual belief in freedom”. Yoon and Biden issued what was titled the Washington Declaration, bolstering the US nuclear umbrella over South Korea, which is increasingly nervous about the sabre-rattling by the North. “President Biden has reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to extended deterrence towards the Republic of Korea,” Yoon said. This will include a mechanism for the two countries to share information and consult in event of a North Korean attack, even if US commanders will still retain full control on the nuclear weapons. It will also see more integration of South Korea’s conventional military with US nuclear forces. Meanwhile, China warned Washington and Seoul against “provoking confrontation” with North Korea. “All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said yesterday. She urged against “deliberately stirring up tensions, provoking confrontation and playing up threats”. – AFP

7 * NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Xi holds call with Zelensky KYIV: Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fulfilling a longstanding goal of Kyiv which had publicly sought such talks for months. Zelensky, describing the hour-long phone call as “long and meaningful”, signalled the importance of the chance to open closer relations with Russia’s most powerful friend, naming a former cabinet minister as Ukraine’s new ambassador to Beijing. Xi told Zelensky that China would send special representatives to Ukraine and hold talks with all parties seeking peace, Chinese state media reported. Zelensky said in an evening video address oUkraine president describes conversation as ‘long and meaningful’ Renewed air strikes rock Sudan truce KHARTOUM: The Sudanese army pounded paramilitaries in the capital with air strikes yesterday while deadly fighting flared in Darfur as the conflict entered a 13th day despite a US-brokered ceasefire. On Wednesday, the army said it had agreed to talks in Juba, capital of neighbouring South Sudan, on extending the three-day truce which expires today “at the initiative of IGAD”, the East African regional bloc. There have been multiple truce efforts since fighting broke out on April 15 between Sudan’s regular army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by his deputy-turnedrival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. All have failed. The fighting has continued depite the US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on Tuesday, with warplanes patrolling the skies over the capital’s northern suburbs as fighters on the ground have exchanged artillery and machine gun fire, witnesses said. Burhan agreed on Wednesday to the IGAD proposal for talks on extending the truce by a further 72 hours, the army added. The RSF’s response to the proposal remains unclear. At least 512 people have been killed and 4,193 wounded in the fighting, according to Health Ministry figures, although the real death toll is likely to be much higher. Beyond the capital, fighting has flared in the provinces, particularly in the war-torn western region of Darfur. Clashes between the army and the RSF raged for a second straight day in the West Darfur capital Geneina, witnesses said, adding that civilians were seen fleeing to the nearby border with Chad. On Wednesday, the United Nations had reported killings, looting and arson in Geneina. As lawlessness gripped Sudan, there have been several jailbreaks, including from the high security Kober prison where top aides of ousted dictator Omar al-Bashir were held. Among those who have escaped is Ahmed Haroun, wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in the Darfur conflict that erupted two decades ago. Ahmed’s escape sparked fears of the involvement of Omar loyalists in the ongoing fighting. The army said the ousted dictator was not among those who escaped. He had been moved to a military hospital before the fighting erupted, it said. – AFP Republicans pass Bill to avert US debt crisis WASHINGTON: US Republicans voted on Wednesday to raise the national borrowing limit, but only in conjunction with drastic cuts, as they sought a showdown with President Joe Biden over “excessive” spending with a potentially ruinous credit default looming. The government is expecting to hit the debt ceiling within weeks, raising the possibility of the world’s largest economy defaulting on repayments and igniting a firestorm in global markets. The Limit, Save, Grow Act advanced from the House of Representatives by a narrow margin of 217-215 but has no chance of becoming law as it is opposed by Democrats controlling the Senate and White House. Republicans were determined to muscle it through the lower chamber of Congress to strengthen their position in negotiations with Biden, who has resolutely refused to agree to any spending cuts to get the debt cap raised. House speaker Kevin McCarthy, who had spent much of the week locked in frantic talks as he struggled to win over a handful of Republican holdouts, celebrated a vote that would put America “back on track”. “Our conference came together to pass the only plan in Washington that will tackle the debt ceiling, stop excessive federal spending and inflation, and put our country back on track for sustained economic growth.” The US is almost US$32 trillion in debt. The 320-page Republican Bill would raise the ceiling through March next year – paving the way for another debt limit fight in the middle of the presidential election campaign – or until the debt grows to US$32.9 trillion. But it dramatically cuts federal spending and rolls back major portions of Biden’s agenda, such as his push to cancel student debt and mitigate climate change. – AFP B R I E F S BRAZIL COURT SUSPENDS TELEGRAM APP BRASILIA: A Brazilian court on Wednesday ordered the countrywide suspension of messaging app Telegram after its parent company failed to provide data sought by authorities on neo-Nazis operating on the network. The move came after a spate of violent school attacks, at least one of them linked to exchanges on a group with anti-Semitic leanings. Justice Minister Flavio Dino said the court had fined Telegram a million reais (RM884,000) per day for “not complying” with a probe into neo-Nazi activity on social networks, and ordered the “temporary suspension of activities”. – AFP PERU DEPLOYS MILITARY TO BLOCK MIGRANTS LIMA: Peru’s president decreed a state of emergency at the country’s borders on Wednesday and ordered the deployment of troops to reinforce checkpoints and block undocumented migrants making their way north from Chile. Hundreds of migrants, who the UN said are mainly from Haiti and Venezuela but had been living in Chile, have been blocked for weeks at the border between the Peruvian city of Tacna and Arica in northern Chile. President Dina Boluarte said extra soldiers will be deployed to support police at border crossings with Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia. Boluarte said her decision was aimed at combating threats to security. – AFP that there was “an opportunity to use China’s political power to reinforce the principles and rules that peace should be built upon”. “Ukraine and China, like the absolute majority of the world, are equally interested in the strength of the sovereignty of nations and territorial integrity.” Zelensky also said Xi had expressed “words of support” for the extension of a deal to export Ukrainian grain from its Black Sea ports. Moscow has said the pact will not be renewed beyond May 18 unless the West removes obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports. Xi, the most powerful leader to have refrained from denouncing Russia’s invasion, visited Moscow last month. Since February, he has promoted a 12-point peace plan, greeted sceptically by the West but cautiously welcomed by Kyiv as a sign of Chinese interest in ending the war. China will focus on promoting peace talks and make efforts for a ceasefire as soon as possible, Xi reportedly told Zelensky. “As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, we will neither sit idly by, nor pour oil on fire, still less seek to profit from it,” Xi said. The White House welcomed the call but said it was too soon to tell whether it would lead to a peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron’s office said he had pushed Xi to hold the call with Zelensky during a visit to Beijing this month. The 14-month war is at a juncture, with Ukraine preparing to launch a counteroffensive following a Russian winter offensive that made only incremental advances despite bloody fighting. There are no peace talks in sight, with Kyiv demanding Russia withdraw its troops and Moscow insisting Ukraine must recognise its claims to have annexed seized territory. Following Wednesday’s call, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said: “We note the readiness of the Chinese side to make efforts to establish a negotiation process.”– Reuters Kenya cult toll climbs to 98 as families await news of missing NAIROBI: The number of victims linked to a suspected starvation cult in Kenya climbed to 98 on Wednesday as weeping relatives anxiously awaited news of loved ones after investigators unearthed mass graves last week. The discovery of dozens of bodies buried in Shakahola forest near the coastal town of Malindi shocked Kenyans, with cult leader Paul Mackenzie Nthenge accused of driving his followers to death by preaching that starvation was the only path to God. “We had a lot of challenges with the rain but in the end we had eight bodies taken out,” said a police source, bringing the total to 98. At the state-run Malindi Sub-County Hospital, where the morgue is already stretched well beyond capacity with dozens of bodies, families were desperate to know if their loved ones had been found. Teenager Issa Ali was taken to Shakahola in 2020 by his mother and told AFP he had been beaten by Nthenge when he tried to leave, until his father rescued him. “The last time I saw my mum was in February,” the soft-spoken 16-year-old said. “She was so weak the last time I saw her.” Officials said 39 people had been found alive so far in the 325ha bush around Shakahola, while 22 have been arrested. Kenya Red Cross official Hassan Musa told AFP that 311 people, including 150 minors, had been reported missing to its support staff in Malindi. “We are talking about people mostly from Kenya, but also from Tanzania and Nigeria. Some have been missing for years.” – AFP FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE ... Crown Princess Mary of Denmark planting mangrove saplings in the Fijian town of Nadi yesterday. Mangrove forests protect exposed coastal areas from flooding and at the same time, mangroves can store far more CO2 than many other types of tropical forest. – AFPPIC

8 theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 SPEAK UP @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Imperative to develop secure electric vehicles WITH a global shift towards renewable energy, the automotive industry is also adapting and making a move towards EVs (electric vehicles). EVs typically offer lower operating costs, reduced emissions, quieter operation and smoother driving experience. EVs and autonomous vehicles in Asia are one of the fastest growing markets and most of the Southeast Asian countries have already pledged to ramp up their EV push and achieve net-zero emission targets. For example, the EV Asean market has a forecasted compound annual growth rate of 32.73% from 2023 to 2028. There are also ambitious plans for the next 30 years. Thailand aims to raise EV to 30% of all domestic vehicle production by 2030 and Malaysia wants 38% of vehicle sales to be EV by 2040. To further push EV sales, Singapore will stop selling petrol & diesel cars by 2040 and Indonesia will only sell electric-powered cars and motorcycles by 2050. Australia is aiming for EVs to be 70% of new vehicle sales in 2030 and 100% by 2040. Is the market ready? While these are grandiose goals, there are still a lot of gaps to fill in the market before EVs can really take off in terms of infrastructure, regulations and also security concerns. In 2021, Singapore released a set of provisional national standards called TR 68 with Part 3 focusing on cybersecurity principles and assessment framework for autonomous vehicles. Also in 2021, the ISO/SAE 21434 international standard on cybersecurity engineering was released. These standards provide requirements for incorporating cybersecurity activities in the organisation in order to build more secure cars. As EVs and autonomous vehicles contain more valuable data and connect to more services, these vehicles also become more lucrative targets for cyber attackers. According to an automotive cybersecurity report, the third most reported cybersecurity issue in 2022 was related to EVs and charging. There have been several published examples of cyberattacks on EVs and their infrastructure. For instance, one attack abused the plaintext communication and lack of authentication over the Controller Area Network bus protocol between the EV and the charging station. An attacker can spoof the Vehicle Identification Number, making it possible to charge the vehicle for free. Another example is an attack targeting the charging station, where a vulnerable open-source software component Log4j was used. An attacker can spoof the car and send a malicious payload to exploit the vulnerability. As a result, the attacker can execute arbitrary commands and can possibly charge the vehicle for free. AI-powered opportunities With the development of powerful AI technologies, there are new opportunities that the automotive industry can seize. One famous example that comes to mind is ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot that was released in November 2022 and reached 100 million users within two months. Based on these powerful AI language models, automakers can build their own digital assistants and train the AI model with automotive-specific information. Similar to how ChatGPT was trained with, e.g, Linux and Unix man pages, C and Python programming languages, one can imagine an automaker training their digital assistant with information from the car user manual as well as information on how to support common use cases, including route planning, integration with smart homes and devices, charging and more. This would allow a user to easily ask questions about a warning light blinking on the dashboard, plan an efficient route to the airport, open the garage door or connect a user device and find and reserve a charging spot among others without having to dig through a large user manual or use and manage multiple devices or systems. But what about the risks? It is extremely important to consider what type of training data is used as well as to apply policies that define what responses with what type of information is allowed. Similar to how early usage of ChatGPT could allow users to write malware and hacking tools or to gain information that could be used with malicious intent, a digital assistant in your car could also be abused to potentially gain certain harmful information, e.g, how to clone keys or run unauthorised commands which could lead to attackers stealing cars or charging for free. As more EVs are deployed and the necessary infrastructure is built up, it is imperative for the automotive industry to consider improving the overall cybersecurity posture for the entire ecosystem. Automotive organisations need to establish a cybersecurity management system with improved cybersecurity awareness in the organisation as well as incorporate dedicated cybersecurity activities during product development. In particular for software development, these activities include static application security testing, vulnerability scanning and fuzz testing. Moreover, to improve the quality of code, ensuring compliance with certain coding standards such as CERT C/C++, MISRA C/C++ or AUTOSAR C++ is also recommended. Another aspect organisations need to consider is the risks in the software supply chain such as software vulnerabilities and open-source license violations and how to address them. For example, the procurer should give requirements to the supplier to perform certain cybersecurity activities on their product before it is provided to the procurer. Examples of requirements include following certain coding guidelines, ensuring license compliance for opensource software components and performing fuzz testing. Using automated tools to perform these activities is recommended to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort. In other words, establishing a secure software development lifecycle with automated tools running continuously in a CI (continuous integration) pipeline is becoming paramount for organisations developing software. Dennis Kengo Oka is a principal automotive security strategist at Synopsys Software Integrity Group. Comments: [email protected] Making yourself recession-proof in the tech sector THE tech sector has seen some challenging times of late, with tech giants such as Google, Meta and Amazon laying off over 104,000 workers over the last 12 months. While recent reports indicate that Malaysia’s technology sector is not facing significant layoffs, recruiters have observed a slowdown in hiring in this sector. Even as the country’s job situation in this industry remains stable and promising, we are not completely insulated from external shocks. The job market can be unpredictable and economic downturns can bring job loss and stress. Hence, we should still look towards making ourselves recession-proof. Here are five ways to do so: Stay current with the latest technologies. There are several initiatives and programmes aimed at upskilling individuals in the tech sector. This includes the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (Mdec), which offers training programmes and certifications for various skills such as software development, data science and digital marketing. Additionally, the government launched the MyDIGITAL initiative in 2021 to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and increase the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Focus on in-demand skills. Some tech skills are more in demand than others and it is important to focus on those that are most valuable in the current job market. In-demand skills can vary by industry and region, so do your research to identify the skills that are most in demand in your field. For example, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are all areas of high demand in the tech sector. Mdec also listed analytical skills, computer science, software development and programming among the top 10 in-demand digital skills in Malaysia. Focusing on these areas can increase your value in the job market and make you a more competitive candidate. Develop a diverse skill set In addition to technical skills, developing a diverse skill set can also be valuable in the tech sector. For example, strong communication and collaboration skills can be important for project management roles, while marketing and sales skills can be valuable in roles that involve promoting and selling tech products and services. Build a strong professional network Building relationships with other professionals in your field can provide opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and job referrals. Attend industry events, join online communities and engage with colleagues on social media to build and maintain your network. There are several organisations and communities that provide networking opportunities for tech professionals. These include the National Tech Association of Malaysia, which hosts events and conferences for tech industry professionals, and the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation, which provides resources and support for entrepreneurs and startups. Look for recession-resistant industries While the tech industry as a whole may be affected by an economic downturn, there are certain subsectors that may be more resistant to recession. For example, companies that provide essential business services such as cybersecurity or cloud computing may be less affected by an economic downturn than those that provide non-essential services. E-commerce, which has seen strong growth in recent years, is another option to consider. Look at focusing your job search on industries that are less likely to be impacted by economic volatility. Parting notes By staying current, focusing on indemand skills, developing a diverse skill set, building a strong network and looking for recession-resistant industries, individuals in the Malaysian tech sector can help recession-proof their careers. Furthermore, with the government’s focus on digital transformation and the continued growth of the tech industry in Malaysia, there are many opportunities for tech professionals to thrive, even during challenging economic times. Melissa Norman is the founder and managing director of the Aisling Group. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Melissa Norman COMMENT by Dennis Kengo Oka Improve bus services at PPRs THE government has recently taken the initiative to alleviate the standards of living in People’s Housing Project (PPR) in KL and Selangor. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in early April announced an allocation of RM35 million for programmes to empower communities in PPRs in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. This is in addition to the RM50 million already allocated in Budget 2023 as part of efforts to make PPRs more peoplecentred and safe. The combined allocation is intended to replace outdated lifts, provide educational support for weak students, provide free internet access in selected PPR locations as well as a fund to boost people’s economic activities. This news is most welcome given the dilapidated conditions of these flats. However, one issue is, more often than not, overlooked in efforts to make PPRs more liveable. Given that these housing units have high population densities, overcrowding is a serious issue. This is evident in the number of cars seen parked within and outside the vicinity of PPRs. As there are not enough parking spaces, residents tend to park along the roadside. This turns a two-lane road into a one-way lane causing inconveniences for cars passing through. Motorists will have to drive through slowly and carefully to avoid ramming cars parked along the roadside. Sometimes people are forced to reverse if they are unable to make that turn due to parked cars blocking road. They take up valuable space in an already confined area, adding to the list of factors that make it less liveable. The space taken up by cars could otherwise be used for recreational or social activities such as jogging, garden spaces or anything else that would contribute to increasing the quality of life in this living space. One way to best solve this issue is to prioritise PPRs in public bus service planning. If PPR residents find that they are able to depend on public bus services in their area as a means of transport, the need to own vehicles would gradually be reduced, thus effectively reducing vehicle congestion in PPRs. To achieve this, public bus services need to be reliable with a high frequency. Apart from that, the bus routes should cover a wide network range. A special focus should be given to connecting PPR locations to train stations. With the recent introduction of the My50 unlimited travel pass that offers 30 days of unlimited rides on all Rapid KL LRT, MRT, Monorail, BRT, Rapid KL and MRT feeder buses, this would be the cherry on the cake for PPR residents. On the other hand, this would also help increase the current low rail ridership of MRT1 and MRT2. By utilising public transport, PPR residents get to save on costs by not having to fork out money for petrol and tolls. Early this year, the government announced that they would provide Prasarana Malaysia Bhd with a total of RM2.8 billion to improve train and bus services, which includes increasing the number of buses. With the increase in the number of buses, I hope that public bus services in KL, Selangor and other places would be more reliable in terms of higher frequency and larger network areas covered. As they plan new bus routes, I hope that our B40 community would be taken into account. Improving public bus services in PPR housing areas would definitely improve their life quality by reducing car congestion at their living place in addition to making it easier for them to access opportunities out there. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Neville Lamech

ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 >> Explore its mystique and charm, in life and popular culture

Buzz theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 S2 MARTIAL-ARTS movies have captivated audiences for decades with their thrilling fight scenes, intricate choreography, and fascinating storytelling. From classic kung fu flicks to modern blockbusters, the genre has produced some of the most iconic films in cinematic history. Whether you’re a die-hard martial-arts fan or a casual moviegoer, these films offer a unique blend of action, drama, and entertainment that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Bruce Lee’s timeless classics, Jackie Chan’s gravity-defying stunts, these movies have inspired countless imitators and have become cultural touchstones around the world. So grab some snacks, sit back, and prepare to be amazed by the best martial-arts movies of all time. Enter The Dragon (1973) Most people think of Bruce Lee when they think of martial arts. Bruce Lee’s career as a martial artist was tragically cut short by his death in 1973. As a result, Enter the Dragon became his first and final complete film on Hollywood production, and it was released at the end of July 1973, just a few days after Lee died. Directed by Robert Clouse, It is widely considered one of the most iconic martial-arts movies of all time. Enter the Dragon has become a cultural touchstone and an inspiration for countless martial-arts films that followed. The plot of Enter the Dragon, which centres on a complex martial arts competition on a strange island, is packed to the gills with exciting action. Bruce Lee’s charismatic acting and fierce, convincing fighting made this possible. The Legend of Drunken Master (1994) Drunken Master II, also known as The Legend of Drunken Master in some countries, is a 1994 Hong Kong action-comedy film directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Jackie Chan. It is the second instalment in the Drunken Master film series, following the original 1978 film that also starred Chan. In this film, Chan plays Wong Feihung, a legendary Chinese folk hero who must use his drunken kung fu skills to protect his country’s national treasures from a group of ruthless foreign smugglers. Known for its impressive fight choreography, physical comedy, and charismatic performances, Drunken Master II has become a cult classic in the martial-arts genre and a fan favourite among Chan’s many films. Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a 2003 martial-arts film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film stars Uma Thurman as The Bride, a former assassin who wakes up from a fouryear coma and seeks revenge on the team of assassins who betrayed her on her wedding day. █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Jackin Chan had been in the business for close to 50 years and made some of the best action movies before moving to Hollywood in the mid to late 1990s. – IMDB Kill Bill Vol. 1 (left)is an excellent tribute to the martial arts. – IMDB Donnie Yen’s film based on the life of Ip Man spawned multiple movies on the Wing Chun grandmaster. – WELL GO USA The Raid 2 (right) is the sequel to one of the best action movies of all time. – IMDB The film is known for its stylised violence, intricate fight choreography, and references to classic martial-arts movies. Tarantino pays homage to many classic films from the genre, blending them together with his signature pop culture references, non-linear storytelling, and unique visual style. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 has become a cult classic and a favourite among Tarantino’s fans, earning critical acclaim for its bold and creative approach to the martial-arts genre. Ip Man (2008) Ip Man is a martial-arts film directed by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen in the title role. The film is loosely based on the life of Ip Man, a Wing Chun master who is best known for being Bruce Lee’s teacher. Set in 1930s Foshan, China, the film follows Ip Man as he rises to prominence as a martial-arts master and must defend his town against invading Japanese forces during World War II. The film is known for its intense fight scenes, stunning cinematography, and Yen’s charismatic performance as the titular character. Ip Man has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, and has become a beloved and influential entry in the martial-arts genre. The Raid (2011) The Raid, first released in 2011 and directed by Gareth Evans. It stars Indonesian silat martial artist Iko Uwais as a rookie police officer who must fight his way through a highrise building filled with ruthless criminals. The movie is renowned for its intense fight scenes that move quickly and with impressive combat choreography. The Raid 2 (2014) takes place a few hours after the events of the first film and follows Uwais’ character as he goes undercover to take down a powerful criminal organisation. The film is known for its intricate fight scenes, complex plot, and larger scale. Both films have received critical acclaim for their exceptional action and cinematography, and both have devoted fan bases. Ultimately, which film is superior is a matter of personal preference, and both are worthwhile viewing for fans of the martial-arts genre. Enter the Dragon is also considered one of the most influential action films of all time. – IMDB oHere are some of the most iconic and influential martial-arts movies ever made, featuring some of the most awe-inspiring fight scenes and unforgettable characters in cinema history

Buzz theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 S3 Scott Adkins Scott Edward Adkins is an actor, stuntman, and martial artist. At the age of 10, he developed an interest in martial arts, and at the age of 16, he began training in Taekwando and kickboxing. B e f o r e focusing on acting, he o r i g i n a l l y worked as a kickboxing teacher for a professional karate organisation. The role that Adkins is most known for is that of Yuri Boyka in Undisputed II: Last Man Standing. Boyka’s extensive skill set could be brought to life because to Adkins’ familiarity with many different martial art disciplines. Vidyut Jammwal Vidyut is an actor and martial artist from India. He practises the Kerala martial art style known as Kalaripayattu. He has portrayed a number of notable characters in Indian films and is most recognised for his action roles. He is an expert in the martial arts, and also one of the sexiest guys in India, according to the Indian media, enabling him to land innumerable chances abroad. Johnny Tri Nguyen Johnny is an American actor and martial artist who was born in THE popularity of martial arts sky-rocketed in the 1970s and 1980s because to well-known actors like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and others. Check out our list of favourite martial artists, who all hail from different countries and different martial arts backgrounds. Tony Jaa Tatchakorn Yeerum, also referred to as Tony Jaa, is a Thai actor and martial artist. He is renowned for his acrobatic and stunt work in movies and is a master of the ancient Thai martial art of Muay Boran. He started out as a stuntman and combat choreographer, but has since moved on to become a film director now. At the age of 15, he was selected to be a stuntman after beginning his martial arts training at a local temple. He was given a scholarship to study Judo, Muay Thai, Wushu, Muay Boran, and Taekwondo at the Khon Kaen Physical Education College. He is know well known by people around the world as one of the greatest martial artists. Ray Park Actor Ray Park is also a skilled gymnast and martial artist. As a young lad, he started learning the martial art of Wushu, and in the first World Wushu Championship in Beijing, he was the first European to place in the top seven. Before deciding to focus on acting, he participated in a number of martial arts tournaments. Ray’s exceptional martial arts abilities prevented him from being cast as a fight double and allowed him to land the role of Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Ray soon rose to fame as one of the leading characters, giving up his stuntman aspirations to become an action star instead. Tony Jaa’s style is acrobatic, lightning-quick, fluid, and breathtaking. – MEN’S JOURNAL TODAY █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Vidyut Jammwal has been practicing martial arts since age three. – PINTEREST Jackie Chan has appeared in 150 films since the 1960s. – NPR With a career spanning four decades, Donnie Yen is also an accomplished martial arts choreographer, director and producer. – MY MOVIES Johnny Tri Nguyen was born in Vietnam into a family with a rich martial arts tradition. –ASIAN MALE CELEBRITIES Vietnam. At the age of nine, he went to America and became a member in the US national martial arts team. He then worked as a stuntman in Hollywood. In SpiderMan 2, he played the part of SpiderMan as a stunt double. Then, in order to advance his acting profession, he went back to Vietnam. He also codirected and co-wrote The Rebel, a martial arts film that became an instant smash, which was his debut film in a leading role. Donnie Yen One of the best martial artists is Donnie Yen, a multiple World Wushu Tournament champion. He is a Hong Kong native who has achieved enormous success as both a martial artist and an actor. He began mastering several combat techniques at an early age, including western boxing, Taekwando, and karate. The actor has also received several accolades for his choreography in his films. He is credited for changing cinema by introducing mixed martial arts on the big screen, through the choreography in his movies. Jackie Chan Jackie Chan must be included in our list because, despite the fact that there is an unending number of martial artists, everyone still respects and loves the man from Hong Kong. Chan, who received his training at the Peking Opera School, is renowned for doing all of his own stunts throughout the most of his career. Chan has received training in a variety of martial arts, including Kung Fu and Hapkido. He began his career as a stuntman before quickly rising to fame as one of the greatest martial arts actors of all time and making a significant contribution to Hong Kong film in the 1980s. One of the best Kung Fu films ever shot is his masterpiece, D r u n k e n Master. Scott Edward Adkins gained his black belt in Taekwando at the age of 19. – PINTEREST Park began working in films as a stunt double on the film Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. – KUNGFU KINGDOM oHere are some of the most influencial martial artists working in movies today

Buzz theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 S4 THE martial arts are extremely diverse, with countless of various forms. In actuality, it encompasses almost all forms of combat. Karate, Judo, Kung Fu, and Jujitsu are a few of the well-liked martial arts. Martial arts lessons are wonderful at any age, and offer several advantages. It is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. You become better both physically and psychologically. Self-defence The primary benefit is that martial arts teaches you self-defence skills. There is no denying the presence of violence in the world. It happens without warning, and irrespective of the victim’s identity. It is crucial to be ready for such situations, and the main goal of training is to develop combat abilities. Along with learning specialised skills, you also gain the tenacity and endurance necessary to survive a physical confrontation. Confidence You become bolder and more self-assured when you know how to protect yourself. You get better at establishing boundaries with the individuals you deal with, and if required, you’re more inclined to step up and stand up for others. Anywhere you go, your body will exude more confidence as a result of your exercise. Thanks to your newfound confidence, which is difficult to ignore, you will be less likely to be approached by crooks. As most people are drawn to selfassured people, your social connections will improve. Fitness This is among the most common motivations for taking up martial arts training – possibly even more common than self-defence. Almost all of us have a few extra kilogrammes that we would want to lose, but after a while, many fitness routines may seem monotonous and repetitious. A distinct strategy is provided by martial arts, which provide an excellent cardiovascular exercise while always requiring the acquisition of new skills. Because you are picking up an art form that might take a lifetime to master, martial arts don’t include repeating the same fundamental pattern, like a gym workout. In other words, every stage of the process entails being challenged and engaged in addition to burning calories. Develop self-discipline Self-discipline is the only discipline that stays. You must learn self-discipline if you want to improve your martial arts skills. You need to practise with commitment and drive. You must █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Learning self defense can be a family activity. continue to practise if you want to be better protected. Develop discipline by actually taking classes and turning up for class on a regular schedule. By enrolling in these sessions, you’ll learn to concentrate on both your environment and personal safety. Like everything else, without practise you won’t improve. Mental strength Students of martial arts practise to become physically stronger, but they also sharpen their minds. Executing intricate techniques in the martial arts requires a laserlike concentration. Students gain the ability to focus amid the pressure, which applies to both academic work and sparring. Students must memorise a variety of techniques as part of their martial arts training. As trainees work on their chosen subject, the skills become ingrained in their muscle memory. Skills like repetition and method memory may be applied in academic contexts as well. Stress relief Martial arts can also help you to relieve stress. By concentrating on the here and now, and on the things you can control, this is achieved. The control of your breathing and thinking is also a priority in martial arts. By doing this, you are developing a talent that is useful in many facets of life. You’ll feel less stress in many other areas of your life when you’re more focused and selfassured. An enjoyable, safe, and demanding workout in a supportive atmosphere with like-minded individuals can help you live with more mental clarity and a greater understanding for everything that’s around you if you take a martial arts class. Martial arts can help you reduce stress and anxiety and increases your self-esteem. – ALL PIXS VIA 123RF oHere are 6 simple reasons why you should pick up martial arts Martial arts as a form of exercise can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Buzz theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 S5 Self defense and martial arts classes in the Klang Valley ARE you looking for the best martial arts classes in the Klang Valley? Look no further! Martial arts is a great way to stay physically active while learning self-defense techniques and improving your overall health and wellbeing. However, with so many martial arts schools in the Klang Valley, it can be challenging to find the right one. In this article, we will explore some of the best martial arts classes in the Klang Valley. From traditional martial arts such as karate and taekwondo to more modern practices like Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and MMA, we’ll help you find the perfect martial arts class to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you are looking to learn selfdefense techniques or simply want to get in shape, there’s something for everyone in the Klang Valley. So, let’s dive in and discover the top martial arts classes in the area. MuayFit MuayFit has several locations in Klang Valley, making it an excellent choice for this list. Although MuayFit’s name suggests otherwise, they are not limited to teaching only the Thai martial art of Muay Thai, but also other combat sports like BJJ, Boxing, and others. MuayFit is an up-to-date MMA training facility that combines the best of traditional and contemporary facilities. They offer everything, from yoga to mixed martial arts to fitness classes and more. They even had a virtual class of personal training that made it even easier for those who didn’t want to spend their time traveling. 0 Address: Team X Malaysia, LG2- 3A, Seri Gembira Avenue, No. 6 Jalan Senang Ria, Taman Gembira 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Website: muayfit.com Team-X Fight Academy Team-X Fight Academy is a martial arts gym located in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. The gym specialises in mixed martial arts (MMA), and offers training in BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and other combat sports as well. The gym has experienced trainers and coaches, and provides a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and improve their skills. At Team-X Fight Academy, students of all levels and ages are welcome, from beginners to professional fighters. The gym offers classes that focus on specific techniques as well as overall fitness and conditioning. The gym is (right) MuayFit has three locations in Klang Valley, the main one being Kota Kemuning, followed by Petaling Jaya and Puchong. – MUAYFIT Monarchy MMA is your one-stop shop for all things martial artsrelated. – MONARCHYM MA (left) David Peterson has been studying Chinese martial arts since 1973 and became a student of the late Sifu Wong Shun Leung after visiting Hong Kong in 1983. –WSL Training in WUJI means having the benefit of being coached by professional, dedicated and world-class coaches. –FACEBOOK/@WUJI well-equipped with a full-sized competition Muay Thai ring, comprehensive Muay Thai training equipment and development and also a sauna, making it a great choice for those looking to train in a professional setting. 0 Address: Team X Malaysia, LG2-3A, Seri Gembira Avenue, No. 6 Jalan Senang Ria, Taman Gembira 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Facebook: facebook.com/teamxgym.asia Monarchy MMA Monarchy MMA is a martial arts gym with three locations in Kuala Lumpur. The gym offers Muay Thai, boxing, and wrestling. Monarchy MMA is a fantastic option for those looking to advance their skills because it has knowledgeable trainers and coaches who have excelled in their respective sports. Students of all ages and skill levels, from novices to experienced fighters, are welcome at Monarchy MMA. The gym offers group classes, private lessons, and open mat sessions so students can customise their training. They also have a Kids Programme, which provides children with a safe and enjoyable environment in which to learn martial arts. 0 Address: First Floor, Wisma Mpl, Jalan Raja Chulan 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Website: www.monarchymma.com WUJI MMA WuJi, considered the most authentic of the traditional Chinese soft-internal boxing systems, is taught here. The most uncommon variation of Shaolin boxing. It focuses on the idea of liberating your true self and is very discipline-intensive. In addition, WUji offers classes in karate, taekwondo for children, and numerous other traditional martial arts. You should go to this gym and give their classes a try if you want to be trained by Peter Davis, who is a well-known figure in the MMA industry. In addition to the regularly scheduled classes, Wuji also offers seminars and workshops featuring mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters and instructors around the world. 0 Address: 49D 3rd Floor, Jalan PJS 1/48, Taman Petaling Utama, 58200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Facebook: facebook.com/WUJIMALAYSIA WSL Ving Tsun Combat Science WSL Ving Tsun has been a place to learn martial arts, mainly Ving Tsun (also known as Wing Chun) which rose in popularity thanks to the late Bruce Lee. The gym has been run by the legendary David Peterson since 2011. He was taught Ving Tsun by Wong Shun Leung and his teacher, Grandmaster Ip Man. For over 35 years, David Peterson has taught others the ‘Wong Shun Leung Method’ of Ving Tsun, and he has been a martial artist for over 45 years. He is a first-generation student of Sifu Wong Shun Leung is also the head instructor at the Malaysian branch of the martial arts school WSL Ving Tsun Combat Science. 0 Address: 36B, Jalan Awan Hijau, Overseas Union Garden, 58200 Kuala Lumpur. Website: www.wslwingchun.my █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL

MERCEDES-BENZ continues the legacy of one of its most enduring luxury sedans, the E-Class, even as it diversifies its range with more crossovers and a distinct line of EVs. The E-Class will enter its 10th generation in 2024 and as you can expect from Mercedes in the 2020s, it’s going to be a complete tech feast. It is also probably the final internalcombustion E-Class ever, given Mercedes’ stated intention to switch to all-electric vehicles by 2030. The new W214 model is based on the same rear-drive architecture as the C and S-Class sedans and the new GLC-Class SUV. Although it is slightly larger than the previous W213 E-Class, it has one of the lowest drag internal-combustion sedans on the market, with a drag coefficient of just 0.23, which is surprisingly lower than a Toyota Prius. EXTERIOR On the outside, it looks like any other Mercedes model, but with different headlights and perhaps a little more aggressive The gloss black plate linking the regular LED headlights is where the EQ influence comes in at the front. In the centre is a larger grille that is either rimmed in chrome or with optional LED running lights. Digital lights with a projection feature are an additional option, and in the back, stylish LED taillights have three-pointed star features. Wheel size ranges from 18 to 21 inches, and flush door handles are standard. It is only slightly larger and has a wheelbase that is half an inch longer. This corresponds to an inch and a half of extra legroom in the rear and elbow room that is almost as wide as the SClass. POWERTRAIN The new E-Class raises the bar for efficiency thanks to deliberate electrification and downsizing. Plug-in hybrids of the fourth generation will make up half of all the models produced. As such, at market launch, the model range has already achieved this high share of ICE vs PHEV model availability. Three of the six E-Class models combine the benefits of an electric car with those of a combustion engine vehicle. The four- and six-cylinder combustion engines are from the current modular FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family. Thus, with needs-based electrification, the engine range plays a significant part in the flexibility of the global production network. Both the diesel and petrol engines have integrated starter-generators (ISGs), which provide intelligent support in addition to turbocharging. Therefore, they are mild hybrids. ON FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2023 ► Contributing Editor: KESHY DHILLON / [email protected] ► Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 / +6012-580 3470 ► To advertise email: [email protected] Elegance redefined █ TIMOTHY PRAKASH New Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes global debut Malaysia will likely get this face of the new E-Class. The bonnet mounted three pointed star is only available for the S-Class. The new E-Class headlights now have a BMW-esque bottom mounted Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The DRL of the new E-Class has a unique shape with a top brow and twin bottom lights. The rear of the E-Class is similar to the S-Class and features trapezoidal exhausts.

7 APRIL 28, 2023 The electric motor’s output has grown from 15 to 17kW and its boost torque to 205Nm as a result of a new battery. As soon as the new E-Class hits the market, Mercedes-Benz will have at least three fourth-generation plug-in hybrid vehicles available. They will frequently and on many days be on the road solely electrically, without the use of a combustion engine, with an electric output of 95kW (129hp) and an all-electric range of up to over 100km (WLTP). There will be more diesel-powered plug-in hybrids to come. The W214 E-Class includes a fivelink rear suspension in addition to what Mercedes refers to as a “fourlink” front suspension, which pairs an upper wishbone with separate lower arms, just like the new C- and S-Class. Coil springs and adjustable dampers come standard. Rear-axle steering is an option on this new Mercedes model as well as many others. The system adjusts the rear wheels’ in- or out-of-phase rotation with the front wheels by up to 4.5 degrees to enhance low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability. It also comes with the optional Technology package, which includes the continuously adjustable damping Airmatic air suspension system. In addition to maintaining the car’s level, it lowers the E-Class by a little over half an inch over 119kph for increased efficiency and a lower centre of gravity. The models that are likely to make their debut in Malaysia are the E200 and E300e. Both have a total power output of 204hp and 320Nm of torque that comes from an inline-four. Although, the E300e has an electric motor with an output of 95kW which allows it to do the 0-100kph sprint in 6.4 seconds compared to the E200 which does it in 7.5 seconds. The wheels available for the E200 come in 17 inch and the E300e in 19 inch. For Europe, Mercedes offers six trim levels at launch which are the E200, E220d, E220d 4MATIC, E300e, E300e 4MATIC and E400e 4MATIC. INTERIOR Mercedes is quick to point up the new E-Class’s technological advancements, particularly the optional “Superscreen,” which is an improvement over the already sizable “Hyperscreen” available in EQ variants and the S-Class. It essentially consists of a sizable driver, infotainment, and passenger screen that are all housed beneath a big glass panel. Streaming video can be displayed on the passenger display, but the car has smart technology that prevents the driver from seeing it while the car is moving. The main infotainment screen comes with the latest version of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system that can now support third-party apps. Owners may install apps like TikTok, Angry Birds, and Zoom. The vehicle features ambient lighting that pulses in time with the music you’re listening to as well as an optional selfie camera. Luxurious or just too much? There’s also an optional 3D driver display that employs a stereoscopic effect. UPGRADES AND FEATURES The package of extra driver-assist capabilities offered by Mercedes now includes a camera built into the gauge cluster. This can detect sleepiness in the driver and alert them accordingly. Notably, the S-Class and EQ models will be the only ones to offer the upcoming hands-free Drive Pilot system as an option. Mercedes has upgraded its voice command system. When just one person is in the car, the keyword “Hey Mercedes” is no longer needed to start a command. Additionally, the E-Class uses an advanced AI system that will learn driver routines over time and automatically implement them. E-Class owners can also use preinstalled routines or create new ones, ranging from specific climate settings to lighting preferences and more. Production of the new E-Class will commence later this year at the automaker’s Sindelfingen plant in Germany as well as in Bejing. Its Malaysian debut is yet to be announced but a CKD model at the Mercedes plant in Pekan will surely happen at a later date. The new E-Class gets the same MBUX screen as the S-Class and it is likely this will make it to Malaysian models. The steering wheel is similar to the S-Class and features haptic touch buttons that can be a little annoying to use. The Mercedes-Benz MBUX system features three gigantic screens for a complete immersive experience. Half of all new E-Class models will be available as Plug-In Hybrids, but it is still not yet clear which models will be offered in Malaysia. Luxury is one of the main themes of the new E-Class but it is still too early to tell how the interior of the Malaysian E-Class will look like, but this image is a good hint.

LEXUS has revealed the next generation of its ultra luxurious, fit for royalty, LM minivan. The “Luxury Mover” (that’s what the ‘LM’ stands for), is set to launch in over 60 countries, including Europe for the very first time. The Toyota-owned brand launched its first LM in 2020 as a response to customer aspirations for chauffeur-driven MPVs in China and other parts of Asia. It offered both 4-seat and 7-seat configurations. EXTERIOR DESIGN The exterior follows the Lexus design language which includes the vehicle’s lines reflecting function and dynamic performance. The front design further evolves the Spindle Body similar to the new RX. The revised design is better integrated by reducing the space between the surrounding components and the body, which improves aerodynamic, cooling performance, and manoeuvrability. The new LM has dimensions of 5125mm in length, 1890mm in width, and 1955mm in height, with a 3000mm wheelbase. These measurements indicate an increase in length of 85mm, width of 40mm, and height of 10mm, while the wheelbase is unchanged. POWERTRAIN Other than announcing that the new LM will be offered in two hybrid configurations – a 2.4- litre turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid and a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid – Lexus has yet to release the complete powertrain details. Torsional rigidity has been increased by 50%, resulting in improved ride comfort, while vibration is also lessened. The AVS Suspension with Frequency-Sensitive Piston Valve system is a first for Lexus. It combines an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) actuator and a frequencysensitive piston valve in the shock absorber. An emphasis on rear-seat comfort is possible thanks to a new Rear Comfort drive mode. Rear-seat comfort is given priority in the AVS’s dampening force characteristics and the integrated management of the brake and accelerator pedal minimises posture changes during acceleration and deceleration. INTERIOR DESIGN By utilising the spacious interior height of the car and offering an open, pleasant area with a seamless design characterised by crisp horizontal and vertical lines, the goal was to create a relaxed, lounge-like ambience. The Lexus Tazuna Cockpit design is integrated into the contemporary and roomy cabin. It comes in either a 2-row with 4 seats or a 3-row with 6 or 7 seats. No matter how much G-force is generated during turning, the front seats optimise surface pressure distribution on the seat cushion to support the body. The 4-seat model has improved privacy and personalisation by including a partition in front of the back seats that has been fitted with a stunning 48-inch wide-screen display. While providing a clear forward vision, a retractable glass barrier above the display divides the front and rear compartments, and assist grips make entry and exit simple. Every interior element has been created to minimise visual “noise”, resulting in a comfortable setting for all passengers. CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN MPV The 4-seat model is designed for dedicated use as a chauffeurdriven MPV. The front and back seats are separated by a partition. A retractable glass window with a dimming feature is included in the upper half, providing two levels of privacy without sacrificing an open sense. Only the 4-seater model’s back seats have separate chairs. In comparison to the previous model, the ottoman’s range of extension and retraction has been enhanced while still leaving enough space between it and the partition. Another first for Lexus is heated ottomans and armrests. Furthering this, a specialised rear seat Warmth-Sensing IR (Infrared) Matrix Sensor situated on the upper centre piece of the partition measures the temperature of passengers as well as vehicle components like the windows, trim, and ceiling that have an impact on the ambient temperature. Safety and technology The Lexus Safety System+ offers Proactive Driving Assist, which provides appropriate driving support in accordance with driving conditions, and optimal vehicle control by integrating with the driver monitor, in accordance with the driver’s operating conditions. These features help customers drive safely and confidently. Commemorating 20 years of Continental GT THE Continental GT, which has been in production at Bentley since 2003, has its 20th birthday in 2023. To mark this milestone, the company presented a one-of-a-kind version at the 2023 Auto Shanghai with a multitude of commemorative badging and several special features. The one-off commission comes coated in a stunning shade of dark grey metallic, matched by 22-inch wheels in black and a black-finished chrome front mesh grille. It is based on the GT S, which means it is powered by the 4.0-litre V8 rather than the 6.0- litre W12 we associate with Bentley’s grand tourer. The 10-spoke wheels look stunning against the red side skirt extensions, red lip spoiler up front, red side mirrors, and red brake calipers that have been painted red. UNIQUE INSIDE The unnamed one-off vehicle is both sporty and special, and it has something very unique inside as well. Beluga and Hotspur leather upholstery, Piano Black trim, dual-finish fascias and waistrails, and distinctive decoration for the centre console and treadplates – all visible when the driver’s door is opened. Mulliner is shown in capital letters on each of the four headrests, while “20 Years of the Continental” is displayed on the centre console cubby door, dashboard’s passenger side, and treadplates. Along with the wheel designs of the original and the vehicle that Bentley unveiled in Shanghai, stylized silhouettes of the firstgeneration and third-generation Continental GT coupes are also included. – Timothy Prakash WITH the emphasis on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) which became part of a national policy in China in 2009, the carmakers in the country quickly began work on making the transition to electrified vehicles. Great Wall Motors (GWM), with its leadership in SUVs in China, worked hard to develop NEVs within its brands. At the Auto Shanghai 2023 this week, the carmaker is displaying a range of NEVs from its five major brands – HAVAL, TANK, ORA, POER, and WEY. This is to demonstrate its aim of being a major player in in the field. FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION Auto Shanghai 2023, with its display of the latest and greatest in intelligent NEVs and technology, is an ideal place for the company to show what consumers can expect of the future of sustainable transportation. Hence, it is where GWM showed not just its achievements to date but also more than 15 NEV models. REVOLUTIONARY HYBRID TECHNOLOGY The company’s HAVAL brand introduced its all-new star product line-up and the new energy SUV known as Fierce Dragon MAX, which made its world premiere in the Chinese market. The first of its kind, it has the revolutionary Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD) technology and features a fresh design concept that radiates youthfulness and a futuristic allure. GWM’s POER brand grabbed attention with its new 6x6 pick-up truck with a proprietary platform. This was launched together with the large high-performance hybrid pick-up POER Shanhai PHEV/HEV. This shows that GWM is able to offer NEV solutions with its pick-up models. THE NEW TANKS Meanwhile, GWM TANK had two NEVs at the exhibition, with the TANK400 PHEV making its world debut. The second model was the luxury off-road SUV, the TANK500 PHEV, which opens for worldwide pre-sale this week. Further upmarket and leading the brand to the high-end intelligent NEV market, WEY released their first MPV model, the WEY Gaoshan PHEV. There was also the 6-seater electric SUV Lanshan PHEV. The ORA brand, which is now present in Malaysia also displayed two battery electric models, and perhaps we will see them in future. █ CHIPS YAP 8 APRIL 28, 2023 Waze in Volvo infotainment system MANY motorists today use GPS route guidance systems like Waze and Google Maps to not only find their way around but also have an idea of the traffic conditions. The two apps are readily available on smartphones and it also possible to mirror them on the infotainment system in many new cars. But the apps still remain as part of the smartphone and either you refer to it while you drive or you see it on the dashboard display. Generally, it’s good enough but Volvo has gone one step further by making it possible to install Waze as part of the car’s infotainment system. The app has been added to their in-car library and can now be downloaded. It is available at no charge for installation in all Volvo cars with Google built-in, which means the more recent models. However, while it is available in all markets, Volvo mentions that China, South Korea and Vietnam are exceptions. This latest development is a continuation of Volvo’s association with Google. It is the first company to team up with the tech giant to integrate an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services such as Google Assistant built in. SHORT █ TIMOTHY PRAKASH GWM speeds towards NEV era Luxury fit for royalty All-new Lexus LM premieres at Auto Shanghai 2023

KLCI 1,418.05 3.80 STI 3,282.03 10.98 HANG SENG 19,840.28 83.01 SCI 3,285.88 21.78 NIKKEI 28,457.68 11.88 TSEC 15,411.49 36.86 KOSPI 2,495.81 S&P/ASX200 7,292.70 41.21 FRIDAY APRIL 28, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES April 27, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) FITTER 13,531,700 1.5 UNCH VINVES 89,654,900 20.0 UNCH CLASSI 84,490,500 18.0 +2.0 TANCO 55,727,100 53.5 +5.5 REVENU 49,080,600 37.5 -0.5 EXCHANGERATES APRIL 27, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.5270 4.3910 4.3865 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0060 2.8860 2.8800 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.3890 3.2890 3.2720 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.3160 3.2260 3.2140 1 EURO 5.0070 4.8430 4.8070 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.7800 2.6770 2.6700 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.3890 3.2890 3.2720 1 STERLING POUND 5.6520 5.4730 5.4350 1 SWISS FRANC 5.0680 4.9480 4.9350 100 UAE DIRHAM 124.7300 118.2100 117.8800 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3370 4.0660 3.8100 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.3000 62.8000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 58.2900 55.3700 55.1000 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6300 5.2800 5.0600 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0316 0.0286 0.0235 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3920 3.2840 3.2720 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.8000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6200 1.5200 1.3200 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.2600 7.7800 7.5800 100 QATAR RIYAL 125.2300 118.8900 118.5700 100 SAUDI RIYAL 122.0000 115.8200 115.5000 100 THAI BAHT 13.8700 12.2900 11.7900 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY April 27, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,411.80 +19.74 FBMKLCI 1,418.05 +3.80 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 576.71 +0.34 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 170.86 -0.62 CONSTRUCTION 161.96 +1.77 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,560.00 +67.99 ENERGY 847.34 +3.84 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 638.70 +1.14 HEALTH CARE 1,745.43 -22.28 TRANSPORTATION 918.78 +4.31 PROPERTY 702.69 +3.44 PLANTATION 6,855.67 -28.79 FBMSHA 10,748.90 -1.79 FBMACE 5,352.40 +1.74 TECHNOLOGY 60.87 -0.36 TURNOVER VALUE 2.499 BIL RM1.460 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS April 27, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM TOCEAN 422,700 2.11 +0.30 CARLSBG 12,600 21.22 +0.22 PENTA 1,162,600 4.92 +0.20 KESM 500 7.65 +0.15 KOTRA 32,100 5.64 +0.13 5 TOP LOSERS April 27, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 42,400 135.30 -0.70 MPI 46,000 28.28 -0.52 UNISEM-C29 121,400 0.015 -0.275 PPB 162,700 16.34 -0.26 DLADY 17,600 26.14 -0.16 23.60 Sunway REIT looking to acquire foreign assets for sustainable new sources of income PETALING JAYA: Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust (Sunway REIT) plans to acquire overseas assets in order to expand its portfolio in a bid to generate sustainable new sources of income. CEO Datuk Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip said the move to continue exploring yield-accretive acquisitions comes as the company sees 2023 as a year of opportunity and that it is committed to exploring new avenues for growth and capitalising on market trends to stay ahead. “At the moment we still do not own foreign assets. We have looked at the UK, Japan, Australia, the developed market. But we can’t afford to make a mistake, so we are very cautious with this plan,” he told a press conference after its AGM yesterday. Last month, Sunway REIT announced that it would acquire RM520 million worth of properties from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). RHB Trustees Bhd, the trustee of Sunway REIT, has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with Kwasa Properties Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the EPF. The properties to be acquired by Sunway REIT are six hypermarkets and retail complexes located in the Klang Valley and Johor. The Klang Valley properties are in Kinrara, Putra Heights, USJ, Klang and Ulu Klang, while the property in Johor is located in Plentong. Overall, he said Sunway REIT remains cautiously optimistic for FY23, underpinned by the continued growth momentum for its retail and hotel segments on the back of full From left: Ng Bee Lien, Jeffrey Ng and deputy CEO Clement Chen Kok Peng. █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [email protected] Radium Development to raise RM434m from IPO KUALA LUMPUR: Property developer Radium Development Bhd, en route to a listing on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market on May 31, plans to raise RM434 million from its initial public offering (IPO) to reinforce its presence in the capital city. At an issue price of 50 sen per share, the IPO entails an issuance of 868 million new shares. Upon listing, the group will have a market capitalisation of RM1.73 billion. Of the 868 million new shares, 273 million shares will be made available to the Malaysian public, 60 million will be for its eligible key senior management, employees and business associates, as well as 435 million are oMain Market listing will reinforce group’s presence in Kuala Lumpur as it plans to focus on developing projects in the capital city █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] reopening of all economic sectors, reopening of international borders, and the new income contribution from the proposed acquisition. “We have actually recovered well from the black swan Covid pandemic that occurred in 2020 and 2021. By analogy, we basically fell to the ground in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, we picked ourselves up and we started to run, the way that we should have been and I’m glad to say that we are now on a very firm standing,” Ng said. Additionally, CFO Ng Bee Lien said, “We actually believe that the interest rates will peak in 2023. Because of that, we also feel that once it has peaked, it has a tendency to go down once inflation is under control. So at that point in time when it’s inverse, we will take the opportunity to have a more balanced fix and floating borrowing.” It has also released its performance outlook at the segmental level, detailing the outlook for each of its segments. The outlook for the retail segment remains positive, supported by healthy economic growth, sustained domestic consumption, and a gradual pickup in international traveling. The segment is also expected to receive a new income contribution from Sunway Carnival Mall (New wing or SC 2). This is a significant addition to the portfolio of retail properties that Sunway REIT has, which is expected to boost the segment’s revenue further. The outlook for its hotel segment is cautiously optimistic. With the lifting of Covid19 restrictions, pent-up demand is expected to provide a boost to the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions business. The company will continue to focus on valueadded offerings for domestic and international travelers, as well as growing markets. Despite the expectation of experiencing surplus with incoming office supply, the outlook for the Office segment remains stable. The company will continue to identify and implement sustainability initiatives for the office properties to achieve operational efficiency. earmarked for private placement to bumiputra investors approved by Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, while the remaining 100 million are earmarked for selected investors by way of private placement. The group plans to use RM171 million (39.4%) for acquisition of landbank and/or development expenditure, and RM109.3 million (25.2%) for hotel construction. Notably, RM93.9 million (21.6%) is allocated for repayment of bank borrowings, while RM39.8 million (9.2%) will be utilised for working capital and RM20 million (4.6%) to defray listing expenses. Meanwhile, group managing director Datuk Gary Gan Kah Siong (pix) said that the group has entered into a joint venture deal to potentially launch a development in Mukim Batu in the first half of 2024, and shortlisted three parcels of land in Mukim Petaling to acquire and/or jointly develop. He added that the group will develop a gross development value (GDV) of RM1.5 billion worth of new launches in 2023. In Q3’2023, it will unveil its largest undertaking yet – Residensi Desa Timur in Salak South, with a GDV of nearly RM1 billion. On its commercial-residential project The Chancery, he said: “When the hotel begins operations in 2026, this will form our recurring income stream, and reinforce Radium’s commitment to growing alongside thriving Kuala Lumpur and appeal to tourists,” he said during the group’s prospectus launch yesterday. He remarked that the group is focused on developing projects in the Kuala Lumpur city area and for the next five years, the group has no intentions of developing outside of the location. “Kuala Lumpur has a lot of job opportunities and the transport networks keep on improving, which draws a lot of people to come to KL to own, rent or purchase properties. We believe that demand is still strong compared to other areas, that’s why at the moment we are still focused on KL,” he told reporters. The group targets a distribution of no less than 30% out of its consolidated profits after taxation attributable to shareholders available in each financial year in the form of dividends to the shareholders annually, commencing from the financial year ended Dec 31, 2022. Participation 47.3 31.7 21.0 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 734.8 454.7 271.3 1460.8 Sold RM m 647.9 471.9 341.0 1460.8 Net RM m 86.9 -17.2 -69.7 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 27/04/2023

10 theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 SUNBIZ Capital A passenger traffic surges 153% in first quarter PETALING JAYA: Capital A Bhd’s passenger traffic surged 153% to 13.16 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 (Q1’23) compared with 5.2 million in the corresponding quarter in the previous year (Q1’22), driven by increased operating aircraft as well as robust travel demand. Based on its quarterly operating statistics results, the group announced that beginning from Q1’23, it has consolidated all four airlines under the holding group namely AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia and AirAsia Philippines. “At the end of the quarter, the consolidated airlines had activated 157 aircraft, of which 142 were operating and 15 were spares,“ it said in a statement yesterday. The group said that it had operated 14.8 million seats, 71% of Q1’19 levels, with load factor of 89%, at par with pre-pandemic levels. The group said that its aviation segment continues to grow strongly towards a full recovery, buoyed by sustained demand for international travel, alongside the re-opening of China. It remarked that a total of nine China destinations were relaunched with Guangzhou and oAviation segment continues to grow strongly, buoyed by sustained demand for international travel, alongside the reopening of China Shenzhen experiencing the highest passengers carried. “The overall load factor for China’s routes was 84%, representing 2.5% of the total international passengers. The consistent international demand prompted all airlines to increase international capacity by 21% while the domestic market remained stable with a slight improvement of 2% quarter on quarter (q-o-q). On the other hand, AirAsia Malaysia carried 5.7 million passengers from 2.81 million passengers in the same quarter last year, representing an increase of 103% y-o-y. The load factor also grew 14% to 88% for the Q1’23 compared with a load factor of 74% in Q1’22. The airline carried 2.3 million international passengers which increased by 17% quarter on quarter (q-o-q). It was driven by the 19% increase in international capacity boosted by the extended Lunar New Year holiday where the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route contributed more than 10% of the total international passengers carried. “Despite a slight drop of 1% q-oq in domestic capacity, passengers carried grew by 3% leading to a 92% load factor, achieving close to 75% of pre-pandemic levels,“ it said. For its engineering segment, its subsidiary Asia Digital Engineering posted an increase in the number of lines and checks from 3 lines and 8 checks in Q1’22 to 7 lines and 14 checks in (Q1’23). In order to meet the resurgence of air travel demand and bring more aircraft back into service, the company expanded two additional lines from Airod, Subang and another two from Senai, Johor. Starting from Q1’23, ADE has commenced servicing external aircraft in addition to the group’s aircraft. Just recently, the group announced that it had secured US$100 million (RM445 million) investment from Hong-Kong-based investment firm OCP Asia Ltd to be utilised for the construction and operation of a state-of-the-art 14- line aircraft maintenance hangar facility in Sepang, Selangor. Meanwhile, the Airasia SuperApp posted 12.9 million average monthly active users (MAU) in Q1’23, up by 12% q-o-q, while the number of transactions reached 5.98 million, up by 99% year on year but down by 19% q-o-q. “The growth of MAU and transactions were mainly driven by increased AirAsia flight capacity, the continuous growth of the travelrelated line of businesses (hotels and SNAP) and Airasia ride. The decrease in the number of transactions q-o-q is not unexpected where most of the travel related activities are usually highest in the last quarter of the year,” the group said. BigPay achieved 1.37 million carded users in Q1’23, improved by 17% y-o-y and posted almost 55,000 new carded users since the last quarter. Additionally, the launch of an exclusive 5% discount on AirAsia flights bolstered ecosystem spending, which contributed to an increase in overall gross transaction value of 59% y-o-y and 6% q-o-q. Strateq introduces tech talent development programme PETALING JAYA: Strateq Group, an integrated enterprise solutions and services provider has announced a brand new Technology Talent Development Programme aimed at equipping local talent with the skills needed for the country’s information and communications technology industry. The programme will provide structured on-the-job and academic training to build a more sustainable pool of local talent to reduce dependence on foreign workers. The programme particularly aims at Malaysia’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry which currently contributes 23.2% to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) or equivalent to RM360 billion. While Malaysia boasts over 1.2 million ICT employees, close to 200,000 are foreign employees representing some to RM18.65 billion loss in wages and a 5.2% loss in GDP. Through the programme, Strateq is focused on helping the nation close this gap by building local talent within the sector. In rolling out the programme, Strateq is collaborating with partners from across the industrial, governance and academic spectrums. Amongst the collaborative partners are Petronas Digital Bhd, QSR Brands, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Human Resources Development Corporation, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and Pikom. Strateq also envisioned to work with more local agencies as the programme grows and gain tractions From left: Strateq director enterprise software group Chin Kok Loon, QSR CIO CK Chong, Tan, and Petronas data architecture management (enterprise data) head Mohd Haris Shukri Jahabar. With regard to the announcement, Strateq Group’s group managing director Datuk Tan Seng Kit said, “ICT is one of the main contributors to Malaysia’s economy and this will only increase as technology and digitalisation permeates every aspect of business and lives. To truly capitalise on this potential, we must address the talent gap within the industry – especially at a local level. Malaysia has immense potential to be unlocked, it simply would take the right effort from the right parties – this Technology Talent Development Programme is just that.” “Through the programme, we aim to identify future ICT needs for the industry, strategies for new and upcoming technologies in the market, develop tech talents according to these future tech needs and thereby reduce national dependency on foreign talent,” he added. The Technology Talent Development Programme utilises a 4-step approach beginning with enabling to deploying, then upgrading and finally enhancing. Specifically, the programme focuses on micro-credentials and job opportunities. Through this, the programme aims to build a larger and more sustainable pool of local talent to reduce dependency on foreign talents and thereby enhance cost-saving and resource efficiency. CIMB wins four Asiamoney Asia Private Banking awards KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Private Banking has been named Best Domestic Private Bank, Best Digital Private Bank, Best for ESG Investing, as well as Best for High Net Worth in Malaysia at the 2023 Asiamoney Asia Private Banking Awards. This also marks the fourth consecutive year the Best Domestic Private Bank award has been conferred on CIMB Private Banking. Novan Amirudin, co-CEO, group wholesale banking of CIMB Group said, “We are honoured to be recognised once again as the leading private bank in Malaysia. These awards reaffirm our expertise in meeting the needs of high net worth individuals and families at every stage of their wealth journey. We would like to thank our clients for their unwavering support and trust in our capabilities, and we remain committed to delivering the right solutions and advice to help them navigate the challenging investment landscape.” CIMB Private Banking’s continuous focus on building a robust client coverage model and strong investment advisory has been central to the expansion of its client base, while CIMB Group’s network provides the advantage of seamless cross-border services for its clients, especially between Malaysia and Singapore. With an anticipated steady growth of high net worth individuals’ wealth in Asia in the next few years, CIMB Private Banking is strategically positioned to continue to service this segment covering both their individual and corporate investment needs. Leveraging on CIMB Group’s wholesale banking framework and strong regional presence, entrepreneur and corporate clients enjoy a wider pool of products and services. This includes advisory and expertise in areas including debt capital markets, equity capital markets and treasury solutions. MSIG launches motor add-on EZ-Mile KUALA LUMPUR; MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Bhd has launched a new motor add-on for selected comprehensive private car insurance called EZ-Mile. The motor add-on allows new and existing MSIG motor insurance customers to reduce their comprehensive motor insurance premium by choosing any of the three mileage-based usage plans between 5,000km, 10,000km and 15,000km – each of which offers premium savings on selected comprehensive motor insurance packages. This provides MSIG customers, particularly those who drive low mileage each year, flexibility to choose whichever package that best reflects their expected car usage and yet still benefit fully from the protection offered by MSIG. Customers who opt for EZ-Mile will have their mileage measured by a small wireless device called a Microtag. RHB Investment Lab webinar series is now free for all KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Investment Bank Bhd is providing free access to recordings of its highly successful RHB Investment Lab webinar series to the general public to promote retail investment activity. The RHB Investment Lab webinar series comprises a total of 13 sessions, which were specially designed to enable a deep dive into comprehensive and specific investment tools. This includes sharing sessions on technical, fundamental and sector analysis incorporating elements of fund flow study, futures trading, call warrants, seasonal effects, as well as macro study. RHB Investment Bank Bhd CEO/managing director Ganesh Sabaratnam said, “Within a short period, we have observed a notable increase in overall wealth accumulation amongst participants of our RHB Investment Lab webinar series. This underlines the effectiveness of the programme in delivering an ‘investment edge’ in navigating the challenging market environment and making well-informed investment decisions.” Coinciding with the free access to the RHB Investment Lab webinar series, RHB Investment Bank is promoting higher retail investor activity through its Electrify Your Trades campaign, which is currently ongoing until Dec 31. Through this, participants stand a chance in winning a MINI Cooper Electric Vehicle and other prizes worth up to RM250,000.

11 * SUNBIZ theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME UOB forges regional partnership with Lazada oBank and e-commerce giant to collaborate on retail products and banking solutions in five Asean countries SINGAPORE: United Overseas Bank (UOB) and Lazada Group have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on retail products and banking solutions for their combined customer base in five key Southeast Asian markets – Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. This regional strategic partnership will also see the two industry leaders working together to increase access to financing for e-commerce sellers on the Lazada platform. This will be Lazada’s first partnership with a bank across a variety of payments and financial services in Southeast Asia, as well as UOB’s first regional collaboration with an e-commerce platform. The partnership will tap Lazada’s technology and position as a leading Southeast Asian e-commerce platform and UOB’s proven expertise in financial products, best-in-class digital banking services and long-established trust with customers. This will allow customers and sellers to enjoy better access and enhanced benefits from payment and financial services that best meet their needs. UOB’s group wholesale banking and markets head Frederick Chin said, “Asean plays a strategic role as an economic powerhouse to the world. “As a bank with strong presence in Asean, our ambition is to open doors to new business opportunities across the region. Working with an ecommerce partner like Lazada complements our continued effort to bring personalised and innovative M’sian couriers help deliver growth, success: Shopee Express study LGMS to widen Apac footprint as Mitsui raises stake to 25% PETALING JAYA: Mitsui & Co Ltd of Japan is forming a strategic partnership with ACE Market-listed LGMS Bhd to broaden and deepen the Malaysian company’s footprint throughout the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region. The partnership is facilitated through Mitsui acquiring a stake from LGMS’ major shareholders. In an announcement to the stock exchange, LGMS said Mitsui has acquired an additional 23% stake in it from executive chairman Fong Choong Fook and executive director Goh Soon Sei to supplement the 2% interest Mitsui held previously. This development results in Mitsui holding 25% equity interest in LGMS, which Mitsui digital solution business division general manager John Kenichi Kogiku described as a “win-win” situation for Mitsui and LGMS, and a “strategic partnership set to broaden and deepen LGMS’ customer base across the region”. This strategic partnership is expected to provide world-class professional cybersecurity services throughout Apac. The partnership will leverage the expertise of LGMS’ highly skilled cybersecurity professionals and Mitsui’s extensive global network and experience in the cybersecurity industry. “With digital technology driving business innovation in every industry, digital transformation (DX) has become a vital factor for maintaining and enhancing a company’s competitiveness. DX cannot be achieved without using IT, but the increased use of IT also leads to heightened security risks,” said Kogiku. “Companies need skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect their information systems and assets from cyberattacks and other threats, but the global shortage of qualified personnel has become a societal issue given the rapid increase in cybercrime,” he added. LGMS is a leading cybersecurity service provider in Malaysia, where DX is advancing rapidly. Its clientele includes local and international entities, first-tier banks, payment gateways and telecommunication companies. On the international front, LGMS customers include Fortune 500 companies. Mitsui’s business record in Malaysia stretches more than 60 years. The Mitsui Group has undertaken and invested in various Malaysian industries, such as gas supply (Gas Malaysia Bhd), palm oil (Palm-Oreo Sdn Bhd), airport (KLIA Satellite Terminal), infrastructure (Rawang-Ipoh Electrification & Double Track Rail and the Port Dickson Electric Generation Plant), car manufacturing (Perodua) healthcare (IHH Healthcare Bhd) and the digital economy (Axiata Digital Services Sdn Bhd), as well as property development (Sime Darby Property MIT Development Sdn Bhd). solutions to a thriving Asean. “Through this partnership, consumers and businesses can benefit from seamless financial services that bring about access to rewarding experiences within Asean’s dynamic digital landscape.” Lazada Group CEO James Dong said, “Lazada is committed to building an open, accessible ecosystem for Southeast Asia. We are pleased to share this vision with UOB. For consumers, we will offer easy-touse, convenient and secure payment and financing options to enable their lifestyle needs. “For brands and sellers, we are here to help them scale up their businesses and accelerate growth. We are here for the long haul, to achieve sustainable, long-term growth with all our ecosystem partners.” With UOB’s acquisition of Citigroup’s consumer banking businesses in four Asean markets, the bank will be continuing the partnership of the CitiLazada co-brand credit cards in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. In these three markets, the cards will be refreshed as new UOB-Lazada cobrand credit cards later this year with enhanced benefits. UOB and Lazada will look to extend the co-brand credit card partnership to Singapore and Indonesia. As Lazada expands its localised payments and financial services products throughout the region, the e-commerce platform and UOB also intend to collaborate on cash management and transaction processing services for Lazada sellers across the region. The two partners are looking into offering loans to sellers on the Lazada platform through a new digital lending experience. Leveraging Lazada’s seller insights and UOB’s digital banking capabilities with integrated financial supply chain management solutions, the collaboration will focus on giving sellers access to streamlined onboarding, approval and disbursement processes for loans and financing across their businesses. The two partners are working towards a pilot launch later this year. PETALING JAYA: A new study by Shopee Express has found that 1,317 Malaysian couriers are committed to building robust relationships with local communities. The study found that 87% of couriers surveyed provide trustworthy nationwide delivery services, engage with people from diverse cultures, and develop a deeper understanding of the areas they operate in. The remaining believe that their work enables local businesses to expand their market reach, which contributes to their growth and creates job opportunities. The success of businesses and communities relies heavily on these couriers who are truly unsung heroes. Especially for local businesses, they are always adapting to meet the changing demands of their customers, while many households, especially those of the elderly and disadvantaged, have greatly benefited from the services of couriers. This is made possible by the fact that 80% of couriers deliver at least 80 parcels on a daily basis, while the rest handle a smaller number of parcels due to other commitments. Given their intention to deliver parcels safely to customers they value, 80% of couriers prioritise customer needs by considering factors such as urgency, location, and timing, while the other 20% take into account their own capabilities, such as parcel size, weight, and order received, when evaluating the feasibility of delivering parcels. When asked ”What do you enjoy most about working as a Shopee Express courier?”, 56% of couriers cite the job’s flexibility and breaks, 25% value the opportunity to take ownership of their successes and hard work and 19% appreciate the teamwork and training courses that come with being part of the community. Couriers also have been able to support their households by scheduling work trips at their convenience, which allows them to maintain their standard of living while continuing to develop their skills. Shopee Express head Cheah Lee Sun said, “Our couriers clearly play a crucial role in the communities they serve. We appreciate their tireless efforts to complete deliveries on time and build stronger connections with customers. “We are here listening to their needs and accommodating them as much as we can. This is just one of the ways we provide peace of mind not just to our couriers, but also to our customers who rely on us to deliver their parcels with utmost care and efficiency.” Axiata targets single-digit growth in revenue, ebit KUALA LUMPUR: Digital and telecommunications conglomerate Axiata Group Bhd aims to achieve mid-single-digit revenue growth and high single-digit growth in earnings before interest and taxes (ebit) for 2023. Group CEO and managing director Vivek Sood said the group’s strategy revolves around stringent capital expenditure and operational expenditure management, as well as the establishment of a fit-for-purpose and dynamically optimised capital structure to maintain operational resilience and sound business fundamentals. “These initiatives will enable us to remain well positioned to withstand disruptions and capitalise on opportunities. “Our commitment to sound business fundamentals allows us to create sustainable value for all our stakeholders, driving longterm success for the group,” he said in Axiata’s Integrated Annual Report 2022 released yesterday. According to Vivek, Axiata remains wary of potential macroeconomic headwinds in 2023 posed by the strengthening US dollar and rising interest rates, regulatory risks and potential changes in the industry land-scape due to consolidation and implementation of 5G in some markets. “We will manage the associated risks on the operating companies by taking proactive measures such as reducing foreign exchange exposure, increasing hedging activities, reducing capex and zerobased costing to ensure resilience. “We view 2023 as a year of great opportunity, with efficiency gains and increased returns from core operations, supplemented by new growth frontiers across infrastructure, digital and enterprise businesses,” he said. – Bernama Semiconductor industry to grow in long term PETALING JAYA: The semiconductor industry is expected to grow in the long term, driven by demand arising from emerging technologies and global digital transformation, as well as the reopening of major economies such as China. Early this month, Malaysia secured a record RM170 billion worth of investment commitments from China from 19 memorandums of understanding sealed between businesses in the two countries. Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai said Malaysia needs to continue to enhance its electrical and electronics ecosystem and seize the opportunities arising from the US-China geopolitical conflict. In particular, the country needs to attract foreign direct investment in wafer fabrication facilities and leading-edge technologies, he told Bernama. Goon Koon Yin, CEO of TT Vision Holdings Bhd forecast an investment upcycle among domestic manufacturers in China following the reopening of the country’s borders that helped boost business confidence. Shopee Express couriers are seen as unsung heroes.

12 theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Singapore property shares skid on surprise tax increase SINGAPORE: Shares of Singapore property companies fell sharply yesterday after the government raised taxes on private property purchases, including doubling stamp duty for foreigners to a whopping 60%. By midday, shares of City Developments were down 6% and UOL Group down 5% as investors reckon their margins will be squeezed. At the close, City Developments was 5.6% weaker and UOL 4.7% lower. Rising prices have prompted previous government intervention, but the latest move is the strongest yet and is hitting buyers right as more supply is being finished. “Demand is very sentiment driven,” said Paul Chew, head of research at Phillip Securities Research here. “Any developer right now will be cautious and might launch at attractive prices or even much thinner margins.” He said further losses were limited as the new measures don’t target first home buyers, who comprise most of the market, and as previous efforts to cool the market haven’t stopped prices marching on to new records. Authorities announced the tax increases, which also hit locals, albeit at much lower rates, late on Wednesday and said they were A Samsung flag fluttering outside the company’s Seocho building in Seoul yesterday. – AFPPIC oStamp duty on foreigners’ purchases doubled to 60%, duties on locals’ second and subsequent home buys raised to 20% and 30% respectively. Indonesia to ease palm oil domestic sales rules JAKARTA: Indonesia will lower its mandatory domestic sales threshold for palm oil producers to 300,000 tonnes a month starting in May, the Trade Ministry said yesterday, allowing more shipments of the widely used oil to leave the country. The world’s top palm oil producer tightened exports earlier this year in anticipation of higher domestic demand for cooking oil ahead of Ramadan, which started in late March this year. Global markets were left shocked last year when Indonesia banned all exports of palm oil for three weeks to control soaring cooking oil prices at home. Since then the government has imposed the so-called Domestic Market Obligation to control exports, a policy it tweaks regularly in accordance with market conditions. From May, the government will tighten the ratio of palm oil exports to four times the volume producers have sold domestically, from six times the volume currently, but ease the ratio for some cooking oil products. Overall, the exports allowance will now be bigger, said senior Trade Ministry official, Isy Karim. Producers who distribute simple packaging cooking oil, instead of in bulk, could export up to nine times their domestic sales volume. The government will also allow companies to resume the use of around 3 million tonnes worth of palm oil export permits that were suspended earlier this year. These permits will be allowed to be used in stages within the next nine months, senior trade official Budi Santoso added. Meanwhile, the government will continue to improve its domestic palm oil distribution policies to ensure stable prices throughout the country, ministry officials said. – Reuters Samsung Electronics logs worst quarterly earnings in 14 years SEOUL: Samsung Electronics yesterday reported its worst quarterly profits in 14 years, blaming slowing consumer spending on electronics and a global microchip glut that hit its core memory business. The South Korean company – one of the world’s largest makers of memory chips and smartphones – said in a statement that operating profit fell to 640 billion won (RM2.12 billion) – down 95% from a year earlier. Its first-quarter net income fell 86.1% to 1.57 trillion won, and sales dropped 18% to 63.75 trillion won. The company said that “overall consumer spending slowed amid the uncertain global macroeconomic environment”. Samsung also blamed weakening demand for memory chips – which usually generate about half of its profits – and falling chip prices. The firm’s chip division reported 4.58 trillion won in losses, its first operating loss since 2009 – when the world was emerging from the 2008 financial crisis. It said this was due to “continued price declines and an increased valuation loss ... amid weakening sentiment and continued impacts of inventory adjustments by customers caused by prolonged external uncertainties”. Demand for memory was “expected to gradually recover” in the second half of 2023, it added, “amid projections that customer inventory levels will have declined.” The first-quarter drop is the third consecutive margin squeeze for Samsung, which saw a 70% fall in operating profits in the fourth quarter on-year. Samsung Electronics shares closed 0.78% higher yesterday. – AFP B R I E F SCARLSBERG UPGRADES PROFIT GUIDANCE ON STRONG CHINESE SALES COPENHAGEN: Danish brewer Carlsberg beat first-quarter sales forecasts yesterday and raised the lower end of its full-year profit guidance range following strong beer sales in China at the beginning of the year. The world’s thirdbiggest brewer said it now expected organic operating profit growth this year of between minus 2% and plus 5%, versus a range of minus 5% to plus 5% previously. Chief executive Cees‘t Hart said: “We are optimistic for the coming quarters.” Sales totalled 16.4 billion Danish crowns (RM10.8 billion) in the first three months of the year, compared with 15.9 billion crowns forecast by analysts in a company poll. – Reuters JAPAN SETS 30% GOAL FOR WOMEN EXECS AT BIG FIRMS BY 2030 TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister ordered his government yesterday to begin work on increasing the number of women executives in major companies to 30% or more by 2030. Women represented only 11.4% of executives in major listed companies in Japan in 2022, according to a Cabinet Office survey, although the figure has been rising in recent years. “We seek to have the ratio of women among executives at 30% or more by 2030 in companies that are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Prime Market,” Fumio Kishida told officials at a meeting on gender equality. The Prime Market is the stock exchange’s leading sector. Kishida said ensuring diversity would boost innovation as well as the economy.– AFP in response to “renewed signs of acceleration”. Stamp duty on foreigners’ property purchases doubled to 60%, effective from today. Duties on Singaporeans’ second and subsequent home purchases rose to 20% from 17%, and 30% from 25%, respectively. City Developments and UOL Group had no immediate response when contacted by Reuters. It and UOL share reasonably high exposure to the residential market. UOL’s 2022 annual report showed residential developments, mostly in Singapore, accounted for some 62% of revenue and almost 40% of profit. Development accounted for 42% of last year’s revenue at City, its annual report showed. “These (stamp duty) hikes will likely have a broader and more hard-hitting impact on the residential property market compared with the relatively targeted nature of the measures announced (last September),” Barclays analysts said in a note. – Reuters

theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 13 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 MASYHURBINA SDN. BHD. [Company No. 198201000703 (80447-M)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 & 518 of the Companies Act 2016, that a Final Meeting of the Members of the abovementioned company will be held at No. 83-1B, Jalan 3/62A, Bandar Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur on 29th May, 2023 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes :- 1) To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and the property of the Company disposed of and hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2) To determine by ordinary resolution, that the books, accounts or any other documents of the company be kept by the Liquidator for a period of 6 months after the company has been dissolved, and that thereafter such book, accounts and documents may be destroyed by the Liquidator. Dated this 28th day of April, 2023 KUALA LUMPUR LIM MING YEN Liquidator IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BELLY HEALTHY MEALS SDN. BHD. REGISTRATION NO.: 201501003780 (1129112-T) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE OF RESOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a General Meeting of the members of BELLY HEALTHY MEALS SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan on the 28th day of April, 2023 the following Special Resolution set out below was duly passed: - MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. YAP KAI WENG of No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan be and is hereby appointed as liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding-up.” Dated this: 28 April 2023 CHER LEE KIAT Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BELLY HEALTHY MEALS SDN. BHD. REGISTRATION NO.: 201501003780 (1129112-T) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE OF CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of BELLY HEALTHY MEALS SDN. BHD. which is being voluntarily wound up, are requested to, on or before the 31st day of May, 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names and addresses of their solicitor (if any) to YAP KAI WENG, the Liquidator at No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan and if so required by the notice in writing to the said Liquidator, or by their solicitor 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. Dated this: 28 April 2023 YAP KAI WENG Liquidator IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DUET SYNERGY SDN. BHD. 201801023608 (1285628-A) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016, that the Special Resolution set out below was duly passed by the Members of the Company on the 27th day of April, 2023: MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP 1) THAT the Company will be liquidated by way of Members’ Voluntary Winding Up. 2) THAT Mr. Ng Phong Tat of 24, Lorong 11/SS2, Bandar Tasek Mutiara, 14120 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets. NG PHONG TAT Director Dated: 28 April 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DUET SYNERGY SDN. BHD. 201801023608 (1285628-A) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of the abovenamed Company, which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before the 29th May 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and addresses of their solicitor (if any) to the Liquidator of the said Company and if so required in writing from the said Liquidator are by their solicitors or personally to come in 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 are proved. NG PHONG TAT Liquidator 24, Lorong 11/SS2, Bandar Tasek Mutiara, 14120 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang. Dated: 28 April 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF: - LANCEROS SDN. BHD. [199301014863 (269603-H)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of LANCEROS SDN. BHD. [199301014863 (269603-H)] held on 27th April 2023, the following resolutions were duly passed: - 1) SPECIAL RESOLUTION - MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARILY WINDING-UP ‘THAT approval be and is hereby given for the Company to be wound up voluntarily by way of members voluntarily winding up in accordance with Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016’. 2) ORDINARY RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR ‘THAT Mr. Yow Yew Voon of Business Suite 19A-19-2, Level 19, UOA Centre, 19 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator for the purpose of such winding-up the affairs and distributing the surplus assets of the Company at a fee as approved earlier by the directors.’. Chairman Dated : 28th April 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF: - LANCEROS SDN. BHD. [199301014863 (269603-H)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Companies which are being voluntarily wound up, are required, on or before 29th May 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and the addresses of the their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned liquidator and, if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally to come and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. LIQUIDATOR YOW YEW VOON Business Suite 19A-19-2, Level 19 UOA Centre, 19 Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan Dated : 28th April 2023 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO: WA-28NCC-319-04/2023 In the matter of Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of Fifty Five Kitchen & Bar Sdn. Bhd. (Company Registration No. 1270134-X) BETWEEN BADAN PENGURUSAN BERSAMA PLAZA ARKADIA ...PETITIONER AND FIFTY FIVE KITCHEN & BAR SDN. BHD. (Company No.: 1270134-X) ... RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 10 April 2023, presented by Badan Pengurusan Bersama Plaza Arkadia, having its address at Pejabat Pengurusan E-B2-1, Plaza Arkadia 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana, 52200 Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 8 November 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at Pejabat Pengurusan E-B2-1, Plaza Arkadia 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana, 52200 Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s solicitors is WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. signed …….…................... WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the 7 November 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). This Advertisement of Petition is taken out by WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, solicitors for the petitioner abovenamed whose address is at Pejabat Pengurusan E-B2-1, Plaza Arkadia 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana, 52200 Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur. Petitioner’s solicitors’ telephone no.: 03-22018378 File reference : L3 16055 Email : [email protected] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA COMPANIES WINDING UP NO. BA-28NCC-177-04/2023 In the matter of Section 465 (1)(e) of the Companies Act 2016 And In the matter of MSA METAL SDN BHD (Company No: 200101008211 / 543967-W) Between POSCO MKPC Sdn Bhd (Company No. 372824-A) …PETITIONER DAN MSA METAL SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 200101008211 / 543967-W) … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was on the 10th day of April 2023 presented by POSCO MKPC Sdn Bhd (Company No: 372824-A) and that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Shah Alam at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 5th day of July 2023 and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for the purpose, and a copy of the said Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of regulated charge for the same. ………………………… MESSRS NESAN, CHENG & CO SOLICITORS FOR THE PETITIONER The Petitioner’s address is at No. 19, Persiaran Sultan Alauddin /KU17, Bandar Sultan Suleiman, 42000 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs Nesan, Cheng & Co. of Suite 23, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, No.1, Persiaraan Puchong Jaya Selatan, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Selangor Darul Ehsan. Note – Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Solicitors notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person or if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve noon (12:00 o’clock) on the 4th day of July 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). Tel No: 03-8070 5725 Fax No: 03-8070 7725 Ref: 1.1966 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA COMPANIES WINDING UP NO. BA-28NCC-176-04/2023 In the matter of Section 465 (1)(e) of the Companies Act 2016 And In the matter of TOPAZ EVERGREEN SDN BHD (Company No: 199701032202 / 447701-D) Between POSCO MKPC Sdn Bhd (Company No. 372824-A) …PETITIONER Dan TOPAZ EVERGREEN SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 199701032202 / 447701-D) … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was on the 10th day of April 2023 presented by POSCO MKPC Sdn Bhd (Company No: 372824-A) and that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Shah Alam at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 5th day of July 2023 and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for the purpose, and a copy of the said Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of regulated charge for the same. ………………………… MESSRS NESAN, CHENG & CO SOLICITORS FOR THE PETITIONER The Petitioner’s address is at No. 19, Persiaran Sultan Alauddin /KU17, Bandar Sultan Suleiman, 42000 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs Nesan, Cheng & Co. of Suite 23, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, No.1, Persiaraan Puchong Jaya Selatan, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Selangor Darul Ehsan. Note – Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Solicitors notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person or if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve noon (12:00 o’clock) on the 4th day of July 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). Tel No: 03-8070 5725 Fax No: 03-8070 7725 Ref: 1.1965(1) IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA COMPANIES WINDING UP NO. BA-28NCC-178-04/2023 In the matter of Section 465 (1)(e) of the Companies Act 2016 And In the matter of PENGANGKUTAN AWAM PUTRAJAYA TRAVEL & TOURS SDN BHD (Company No:199901009056 / 483956-P) Between BADANBAS SDN BHD (Company No. 34697-H) …PETITIONER AND PENGANGKUTAN AWAM PUTRAJAYA TRAVEL & TOURS SDN BHD (formerly known as Pengangkutan Awam Putrajaya Sdn. Bhd.) (Company No. 199901009056 / 483956-P) … RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was on the 10th day of April 2023 presented by BADANBAS SDN BHD (Company No: 34697-H) and that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Shah Alam at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon on the 10th day of July 2023 and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for the purpose, and a copy of the said Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of regulated charge for the same. ………………………… MESSRS NESAN, CHENG & CO SOLICITORS FOR THE PETITIONER The Petitioner’s address is at No. 38, Jalan Chow Kit, 50350 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs Nesan, Cheng & Co. of Suite 23, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, No.1, Persiaraan Puchong Jaya Selatan, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Selangor Darul Ehsan. Note – Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Solicitors notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person or if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve noon (12:00 o’clock) on the 9th day of July 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). Tel No: 03-8070 5725 Fax No: 03-8070 7725 Ref: 1.1756(3) 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices NOTICE TO BENEFICIARY OF ESTATE OF CHONG LEN, DECEASED We are looking for the beneficiary of the above Estate by the name of: WONG KIM YEN Late Mother’s name: Madam CHONG LEN, NRIC No. 260812-10-5010 Please contact us, solicitors for the Estate, YP Cheong & Co at 603- 2691 5093 or email us at [email protected]; convey2@ ypcheongco.com for further details. DALAM PERKARA AKTA SYARIKAT 2016 DAN DALAM PERKARA ACCESSION EVERGREEN SDN. BHD. NO. PENDAFTARAN : 201301042280 (1072105-X) (Dalam Penggulungan Syarikat Secara Sukarela Oleh Ahli) NOTIS RESOLUSI NOTIS DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa dalam Mesyuarat Pemegang-pemegang Saham syarikat ACCESSION EVERGREEN SDN. BHD. yang telah diadakan di No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan pada 28 April 2023, Resolusi Khas seperti berikut telah diluluskan: - PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT SECARA SUKARELA OLEH AHLI “BAHAWA Syarikat ini digulungkan secara sukarela menurut Seksyen 439(1) Akta Syarikat 2016 dan En. YAP KAI WENG yang beralamat di No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan dilantik sebagai Pelikuidasi untuk tujuan penggulungan tersebut.” Tarikh : 28 April 2023 CHER LEE KIAT Pengarah 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ACCESSION EVERGREEN SDN. BHD. REGISTRATION NO.: 201301042280 (1072105-X) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE OF RESOLUTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a General Meeting of the members of ACCESSION EVERGREEN SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan on the 28th day of April, 2023 the following Special Resolution set out below was duly passed: - MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. YAP KAI WENG of No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan be and is hereby appointed as liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding-up.” Dated this: 28 April 2023 CHER LEE KIAT Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ACCESSION EVERGREEN SDN. BHD. REGISTRATION NO.: 201301042280 (1072105-X) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE OF CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors of ACCESSION EVERGREEN SDN. BHD. which is being voluntarily wound up, are requested to, on or before the 31st day of May, 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names and addresses of their solicitor (if any) to YAP KAI WENG, the Liquidator at No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan and if so required by the notice in writing to the said Liquidator, or by their solicitor 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. Dated this: 28 April 2023 YAP KAI WENG Liquidator IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF 1) DAIMAN MURNI SDN. BHD [199401035550 (321233-T)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) 2) EMAS & PERAK ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [199401003983 (289662-W)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) 3) INCHWOOD CORPORATION SDN. BHD. [199401002913 (288591-X)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of: - 1) DAIMAN MURNI SDN. BHD [199401035550 (321233-T)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) 2) EMAS & PERAK ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [199401003983 (289662-W)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) 3) INCHWOOD CORPORATION SDN. BHD. [199401002913 (288591-X)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) duly convened and held at Business Suite 19A-19-2, Level 19, UOA Centre, 19 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan on 27th April 2023, the following resolutions were duly passed: - 1) SPECIAL RESOLUTION - MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARILY WINDING-UP ‘THAT approval be and is hereby given for the Company to be wound up voluntarily by way of members voluntarily winding up in accordance with Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016’. 2) ORDINARY RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR ‘THAT Mr. Yow Yew Voon of Business Suite 19A-19-2, Level 19, UOA Centre, 19 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator for the purpose of such winding-up’. Chairman Dated : 28th April 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF 1) DAIMAN MURNI SDN. BHD [199401035550 (321233-T)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) 2) EMAS & PERAK ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [199401003983 (289662-W)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) 3) INCHWOOD CORPORATION SDN. BHD. [199401002913 (288591-X)] (In Members’ Voluntarily Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Companies which are being voluntarily wound up, are required, on or before 29th May 2023 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and the names and the addresses of the their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned liquidator and, if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. LIQUIDATOR YOW YEW VOON Business Suite 19A-19-2, Level 19 UOA Centre, 19 Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan Dated : 28th April 2023 CLASSIFIEDS *Terms And Conditions Apply Call 03-7784 6688 or email [email protected] RM138 6SHFLDO2΍HU for Limited time only! (excl 6% SST) 2 Units 3 Storey Shop House known as 178, 178A, 178B & 180, 180A, 180B Seang Teik Road, 10400 Penang. Price: RM2.5 million per unit Riverside Resort Sdn Bhd, 332D Chulia Street, 10200 Penang 04-2630337 PROPERTY FOR SALE GREAT RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT / SALE! For Viewing Appointment, please call Ms. Chloe : 03-2072 2562 Address: Kota Raya Complex Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock 50000 Kuala Lumpur Area: 5th Floor – 26,102 sf 4th Floor – 22,390 sf Other Floors – From 205 sf to 2,982 sf Size : 5cm x 1 column (3cm) Spec : Full Color Actual Price : RM198.00 5 Days duration *Value Added on website www.thesundaily.my Call : 017-320 8888 Home Repair Expert Plumbing, Tiling, Wiring and A/Cond From RM60 onward DALAM PERKARA AKTA SYARIKAT 2016 DAN DALAM PERKARA BELLY HEALTHY MEALS SDN. BHD. NO. PENDAFTARAN : 201501003780 (1129112-T) (Dalam Penggulungan Syarikat Secara Sukarela Oleh Ahli) NOTIS RESOLUSI NOTIS DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa dalam Mesyuarat Pemegang-pemegang Saham syarikat BELLY HEALTHY MEALS SDN. BHD. yang telah diadakan di No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan pada 28 April 2023, Resolusi Khas seperti berikut telah diluluskan: - PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT SECARA SUKARELA OLEH AHLI “BAHAWA Syarikat ini digulungkan secara sukarela menurut Seksyen 439(1) Akta Syarikat 2016 dan En. YAP KAI WENG yang beralamat di No. 9, Jalan Indah 16, Taman Cheras Indah, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan dilantik sebagai Pelikuidasi untuk tujuan penggulungan tersebut.” Tarikh : 28 April 2023 CHER LEE KIAT Pengarah

14 theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 SPORTS Rayo humble mighty Barca … as Atletico triumph on anniversary and close in on Madrid RAYO VALLECANO stunned impotent La Liga leaders Barcelona yesterday with a 2-1 win, outplaying the Catalans at a rowdy Vallecas. Atletico Madrid cut the gap on secondplace rivals Real Madrid to two points with a 3- 1 win over Real Mallorca, celebrating their 120th anniversary in style. Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona remain 11 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with seven matches remaining. After the champions lost at Girona on Tuesday their hopes of defending the title are virtually over, despite Barcelona following suit with a deserved defeat in the capital. Xavi’s side have won just one of their last four league matches – a narrow triumph over Atletico on Sunday – as they limp towards the finish line and a first title since 2019. Barcelona’s coach urged his players to be wary of Rayo’s threat before the game, but they did not heed his warning. The Catalans have not beaten the Madrid club in their last four league meetings. “The league is not finished, this is the problem – we have to deserve La Liga, today we deserved defeat,” Xavi told reporters. “What annoys me is that today we did not compete how the game required us to. But we will get players back (from injury), there’s another game on Saturday. “Here a lot of teams have lost, and others have had a lot of trouble winning. Luckily, there’s another game on Saturday.” Rayo broke the deadlock early on when Alvaro Garcia drilled home across Marc-Andre ter Stegen and into the bottom corner. Rayo doubled their lead after the break when left-back Fran Garcia pressed Frenkie de Jong, collected the ball and drove on to score. “We knew that it was an important day for us, they say the giant-killers are back,” said Fran Garcia. “The atmosphere can’t be described… we want to give it back in the best way possible.” Robert Lewandowski pulled one back for Barcelona after Franck Kessie’s shot was blocked, ending a run of four games without a goal for the division’s top scorer. Rayo held on for only their second win in their last 11 league matches – and third in four games against Barca for coach Andoni Iraola. Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, on the club’s 120th anniversary, put on an entertaining display in their win over Mallorca with Antoine Griezmann at the heart of it once again. The forward produced two assists as Rodrigo de Paul, Alvaro Morata and Yannick Carrasco struck for the hosts at the Metropolitano. After Real Madrid were thumped 4-2 by Girona on Tuesday, Atletico capitalised to reel in their neighbours. Atletico, wearing special blue and white kits at home to mark the occasion of their anniversary – the design was based on their first ever shirt – had their celebrations disrupted early on. “It’s impossible not to get stuck in with this atmosphere,” Simeone told DAZN. “After such a bad start (to the season), to get back on our feet fills me with pride, because it was not easy.” In other matches, Almeria climbed up to 15th with a 2-1 win at 10-man Getafe while Celta Vigo earned a late win over bottom-ofthe-table Elche. – AFP Formula for revolt over proposal to add F1 teams GUENTHER STEINER has affirmed that he is strongly against adding more teams to Formula 1. And the Haas team principal claims that all 10 outfits hold “very similar opinions” on the matter. The FIA is officially exploring the possibility of adding up to two new teams to F1 as early as 2025 and is currently taking applications from prospectus entrants. It is expected that the body will make its final decision on whether any applicants are successful by the end of June. The F1 grid is capped at 12 teams under the current Concorde Agreement, which expires at the end of the 2025 season leaving space for a couple of new teams. Andretti, Porsche, Cadillac and Ford have all expressed interest in joining, but Steiner doesn’t think it makes much sense to increase the number of teams. “First of all, it is not up to me to decide, and it’s not up to the teams to decide. It’s down to the FIA at the end of the day,” he told Top Gear. “But my opinion is that if you cannot see an upside for everybody, why would you do it? Because then it’s a downside. If they’re not adding to the party, it’s not worth it. “There’s now 10 very strong teams in Formula One. There is no weak team anymore. There’s no backmarker. Everybody’s financially stable, so we don’t really need one. “If somebody comes and gives us an upside, all of us, I think we would welcome them. “But if it is just to have more teams for the sake of it, I think, why would I vote for it to get less in return in the future? “I don’t want to speak for the other teams, but I would say their opinion is very similar. We are all in the same boat when it comes to the business side of F1.” – Express Newspapers HOLDERS Inter Milan reached the Italian Cup final yesterday after beating Juventus 1-0 to go through to next month’s showpiece 2-1 on aggregate. Federico Dimarco poked home the only goal of an underwhelming game at the San Siro, meeting Nicolo Barella’s pass which was intended for Edin Dzeko and rolling past Mattia Perin. It was the Italian’s fifth goal of the season for his boyhood club and one which continues Inter’s strong campaign in cup competitions. Simone Inzaghi’s side have already won the Italian Super Cup and will have the chance to retain the Italian Cup in Rome on May 24, most likely against Fiorentina, who host Cremonese 2-0 ahead from their first leg. They are also preparing for a blockbuster derby with AC Milan in the Champions League semifinals. “It was a brilliant match, we played the way we had to and were intense right until the end,” Inzaghi told SportMediaset. “We deserved to reach the final over the two legs, we’re very happy because we wanted to go back to Rome. “We have 10 matches to go from now until the end of the season,” the 47-year-old observed, before suggesting that: “We hope there’ll be one more as well (referring to the Champiomns League final) “Let’s enjoy this evening, the guys did very well because playing in these matches is never easy.” Juve were surprisingly flat for a match against their arch-rivals which is usually a feisty affair full of controversy, and exit the competition with a whimper. “We need to recharge our batteries, as we’ve lost four of the last five Serie A games and are out of the cup. We need to roll our sleeves up,” said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri. Juventus only produced five shots on target yesterday with no centre forwards in the starting XI. Dusan Vlahovic and Moise Kean were unavailable, while Arek Milik initially went on the bench with Angel Di Maria and Federico Chiesa up front. “Milik had played 90 minutes against Napoli after a long spell on the sidelines,” Allegri said. “With Vlahovic and Kean out, I wouldn’t have options (on the bench) if the game would have gone to extra time. We wanted to make the most of spaces for Chiesa, but Inter defended well.” – AFP/Agencies Inter down Juve to reach Cup final Azerbaijan Grand Prix talking points FORMULA ONE returns this weekend after a one month break. Here’s a look at five talking points ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix Red Bull winging it Three races, three poles, three wins, two 1- 2s, two fastest laps – Red Bull arrive in Azerbaijan on a magical roll. Double world champion Max Verstappen kept his cool in Melbourne to fend off Lewis Hamilton and steer clear of the triple red-flag drama, while Sergio Perez sliced through the field from last to claim fifth, and the fastest lap, in the latest display of the Red Bulls’ speed supremacy over the rest of the grid. With two wins to his teammate’s one, Verstappen leads Perez by 15 points. The rejuvenated Fernando Alonso is third, nine points behind the Mexican for Aston Martin, with Hamilton seven points further back approaching the fourth race of the season. Mercedes revival? Toto Wolff and his Mercedes men left the Australian Grand Prix with an unexpected spring in their step. Lewis Hamilton’s second place gave the fallen F1 giants reason to believe they are finally getting to grips with their mercurial car. An uptick in performance in Saudi Arabia offered encouragement, while in Melbourne George Russell was also flying until his car caught fire. Team principal Wolff was quick to insist there was “no magic bullet” to transform a car that has struggled since last year’s shift in the technical landscape. But the Austrian did concede they are understanding their machine much better. “We have defined a clear direction where we need to go and I believe we are on the right trajectory.” Sprint time Baku stages the first of 2023’s six sprint races. Verstappen has the best sprint record, winning three of the six held since they were introduced in 2021. Baku is the first street circuit to hold a sprint race, with Red Bull’s Christian Horner not alone among the team principals wary of the prospect of prangs on a circuit that has a well-deserved reputation for producing the unexpected. “It’s absolutely ludicrous to be doing the first sprint race of the year in a street race like Azerbaijan,” Horner said in Australia. Whilst acknowledging for the fans excitement was almost assured, from a team’s perspective “all you can do is trash your car and it costs a lot of money around there.” Tough times at Ferrari New Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur reckons there are “tonnes of room for improvement on the car” – Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will certainly be hoping that’s the case. Two retirements sandwiching seventh in Jeddah left Leclerc bemoaning “the worst start to the season ever”, while Sainz seethed at a late time-penalty that dropped him from fourth to out of the points in Melbourne. That’s left F1’s most iconic team trailing behind Red Bull, Aston Martin and Mercedes in the constructors championship. With signficant upgrades planned from Miami onwards Vasseur says he has the feeling “we are moving in the right direction”. Baku roulette Baku boasts the longest straight in F1, the 2.2km Neftchilar Avenue alongside the Caspian Sea where cars break from speeds of 350kph into the 90° turn one, the circuit then snaking its way through the sinuous medieval city gate section where even the slightest of mistakes can spell disaster. A different winner for each of the six races staged here is an indication of the drama that lies in store for Verstappen and company this weekend. The Dutch ace won last year but won’t be taking anything for granted after his car packed up with the 2021 race at his mercy five laps from the chequered flag. – AFP Juventus’ Arkadiusz Milik (right) in action with Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu. – REUTERSPIX

15 * SPORTS theSUN ON FRIDAY | APRIL 28, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Trouble at the Bridge Lampard understands Chelsea boo boys’ fears after losing to Brentford FRANK LAMPARD said Chelsea supporters have every right to be worried after they slipped to a fifth straight defeat under his management against Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Cesar Azpilicueta’s own-goal and a late breakaway effort from Bryan Mbeumo sealed a 2-0 win for the visitors and condemned Lampard’s team to a sixth game in their last seven in which they have failed to score as their faint hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top half became increasingly distant. The numbers surrounding Chelsea’s fall are alarming. They have not won in any competition or on any ground since beating Leicester at the King Power Stadium on March 11 when Graham Potter was still the manager. Since then, Bruno Saltor and Lampard have between them overseen a winless run that now stands at eight games. Only one player has scored for this side since Potter’s penultimate game in charge on March 18, Conor Gallagher’s heavily deflected strike in the home defeat by Brighton. That run is compounded by the fact that six of those eight winless matches have come at Stamford Bridge. Afterwards Lampard defended the right of supporters to boo the team, as those who stayed did en masse at the final whistle, but he said it is confidence and not a lack of application that has set the players on their downward spiral. “Absolutely the fans are going to be worried,” said Lampard. “If you’re a Chelsea fan, you’ve been used to 20 years of success, you’re used to it and you want it more. “I’ve got no problem with fans booing. I’m not sitting here to go against the fans and say don’t boo the players. “I’ll defend the players because they’re young lads who want to do well. Is there an issue with confidence? Yes. Is there an issue with the balance of the squad? Maybe yes. “I’m not patronising everybody, I expect them to have an idea what’s going on behind the scenes, but when you work with it in this Premier League, if you think Brentford are going to come and turn you around and have corners and throw-ins against you and you’re going to walk that game, that’s not the case any time. “When you’re in this moment with a lack of confidence, then it can be difficult to win a game. I’m not exonerating the players, far from it. I’m just supporting them. “They’re in there disappointed because they wanted to win that game. They performed in my opinion like they wanted to win it. “Is there a confidence issue? Yes. Are we dynamic enough in the final third? No. Have we been for a long time before I came here? No. “Those things are not things that are going to turn overnight. We have to keep working. “I understand the fans booing. I don’t think anybody is saying they can’t believe that’s the case today.” – The Independent United takeover saga set for fresh twist JOEL and Avram Glazer could remain stakeholders at Manchester United under a deal being proposed by prospective new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to reports. British businessman Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of the INEOS Group, is among those to have expressed an interest in buying the Premier League club. It has been reported that one of the options on the table for the American owners would see Ratcliffe take a controlling stake of more than 50%, with the two Glazers retaining a combined 20%. Such a deal would not be welcomed by large sections of United’s support who have campaigned for the Glazers – whose leveraged buyout in 2005 plunged the club into huge debt – to quit Old Trafford. American bank the Raine Group are facilitating the sale of the club, with today being the deadline for third bids to be submitted. The Glazer family are considering either selling the club or bringing in external investment after announcing last November they were seeking “strategic alternatives”. As well as Ratcliffe, a Qatari consortium – led by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani – and Finnish businessman Thomas Zilliacus have gone public in their ambition to complete a full takeover. One other group known to be involved is American hedge fund Elliott Investment, which has made an offer for a minority stake, but it is unknown how many parties have entered the process. It has been reported the Glazers value the club at £6 billion (RM32b). – The Independent NOTTINGHAM FOREST boss Steve Cooper says his side still have work to do after they moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 3-1 win over Brighton. Forest were on a seemingly irreversible slide back to the Championship after a horror run of 11 games without a victory going back to February, but they stopped the rot at the City Ground. Another defeat had been on the cards after the Seagulls went ahead through Facundo Buonanotte’s goal on his first Premier League start after Brennan Johnson had missed an early penalty for Forest. But an own goal by Pascal Gross on the stroke of halftime followed by second half efforts from Danilo and Morgan Gibbs-White gave them a vital win. The relegation battle looks like going to the wire, with six clubs realistically in the fight, and Cooper knows this victory does not count for anything if they cannot back it up. “Delighted, the result is always the most important thing but definitely at this moment in time,” Cooper said. “There were loads of positives, but it is a good win, you have to enjoy them until we leave the dressing room and drive out because we have got another game on Saturday and we have to be really ready for it. We have to be ready for Brentford. “We have to look after ourselves, if you get the results you need things will take care of themselves with league position. “We managed to get the win tonight. Let’s try and improve it again on Saturday and that has to be the only thing we are thinking about. “I’m over the moon, I’m so pleased for the players and the supporters, but we haven’t won for months and I don’t think we can win a game and celebrate too much. “I was walking off the pitch thinking about getting ready for Brentford. We have got a lot of work to do and I want everybody in tomorrow working even harder than they did today. That has to be the mentality.” – The Independent Survival still long way off, says Cooper █ ROBERT O’CONNOR █ JONATHAN VEAL RESULTS & STANDINGS ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Chelsea 0 Brentford 2 (Azpilicueta 37-og, Mbeumo 78), Manchester City 4 (De Bruyne 7, 54, Stones 45, Haaland 90+5) Arsenal 1 (Holding 86), Nottingham Forest 3 (Gross 45-og, Danilo 69, Gibbs-White 90- pen) Brighton 1 (Buonanotte 38), West Ham 1 (Paqueta 12) Liverpool 2 (Gakpo 18, Matip 67). P W D L F A Pts Arsenal 33 23 6 4 78 38 75 Man City 31 23 4 4 82 29 73 Newcastle 31 16 11 4 54 25 59 Man Utd 30 18 5 7 46 37 59 Aston Villa 33 16 6 11 46 41 54 Liverpool 32 15 8 9 61 39 53 Tottenham 32 16 5 11 58 51 53 Brighton 30 14 7 9 55 40 49 Brentford 33 11 14 8 50 43 47 Fulham 32 13 6 13 44 43 45 Chelsea 32 10 9 13 30 35 39 Crystal Palace 33 9 10 14 31 42 37 Wolves 33 10 7 16 29 44 37 West Ham 32 9 7 16 34 43 34 Bournemouth 32 9 6 17 31 63 33 Leeds 33 7 9 17 42 63 30 Nottm Forest 33 7 9 17 29 60 30 Leicester 33 8 5 20 44 57 29 Everton 32 6 10 16 24 46 28 Southampton 32 6 6 20 27 56 24 CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheffield United 2 West Brom 0. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Burnley 44 27 14 3 82 34 95 Sheff Utd 43 26 7 10 67 36 85 Luton 44 21 15 8 56 38 78 Mid’boro 44 22 8 14 83 54 74 Coventry 44 17 15 12 55 45 66 Sunderland 44 17 14 13 63 53 65 CHAMPIONS PROMOTED LA LIGA: Getafe 1 (Mayoral 71) Almeria 2 (Suarez 7, 58), Atletico Madrid 3 (De Paul 45+2, Morata 47, Carrasco 77) Real Mallorca 1 (Nastasic 20), Rayo Vallecano 2 (A. Garcia 19, F. Garcia 53) Barcelona (Lewandowski 83), Celta Vigo 1 (Aidoo 90) Elche 0. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Barcelona 31 24 4 3 55 11 76 Real Madrid 31 20 5 6 65 28 65 Atletico 31 19 6 6 50 23 63 Sociedad 31 16 7 8 39 29 55 Real Betis 31 14 7 10 39 33 49 Villarreal 30 14 5 11 39 30 47 ITALIAN CUP (Semifinal, 2nd leg): Inter Milan 1 (Dimarco 15) Juventus 0 – Milan win 2-1 on agg. ERLING HAALAND surpassed Mohamed Salah’s record tally of 32 goals for a 38-game Premier League season with his late strike in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Arsenal yesterday. Here’s a looks at the Norway international’s stunning campaign in detail. PREMIER LEAGUE Haaland now has 33 goals in the Premier League, surging past the benchmark set by Salah in his debut season at Liverpool in 2017-18. With seven games left, the overall record of 34 – shared by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer in 42-game campaigns early in the Premier League era – is surely in line to fall as well. He scored in seven straight League games from August to October – his third to his ninth appearances in the competition – with hattricks against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United helping him to 13 goals in those games and 18 in a 10-match scoring run in all competitions. A fourth treble against Wolves in January left him one behind Shearer’s record of five in a season while he also has five doubles – against West Ham, Brighton, Leeds, Southampton and Leicester – and has scored in 19 of his 28 appearances. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Haaland arrived in Manchester with 23 Champions League goals to his name in 19 appearances for RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, and has more than maintained that form. He netted group-stage doubles against Sevilla and FC Copenhagen, either side of a goal against Dortmund, and Pep Guardiola could afford to largely rest his star man for the return fixtures save for a scoreless first half run-out on his old stomping ground in Germany. He was quiet in a drawn first leg against RB Leipzig but more than made up for it in the return fixture, equalling the competition record of five goals in a game as City won 7-0 and 8-1 on aggregate. Goals in both legs against Bayern Munich took him to a dozen for the European season, with an outside chance of threatening Cristiano Ronaldo’s record 17 for Real Madrid in 2013-14. DOMESTIC CUPS Haaland’s first FA Cup goals came with a hat-trick in the 6-0 quarterfinal win over Burnley, having sat out the clash with Chelsea and not scored against Arsenal. He was shut out by Liverpool in the Community Shield – as well as in both league meetings – but scored against them in the Carabao Cup. DIXIE LAND? There are a maximum of 11 games remaining for City this season – seven in the League, a Champions League semifinal over two legs and a possible final, and an FA Cup final. With Haaland scoring more than a goal a game to this point, if he keeps up his season-long rate and plays every possible game, he could hit an astonishing 63 goals and match former Everton striker Dixie Dean’s all-time record for an English season in 1927-28. His recent hot streak, even by his standards, raises the prospect of even more. Haaland has scored 16 goals in his last nine games, including the Leipzig and Burnley games and league doubles against Southampton and Leicester. The Independent Banging in goals for fun Erling Haaland celebrates scoring Man City’s fourth goal during the English Premier League match against Arsenal yesterday. – AFPPIX

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] FOR ONLY the second time this season, Liverpool have managed three straight Premier League wins. They had to come from behind yesterday to beat West Ham United 2-1, thereby adding the Hammers to a short list that also includes Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, but Jurgen Klopp will take it. The Hammers led through a wonder strike from Lucas Paqueta but were pegged back by Cody Gakpo’s long-range drive before Joel Matip’s towering header from a corner sealed the win. Of late, the talk has been of a subtle switch in tactics: Trent Alexander-Arnold playing far more centrally, a double-pivot in possession and the return of some aggressive, high-upfield pressing. These factors were again on show at the London Stadium, but they were not entirely decisive ones in earning this three points. Instead, they came in part due to repeated, if unexpected, sources in recent games. Firstly, Curtis Jones, whose resurgence late on this season improbably mirrors Liverpool’s own. And secondly, set pieces – which the Reds excelled at earlier in the year but had more recently been dreadful with. “Curtis set the tone with the first counter-pressing situation and he’s a really good player,” Klopp said of his No. 17 after the game. “He knows he has to improve but he’s in a really good moment and with the defensive work there’s a ticket into the team. “On top of that, we are able to play good football and Curtis is part of that as well, absolutely. “I liked the performance… parts of the first half we were exceptional. We made one mistake and they scored a great goal, what a screamer. But we stayed calm and scored our screamer. “Second half I liked as well. We had to dig in deep because of the physicality of West Ham,” Klopp added. “I would have liked the game if it was a draw. We won so that makes it the perfect night for us.” The three wins in succession see Liverpool up to sixth, climbing above Tottenham Hotspur, who they play at the weekend. It might not have been the case had West Ham been given a late penalty, a non-call that David Moyes labelled “disrespectful”. Moyes angrily confronted Chris Kavanagh on the field at full-time after the referee decided not to award a penalty when Thiago’s arm hit the ball as he challenged Danny Ings in the box. The Hammers boss was convinced VAR Neil Swarbrick should have at least told Kavanagh to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. “I’ve a chance to see it since,” said Moyes. “The difference for me is, and you’ll probably hear them coming out with some rubbish about he needed to break his fall, but if you lunge it’s your own fault for lunging and being out of control in the tackle. “You can break your fall by sliding and having to put your arm down but when you lunge for the ball, for me, that completely nullifies anything they’re talking about breaking your fall. I think it’s a penalty kick. “I think the hardest thing to take is the disrespect from VAR, that VAR wouldn’t have at least said to the referee that this might be worth having a look. That tells me they don’t see that as even close to a decision. I’m surprised. “Somebody in VAR didn’t have enough football knowledge to understand that this could be close. “Whoever it was chose not to send the referee. VAR, for me, showed no respect whatsoever to us. “The handball rule has changed dramatically and I don’t like a lot of it, to be fair. Do I think the boy meant tonight for it to hit his hand? No I didn’t. But he got his hand in the way of a ball going through made by his own actions. “Look, it’s not about that (an apology). They might need to apologise to the football club because we’re trying to get points to be a Premier League team.” – The Independent or download app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my FREE access Interactive FRIDAY • APRIL 28, 2023 Liverpool’s revival continues as Moyes Hammers VAR █ KARL MATCHETT & ANDY SIMS Just an illusion Win not decisive but important, says Pep as City delivered crushing masterclass THE great League showdown didn’t live up to the title, only showcasing Manchester City’s immense power. Arsenal are remarkably still top of the Premier League table after a humiliation that felt much worse than 4-1 but, like so much else about this title race, it is an illusion. This was reality, and it was a machine of a City team turning the game that the Premier League had billed as its supposed prestige fixture into a training exercise. So much of it was just attack against defence, right down to the nature of the drills. It was often two on six but, despite the outcomes, that wasn’t two defenders. The most frequent image of the game, and its most influential factor, was Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland terrorising Arsenal’s entire backline by just tearing down on goal. The only visible competition here was between City’s two great talents seeking to declare who was actually the best player in the Premier League. It was just all the worse for Arsenal because they were working so well together, Haaland simply dominating poor Rob Holding to set up De Bruyne twice. The Norwegian of course got his own goal to fittingly seal the win – and, probably, the title – as a John Stones header added the night’s only sense of variety. Pep Guardiola insisted there was nothing decisive about yesterday’s win but acknowledged something big had shifted with the title now in his side’s hands. “It was an important game, not decisive but important,” Guardiola said. “We played very good. I know the opponent we played. “They’re still top, I know it sounds naive what I’m saying but we are still behind. We are still there.” With the exception of a few days in February after City won 3-1 at the Emirates, Arsenal have topped the Premier League table since the third week of the season. City have been playing catch up all along with Guardiola calling Arsenal the favourites for the title, but this result convinced the Catalan he and his side are finally in the stronger position. “Absolutely (I prefer) my position because now it’s in our hands,” he said. “I would love that these two games are six points but you have to win them, but I prefer it because it depends on us. “Until today, I prefer the position in the Premier League of Arsenal because if Arsenal had beaten us it’s in their hands. But now it is in our hands.” For Arsenal this was a fourth straight game without a win, with the Gunners appearing to wilt just as City turn up the heat. Mikel Arteta admitted his side were second best on the night and might now end up second best in the League, but refused to admit defeat in a title race his side still lead, at least for now. “The analysis is clear,” Arteta said. “The better team won the game. They were probably at their best, especially in the first half, and we were nowhere near our level. When that happens the gap becomes too big. “The first 30 minutes all the basic things you have to do against an exceptional team in terms of competing, winning duels, understanding what the game requires, we didn’t do it and we were punished. “The stats said Arsenal were going to finish sixth or seventh and we are where we are with five games to go. “Those players deserve a lot of credit after nine-and-a-half months being here. And there are still five games to play. “In 22 years in this country I’ve seen a lot of things and there are not two equal games in this league.” Arsenal have five games remaining and Arteta admitted they would need to win them all – something that would put them on 90 points – to take the challenge to City. “We first have to lift the players up tonight because they suffer and it was difficult to swallow,” he said. “Do everything we have done so well in the next match to earn the right to win it. That’s where we have to start.” – The Independent Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne (left) celebrates scoring the opening goal with his teammates during the English Premier League match against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. – AFPPIX Moyes