The Sun 15062023

KUALA LUMPUR: A liquidator has warned prospective buyers of residential and commercial properties to look for reputable developers with good track records before committing to a purchase. Radiant Consulting Asia Sdn Bhd managing director Yogan Kanapathipillay (pic) was commenting on a June 11 statement by Local Government Development Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir that the ministry has thus far identified 481 “sick” projects and 112 abandoned ones nationwide. Ahmad Nasrullah said apart from having a task force to oversee the matter, the ministry is in talks with relevant agencies and is in direct negotiations with the National Water Services Commission and Public Works Department in efforts to revive the projects. “Sick and abandoned projects are those which have exceeded their scheduled completion period and it takes longer to revive them as discussions over long periods are needed,” the minister had said. Yogan revealed that since 2007, his firm has liquidated at least 50 development companies and helped more than 10,000 property owners to obtain strata titles because developers wound up their business before the strata titles were issued. Other incomplete projects were sold and most purchasers received some returns. “This is why it is critical to check the reputation of the developer. Otherwise, purchasers stand to lose the bulk of their hard earned money in the event the project is abandoned,” he told theSun. Yogan said in December last year, his company finally sold the Mutiara Beach Resort serviced apartments project in Port Dickson, Seremban, which came to a halt 29 years ago. The project was officially classified as abandoned in 2003, and Augustine T.K. James from Radiant Consulting was appointed as the official liquidator in November 2013, replacing the Insolvency Department. “We finally sold the project to a subsidiary of Kumpulan Hamzah Kwong Hing Realty Sdn Bhd for RM20 million, thus allowing the purchasers to get part of their money back,” he said. Giving some background on the project, Yogan said it was in a deplorable, severely derelict and disrepair state. This affected the surrounding neighbourhood and landscape as well. But in May, the 195 owners of units there heaved a sigh of relief as they finally had closure for the project and received 20% of what they had paid. Of the 195 owners, 53 individuals were cash purchasers who bought the units between 1994 and 1997, while the remaining 142 took housing loans from various banks before the developer wound up. Yogan said Koperasi Jimat Cermat dan Pinjaman Mercantile Bhd was the landowner and had 36 units due to it entering into a joint venture with the developer. He said it took 10 years for Radiant Consulting to liquidate and sell the Mutiara Beach Resort project as it had to identify the purchasers, deal with the banks that took over some of the units and carry out other due diligence work. “Crucial project documents, including the Development Order, building plans and others had not been handed over by the developer. Hence, a lot of additional work had to be done to trace as many documents as possible. This can take years to complete. “The sale was finalised upon obtaining a court order in December last year. The process is tedious and painstaking as legal and technical matters had to be fulfilled,” he said. Mutiara Beach Resort unit purchaser Hermani Abdullah, 75, a former bank officer, said he paid RM477,000 in cash for his three-bedroom unit in 1997. “I feel heartsick when I think of all the hard earned money that I have lost, but I agreed with the liquidator’s proposal to sell because at least I can get back 20% of what I had paid. It’s better than nothing since the developer has gone bankrupt.” Another purchaser, who asked to be addressed only as Chin, 71, said he bought a two-bedroom unit in 1997 for oBuy from reputable developer to avoid ending up as victim of abandoned project, says liquidator █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] Pick right builder TELLING IT AS IT IS ON THURSDAY JUNE 15, 2023 No. 8289 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my FEAST FOR THE SENSES ... A staff of Emma Delicious Bakery in Setapak showing some of its delicious pastries. The shop is known online as ‘Kedai Viral Dessert’. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN about RM280,000. “I am very grateful to the liquidator. The company has taken 10 years to resolve our problems and get a purchaser for the project. It (the liquidator) kept at it, despite Covid-19 and economic downturns over the years. “Of course, like anyone else, I too feel disappointed at having lost a lot of money. It was tough. “I had to service my bank loan while renting a place to live in Kuala Lumpur. It was financially stressful, but now at least I am getting some money back, thanks to the sale.” INSIDE PM, district officers to have talks on poverty eradication 2 page Expert issues wake-up call on deforestation 3 page

2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Perak Sultan graces opening of battalion camp Sultan Nazrin inspecting firearms at the event yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC BIDOR: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah graced the opening of the General Operations Force (GOF) 3rd Battalion Camp here yesterday. Accompanying His Royal Highness were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Puan Besar Perak Nazhatul Shima Sultan Idris Shah and Raja di-Hilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah. His Royal Highness arrived at 9.35am and was greeted by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani. Also present were Perak State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and Perak Police Chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri. Sultan Nazrin also inspected a guard of honor mounted by three officers and 102 men from the 3rd GOF Battalion at the ceremony. Meanwhile, Acryl Sani, in his speech, said: “Besides being a source of pride for police personnel in general and Battalion 3 in particular, the infrastructure and equipment in this camp creates a more conducive working environment, thereby increasing the morale of its members.” – Bernama PM, district officers to have talks on poverty eradication KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to hold a meeting with all district officers nationwide next week to discuss efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty in the country. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said it was the government’s effort to address the issue of poverty in the country, especially in rural areas, Bernama reported. “Among the things that will be discussed in the meeting will be the eradication of hardcore poverty and how it can be implemented at the district level,” he said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh (PN-Pasir Puteh), who asked about the new programme introduced by the government in an effort to address the problem of hardcore poverty. Ahmad said the government has approved RM750 million in Budget 2023 to eradicate hardcore poverty this year, with the allocation oGovt planning to introduce new programmes to help the poor secure jobs, says deputy finance minister channelled to the Economy Ministry to implement three new programmes, including providing jobs to certain groups. He said the government also provides a Rahmah cash aid of RM2,500 to help households with an income of less than RM2,500 and who have five children. He added that an additional RM1,500 would also be channelled if they are in the e-Kasih group (under the purview of the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister’s Department). At the same time, Ahmad said the government is also providing business training for the group to enable them to be independent and not rely on financial assistance. “This group needs to be given training before they can do business. How long will they be able to cling to the available aid? Will they be able to get out of hardcore poverty? They need to be trained and become small-scale entrepreneurs.” Ahmad said the government is providing RM900 million to train hawkers and petty traders through Bank Simpanan Nasional and RM330 million from National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund. It was reported that the number of registered poor heads of households has decreased from 124,744 to 118,217 for the period of Dec 15, 2022, to May 15 this year, while according to e-Kasih data the registered number of poor heads of household has also decreased from 304,911 to 299,080 in the same period. Meanwhile, Anwar said several ministries will study the investment initiatives put forward by the Negeri Sembilan government to support the development of Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0). He said they are the Transport, Works, Water and Natural Resources, and Investment, International Trade and Industry Ministries. “To support the development of MVV 2.0, I hope that local authorities can focus on advancing development in the MVV 2.0 area and be given priority so that development can be carried out in an orderly and inclusive manner. “This effort will bring benefits to all parties, especially the people in this state. The plan needs to be steered well to drive the country’s success and excellence, we need strong leadership with high integrity,” he said at the launch of a catalyst project for the MVV 2.0 in Port Dickson yesterday. The text of the speech was read by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who was present on behalf of Anwar. KLIA aerotrain expected to start operating next year KUALA LUMPUR: One of the two Automated People Mover or aerotrain services at KL International Airport (KLIA) is expected to start operating next year. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said his ministry has instructed Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to ensure that works to upgrade the system are completed on schedule or earlier. “The train is at the end of its life, it has been in service for 25 years. The decision to replace this train should have been implemented earlier but due to the delay in making the decision we had to suspend the service temporarily. “We know this issue creates a bad image of the country because it is the main gateway to (Malaysia) and I have put pressure on MAHB so that it is implemented according to schedule,” he said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to a supplementary question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) regarding the government’s measures to overcome the aerotrain service problems at KLIA, which has an impact on the tourist arrival process. Loke said the aerotrain project is not the responsibility of the Transport Ministry but is funded by MAHB. However, weaknesses that occurred need to be rectified immediately to avoid a negative impact on public transport services at the country’s main entry point. He also reminded public transport service operators to adopt a culture of maintenance according to the schedule and not only when the trains encounter problems. – Bernama 13 ‘sick’ housing projects among 22 currently under construction KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 22 PR1MA (1Malaysia People’s Housing Programme) projects are currently under construction, including 13 that are deemed “sick” projects, said Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. He said as of Tuesday, there were 54 PR1MA projects recorded as having been fully completed while another 10 projects were still at the planning stage. “Of the 54 projects that have been completed, two of them have received the Certificate of Completion and Compliance but are still in the process of inspecting defects before the units are handed to buyers. “Four more projects are in the process of handing over the keys in stages starting Tuesday,” he said during a question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, yesterday. He was responding to Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden’s (PN-Alor Setar) question about the number of PR1MA housing projects that have not yet been successfully handed to buyers and the number in each state. In terms of the PR1MA project breakdown, that are still under construction, for each state, Akmal Nasrullah said there are five projects in Sabah, three in Malacca, two each in Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Penang, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, while one project each in Kedah and the Federal Territories. “We are making sure that every PR1MA project that is ‘sick’ will be completed by the end of 2024,” he said. He also advised the public who are interested in buying a PR1MA house to deal directly with the PR1MA management to prevent them from becoming victims of fraud. – Bernama No decision yet on placing MACC under EAIC KUALA LUMPUR: The government is still scrutinising a proposal to place the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under the purview of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC). Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Ramkarpal Singh said the government had also established a pro tem committee to discuss the direction of the proposal following the Cabinet’s meeting on April 19. “Also, on May 17, a working-level meeting was held to discuss the terms of reference or TOR. The pro tem committee will also recommend the results of their findings to obtain policy decisions for Cabinet scrutiny. “The implementation of disciplinary matters needs to be managed systematically so that monitoring of the misconduct of administrative officers and implementors at the enforcement agencies is done holistically,” he said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 PETALING JAYA: As the country’s population and economic development expands, deforestation has had far-reaching consequences on the nation, said Malaysia Association of Environmental Health spokesman Dr Subramaniam Karuppannan. He said the government’s initiative for a nationwide reforestation plan in isolated regions to maintain ecological connectivity is crucial. Subramaniam, who is also a retired lecturer at the Universiti Teknologi Mara Faculty of Health Sciences, said: “As Malaysia grows and develops, it requires more space for agriculture, infrastructure, and settlements. Thus, forests are cleared to make way for such activities. “In Peninsular Malaysia, diverse and robust tropical wood such as chengal, teak and rubberwood are commonly used for furniture, as opposed to Western preference for pine, oak, and mahogany. “However, the extraction of such wood for furniture, domestic fuel or charcoal has led to deforestation,” he said. On statistics presented at the semi-annual Global Forest Watch for 2023, Subramaniam said reforestation efforts were ongoing but insufficient. In 2021, Malaysia had 54% of its land area covered with forests compared with 2010, when it was 87%. That means 123,000ha of forest have been lost in the last 10 years. Subramaniam added that reforestation is a major solution to two situations that most impact the deterioration of the country – desertification and deforestation. “Reforestation, which is (restoring) areas destroyed in recent times by planting new trees and sowing seeds from tree species, among other strategies, is crucial to prevent natural disasters due to climate change. “Better monitoring of forests, improved law enforcement, more efficient farming practices and private-sector initiatives to halt the sale of goods cultivated on illegally deforested land can help to reduce the rate of deforestation.” He said reforestation efforts also need to be expanded by the government to alleviate the effects of deforestation, adding that initiating action to address deforestation is critical for the future health of the planet and the sustainability of its ecosystems. “I trust that halting and reversing land clearance in tropical forests could reduce global carbon emissions by nearly 18% by 2030. However, other than reforestation, more needs to be done to address the root causes of deforestation.” While supporting Subramaniam’s call, a forestry and environment division officer at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, who wished to be known only as Fitri, said deforestation has serious implications for the indigenous communities that rely on forests for their livelihood. “Deforestation leads to the loss of biodiversity, negatively impacting ecosystems and disrupting the balance of the carbon and water cycles that sustain life. The impact of deforestation has far-reaching implications for the country.” Fitri said deforestation contributes to increased carbon footprint as land use changes, adding that deforestation contributes 12% to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions while forest degradation, and the destruction of tropical peat land also contribute to such emissions. During the opening ceremony of a forest conservation conference held in Kuching on June 12, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii said Malaysia has embarked on a nationwide reforestation programme in fragmented areas to ensure biological connectivity. “This reforestation programme can help to protect and preserve the country’s diverse wildlife populations. By planting more trees, we can help to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, restoring soil health and preventing further degradation. “Environmental activists and private sector companies have contributed to reforestation as such issues cannot be addressed by government agencies alone,” he said. Kelantan state assembly to be dissolved KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan State Legislative Assembly will be dissolved on June 22 to pave the way for state elections, said Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob. He said the dissolution has received the consent of the Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V. “I wish to declare the dissolution of the 14th State Assembly. This is after I was granted an audience with the Sultan to seek consent for the dissolution of the state assembly in accordance with Clause 2, Article 46 of the State Constitution. “The Sultan gave his consent for the state assembly to be dissolved on June 22,” he told a press conference after the state executive council meeting yesterday. He added that the state government would send a notice of dissolution to the Election Commission. Three states under Pakatan Harapan, namely Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, and three under Perikatan Nasional – Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan – did not dissolve their respective state assemblies by the time the 15th general election was held in November last year. However, leaders of the states agreed to do so within the last two weeks of this month to enable state elections to be held simultaneously in the six states. Penang has announced that its state assembly will be dissolved on June 28, while Negeri Sembilan is expected to do so on June 30. – Bernama Deforestation wake-up call oCountry lost 123,000ha of forest in last decade, while ongoing replanting of trees insufficient: Expert PSD scholar allowance hike lauded KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s decision to increase the cost of living allowance for Public Service Department (PSD) scholars has been lauded, with hopes that more educational financing agencies would follow suit. Malaysian Press Institute CEO Datuk Chamil Wariya said other agencies that could emulate the move were Mara and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation. “The RM100 increase may not be sufficient, but I believe the assistance would help reduce the financial burden of the students,” he said yesterday. PSD scholar Muhammad Azib Zikry Abdul Halim from Universiti Teknologi Mara said while he was happy with the increase, he felt the amount was insignificant considering the current economic situation, especially for students in urban areas. “It surely helps, but I’m not sure if it’s RM100 per month, which is equivalent to RM600 per semester of six months because for PSD scholars in the country, the allowance is paid only once per semester. “If it’s just RM100 for the whole semester, it’s not really (going to change anything),” he said. Siti Sarah Izhan Khalib from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said the additional RM100 per month would help in terms of daily meals and monthly expenses. Another UKM scholar, medical student S. Thiruthanigesh said the cost of living is high in the Klang Valley compared with those studying in institutions of higher education in other areas. “So, I think the increase is very good for UKM medical students (in Bangi).” The increase involves an estimated RM52.03 million for the next six months beginning July and will benefit 43,595 PSD scholars, locally and abroad. – Bernama River, dam projects vital for Penang GEORGE TOWN: Penang needs the support and assistance of the federal government to complete the Mengkuang Dam Expansion Project and implement the Perak River Raw Water Distribution Scheme. Penang Water Supply Corporation CEO K. Pathmanathan said this was because Penang would be at risk of experiencing a major water supply disruption should an incident occur involving Sungai Muda. “Such as the incident in May, which caused hardship for 453,954 consumers in Penang and that is why we emphasise how important the two projects are for the state. “If another Sungai Muda incident occurs, it will surely affect the water supply in Penang, including multinational manufacturing companies operating in the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone, Batu Kawan Industrial Park and Bukit Minyak Industrial Area,” he said in a statement yesterday. It was reported on May 14 that over 250,000 consumers at several districts in Kedah and Penang were affected following a sudden drop in water level caused by damage to a water control gate at Sungai Muda. – Bernama █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] Johor to have 115 Fama bazaars BATU PAHAT: The Johor Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is targeting a total of 115 Bazar Rakyat Agro Johor (BRAJ) to be implemented statewide. State Fama director Faidz Afizi Mohamad said the ongoing BRAJ, which started in February, will be held until April next year, with the cooperation of local community leaders. To date, 30 BRAJ sites have been successfully implemented, and the remaining 85 locations will be focused in rural areas, mainly featuring fresh produce as well as products from small and medium enterprises. “Among products sold at BRAJ are daily necessities such as vegetables, chicken, meat, fish and eggs, all at lower prices than regular wet markets. “The main purpose of BRAJ is to help ease the burden of the people, who are affected by the rising prices of goods,” Faidz Afizi said after inspecting the bazaar at the Rengit Fama Food Processing Centre, which was also attended by Rengit assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi. – Bernama TASTY BOUNTY ... Kelantan trader Muhd Juhari Ghazali showing honey maize sold at his stall in Kampung Bukit Tebu, Tanah Merah. – BERNAMAPIC

4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Kick back and chill out with theSun’s weekly Entertainmenat & Lifestyle pullout Every Friday ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 27, 2023 We dedicate this edition of BUZZ to the colours and scents of the season ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 13, 2023 >>> BUZZ explores the wide and wonderful world of moss, covering topics ranging from its many different species, to how to create your own terrarium ON FRIDAY | MARCH 3, 2023 In honour of World Wildlife Day, this issue of BUZZ celebrates the many animals that share this earth with us Treat for children at shelter home PETALING JAYA: Employees of UD Trucks Malaysia recently visited the children of Rumah KIDS in USJ, Subang Jaya to donate 10 laptops, clothing, toys and groceries, apart from bringing goodwill and cheer. The team spent half a day with 30 children and helped them set up the laptops and held educational and fun activities, including awareness about road safety, word puzzle games, a colouring competition and a game of musical chairs. The company’s managing director Steve Hedouin said: “This charity event themed ‘Sharing is Caring’ was organised to support the home and encourage the children towards education. “We want to raise a positive work culture through community services and share UD Trucks’ corporate purpose of creating a better life for people. “I am proud that this event was entirely decided and participated by the team, allowing us to help society not only as staff but also as individuals.” Hedouin said the company is Children at the home participating in a colouring activity during the event. oTruck company donates laptops for educational purposes and screened presentation to raise road safety awareness █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] especially delighted to donate the laptops to the children as it would encourage them to embrace computer literacy and education as a whole. “As a truck company, we also feel that it is our responsibility to include road safety awareness into the activities. So, through video presentations, we guided the children on the basics of safely crossing a road. “It was a gratifying event for us and we look forward to organising similar activities again in the future.” Established in 1991, Rumah KIDS is a home for abused, neglected and orphaned children who require care, guidance and support for a better future. Rumah KIDS has housed, fed and nurtured over 300 children ranging in age from as young as one to teenagers and young adults. Its senior manager in charge of fundraising, partnerships and public relations David Jansen Nathan said: “Rumah KIDS’s mission, apart from shielding the children from the abuse and neglect they once knew, is to enable them to finish their education and to realise their full potential. “Through education, the children can lead more productive lives in the community. We are grateful to UD Trucks for donating, and for organising all the activities. I could see how much the children enjoyed their visit.” He said every child at the home will be introduced to a new family where he or she develops friendships with the family members in a healthy and safe environment. There is also a healthy routine of study, chores, play and rest. David added that the home remains committed to helping any of its children who have completed secondary school and want to pursue tertiary education or a desired career path. “One of our children, Manisha, who came to live with us in 2006 at the age of four just graduated with a diploma in early childhood education. She is just one example of the successes we have had,” he said. Those who wish to visit or make any donations can contact David at 03-3385 1965.

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 Seremban railway station facade to be preserved SEREMBAN: The decision to redevelop the railway station in Seremban by retaining its facade is the best move in preserving its history and heritage, especially for the younger generation, said Malaysian History Association Negeri Sembilan Branch honourary secretary Datuk Sudin Kamari. He said this is because the station is one of the oldest in the country and represents a historical landmark that needs to be preserved. “We want development but at the same time, we will not touch the parts of the structure that have (historical) value as it was built in the 1880s for the transportation of tin at the time. “We want the community, especially young people, to remember the history of that development.” Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government plans to redevelop the station without affecting its facade as it is a heritage building. He added that the Railway Asset Corporation is renovating the station and its parking lot at a cost of RM8.3 million. The project is expected to be ready by January 2025. The station, which also offers commuter services to the Klang Valley, still maintains its simple original construction and is popular with tourists, especially those looking for heritage elements. The station’s railway track was first built by the administration of Sungai Ujong in 1887 and was vital for the transport of tin, coffee and agricultural produce at the time. Sudin also suggested the government redevelop the Port Dickson railway station, which is no longer in use, as a memorial site and a landmark for the district to attract tourists. “The station is now abandoned, although the existing tracks are still in good condition and the stores are still there. Instead of wasting the infrastructure, it would be better to redevelop it as a tourist attraction.” Seremban City Council Mayor Datuk Masri Razali welcomed the suggestion, which he said was sure to attract more tourists to the state. – Bernama Seven foreigners held over human trafficking case KUALA LUMPUR: Seven Pakistani men were arrested on suspicion of being involved in human trafficking at an apartment in Taman Pandan Perdana, Ampang, on Monday. Ampang Jaya district police chief ACP Mohd Azam Ismail said the seven, aged between 21 and 44, were arrested at 5.30pm by a team from the Ampang Jaya Criminal Investigation Division. He said police received a report from a male victim, a 23-year-old Pakistani national, who was beaten by four of his countrymen, believed to be agents, who brought him into Malaysia to find work. “The victim’s passport was also kept by the suspects and he was not allowed to leave the unit. “Police also rescued four other Pakistani men and seized 22 Pakistani passports, five suitcases and three mobile phones, as well as a broomstick that was used to beat the victims.” “Checks found that all suspects had no criminal records and all of them tested negative for drugs. “All the suspects were remanded for seven days until Monday, and the case is being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and AntiSmuggling of Migrants Act 2007.” – Bernama Madani economic thrust aimed at boosting investments PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation said the Madani economic roadmap will focus on investments leading to the creation of a high value, sustainable economy and labour market reform. Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the federation believes the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will steer the Madani economic roadmap to success. o Making Malaysia attractive to investors will address unemployment issues and prevent brain drain, says MEF president █ BYANDREW SAGAYAM [email protected] Two sisters killed in car crash KUANTAN: Two sisters were killed when the car they were travelling in was hit by a fuelladen tanker near the Felda Lepar Hilir traffic light junction on Jalan Kuantan-Segamat on Tuesday. Kuantan district police chief ACP Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said the victims were identified as Siti Mazurah Zulkifli, 30, and Siti Nur Alia Saffiyah, 18, from Felda Lepar Hilir Satu. “In the 11pm incident, the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle, which was heading to a petrol station in Gambang, and veered into the opposite lane before colliding with the oncoming car. “It was raining at the time of the incident, causing the car driven by Siti Nur Alia Saffiyah to slide underneath the tanker. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.” Wan Mohd Zahari said the 31-year-old tanker driver has been remanded to assist in the investigation, adding that the driver tested negative for drugs. He said the bodies of the victims were taken to the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for a post-mortem and the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. – Bernama Contractor freed of drug charges JOHOR BAHRU: The High Court here yesterday acquitted and discharged a furniture and renovation contractor of three counts of trafficking drugs five years ago. Judge Datuk Abu Bakar Katar made the ruling on Wong Shee Kay, 53, after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case. He said the prosecution failed to prove that Wong had control or power over the drugs found in in the bonnet of a car bearing the registration number JQJ 3692. “The prosecution had also failed to call up the owner of the car to close the loopholes relating to who had access to the car,” said Abu Bakar. He added that since possession of the drugs was not proven, the presumption of drug trafficking under Section 37 (da) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 cannot be activated and the accused was therefore discharged and acquitted of all charges without being called to enter his defence. – Bernama Six arrested over suspected involvement in online fraud activities KUALA LUMPUR: Two women were among six individuals, including a Chinese national, arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of being involved in online fraud in Kajang, Selangor. Kajang district police chief ACP Mohd Zaid Hassan said the four men and two women, aged between 25 and 38, were detained at a house. Police seized 19 mobile phones, four laptops, two internet routers and a set of house keys, Bernama reported. “This syndicate uses fake snowball finance accounts on Xueqiu (https://xueqiu.com), a popular social network website for investors in China, to find victims in that country and then offer online investments. “All the suspects were produced at the Kajang Sessions Court to apply for a remand order to facilitate further investigations.” FUN LEARNING … Bukit Sawa National High School students in Terengganu inspecting an unmanned aerial vehicle yesterday as part of a pilot programme to generate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics classes. – BERNAMAPIC However, he said businesses need more favourable financial packages to assist with their expansion plans. “Businesses also need more support to promote and assist with exporting our goods and services in the region and (beyond).” Syed Hussain said the country is looking forward to growing new investments in the high technology and digitalisation of business processes, mechanisation and automation of production and services. “We must attract investors and make Malaysia a hub for these services, at least in the Asian region for a start. Only with these businesses can we offer more career opportunities to our youth, who are technology savvy and well-versed in current systems. “This will also address unemployment and underemployment issues as well as (prevent) our talent from seeking career opportunities elsewhere. Bringing higher value to our younger generation should be our core target.” Syed Hussain said the retention of talent is crucial for the growth of any nation. “In the late 80s and 90s, such opportunities existed and many of us returned to contribute to the nation. We need to revive that spirit. “A task force should be formed to focus on bringing in high-end engineering services such as the maintenance and overhaul services to Malaysia. We should create a special zone with initiatives to have a hub for them here.” He said this in turn will support the growth of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He added that TVET must be established as an alternative pathway for graduates who prefer a skills-based career. “We need to provide jobs for them. Having great TVET institutions is not good enough. We must ensure that TVET graduates obtain good technical jobs and grow in their careers. “If these are not given the right focus, then it’s another paper chase where soon, graduates having TVET qualification would not be able to get the right jobs.” On Monday, Anwar said the Madani economic roadmap, to be announced in August, will leverage the green economy as a source of business growth and high quality jobs.

6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Two killed in shooting at Japan army training range TOKYO: A new military recruit shot and killed two fellow soldiers and wounded a third at a training range in central Japan yesterday, the military said, with the suspect detained at the scene. “During a live-bullet exercise as part of new personnel training, one Self-Defence Forces candidate fired at three personnel,” the Ground Self-Defence Force (GSDF) said in a statement, confirming two deaths. The shooter was an 18-year-old candidate who joined the military in April, GSDF chief of staff Yasunori Morishita told reporters, adding he was detained on the spot by other soldiers. “This kind of incident is absolutely unforgivable for an organisation tasked with handling weapons, and I take it very seriously,” Morishita said. He said the three victims had been tasked with training new recruits, including the attacker, at the range, without further elaborating on their relations. The suspect, whose identity is being withheld for now, has been charged with the attempted murder of a 25-year-old soldier, a local police spokesman said. The cadet “fired a rifle at the victim with the intent to kill”, the spokesman said. National broadcaster NHK reported the casualties were a man in his 50s and two other men in their 20s. – AFP B R I E F SEXPLOSIONS FROM FIREWORKS KILL THREE BEIJING: Three people were killed after a series of explosions caused by fireworks struck residential buildings in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, local officials said yesterday. The blasts, which occurred shortly after 8pm on Tuesday, are believed by authorities to have been ignited by a 46-year-old man who has since been arrested. Several others were injured and were still being treated by emergency responders yesterday, broadcaster CCTV said. The explosions rocked two residential apartment compounds roughly 1km apart in the eastern part of Tianjin, which is 110km southeast of Beijing. The arrested suspect, surnamed Ma, is under investigation but no initial findings have been made public. – AFP NEW ZEALAND, FIJI BOOST MILITARY TIES SUVA: New Zealand and Fiji yesterday signed twin defence deals aimed at boosting training, maritime cooperation and allowing troops to operate on the other’s territory. Against a backdrop of China’s efforts to gain influence across the Pacific, New Zealand and Fiji have been working to tighten long-standing defence ties. At a signing in Suva, New Zealand Defence Minister Andrew Little said it was “important for our militaries to work together more effectively, including during our frequent exercises”. The deals provide a legal framework for military deployments but also cover increased training of personnel, maritime security operations, as well as disaster and humanitarian response coordination. – AFP Top US, China diplomats hold telephone talks BEIJING: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken yesterday called for open lines of communication as he spoke with China’s foreign minister, ahead of planned face-to-face discussions in Beijing. Relations between the world’s two largest economies have tanked in recent years over Taiwan, trade and human rights, among a litany of other issues. Blinken is due in Beijing on Sunday for talks aimed at calming nerves, after a previous planned visit was abruptly cancelled in February. In his call with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, which took oBlinken urges open lines of communication with Beijing place yesterday Beijing time, Blinken said they “discussed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication as well as bilateral and global issues”. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also said Blinken had stressed “the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the US-PRC relationship to avoid miscalculation and conflict”. Blinken “made clear the US would continue to use diplomatic engagements to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation”, Miller said. ‘Pyongyang faked popular website to steal data’ SEOUL: North Korea created a fake version of Naver, South Korea’s largest internet portal, as part of a sophisticated phishing attack designed to harvest personal information, Seoul’s spy agency said yesterday. One of South Korea’s biggest tech companies, Naver’s myriad services – including Google-like maps, financial services similar to Apple Pay, and blogs and chat forums – are used daily by many Koreans. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) said Pyongyang had created a phishing site that replicated Naver’s main page, including its real-time news, trading and real estate sections. The site, naverportal.com, was designed to hack South Koreans’ Naver IDs and passwords, giving Pyongyang access to valuable personal data, NIS added. “As North Korea’s hacking attack methods against our people are becoming more sophisticated, we ask people to be extra vigilant,” NIS said in a statement. The agency said measures have been taken to block the phishing website from South Korean users. “Please cease accessing it immediately if you spot a page that’s not a standard Naver access domain URL.” North Korea has previously attempted to steal IDs and passwords by duplicating Naver’s log-in page but creating a fake portal was a new approach, the agency said. “The North has upgraded its attack scheme in order to better extort private information. “We are tracking the activities of the hacking group in cooperation with foreign agencies as the server is located overseas.” Naver warned users to continue to exercise caution. “We urge users to check if the address is the right one and pay extra attention when accessing Naver.” Experts said on close inspection, the fake Naver site appeared “clumsy” but was probably more than good enough to fool people who were not paying attention. “South Koreans are at a disadvantage because we are on the receiving end,” said former national security official Choi Gil-il. “We have to be constantly on guard to fend off cyber phishing.” – AFP A Beijing readout of the call struck a more confrontational tone, reporting that Qin had warned that relations between the two countries had faced “new difficulties and challenges” since the beginning of the year. “It’s clear who is responsible,” Qin said, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. “China has always viewed and managed China-US relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping.” Blinken’s planned visit to Beijing would be the first trip by a top US diplomat to China since his predecessor Mike Pompeo in October 2018. Presidents Joe Biden and Xi met in Bali in November and agreed to Chinese couple charged with murder of South Korean influencer PHNOM PENH: A Cambodian court has charged a Chinese couple with murder after a popular South Korean influencer’s body was dumped in a pit on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, a prosecutor said yesterday. The couple, who run a medical clinic, were arrested last week after the body of BJ Ahyeong was found, according to a Cambodian police report. Lai Wenshao, 30, and Cai Huijuan, 39, testified to police that they abandoned the woman’s body after she had seizures and died while receiving treatment at their clinic on June 4, the report said. Prosecutor Plang Sophal told AFP that Lai and Cai were charged on Tuesday with “murder accompanied by torture”. They face life imprisonment if convicted of the charge. BJ Ahyeong was an influencer for AfreecaTV, a South Korean video streaming service, with more than 250,000 followers on Instagram. According to South Korean media, her real name was Byun Ah-yeong and she was 33 years old. She posted on social media in March that she was giving up her influencer persona and was going to “live as a normal person for the time being”. On Tuesday, South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk said local authorities were investigating the “unfortunate incident”. “The ministry is providing necessary consular assistance to the bereaved family in a timely manner.” – AFP HARBINGER OF STORM ... High tides crashing into stalls at the seafront in the Indian city of Mumbai yesterday. More than 40,000 people have been evacuated across India and Pakistan as a cyclone approaches. – AFPPIC try to prevent tensions from soaring out of control, including by sending Blinken to Beijing. But Blinken abruptly cancelled a trip scheduled in early February after Washington said it detected – and later shot down – a Chinese surveillance balloon flying over the US mainland. The two sides have more recently looked again to keep tensions in check, including with an extensive, closed-door meeting between Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna last month. Biden has sought limited areas for cooperation with China, such as climate change, in contrast with the more adversarial position adopted by the administration of his predecessor Donald Trump. – AFP

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 Trump denies mishandling US secrets WASHINGTON: Donald Trump pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to dozens of criminal counts of mishandling some of the US government’s most sensitive secrets and scheming to prevent their return, in a historic first court appearance as a federal defendant. The former president – and the favourite to fight next year’s election for the Republicans – gave himself up to US marshals in Miami for a hearing that set up the unprecedented scenario of a White House race litigated from the oEx-president calls indictment ‘heinous abuse of power’ courtroom as well as at the ballot box. On the eve of his 77th birthday, Trump appeared before a magistrate judge to be formally presented with 37 counts under seven charges brought by a special counsel probe that opened after an FBI raid of his Florida mansion 10 months ago. But he dismissed his prosecution as politically motivated in a speech to supporters framing the indictment as an effort to interfere in the 2024 election. “Today we witnessed the most evil and heinous abuse of power in the history of our country. Very sad thing to watch,” Trump said after returning to his summer residence in New Jersey. The hearing – just weeks after Trump denied state-level financial fraud charges in a separate case in Manhattan – came with the former reality TV star’s mounting legal woes threatening to derail his bid to return to the Oval Office. The US government – which has never before prosecuted a former president – accuses Trump of violating the Espionage Act and other laws when he removed classified documents upon leaving office in 2021 and failed to give them up to the National Archives. Authorities said he conspired to thwart investigators and knowingly shared national security secrets with people who did not have the requisite clearance. After the hearing, Trump jetted from Miami back to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he blamed President Joe Biden for his prosecution. “A corrupt sitting president had his top political opponent arrested on fake and fabricated charges – of which he and numerous other presidents would be guilty – right in the middle of a presidential election, in which he’s losing very badly,” said Trump, speaking from the front of the clubhouse at a podium flanked by American flags. He was cheered by several hundred supporters, including 100 members of a conservative organisation of Vietnamese Americans who had donned matching red dresses and chanted: “We love Trump.” Trump enjoys strong backing from Republican voters, 81% of whom believe the charges against him are politically driven, according to a new Ipsos poll. The government has recovered more than 300 documents with classified markings from Trump since officials discovered his correspondence with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was missing, US media reported. The records were the work of top national security and law enforcement agencies such as the CIA and NSA, according to prosecutors, and some concerned the military and nuclear capabilities of the US and foreign countries, and “plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack”. The 49-page indictment, dismissed by Trump as “ridiculous”, includes photographs of boxes of records stacked at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach residence, in a ballroom and in a bathroom and shower. One image showed that by December 2021, some of the boxes that had been moved to a storage room fell, with their contents spilling across the floor. – AFP 103 dead in Nigeria river boat tragedy LAGOS: The death toll from an overloaded boat that capsized in a remote part of Nigeria’s north central region has risen to more than 100, police and officials said yesterday, in one of the worst such disasters in recent years. The wooden boat was ferrying people to Kwara state across a river from neighbouring Niger state after a wedding ceremony when it capsized on Monday night. Kwara state police spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi told Reuters yesterday that 103 people had been confirmed dead. “The names of survivors will be made public as soon as they are available.” It was not immediately clear how many people were in the boat, but some residents put the figure at more than 200. Alhaji Bologi, the emir of Patigi district which includes the villages from where the passengers had lived, said he had received information that 150 people had drowned while 53 had been rescued. Fearing abductions by armed gangs on the roads, many Nigerians use boats to travel. Overcrowding and poor maintenance are responsible for most boat accidents on Nigerian waterways. – Reuters B R I E F SUN: RECORD 110 MILLION FORCIBLY DISPLACED GENEVA: A record 110 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced from their homes, the United Nations said yesterday. Russia’s war in Ukraine, refugees fleeing Afghanistan and the fighting in Sudan have pushed the total number of refugees forced to seek shelter abroad, and those displaced within their own countries, to an unprecedented level, said UN refugee agency UNHCR. “We have 110 million people that have fled because of conflict, persecution, discrimination and violence, often mixed with other motives – in particular the impact of climate change,” UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi told a press conference. “It’s quite an indictment on the state of our world,” he said. – AFP RUSSIAN MISSILES RAIN DOWN ON UKRAINE CITIES KYIV: Deadly Russian missile strikes hit southern and eastern Ukraine yesterday as Ukrainian air defences fought back against Moscow’s intensified attacks. Russia fired four Kalibr missiles on southern port city Odesa from a ship in the Black Sea, Ukraine’s air force said, with air defences shooting down three of them. One of the missiles hit a food warehouse, killing three employees and wounding seven. In the eastern cities of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka, Russian missile strikes overnight killed three people and destroyed dozens of private houses, the head of Donetsk region’s military administration said. – AFP Lebanon MPs fail to elect president for 12th time BEIRUT: Lebanon slid deeper into crisis yesterday when Hezbollah and its allies thwarted a bid by their rivals to elect a top IMF official as president, sharpening sectarian tensions and underlining the dim hopes for reviving the crumbling state. Four years since Lebanon slid into a financial meltdown that marks its worst crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war, Parliament failed for a 12th time to elect someone to fill the post reserved for a Maronite Christian under the country’s a sectarian system. Lawmakers from the Iran-backed armed Shi’ite group Hezbollah and allies including the Shi’ite Amal Movement withdrew from the session to obstruct a bid by the main Christian parties to elect IMF official Jihad Azour. Azour, the IMF’s Middle East director and an ex-finance minister, won the support of 59 of Parliament’s 128 lawmakers in an initial vote, short of the two-thirds needed to win in the first round. Suleiman Frangieh, backed by Hezbollah and its allies, got 51 votes. Hezbollah and its allies then withdrew, denying the two-thirds quorum required for a second round of voting in which a candidate can win with the support of 65 lawmakers. It leaves Lebanon with no immediate prospect of filling the presidency, which has been vacant since the term of the Hezbollah-allied President Michel Aoun ended in October. Hezbollah, which said it is exercising its constitutional rights, is backing its close Christian ally Frangieh, a friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who strongly supports Hezbollah’s right to possess weapons. Hezbollah has unleashed fierce rhetoric in their campaign against Azour, describing him as a candidate of confrontation. Lebanon’s Shi’ite mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan said “a president with an American stamp will not be allowed”. Azour, 57, has said he wants to build national unity and implement reforms in a country mired in its deepest crisis since its civil war. Azour served as finance minister from 2005 to 2008, a period of political conflict pitting a government backed by the West and Saudi Arabia against opponents aligned with Damascus and led by Hezbollah. He also enjoyed the support of Lebanon’s main Druze faction, the Progressive Socialist Party led by the Jumblatt family, and some Sunni lawmakers. – Reuters Colombian troops search for missing rescue dog BOGOTA: Six-year-old tracker dog Wilson, who went missing during the ultimately successful, weeks-long search for four missing Indigenous children in the Colombian Amazon, is now the target of a rescue mission himself. Dozens of soldiers are scouring the jungle for the canine hero that disappeared on duty two weeks ago, with the military having vowed not to “abandon a fallen comrade” who may have found the children long before the rescue team arrived. As relief settled in following a happy ending to the 40-day odyssey of Lesly, Soleiny, Tien Noriel and Cristin, Colombians have been clamouring on social media for the safe return of Wilson as well. #Let’sGoForWilson, #OneIsMissing and #WilsonNationalHero are some of the tags doing the rounds. Colombians have also taken to placing posters in their windows to insist: “Missing Wilson”, while others are posting photos of their cats and other pets carrying signs pleading for the dog’s safe return. “The search is not over,” the army insisted in a statement issued after the children were located last Friday, adding more than 70 soldiers remain deployed in the dense jungle to find the Belgian Shepherd. They include Cristian David Lara, Wilson’s handler since he was a puppy in training. A colleague said Lara “does not want to leave until he finds his dog”. – AFP ON THIN AIR ... French inventor and entrepreneur Franky Zapata presenting his AirScooter at the Vivatech technology startups and innovation fair in Paris yesterday. – AFPPIC

8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 SPEAK UP /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Charting a course for SPM leavers THE SPM results were announced last week and the internet is buzzing with social media posts of happiness, excitement and relief. I remember my day of “reckoning” twenty years ago. I was expecting an average result that was not too disappointing or stellar. I was targetting five A’s but to my and much of everybody else’s surprise, I had 10. I was even named best student of the school that year. Imagine the horror on my principal’s face when this truant student received A’s in every subject. I even had an A for a subject I did not attend for a whole year, namely, information technology. Now, I am recognised as a Chartered IT Professional and a Chartered Engineer as well as a Chartered Manager. I did not know what I wanted to do back then, and I am still not too sure now. This is reflected in my working history – I started my professional career as a rocket scientist, doing research in hypersonic flight in the field of artificial intelligence and computational drug design. I would certainly have benefitted from prophetic advice from a well-experienced adult on what I should have studied back then. Thus, as I reflect, I pen my advice to the young SPM leavers, who are wondering what path they should pursue. I think the best way to prepare is by looking at the future. We need to look at what the future will hold in 10 or 20 years from now to decide how to plan. A secondary school graduate will embark on a long journey of at least 10 years before he is at a point that he can make an impact in his professional field. Let us look at the most pressing issues that will require significant investment in highly skilled manpower that will happen in a decade. Freshwater shortage: A thirst for innovation Freshwater scarcity is a critical challenge that demands urgent attention. According to the United Nations, by 2030, the global demand for freshwater is projected to exceed supply by 40%. To address this issue, graduates should equip themselves with knowledge and skills in water resource management, hydrology and environmental engineering. Pursuing civil engineering, environmental science or water resource management degrees will provide the foundation to develop and implement advanced filtration systems, desalination techniques and water management solutions. As leading water expert Peter Gleick aptly said: “The water crisis is largely a crisis of governance and management rather than of resource availability.” By embracing these fields, graduates can actively contribute to securing water access for communities around the globe and drive innovative solutions to tackle this urgent challenge. Natural resource depletion: A symphony of sustainability The depletion of natural resources poses a significant threat to our planet’s sustainability. The World Wildlife Fund reports that humans currently consume resources at a rate of 1.7 times faster than the Earth can regenerate. To address this, graduates who are passionate about sustainable practices should consider pursuing degrees in sustainable engineering, environmental science or green chemistry. These fields provide a solid grounding in resource efficiency, recycling and the development of renewable alternatives. For instance, sustainable engineering enables the design and implementation of technologies that reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable resources. According to the World Economic Forum, the shift towards a circular economy, where waste is minimised and resources are reused, has the potential to generate US$4.5 trillion (RM20.8 trillion) in economic benefits by 2030. By embracing the principles of sustainable design and green technologies, graduates can spearhead the transition towards a more sustainable future, nurturing a harmonious relationship between human progress and environmental preservation. Extreme weather conditions: Weathering the storm The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events present a formidable challenge that demands our attention. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that without significant action, the frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts and heatwaves will continue to rise. To address this, graduates can embark on paths, such as meteorology, climate science, urban planning or disaster management. Through degrees in atmospheric science, urban planning or environmental studies, graduates can gain the expertise required to forecast and mitigate the impact of extreme weather conditions. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, graduates can contribute to the development of early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and urban planning strategies that bolster societal resilience in the face of climatic disruptions. As the saying goes, “the best time to prepare for a storm is before it arrives”. By heeding this advice, graduates can become instrumental in safeguarding communities and shaping a resilient future. Food security: Cultivating a bountiful tomorrow The global food crisis, driven by population growth, climate change and dwindling resources, poses a profound challenge that necessitates innovative solutions. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, the global population will reach 9.7 billion, requiring a 70% increase in food production. Graduates passionate about addressing this challenge should consider degrees in agricultural science, agronomy, agricultural engineering or food science. These fields equip graduates with the knowledge to revolutionise food production through vertical farming, precision agriculture and the development of genetically modified crops. For example, vertical farming allows for the cultivation of crops in controlled environments, reducing water usage and land requirements while maximising yields. Precision agriculture, enabled by advanced technologies, such as remote sensing and data analytics, optimises the use of resources and minimises environmental impacts. By embracing technology and innovative farming practices, graduates can help ensure food security, sustainable farming practices and the preservation of natural resources for future generations. As Nobel laureate and father of the Green Revolution Norman Borlaug said: “You cannot build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery”. New pandemics: Safeguarding global health The recent Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the vulnerabilities of our global health systems. Graduates driven by a sense of purpose to protect global health and combat future pandemics should consider degrees in biomedical sciences, epidemiology, public health or data science. These fields offer the foundation to delve into biomedical research, public health policy and data analysis for disease prevention and control. Health science graduates can play crucial roles in early detection, rapid diagnostics, vaccine development and the formulation of effective public health strategies, safeguarding humanity against future pandemics. As renowned immunologist Dr Anthony Fauci once said: “If you think public health is expensive, wait until you see the cost of a pandemic.” By heeding this wisdom and pursuing careers in the realm of public health, graduates can actively contribute to building robust health infrastructures, implementing proactive measures and ensuring the well-being of global populations. Embracing technology’s potential: Preparing for the future In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, graduates should cultivate proficiency in artificial intelligence, data analytics, robotics and biotechnology. These transformative technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to address the challenges of the future. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and data analytics, graduates can unlock insights, make informed decisions and drive innovation across various fields. Robotics, with its ability to automate labourintensive tasks and enhance efficiency, can revolutionise industries and create new job opportunities. Biotechnology, at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, holds the potential to transform healthcare, agriculture and environmental conservation. By embracing these technological domains alongside their chosen fields, graduates can become trailblazers, leveraging technology to overcome challenges and unlock the full potential of the future. In conclusion, as high school graduates prepare to embark on their tertiary education journeys, they stand at the precipice of a future laden with challenges and untold possibilities. By aligning their pursuits with the demands of tomorrow, graduates can equip themselves to tackle pressing issues, such as freshwater shortage, natural resource depletion, extreme weather conditions, low food production and new pandemics. Through studies in fields like engineering, environmental science, meteorology, agriculture and public health, they can become the vanguard of change, paving the way for a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future. With technology as their ally, their contributions will shape the world we pass on to future generations. The writer is a Chartered IT Professional, a Chartered Engineer and a Chartered Manager. He is a Visiting Academic at the Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and the CEO of Herbalogi.ai, a startup using AI to create natural medicine. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Dr Azam Che Idris “As high school graduates prepare to embark on their tertiary education journeys, they stand at the precipice of a future laden with challenges and untold possibilities. By aligning their pursuits with the demands of tomorrow, graduates can equip themselves to tackle pressing issues.

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 Stay cyber-safe during the holidays AS temperatures soar and days get longer, it means the familiar season of summer vacations has arrived. Whether you are planning a beach getaway, an adventurous road trip or exploring a new city, summer holidays offer a well-deserved respite from the daily routine. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are also seizing this opportunity to engage in malicious activities, making preparations of their own while we plan for leisure. Malicious new summer vacation domain In May, 29,880 new domains related to holidays were created. This represents a 23% year-on-year increase, compared with the same period last year, when 24,367 new domains were created. Of those websites, one in every 83 was either malicious or suspicious. Be wary of who is approving your vacation Our researchers also observed several phishing campaigns. Notably, one of these campaigns involved a deceptive email, appearing to be sent by a Human Resources company director, on vacation approval submissions. The email was entirely fabricated. It provided false details regarding vacation schedules, weekends, office closures during public holidays and even terminated employees. Unsuspecting employees were urged to click on a malicious link, cleverly designed to mimic a legitimate login page. This tactic is aimed at deceitfully acquiring the victim’s credentials. How phishing works Phishing attacks operate by leveraging email, social media or other electronic communication channels to deceive their targets. To execute such attacks, phishers often exploit public resources, including social networks, to gather background information about their intended victims. These sources enable them to gather information, such as the potential target’s name, job title and email address, as well as interests and activities. Armed with this information, phishers can create deceptive messages that appear authentic and reliable. Typically, these fraudulent emails pose as legitimate contacts or reputable organisations, featuring malicious attachments or links leading to harmful websites. These websites appear to be owned by a trusted entity, such as banks, workplaces or universities, and aim to extract sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords or payment details from unsuspecting victims. While some phishing emails may be easy to spot due to signs of poor copywriting, and improper use of fonts, logos or layouts, many cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and are continually refining their tactics. They employ professional marketing techniques and leverage generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to enhance the authenticity and effectiveness of their deceptive messages. This increased sophistication poses a greater challenge for recipients to discern the legitimacy of such emails, as even the most cautious individuals can be duped by meticulously-crafted content. When compensation lures you to click In another case, we encountered phishing emails impersonating an airline company. This email was sent from a suspicious link, with the subject line, “flight delay compensation EUR 135”. The primary objective of this email is to lure the recipient into clicking on a malicious link, supposedly to process their compensation for a delayed flight with the airline. The email contained a fraudulent website, posing as a legitimate company, strategically designed to deceive and trick unsuspecting victims into providing their login credentials. At a time when everyone is eager to book their holiday, consumers need to exercise caution. To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer, consider the following tips: 0 Buy from an authentic and reliable source: Before making an online purchase, it is important to authenticate the website you are using. Avoid clicking on links provided in emails or text messages. Instead, directly search for the retailer using your web browser and navigate to its official website to make your purchase. By taking these additional steps, you can minimise the risk of falling for fraudulent links and confidently proceed with your transaction. 0 Be alert of similar domain names: Many scam websites will often use domain names that resemble legitimate brands they are trying to replicate but contain slight variations, extra letters or misspellings. To safeguard your banking information from falling into the wrong hands, carefully examine URLs for anything unusual or unfamiliar. By taking time to look for tell-tale signs of potential fraud, you can determine its legitimacy. 0 Exercise caution with enticing discount offers: Phishing scams frequently lure victims with attractive discounts on popular holiday packages. If you receive an offer that appears too good to pass up, resist the urge to rush into purchasing before it allegedly sells out. In most cases, such offers are likely to be scams. Instead, take the time to verify the authenticity of the seller. Compare the offer with similar discounts available on other reputable websites to gauge its legitimacy before proceeding with any transactions. 0 Look for secure padlock symbol: A quick way to determine if a website is secure is by checking if the URL begins with HTTPS. This indicates that the website complies with international security standards and is often accompanied by a padlock symbol. If these are missing, it is a strong indication that the website is fraudulent and should be avoided. 0 Use endpoint security: While we see an uplift in scam emails during the holiday season, phishing emails are used by cybercriminals throughout the year. It is essential for everyone to implement email security solutions that can intercept and prevent malicious emails from reaching their inboxes. By implementing reliable endpoint security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks and safeguard your personal information from cybercriminals. This article was contributed by Check Point Software, a leading cyber security solutions provider. Comments: [email protected] Empowering public housing communities IN the last 50 years, Malaysia has witnessed a rise in the number of people living in its cities from 25% in 1970 to 75% today. Currently, it is estimated that three million people reside in 4,500 low-cost housing settlements, with most of these communities living in public housing, such as the People’s Housing Programme. While public housing was initially meant to be temporary, most of its residents seem to be trapped in poverty. Rapid urbanisation has resulted in a decline in unity and a sense of community in society. Although we have managed to house the nation, building communities in these vertical spaces has lagged, and the spirit of living together has diminished. If this situation is not addressed, it will escalate and have dire outcomes. We need to rebuild these communities and restore a healthy sense of community spirit, empowering them to take ownership and responsibility to improve their standard of living. Think City has been involved in a variety of research and interventions for over a decade surrounding housing and residential communities in Malaysia. For example, “Kita-Untuk-Kita” (K2K) is a ground-up programme by Think City, co-developed with the World Bank, seeking to improve the lives of public housing communities in Malaysian cities. K2K is not new. In 2020, Think City embarked on this programme, albeit on a smaller scale, to help people weather the Covid-19 pandemic. From interaction and time spent with residents in public housing through K2K, key issues that plague the urban poor were identified – these include dilapidated housing conditions, economic and health challenges and declining living standards. However, in addressing these problems, it is vital that we lend support, rather than handouts, so that these communities are empowered to become their agents of transformation – as the name of the programme suggests – and not rely on someone else to do the job. Lasting change will only come if these communities are actively involved in finding solutions to their problems and challenges. Therefore, efforts carried out should be community-led, while external agencies assist by playing a supportive role. This is the essence of the K2K programme. People-based programmes, such as K2K, are very much aligned with the government’s Malaysia Madani concept that visualises a civilised and developed nation in terms of mentality, spirituality and infrastructure. We are keen to build future generations of Malaysians whose rights, regardless of race and religion, will be protected and whose social and economic well-being will be a priority. In efforts to replicate the best practices of the K2K programme, Think City has been entrusted by the government, under Budget 2023, to jointly develop an action plan aimed at improving the liveability of public housing. Building on that momentum, during the recent K2K launch on April 8, the prime minister allocated an additional RM35 million for more projects to be carried out in the Klang Valley. This injection of funding will enable the expansion of initiatives that will enhance the quality of life in public housing communities so that more than 50,000 residents living in public housing in cities will be able to benefit from these programmes. Economist and philosopher Amartya Sen once said: “Poverty is not just a lack of money, it is about not having the capabilities to realise one’s full potential as a human being.” With the K2K programme, Think City aims to redress the balance and move towards a more equitable and progressive Malaysia, one community at a time. The writer is the Managing Director of Think City, an impact organisation with the mission of making cities more people-friendly, resilient and liveable. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Hamdan Abdul Majeed A META-ANALYSIS (a study that grouped all the results from smaller studies from 1982 to 2022) study by the European Heart Journal on May 24 found that compared to meat eaters, people who followed a vegan or vegetarian diet had lower levels of certain fats in their blood that can block arteries and possibly lead to heart disease and stroke. Non-meat eaters showed “7% lower total cholesterol, 10% lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (or bad cholesterol) and 14% lower apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels”. ApoB is the main protein found in LDL cholesterol and can be used as another indicator of cardiovascular disease. There was no significant difference in triglycerides, another type of fat linked to heart attacks and strokes at high levels. “Vegetarian and vegan diets were associated with a 14% reduction in all artery-clogging lipoproteins as indicated by apolipoprotein B,” said senior author Ruth Frikke-Schmidt, MD, PhD, with the University of Copenhagen, in a press statement. “This corresponds to a third of the effect of taking cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins,” she added, “and would result in a 7% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease in someone who maintained a plant-based diet for five years”. She speculated that combining statins with plant-based diets would likely augment a greater synergistic effect. The significant aspect of the research was that it revealed the similarity “for people of different ages, body mass index and states of health, living in different continents”. “If people start eating vegetarian or vegan diets from an early age,” Frikke-Schmidt said, “the potential for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by blocked arteries is substantial”. Furthermore, vegetables contain appreciable amounts of certain nutrients that are important to reduce cognitive aging, called flavanols, which also have anti-cancer properties. However, not all plant-based diets are equal. Those that included refined carbohydrates, processed foods high in fat/salt, etc are not beneficial. A bonus benefit occurs if the populations of high-income countries shift to plant-based diets: a reduction of “net emissions of greenhouse gases by between 35% and 49%”. Frikke-Schmidt summed up: “Plantbased diets are key instruments for changing food production to more environmentally sustainable forms, while at the same time reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease” in an aging population. We should eat moderate amounts of varied, plant-rich diets and keep hydrated for healthy living. Dr A Soorian Seremban LETTERS [email protected] Remarkable benefits of vegan and vegetarian diets COMMENT Phishing scams frequently lure victims with attractive discounts on popular holiday packages. – REUTERSPIC

10 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 Malaysia among winners in Chinese investment shift PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has benefited from changes in Chinese international commercial real estate investment, according to a report released earlier this week by Asia’s largest property technology company, Juwai IQI. Meanwhile, the United States and to a lesser degree Australia have lost out on investment. “There have been two big changes over the past 12 months,” said Juwai IQI co-founder and group CEO Kashif Ansari (pic). “Chinese outbound commercial real estate investment has declined significantly, and investment has markedly shifted towards Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries – especially Indonesia and Thailand. Looking ahead, he added Southeast Asia should benefit from China’s recovery, even if that economic resurgence takes place more slowly than we expected earlier in the year. There will be strong growth in travel, tourism, agricultural goods and production offshoring. “Chinese investors consider Malaysian commercial property appealing because business ties with China are growing. Also, oInterest in commercial real estate pivots towards Southeast Asia: Juwai IQI report Malaysia’s strong economy provides opportunities in developable land, tourism facilities, industrial parks, data centres and industrial and logistics facilities,” he said, adding that it is also relatively easy for Chinese investors to obtain approval for investment in Malaysia compared to North America or Europe. Property is a top investment class for Chinese investors because the industry has common fundamentals that are easily understood across borders. Property also may provide stable long-term income uncorrelated with the Chinese economic cycle, Ansari said in a statement. In this era of higher interest rates, he added Chinese investors with access to ready capital are able to make compelling offers to vendors. Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are the top destinations for Chinese commercial property investors, he said. “Johor has a relatively developed economy and proximity to Singapore. Together with its neighbour, Johor is part of a transnational metropolitan area of about six million people. “We expect increasing investment in Johor as the rail link to Singapore approaches its 2026 completion.” Juwai IQI forecasts 50,000 additional residents could be living cross-border lifestyles by 2030, which would provide a significant uplift to demand for commercial real estate. “We see that Johor’s Singapore links are already the basis for much Chinese investment in the state, and this investment will increase. The rail link will lead to more spill over investment from Singapore and will attract additional more Singaporeans and Chinese seeking the higher returns, lifestyle and affordability that Johor offers,” Ansari said. The next most popular destinations for Chinese commercial property investors are Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia’s largest urban and business hub. Malaysia first became a top-five destination for Chinese commercial property investors in 2022. Achieving the third-ranked position like it has done this year is unprecedented. Looking forward, Ansari said they don’t believe global economic uncertainties will prevent Malaysia from achieving gross domestic product growth of 4.7% in 2023. China after Singapore is Malaysia’s second largest export market, with a total of RM16.7 billion in March 2023. That is about 13% of all exports. “Malaysia also imports more from China than any other market. China accounts for 20.5% of exports, worth RM21.2 billion in March. Malaysia will increasingly attract more investment. Its initiatives to reduce red tape and grow the economy will support this trend,” he added. Sime Darby Property’s The Prestige Collection 97% taken up during launch PETALING JAYA: The debut of Sime Darby Property Bhd’s The Prestige Collection was a resounding success, with 97% takeup during its launch. Located in the freehold industrial estate of Elmina Business Park in the City of Elmina, The Prestige Collection consists of seven units of park-side detached factories and 24 units of super-sized semi-detached factories. The ready-built factories feature a modern and practical trifunctional design with spacious warehouse, office, concierge, reception and gallery areas, providing businesses with the functionality required for day-to-day operations. The 120 ft x 200 ft semi-detached factories are offered in built-ups ranging from 13,800 sq ft to 14,800 sq ft, and priced from RM8,420,888. Additionally, these facilities allow for the easy combination of two adjoining units to create a larger central warehouse space. The 120 ft x 200 ft detached factories come with a built-up size of 12,000 sq ft with prices starting from RM8,539,888. These factories are designed with full-round block circulation, enhancing vehicle manoeuvrability for effective and seamless business operations. Sime Darby Property COO The Prestige Collection consists of seven units of park-side detached factories and 24 units of super-sized semidetached factories. township development Appollo Leong said: “We are extremely delighted that The Prestige Collection has been well received by industrialists, demonstrating once more that Sime Darby Property satisfies market demands and expectations.” “This also indicates that the business community continues to seek and invest in enhanced industrial efficiency. Through our offerings such as The Prestige Collection, we are also multiplying value for businesses, encouraging innovation and promoting trade,” he added. The largest freehold industrial business park in the Klang Valley, the 1,500-acre Elmina Business Park is among Sime Darby Property’s high-calibre industrial portfolio and is envisioned to be a game-changing and fast-growing hub that will set a new benchmark for the industrial business landscape. Elmina Business Park allows easy access for business operations via five major expressways namely the Guthrie Corridor Expressway, North-South Expressway, New Klang Valley Expressway, Kuala LumpurKuala Selangor Expressway and Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway. The Elmina Business Park also has two dedicated expressway interchanges to ensure smooth traffic flow. Mah Sing buys land in Johor, plans RM480m GDV project PETALING JAYA: Mah Sing Group Bhd has acquired prime freehold land of about 75.7 acres in Mukim Pulai, Johor Bahru, for RM76.1 million. This newly acquired land is to be named M Tiara and planned for landed residential homes with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM480 million. Based on preliminary plans and subject to authorities’ approval, M Tiara is envisioned to be a landed residential project comprising double-storey terrace and double-storey cluster homes with indicative built-up of 20/22 ft x70 ft and 32 ft x 70/75 ft respectively and with indicative starting price from RM624,800. M Tiara is strategically located between the well-established townships of Mutiara Rini and Lima Kedai. It is within a 5km drive from Stadium Sultan Ibrahim and is highly accessible via major highways and trunk roads. In view of its good connectivity, established catchment and ready amenities within the vicinity, M Tiara is set to meet demand from first-home buyers and upgraders from matured townships nearby. Registration of interest is targeted to start in the first half of 2024. This marks Mah Sing’s second land deal in 2023 following the purchase of an 8-acre plot in Puchong, Selangor, earlier this year, for the Transit Environment District development of M Terra and M Hana with an estimated GDV of RM726 million. Mah Sing said it will continue to scout for more strategic land in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, backed by a healthy balance sheet with cash and bank balances and investment in short-term funds of about RM706.9 million as reported in the group’s first-quarter 2023 results. The group has established a solid brand presence in the southern region following the success of notable townships that include Sri Pulai Perdana, Sri Pulai Perdana 2, Austin Perdana, Sierra Perdana and Meridin East. Other developments include the Meridin@Medini mixed development and Mah Sing i-Parc industrial development. The latest acquisition will solidify the group’s footprint in Johor and strengthen its competitive positioning in the affordable segment after the acquisition of the 6.938-acre M Minori in Taman Seri Austin, Johor Bahru, in 2022. The group will leverage its track record, established brand and in-depth knowledge of the market demand to create a desirable development. “M Tiara is ideally located in a matured location and easily accessible to educational institutions, shopping outlets, recreational facilities, and other amenities. We believe that first-time home buyers or those looking to upgrade from nearby areas while remaining close to a familiar location will find M Tiara appealing,” said Mah Sing’s founder and group managing director, Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum. Rehda hopes i-Miliki initiative will be extended KUALA LUMPUR: The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) Malaysia hopes that the government will extend the i-Miliki deadline, as many Malaysians may not be aware of the initiative, which will end in only a little more than six months’ time. The initiative, which is part of the government’s Home Ownership Programme 2022/2023, began on June 1, 2022. It ends on Dec 31, 2023. In a statement, Rehda president Datuk NK Tong said i-Miliki is a much-welcomed initiative to assist Malaysians to own houses. “Consistent with the previously announced Budget 2023, this is another form of targeted subsidy to help the deserving. “Combined with the memorandum of transfer (MoT) exemption for transfer of houses by way of love and affection between parents and child as well as grandparents and grandchild which was gazetted on the same day, we believe it will assist the government to meet its homeownership agenda,” said Tong. Under i-Miliki, purchasers of homes priced RM500,000 and below will be fully exempted from paying stamp duties on the MoT and loan agreement, while purchasers of residential units priced above RM500,000 up to RM1 million will receive a 75% remittance on the two stamp duties. Rehda opined that such measures to help homeownership should be open to all Malaysians, and not be limited to first-time buyers only. “There are many homeowners who are looking to upgrade and (there are) those who have lost their ‘first-time homeowner’ card after inheriting a property who are unable to enjoy the i-Miliki exemptions. “The incentives will go a long way in assisting this group of buyers,” Tong said. – Bernama

KLCI 1,385.42 4.81 STI 3,218.14 28.74 HANG SENG 19,408.42 SCI 3,228.99 483.77 NIKKEI 33,502.42 18.87 TSEC 17,238.14 21.54 KOSPI 2,619.08 S&P/ASX200 7,161.70 22.80 THURSDAY JUNE 15, 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 June 14, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) SCIB 177,088,300 38.5 +1.5 XOX 119,665,000 1.5 UNCH0 MYEG 75,569,700 86.0 +2.0 CLASSITA 57,139,200 10.5 UNCH HSI-CLZ 56,627,000 13.0 -1.5 EXCHANGERATES JUNE 14, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.6860 4.5490 4.5480 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.1920 3.0630 3.0550 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4900 3.3880 3.3800 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.5170 3.4220 3.3990 1 EURO 5.0660 4.9000 4.8710 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8980 2.7910 2.7610 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4900 3.3880 3.3800 1 STERLING POUND 5.9220 5.7370 5.6940 1 SWISS FRANC 5.1640 5.0420 5.0320 100 UAE DIRHAM 129.1400 122.3900 122.2700 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.4030 4.1240 3.9290 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.5000 63.0000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 60.4900 57.4500 57.2900 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.8000 5.4400 5.2300 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0326 0.0295 0.0245 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3540 3.2480 3.2470 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 16.3000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6600 1.5600 1.3500 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.5200 8.0300 7.7900 100 QATAR RIYAL 129.9700 123.3800 123.2800 100 SAUDI RIYAL 126.3700 119.9700 119.8300 100 THAI BAHT 14.1300 12.5200 12.1400 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY June 14, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,244.20 +47.25 FBMKLCI 1,385.42 +4.81 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 553.86 +2.75 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 160.07 +1.32 CONSTRUCTION 161.84 +1.42 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,184.10 -15.25 ENERGY 787.43 +6.77 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 599.96 +5.68 HEALTH CARE 1,800.49 +2.88 TRANSPORTATION 915.70 -1.25 PROPERTY 689.85 -3.01 PLANTATION 6,707.11 -11.13 FBMSHA 10,617.20 +79.66 FBMACE 5,199.00 +52.47 TECHNOLOGY 63.49 +0.81 TURNOVER VALUE 2.860 BIL RM1.754 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS June 14, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM APB 6,514,000 2.92 +0.67 F&N 365,000 25.50 +0.46 PETDAG 73,500 21.96 +0.36 GEELY-C17 100 0.30 +0.295 SAM 690,900 4.94 +0.29 5 TOP LOSERS June 14, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM PMBTECH-LA 3,500 18.50 -7.00 KLK 908,500 21.60 -0.30 ALLIANZ 24,700 14.16 -0.22 BKAWAN 100 20.62 -0.20 HLBANK 798,100 18.76 -0.14 IILM reissues US$1.2b short-term sukuk KUALA LUMPUR: The International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) has reissued a total of US$1.2 billion (RM5.5 billion) short-term sukuk with tenors of one month, three months and twelve months. The three series were competitively priced at 5.35% for US$470 million (onemonth tenor); 5.6% for US$460 million (three-month tenor) and 5.65% for US$270 million (12-month tenor). According to IILM, the sukuk re-issuance garnered a strong demand from both primary dealers and investors with a combined orderbook of US$1.7 billion, representing an average bid-to-cover ratio of 147%. “Given the size of this issuance, we are pleased with the successful conclusion of the IILM’s sixth auction for the year. We are particularly pleased with the issuance of the 12-month tenor, as it marks the third time the longer tenor has been issued since its inaugural issuance in July last year,” CEO Dr Umar Oseni said in a statement yesterday. He said despite the challenging global market conditions on the back of the US’ debt ceiling issues, the auction saw a healthy coverage ratio across all tenors, signifying a sustained demand for the IILM’s Islamic liquidity management instruments by investors seeking highquality shariah-compliant papers. The issuance forms part of the IILM’s “A1” (S&P) and “F1” (Fitch Ratings)-rated US$4 billion short-term sukuk issuance programme. Year-to-date, the IILM has achieved cumulative issuances totalling US$5.55 billion through 18 sukuk series. “The IILM is a regular issuer of shortterm sukuk across varying tenors and amounts to cater to the liquidity needs of institutions offering Islamic financial services, and the total amount of IILM sukuk outstanding is now US$3.51 billion. “The IILM will continue to reissue its short-term liquidity instruments monthly as scheduled in its issuance calendar,” it added. – Bernama MyEG, UM to include AI in G2G scheme with China PETALING JAYA: MY E.G. Services Bhd (MyEG), the developer of the public Layer-1 blockchain platform Zetrix, and Universiti Malaya (UM) yesterday announced the expansion of their research collaboration with China Academy of Information and Communications Technology to include the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology under the existing intergovernmental research collaboration. This expansion is a follow-on to a collaborative project initiated in February 2023 entitled “Research on Key Issues of China-Malaysia Transborder Blockchain Infrastructure and Pilot Applications”, which was selected as part of the intergovernmental collaboration between Malaysia and China in the field of science, technology and innovation. The Chinese government had announced the government-to-government (G2G) programme, a collaboration between the Chinese government and overseas governments. Initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Malaysia is one of 14 countries participating in the programme. With the expansion, the research initiative will extend its scope to focus on leveraging AI to further streamline and optimise the cross-border trade processes, With the partnership expansion, the research initiative will extend its scope to focus on leveraging AI to further streamline and optimise the cross-border trade processes. – MYEG PIX oCompany and university expand collaboration with Chinese academy under govt-govt programme MPOC: Palm oil industry can lead in sustainable agriculture KUALA LUMPUR: The palm oil industry has the potential to lead in sustainable agricultural practices, said Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) chairman Datuk Carl Bek-Nielsen. He said that oil palm is the preferred choice for producing more output with less land used compared to other edible oils, and if palm oil were to be substituted with an alternative, a larger amount of land would be needed to meet the same level of production or supply. “It would require seven to 10 times more land; as much as 240 million ha,” he said. Speaking at the 10th International Planters Conference 2023, Bek-Nielsen highlighted that Malaysia’s deforestation rate due to oil palm planting activities has also declined. “In fact, the mature oil palm area in Malaysia has fallen by 0.2 million ha over the last three years. “Comparatively, the deforestation rate in Brazil due to soybean plantings has increased by 6 million ha in the last three years,” he said. Bek-Nielsen added that companies in the oil palm industry are also signing up for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certification, committing to principles such as no deforestation, no new peat development and no exploitation. He also emphasised the need to help smallholders improve their operations to enhance sustainability, noting that smallholders account for 40% of Malaysia’s crude palm oil production. – Bernama 113.00 4.68 with the ultimate goal of reducing inefficiencies and improving the overall ease and speed of cross-border transactions. MyEG managing director TS Wong said, “AI and Web 3 are the two key complementary technologies that will disrupt the whole spectrum of digital services. Web3 provides the architecture that supports the deployment of AI functionalities on authenticated digital assets.” He added their partnership with UM and CAICT continues to be instrumental in their journey towards leveraging 4th Industrial Revolution technologies to transform cross border trade and settlement. The lead researcher at UM, Dr Saaidal Razalli Azzuhri, also highlighted the potential benefits of the expanded research initiative. “The incorporation of AI into our ongoing research work opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. We expect that the synergistic combination of AI and blockchain technology will lead to breakthroughs that greatly enhance the efficiency and security of cross-border trade,” said Azzuhri. The addition of AI to the scope of this tripartite collaboration is timely and comes even as Zetrix continues to lead the way in the deployment of services that are at the intersection of blockchain and AI. Last month, Zetrix successfully deployed its Digital Identity Service, a W3C-compliant pioneering decentralised identity service that enables online engagements with real humans to be verified and distinguished from those with AI agents. Participation 44.4 27.5 28.1 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 797.4 485.6 471.1 1754.1 Sold RM m 758.1 480.4 515.6 1754.1 Net RM m 39.3 5.2 -44.5 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad SECUR ITIES S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 14/06/2023

12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Austrian ambassador hopes to deepen his country’s ties with Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: As the Austrian Embassy celebrates its 50th anniversary of establishment in Malaysia this year, Ambassador Andreas Launer hopes that the friendship between both countries can be further elevated during his term here. The diplomat, who is also the Head of Austrian Mission to Brunei since 2021, noted that MalaysiaAustria relations have developed well since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1962 notably on the economic front. He said both countries have also worked together multilaterally, for instance, in the area of international security politics. “I think that there is a lot of opportunity to grow and expand together, also in the region of Southeast Asia with the help of Malaysian know-how,” he told Bernama when met at the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for CounterTerrorism (SEARCCT) International Conference (S.I.C. 2023) on Tuesday. Launer said Austria welcomes new investments from Malaysian companies particularly in the innovative sectors such as green technology and renewable energy. Noting that both countries have built technological partnerships in those sectors, however, he said there are very few Malaysian investments in the country. “Just a couple of months back, I’ve invited the CEO of the Vienna business agency to come here to talk to Malaysian business circles about the opportunities to develop business and to invest in Austria,” he said. On the S.I.C 2023, Launer stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in combating violent extremism in the digital realm as it continues to be a serious threat around the world. “For my government, this is of course, an important political priority. In Austria and all over the European Union we tried to fight together through cooperation, to fight all forms of extremism and to keep dangers away from our democracies,” he said. Themed “Building Digital Resilience in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism,” the three-day conference that started Tuesday, was held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of SEARCCT. It was aimed at discussing the challenges and issues related to violent extremism, particularly in the digital space, as well as ways to better respond to these challenges in the context of building society’s digital resilience through exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices. Sarawak moves closer to developing own talent in chip design KUCHING: Sarawak is moving closer to achieving its aspiration to develop its own human capital and talents in the field of semiconductors and microchip design following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two local training centres and three foreign companies yesterday. The MoU involved a state-owned entity Sarawak Microelectronics Design Semiconductor on behalf of the Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Ministry, while the training centres comprised Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) and Sarawak Skills. This collaboration also involved Melexis of Belgium, X-Fab from Germany and Cadence from the US. The MoU was inked by SMDS CEO Shariman Jamil, CENTEXS CEO Mohd Hussein Wan Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Skills executive director Hallman Sabri, Melexis vice-president (Global Development) Nicolas Simonne, X-FAB Sarawak CEO Lee Boon Chun, and Cadence country manager and sales director Seow Choon Han. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who spoke before witnessing the MoU exchange ceremony said the MoU would create a network for training Sarawakians on high technology while enabling them to master and manage new things in the transition towards a new economy. “I hope this will be (a new) milestone to develop our talents in order for them to participate in the hi-tech industry, particularly in microchips development, from design right up to the end part of the chip (production). “It is a significant development as it aligns with our PCDS (Post Covid-19 Development Strategy) 2030 which is talent development and innovation through data,” he added. State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn and his two deputies Datuk Dr Annuar Rapiee and Datuk Francis Harden Hollis were also present at the ceremony. – Bernama Tomypak to acquire 70% of EB Packaging KUALA LUMPUR: Tomypak Holdings Bhd (Tomypak) through its wholly owned subsidiary Tomypak Flexible Packaging Sdn Bhd (TFP) has proposed to acquire 70% equity interest in EB Packaging Sdn Bhd (EB) for RM73.5 million. This comprises the proposed acquisition of 29.29% equity interest in EB from Siow Chew Kiong, Teo Kee Lin, Hoo Jik Heng and Teo Peng Hong (collectively, promoters) for RM30.75 million, as well as the acquisition of 40.71% equity interest from RMCP Plastics Holdings Sdn Bhd for RM42.74 million. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the company said it had also proposed a call and put option agreement with the promoters for the acquisition of the remaining 30% equity interest in EB for RM31.5 million. The purchase would be funded using the proceeds from the insurance compensation payment for the fire incident at TFP’s main manufacturing plant in Senai, Johor on Dec 19, 2021, and/or bank borrowings, if required. “The proposed acquisition will allow Tomypak and EB to tap into each other’s customer base,” it said. – Bernama Huawei Malaysia appoints Simon Sun as new CEO PETALING JAYA: Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd has announced the appointment of Simon Sun as its new CEO, effective immediately. His responsibilities will include setting the company’s organisational strategy and goals, maintaining customer-centricity at all levels of communication with stakeholders and ensuring the company embodies its core values in all it does. Sun said that the company is committed in walking alongside Malaysia in its digital transformation journey and pledged to work with the government, customers and partners along the entire value chain to grow the information and communication technology industry. It also aims to drive the development of the digital economy. “Together, we will be able to help every industry thrive in an intelligent world, where they are able to deliver intelligent experiences, generate value more quickly and achieve sustainable growth,” he said in a statement. From 2020, he was a part of Huawei Korea prior to joining Huawei Malaysia. T20 subsidy cut will free up funds for future investments KUALA LUMPUR: The move to reduce government subsidies to the rich or high income (T20) group will ensure that the country has sufficient funds for future investments, said economic analyst Assoc Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff. Ahmed Razman of Universiti Putra Malaysia Putra Business School said the funds could also be used to increase allocations for investments in school, hospital and road infrastructure, in addition to making internet more accessible in rural areas. He said these developments must be implemented to attract foreign investors and international companies to invest in the country, which would further enable Malaysia to achieve its goal of becoming a developed country. “If the cut in subsidy is implemented, a lot of savings can be made. For example, for subsidies on electricity, the government may be able to save about RM4 billion while for petrol subsidies (RM15 billion). “The amount of savings could be channeled towards allocations for the purpose of developing educational infrastructure, improving skills or expanding internet access to all,” he told Bernama, adding that he doubts that the funds would be used for Rahmah cash handouts. He was commenting on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement on Monday that it was unjustifiable for the government to continue giving electricity subsidies and haj financial assistance to the T20 group, because at least 40% of the subsidies which the government channeled to the poor were also enjoyed by the group. Elaborating, Ahmed Razman said the removal of subsidies for the T20 group is also as a measure to ensure that the rich would not The cut in subsidies for the T20 group is the most effective way to reduce the government’s financial burden as this would enable growth targets to be achieved. - AFPPIX oAmount of savings could be use for development of educational infrastructure, improving skills or expanding internet access to all, says economic analyst continue to get richer especially when the individual income tax imposed on them is only 30%, lower than the rate in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Meanwhile, economic analyst at University of Kuala Lumpur Business School, Assoc Prof Dr Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid said the cut in subsidies for the T20 group is the most effective way to reduce the government’s financial burden as this would enable growth targets to be achieved. He said the current practice of giving untargeted subsidies was not helping the people, especially the low-income group, because the subsidies are also enjoyed by the rich who have a higher purchasing power in the consumer segment. “In 2022, the allocation for subsidies expenditure was almost RM80 billion, exceeding development expenditure, with the largest component for fuel subsidies. “This had definitely put a burden on the government’s budget, so it is hoped that the subsidies would be managed better when the Central Database Hub is implemented in January because through it, targeted subsidies and aid can be distributed more effectively,” he added.

13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 Boost for Malaysia-Singapore trade and investment ties PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry (Miti) and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) have established the Annual Ministerial Dialogue (AMD), a regular platform, to boost trade and investments between the two countries, as well as strengthen ties between officials from both ministries. Investment Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister, Gan Kim Yong, co-chaired the inaugural AMD in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. During the dialogue, the ministers reviewed the progress of Tengku Zafrul (right) and Gan at the inaugural AMD. oRespective ministries hold inaugural Annual Ministerial Dialogue the two frameworks on Cooperation in the Digital Economy and Green Economy, signed between the two governments during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Singapore earlier this year. On the progress of the frameworks, the ministers jointly announced a new task force to explore the promotion of crossborder business trade, leveraging Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation’s (Matrade) Digital Trade Platform and Singapore’s Business sans Borders initiative. “The task force will involve Miti and Matrade, together with MTI, Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS),” according to a Miti statement. Both ministers welcomed the collaborative effort between Matrade and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) in the Capacity Development Programme for Exporters, aimed at supporting exporters’ sustainability transition. As part of the programme, there will be a series of engagements between Singaporean and Malaysian enterprises to share experiences and solutions in sustainability. The first session will focus on sustainability reporting frameworks and green financing, scheduled to be launched next month. “Both ministers reaffirmed the importance of advancing cooperation in multilateral and plurilateral fora, and keeping trade and supply chains open, amidst volatility in the global economic environment,” it said. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and agreed to continue collaborating closely to deepen Malaysia and Singapore’s bilateral economic relationship, for the mutual benefit of both countries’ economies, businesses and citizens. Meanwhile, both countries have held dialogues between policymakers on digital trade and the green economy to increase understanding and explore opportunities for collaboration. On digital trade, both ministries acknowledged that good regulatory and governance frameworks play a significant role in facilitating business opportunities presented by digitalisation, as both countries embrace the next generation of international trade arrangements and rules. Miti and MTI will also continue discussions on potential collaborations in the carbon credits industry, and standards for renewable energy technology. Bank Pembangunan launches expo in conjunction with 50th anniversary PETALING JAYA: Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd (BPMB) launched its 50th anniversary gallery walk exhibition yesterday at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, where it showcases the bank’s evolution and its contribution to Malaysia’s economic growth over the past five decades. “We continue to ensure national development is carried out in a balanced way, with emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity,” said group CEO Roni Abdulwahab Officiating at the event, BPMB interim chairperson and Ministry of Finance deputy secretary-general (management) Datin Rashidah Mohd Sies said the bank has evolved with the demands of Malaysia’s growing nation, where it has served Malaysians and prioritised key economic growth. Over the past 50 years, the bank has played a vital role in supporting some of Malaysia’s most significant infrastructure projects, including Petronas Twin Towers, Express Rail Link, Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel and highways such as Sprint, Elite and Dash. Its year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations will include a week of learning and fellowship, culminating in a conference of thinkers to help chart the bank’s path for the next 50 years and beyond. The exhibition will be open for viewing to the public until November 2023. Hong Leong Investment Bank positive on Pharmaniaga’s private placement exercise KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) is positive on Pharmaniaga Bhd’s private placement exercise, describing the move as “more viable” than raising funds via borrowings. Pharmaniaga has proposed to undertake a private placement of up to 131.02 million new ordinary shares representing 10% of its total issued shares to third-party investors to be identified later and at an issue price to be determined. HLIB said the move is viable “given the high-interest costs on borrowings are likely to weigh down on its profitability” although the placement will have a dilutive effect for its existing shareholders. “The interest savings can also help to preserve future cash flow to meet its operational needs. “With the capital infusion, we expect Pharmaniaga’s shareholders’ equity position to improve slightly to minus RM98.2 million but it will still be in negative territory,” it said in a research note yesterday. However, HLIB still maintains a ‘sell’ call on Pharmaniaga as “the exercise alone is not sufficient to uplift its PN17 status since Pharmaniaga’s shareholders’ equity position will still remain at negative territory post-exercise.” The target price is unchanged at RM0.30. While the issue price will be determined at a later date, based on an indicative share price of RM0.34 per share, Pharmaniaga targets to raise RM44.5 million from the exercise – the bulk of the proceeds (RM44.2 million) will be earmarked for working capital purposes, while the remaining RM336,000 will be used for expenses in relation to the exercise. The placement is targeted to complete by the third quarter of 2023 (3Q 2023). Pharmaniaga slipped into PN17 (Practice Note 17) status after making a provision of RM552.3 million for its slowmoving Covid-19 vaccine stock, resulting in negative shareholders’ equity. Meanwhile, Kenanga Research is neutral on the latest corporate move by Pharmaniaga as it is “just a stop-gap measure while finding a holistic solution to lift it out of the PN17 status.” However, Kenanga said it is confident of the pharmaceutical company’s prospects amid its strategic plan to exit the PN17 classification. “We project pedestrian earnings growth in the financial year of 2023 at a level similar to pre-Covid, averaging RM40 million to RM60 million driven by regular orders for medical supplies from the Ministry of Health’s concession. “Similarly, we keep our target price of RM0.33 and reiterate the ‘underperform’ call,” it said. Bernama Maybank Islamic introduces will-writing service EzyWasiat PETALING JAYA: Maybank Islamic Bhd yesterday launched a will-writing service for the Muslim community in Malaysia, called EzyWasiat. The new digital service allows customers to plan and prepare their “wasiat” (will) in an efficient manner and within syariah and faraid (Islamic inheritance) principles. The EzyWasiat platform is based on a unique assisted model where customers will be directly assisted by Maybank Islamic’s wealth management advisers or relationship managers who will utilise the built-in faraid algorithm to simplify the wasiatwriting process. Customers must have their proper documents ready, and from as low as RM600, their wasiat writing can be completed within just 30 minutes. Maybank Islamic said EzyWasiat provides peace of mind when it comes to estate planning and ensures the estate is administered accordingly upon one’s demise. It is targeted at but not limited to Muslims who have long harboured intentions to prepare a wasiat but have been held back due to the perceived complexities, the cost involved and lack of convenience. Estate and legacy planning is important to an individual and the person’s beneficiaries. It has been widely reported in the media that Muslim properties or assets worth more than RM70 billion are pending distribution. To create convenience for customers, Maybank Islamic has collaborated with fintech platform provider CreateWills Sdn Bhd, combined with the advisory support of Maybank Islamic’s customer relationship personnel. Pay with Touch ‘n Go eWallet on Taobao App PETALING JAYA: As part of ongoing efforts to drive greater convenience and encourage cashless payments, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd announced that their users now have the option of using Touch ‘n Go eWallet on the Taobao App as a mode of payment for their shopping cart. This is enabled through Alipay+, the global cross-border digital payments and marketing solution operated by Ant Group. TNG Digital CEO Alan Ni said, “We see this as an added convenience for our users who shop for their favourite items on the Taobao App. They can rest assured that all transactions are done within a secured environment, and we encourage users to choose Touch ‘n Go eWallet for their mode of payment during checkouts.” In conjunction with the launch and the Taobao 6.18 Mid-Year Sale, there will be promotional offers for users from June 15 to June 20, 2023 when they pay for their Taobao purchases with Touch ‘n Go eWallet. The campaign will start at 8pm on June 15 and will be refreshed daily at the same time within the campaign period. Under Campaign A, users can get a RM15 discount with a minimum purchase of RM250 on the total net purchase in a single transaction, excluding shipping/courier charges while under Campaign B, they can get a 1.5% service fee waiver (capped at RM3) on the total net purchase in a single transaction, excluding shipping/courier charges. Campaign C is where the new Taobao users can get ¥25 with a minimum spend of ¥50. Existing Taobao users can get ¥35 worth of promo code with a minimum spend of ¥350 (RM11.55).

14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Toyota shareholders vote down climate resolution TOYOTA CITY: Toyota shareholders backed the board and voted down the first resolution proposed in 18 years at an annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday, an endorsement of the automaker a day after it laid out an extensive electric vehicle (EV) strategy. The resolution from three European asset managers called for greater disclosure on climate lobbying activity, but was widely expected to fail given the strength of support for management. Investors also backed all 10 board members in a vote given weight by major US pension funds arguing the re-election of chairman Akio Toyoda could blunt board independence. Toyota has said its board meets Tokyo Stock Exchange governance standards. A voting breakdown will be issued today, Toyota said. The meeting came a day after the world’s biggest automaker by sales volume announced a roadmap for EVs involving solid-state batteries and radical production changes, in the strongest signal of its intention to grow its battery EV market share and boost its share price. “Japanese people like Toyota and I think they support Akio,” said 61-year-old Tadashi Imai, an individual shareholder who said he has held stock in the company for around a decade. “Toyota’s announcement yesterday about the solid-state batteries roll-out by 2027 sent the shares up 5%. That’s really impressive, 5%.” Solid-state batteries can hold more energy than current liquid electrolyte batteries, thereby promising longer driving ranges – addressing a consumer concern widely considered a potential roadblock in the broader transition to battery EVs. Toyota shares rose 6.3% to 2,310 yen, logging their best two-day performance in a little over three years. Toyota had become a target for activists and green investors who considered it slow to roll out EVs. Still, EVs are just one element in Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality that includes petrol-electric hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells. – Reuters Shell to boost dividend and share buybacks LONDON: Shell will ramp up its dividend and share buybacks while keeping oil output steady into 2030, it said yesterday, as CEO Wael Sawan moved to regain investor confidence that wavered over its energy transition plan. In a new financial framework announced ahead of an investor conference in New York yesterday, Shell said it will increase overall shareholder distribution to 30% to 40% of cash flow from operations from 20% to 30% previously. That includes a 15% dividend boost and an increase in the rate of its share buyback programme from the second quarter to US$5 billion (RM23 billion) from US$4 billion in recent quarters. The financial framework is the linchpin of Sawan’s effort to boost Shell’s share performance relative to its US peers after many investors shunned the British company even after it posted a record US$40 billion profit last year. The group has faced concerns that it was shifting away from oil and gas at a time of booming energy prices while returns from its growing renewables and low-carbon businesses remained poor. “Performance, discipline, and simplification will be our guiding principles,” Sawan, who took office in January, said in a statement. “We will invest in the models that work – those with the highest returns that play to our strengths.” The dividend increase, to around 33 cents per share, is the sixth since Shell slashed its then 47-cent dividend by nearly two-thirds in April 2020, the first cut since the Second World War, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The higher payout ratio will make keep Shell “competitive with peers”, RBC analyst Biraj Borkhataria said in a note. Shell scrapped its previous target to cut oil output by 20% by 2030 after largely reaching the goal. It produced around 1.5 million barrels per day of oil in the first quarter of 2023. It said it will now keep its oil production steady to 2030 and will grow its natural gas business to defend its position as the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas player. Capital spending will be reduced to a US$22 billion to US$25 billion per year range for 2024 and 2025 from a planned US$23 billion to US$27 billion in 2023. – Reuters B R I E F SZURICH INSURANCE SAID TO BE IN TALKS FOR STAKE IN INDIAN GENERAL INSURER MUMBAI: Zurich Insurance Group is in talks to buy up to 51% of India’s Kotak General Insurance, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.The earlystage negotiations value the Indian company at around US$800 million (RM3.7 billion), and Zurich Insurance has expressed interest in both a minority stake of 49% or taking up a majority 51% stake, the sources said. The stake the Swiss insurer wants to secure will be worth around US$400 million, they said. A spokesperson for Zurich said “as a matter of principle, we don’t comment on market rumours and speculations”. Kotak General Insurance, which is fully owned by Indian banking giant Kotak Mahindra Bank , did not respond to Reuters queries. ECONOMISTS CUT S’PORE 2023 GROWTH FORECAST SINGAPORE: Singapore’s economy is forecast to grow 1.4% this year, a central bank survey of economists showed yesterday, down from a previous projection of 1.9% as spillovers from an external slowdown threaten the trade-sensitive citystate. More robust growth in China, underpinned by economic reopening and macroeconomic policy easing, were the top upside risks to Singapore’s growth outlook, according to a Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) survey of 24 economists. Full-year headline and core inflation are likely to come in at 5% and 4.1%, unchanged from the previous survey. Economists expect MAS to keep monetary policy settings unchanged at its next scheduled review in October, the survey added. – Reuters BOT says rate not neutral yet, further hikes likely BANGKOK: Thailand’s central bank expects further gradual policy tightening as the benchmark rate is not at neutral levels yet and core inflation remains elevated, officials said yesterday. The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has increased rates six times since August as policymakers stepped up efforts to tame high inflation. The BOT has pledged to gradually return the oneday repurchase rate to normal levels consistent with long-term economic growth prospects. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy has not yet reached its potential growth despite returning to its pre-pandemic level, assistant governor Piti Disyatat said at a monetary policy forum. “We will eventually get back to our oGradual policy tightening still appropriate, core inflation remains elevated, says Thai central bank Economic outlook, energy transition to curb oil demand increase: IEA LONDON: The boost to oil demand from the post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery is set to end this year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said yesterday, with a slowing economy and the transition to cleaner fuels sapping growth from 2024. Strong demand from China and India boosted the Paris-based agency’s outlook for growth this year by almost 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 2.4 million bpd, but that will fall by nearly two-thirds due in large part to more use of electric cars. “The shift to a clean energy economy is picking up pace, with a peak in global oil demand in sight before the end of this decade as electric vehicles, energy efficiency and other technologies advance,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. Global upstream investments in oil and gas exploration, extraction and production this year are due to reach US$528 billion (RM2.4 trillion), the highest level since 2015, and are on course to keep the world adequately supplied through 2028, the IEA said. The agency did not expressly reiterate a projection from 2021 that investors should not fund new oil, gas and coal supply projects for the world to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It said however that current investment “exceeds the amount that would be needed in a world that gets on track for net zero emissions”. “For total oil demand to decline sooner, in line with the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario ..., additional policy measures and behavioural changes would be required,” the IEA said. The agency expects economic headwinds to cut growth to 860,000 bpd next year and just 400,000 bpd in 2028, for overall demand of 105.7 million bpd versus 102.3 million bpd in 2023. “The slowdown has been hastened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amid heightened energy security concerns and by governments’ post-Covid recovery spending plans, with more than $2 trillion mobilised for clean energy investments by 2030,” the IEA said. Demand for oil from combustible fossil fuels, excluding biofuels, petrochemical feedstocks and other non-energy uses, is set to peak at 81.6 million bpd in 2028, it said, adding that oil demand for transport is due to peak in 2026. – Reuters potential growth of a 3% to 4% range. But now we’re still below that level, so we haven’t fully recovered,” he said. The BOT forecast economic growth of 3.6% this year and 3.8% next year, with some upside risks. Last year’s growth was 2.6%. The economy has been driven by the tourism sector while exports remain weak. The BOT projects foreign tourist arrivals at 29 million this year and 35.5 million next year. On May 31, the BOT’s policy committee voted unanimously to raise the one-day repurchase rate by a quarter point to 2.00%, a level last seen eight years ago. “Overall, the monetary policy committee considers that at the moment, the financial condition or the policy interest rate may still be slightly in an accommodative zone compared with the neutral zone,” Piti said. Economists generally consider 2.5% as the neutral rate. The BOT will next review policy on Aug 2, when some economists see a pause on rate hikes while others see a further increase. The central bank’s minutes released yesterday warned that the possibility of higher minimum wages could lead to a wage-price spiral. Despite annual headline inflation dropping to 0.53% in May and below the central bank’s target range of 1% to 3%, and the central expects prices to pick up late in the year as demand-driven pressures increase, said Surach Tanboon, senior director of BOT’s monetary policy department. Meanwhile, an industries group said Thailand’s industrial sentiment in May hit its lowest level in eight months, dented by weak exports and uncertainty over the formation of a new government. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said its industrial sentiment index in May fell for a second consecutive month to 92.5 from 95.0 in the previous month. Slowing global growth has hurt demand for shipments, with exporters also affected by exchange rate volatility, FTI chairman Kriengkrai Theinnukul said in a statement. Uncertainty persists over post-election politics as the next government has yet to be formed after a national poll in May, he said. Another FTI index that forecasts industrial sentiment over the next three months also dropped because of concerns over possible wage increases. – Reuters Shareholders and other parties arriving to attend Toyota Motor’s annual shareholders’ meeting in Toyota City Aichi Prefecture yesterday. – AFPPIC

1 5 J U N E 2 0 2 3 T H U R S D A Y Bröom’s inviting outer facade – ALL PICS BY AMIRUL SYAFIQ Elegant pastry counter The sourdough wall Signature dish: Proudly Malaysian Telur Sambal Udang The vegan options are just as good as the signature dishes A perfectly-balanced Lemon Tart DID you know a signature dish on Bröom’s cafe menu is named “Proudly Malaysian”? The chef and owner, Ryan Wong, came up with this name as he brought his favourite flavours together from the north to the south of Peninsular Malaysia on a single plate. The 33-year-old Le Cordon Bleu graduate from London opened his restaurant in 2020 describing it as his “Covid baby.” “Initially, we had a draft menu with more western influences but we slowly turned more local” revealed Ryan, who created all the dishes, including vegan options on the menu. The name “Proudly Malaysian” appeared initially on the menu of his first outlet, Bröom Artisan Bakery at Taman Paramount (opened in May 2021), and subsequently, it was featured on Bröom Bukit Bintang’s menu. He also owns The Bröomery in Bukit Bintang, which is the wholesale arm of Bröom. When asked about its name, Ryan explained, “The last item we reach for at the end of our shift is a broom to do cleaning. It’s also the time to reflect on what we have done, what went right or wrong, what could have been done better today, and what we look forward to tomorrow.” “The name Bröom is actually more about a ‘time of reflection’ than the broom itself,“ Ryan added. His second outlet, Bröom Bukit Bintang, opened in January 2023 and occupies a 100- year-old pre-war heritage building once used as a hostel and was left barren for a couple of years before it was turned into a brightly lit, Instagram-worthy space. “We really like the building because it’s full of character, and so we decided not to touch anything outside. We kept the original facade, windows, vintage paint, the floor tiles and the slightly crumbling moulding on the pillars,” said Ryan. As you walk through the entrance, you’ll pass a tempting pastry counter with freshlymade croissants, and a “sourdough wall” that may stop you in your tracks. The entire two-storey cafe has creative design features on concrete walls, curved walls, and hidden pockets of space, intentionally created as a surprise. “We wanted to a different experience for our customers besides providing a different space, and we wanted more seating options to accommodate much larger groups of family and friends. During the designing process, we thought of how we could get customers to explore and discover little nooks and crannies of the place, along with all the little quirks of the building. We made the layout, both exploratory and functional.” The focus of the restaurant with its in-house bakery was to cater to brunch or lunch crowds. A variety of food “Our Proudly Malaysian is a play on Nasi Kerabu, but we try to bring in different flavours of Malaysia. Malay, Chinese, and Indian come together on one plate. The flavours are familiar yet a little different,” says Ryan about his signature dish that features Penang style achar and otak-otak, rendang from central Malaysia, ulam rice from the north, and crackers from East Malaysia. Prawny Kid is yet another popular dish. “It’s our version of curry laksa, which has more lemak.” It’s simple and classic, but jazzed up with giant tiger prawns to bring out more flavours,” said Ryan about his creation. The curry was rich and delectable with thick coconut cream, fresh prawns, shredded chicken, an aromatic spice blend, and spicy chilli, which was a pleasure to the tastebuds. Since the laksa is served in a big portion, sharing is recommended. Ryan also created a savoury croissant called Telur Sambal Udang, which has a cheddar scramble in a flaky, buttery toasted croissant, served with green sambal mayonnaise; a musttry item here! Plant-based diners will be happy to know the restaurant serves vegan options such as a Mushroom Rice Bowl, Kaarage Tofu Salad, and Smashed Avocado. “In essence, it’s almost like a Poke Bowl, but instead of fish, we replace it with soy-glazed mushrooms. It’s packed with flavours,” said Ryan of his Mushroom Rice Bowl. The Karaage Tofu Salad was colourful and beautiful to look at. The double-fried soymarinated kaarage tofu was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and simply irresistible. To complete our meal, a perfectly-balanced lemon tart with lemon curd, meringue and a sweet crust was served as a delightful finish! If you are a croissant lover, Ryan recommended trying the Portobello Mushroom Croissant and their accidental invention, Honey Sea Salt using Sarawak rainforest honey, which went on to become Bröom’s signature pastry. As for beverages, Coffacado, inspired by Vietnamese Al Bukat with avocado and espresso, and OJ Simpson, a fresh orange topped with espresso are crowd favourites. We also suggest trying the rich hot chocolate – a perfect indulgence. Bröom Bukit Bintang 0 Address: 4, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur 0 Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday (8:30am to 5:30pm) closed on Tuesdays oBröom is delighting customers with local vegan cuisine in a unique and relaxing atmosphere Bröom Bukit Bintang Sweeps with a Delicious Menu █ BY S.TAMARAI CHELVI

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Miles Morales actor aims for Spider-Man role ACTOR Shameik Moore, the voice of Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, has revealed that he’s trying to get into superhero shape in order to portray a live-action version of Spider-Man. Moore has been portraying the animated young hero since his debut in the film and has garnered attention once again with the highly acclaimed box office hit, Across the Spider-Verse. Despite Moore’s success as Miles Morales, the upcoming film Beyond the Spider-Verse will mark the conclusion of the Miles Morales trilogy, indicating that Moore may no longer play the character. As Sony searches for a liveaction Miles, it appears that the character will expand beyond Moore and the Spider-Verse franchise. Moore has also been open about his commitment to a weight loss journey, sharing his goal on Instagram to better embody the character. “Time to lose weight so y’all can see Miles more clearly,” the actor wrote on his Instagram story. During the promotional tour for Across the Spider-Verse, he also expressed his enthusiasm for playing a live-action Miles Morales in various interviews. With Sony’s confirmation of a live-action Miles Morales project in the works, the question of who will take on the role will undoubtedly engage fans and spark extensive discussion. Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse is currently showing in theatres nationwide. Shameik Moore wishes to play live-action Miles Morales – IMDB █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Actors come forward to support Adipurush ONE of the most highly anticipated Bollywood movies of 2023, Adipurush, is expected to be released this Friday, but before the movie even hits our screens, the film fraternity is showing their support for the movie. Directed by Om Raut, the movie is based on the mythological Ramayana epic. Actor Prabhas, who rose to fame after acting in Bahubali 1 and Bahubali 2, plays the coveted role in Adipurush. What surprised fans, were popular Bollywood actors showing their support for the movie by buying up tickets for a noble cause. Actor Ranbir Kapoor started the ball rolling having bought 10,000 tickets for underprivileged children to give them an opportunity to watch the movie on the big screen. This was followed by Abhishek Actor Prabhas and Director On Raut – INSTAGRAM █ BY S.TAMARAI CHELVI Ram Charan – INSTAGRAM Agarwal, a film producer who purchased 10,000 tickets, donating them to orphans and elderly homes. RRR-famous actor, Ram Charan, is said to have purchased 10,000 tickets for underprivileged children and his loyal fans. Despite the support, one cannot dismiss the #BoycottAdipurush posts that’s still trending on social media. This trend started after the release of the first trailer in May, followed by the final trailer released just days before the movie was expected to hit screens on June 16. From priests to politicians, people are making comments and criticising the way pivotal roles like Ravana, Hanuman, or Janaki are being portrayed by actors and actresses. Fans are taking to social media to express their disappointment over the “unrealistic” CGI characters even before the release of the movie. World of Elements THE film, Elemental centres around Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) and Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), representing fire and water elements, respectively. Their initial meeting, filled with comedic moments, sets the stage for their joint mission to unravel a mysterious problem afflicting the fire neighbourhood. However, the true heart of the story lies in the bond that develops between them. While the basic plot of Elemental may not be ground breaking, its emotional core presents a wellcrafted and occasionally poignant narrative of a first-generation immigrant falling in love with someone society deems unsuitable. In essence, it is a classic tale of opposites attracting, with an added theme of following one’s dreams. What sets Elemental apart is its innovative approach. While we are familiar with the narrative beats, we have never witnessed them portrayed through animation. This unique choice breathes new life into a familiar story, providing a fresh perspective that captivates viewers. Lewis and Athie give impressive performances, and the artistic portrayal of the characters enables a seamless expression of emotions and personalities. This distinctive artistic style creates a sense of universality Elemental touches on powerful themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. oUncover the magic and friendship in the vibrant world of element city with Elemental █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Elemental is an animated romantic comedy-drama. The film combines themes of romance, comedy, and drama. Expect impressive visuals and a great storyline. – ALL PIX BY DISNEY/PIXAR within the story, while still retaining the profound cultural authenticity that makes it so impactful. One part of the film that resonated deeply with me was the touching bond between the protagonist and her father. Their relationship showcased a profound love and understanding that tugged at my heartstrings. What struck me the most was the protagonist’s unwavering dedication to pursuing her dream, even at the cost of sacrificing everything she held dear. While it’s often emphasised that we should prioritise ourselves before anything else, I found myself relating to her selflessness and willingness to make such a sacrifice. It reminded me that sometimes, the pursuit of our dreams can bring us face-to-face with difficult choices, and in those moments, our hearts guide us to make decisions that reflect our deepest desires. The animation in Elemental is truly remarkable, showcasing the incredible talent of the animators. The character designs are not only adorable but also wonderfully distinct. Witnessing the elements come to life and observing their extraordinary abilities in action, such as Ember’s skill in shaping sand into intricate glass sculptures, is absolutely mesmerising. The animators have truly done an outstanding job in bringing these elements to vivid and captivating existence. This film left me in awe with its visually stunning presentation. Every frame was a masterpiece, filled with intricate details and vibrant colours. Speaking of the story, it was captivating from start to finish, with well-developed characters and a compelling narrative that kept me hooked. However, what truly stole my heart were the songs in the film. Each song piece was a work of art, beautifully composed, evoking a range of emotions within me. The songs added depth and meaning to the story, elevating the film to new heights of beauty and enchantment. This is a great film I will treasure, where impressive visuals, a great storyline, and mesmerising songs all came together to create something truly remarkable. This animation film is a mustwatch for everyone, including both kids and adults. It has a story that will touch your heart and make you cry, so be sure to have some tissues ready!

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 AFTER several years of development and hiatuses, including several changes in directors, The Flash is here, and it’s exactly what most have expected: an irrevocable mess. Set some time after the Justice League is formed, Barry Allen a.k.a. The Flash (Ezra Miller) is struggling to find a balance between being a superhero and his job as a forensic investigator. As a member of the League, Barry feels relegated to the role as their “janitor” who is only called in to help when the other members are busy, while as a forensic investigator, he isn’t making any headway into solving the crime involving his mother’s murder and his father’s arrest for it. Eventually, Barry realises he could use his powers to travel back in time by running even faster. Despite the warning from Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), Barry does it anyway and causes a multiversal mess that results in him being stranded in an alternate universe where everything that happened in his universe did not happen in this new universe. In the latter, this universe’s Barry (also played by Ezra) leads a happy life with his mother that never died and his father that never went to prison. Additionally, the rest of the Justice League does not exist, except Batman. However, this Bruce Wayne isn’t the version played by Affleck, but it’s the one Michael Keaton played in the 1989 and 1992 films. So, when General Zodd (Michael Shannon) arrives similar to 2013’s Man of Steel, Barry realises the extent of the damage caused by his time travel due to this universe not having a Superman to protect it. Consistently inconsistent On paper, The Flash works as a very loose adaptation of the Flashpoint comic book storyline it is somewhat based on. Retaining the source material’s emotional core, which is Barry’s love for his mother, and the lengths he goes to save her, The Flash is poignant and moving whenever Barry and his mother are at the center of a scene. For his part, Ezra perfectly conveys the turbulence behind Barry’s trauma and how it shaped him, while also bringing a major part of the film’s comedy, even if viewers may face a problem in separating the art from the artist; Ezra spent the last three years committing crimes from disorderly conduct to assault. Sharing the second-most time onscreen opposite Ezra is Keaton, Ezra’s future as Barry Allen is still unknown in the new DC Universe. - ALL PIX BY WARNER BROS. oTHE FLASH is equal parts good and terrible █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR In order to defeat Zodd, Barry assembles a new “Justice League”. Ezra plays both an older (right) and younger Barry, complete with different maturity levels. Expect a lot of terrible CGI in The Flash. whose quiet portrayal of an older Bruce Wayne/Batman was a delight to watch, especially when juxtaposed with Ezra’s chatty, full of facial tics Barry and alternate Barry. Keaton captures how this character is not exactly the same as the one from Tim Burton’s films, but still evokes a similar awe and charisma that fans grew up watching. The rest of the cast, including Sasha Calle’s Kara Zor-El, are a big letdown. They aren’t as developed, and any attachment the general audience will have with these side characters will depend on whether they’re familiar with the comic books. In some ways when it comes to execution, The Flash fumbles its juggling act between being faithful superhero storytelling, rose-tinted nostalgia bait, cameo carnival, and as a film that “resets” a franchise. The end of a decade Building up to everything that trailers and marketing have spoiled involving Zodd and the Kryptonians, The Flash’s final act is, for a lack of a better word, overwhelming. So much happens, that the magic in the first ten minutes of the film (with Barry and Affleck-Batman’s action sequence) is lost in favour of a far more gratuitous action spectacle. Set against a boring desert set piece, everything else becomes a magnified assault on the senses, from the poorly VFX’d slow-motion fights involving both Barrys, the aerial battle with Batman, the fight between Kara and Zodd, and everything afterwards. And then there’s the resolution of the climax, which is basically a glorified cameo showcase with, again, poor VFX. If the latter only existed in the final fight, it wouldn’t be that big of a problem, but the poor visual effects is throughout the entire film. Every action sequence with CGI has the humans looking like PlayDoh, with faces akin to wax figurines floating digitally against their bodies, while one of the cameos – you’ll know it when you see it – towards the end looks like that actor was entirely CGI. Given how much of a rollercoaster the old DC Extended Universe has been in terms of quality for the past decade since Man of Steel, maybe it’s fine that it ends this way, with The Flash being a perfect “It was okay, I guess” film. The Flash is released in cinemas on June 16. 0 Director: Andy Muschietti 0 Cast: Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon, Sasha Calle, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue E-VALUE 5 ACTING 6 PLOT 8 The fast and the mediocre

18 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 The Festival of the Force Special Guests oCommanding Officer for the 501st Legion Malaysia Garrison talks Star Wars Arif’s batik artwork is up for auction Alan Quah. - PIX COURTESY OF ALAN QUAH The variant cover of Star Wars Issue #33 by Quah. – PIX COURTESY OF ALAN QUAH adaptation of Empire Strikes Back comic by Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson onto my primary school textbook panel by panel from start to finish including the word balloons. I would be able to draw any of the Star Wars characters and ships. Eventually I became a comic artist because of my love for this series. 3. Earlier this year, you revealed that a variant cover for Star Wars Issue #33 came from you. What did it feel like working on that cover with Lucasfilm in an official capacity? It feels like going full circle to the time where this little boy was mimicking his comic heroes, copying their art style to eventually developing my own method of drawing. And to be officially drawing Luke Skywalker, The Mandalorian, and Darth Vader professionally is surreal. It took too long to reach this destination, but I would do it all over again. 4. In what way will you be contributing to the Festival of the Force? You can view my cover art as part of the exhibition for this event and also there will be a Meet and Greet session on Saturday where everyone can drop by to say hi. See you soon. THE Festival of the Force’s Special Guests talks to The Sun Syahrin – Commanding Officer for the 501st Legion Malaysia Garrison 1. Which Star Wars movie is your favourite, and which one made you a fan of the franchise? The earliest Star Wars movie that I remember is The Empire Strikes Back. I think it was a Friday night when I first watched it, and the storyline which was different from action movies had me hooked. 2. How has Star Wars impacted your life, whether personal, professional or both? The events I attend are usually the best time for me to spend time with my family. My sons are also fans of the franchise; the eldest used to wear costumes, and the youngest is still doing it. 3. For those that don’t know, can you describe what the 501st Legion Malaysia Garrison is, and what they do? We usually participate in events conducted by NGOs for charity. By donning our costumes, people will usually take pictures with us, and that helps during donation drives. When they see Star Wars characters, they become more interested. Usually, kids have a bigger reaction to us. The requirement to join the Garrison needs someone to be above 18 years old, they need to have a screen-accurate Star Wars costume, and because the 501st is concentrated on the villains, the costumes have to be in that line. 4. What plans do you and the garrison have for the Festival of the Force? We will be working with GAPS on a donation drive. During the event, we have a large number of people in costumes. Arif Rafhan – Comic artist, illustrator, concept artist 1 . W h i c h S t a r W a r s mov ie is your favourite, and which one made you a fan of the franchise? I was born when A New Hope was released in the US, so its very near and dear to me. When I grew up, the Prequel Trilogy was released. A New Hope is my favourite. The first shot was an eye-opener for me as a kid. It made me fall in love with movies instantly. 2. How has Star Wars impacted your life, whether personal, professional or both? Both, but it was more personal. Like my mom was a single mother, but she never bought me Star Wars toys, but she got me Star Wars merchandise that was educational in nature. When I was six, she bought me a Star Wars audio book. She would put on these cassettes, and I would learn from them. I would listen to them everyday with my mother. I never bought Star Wars toys until I was almost 40 years old. My best birthday present was when my wife bought me a Darth Vader helmet. 3. One of the (many) things you’re known for is your Star Wars batik. How much effort and time does a single piece take to complete? A few years ago, Julian reached out to me and we talked about this event. Before this, my art and comics were about Malaysia. When Julian contacted me, I had no idea the kind of art that I wanted to do. When COVID-19 hit, I lay low, but I kept thinking about the event and what I wanted to make that had to be unique to Star Wars and Malaysia. To refine my batik artwork, I used the core design and influence of real batik. Eventually, I told Julian that I would make batik artwork for Star Wars. As for how long, it varies. When I first started, it took longer. It took me about two weeks. Then it got faster and faster. 4. As you will be bringing some of your works for the Festival, will they be up for auction or will they be sold for a fixed price? Some will be for auction, and some will be at a fixed price. But whatever amount is bid on the artwork, it will be given to the charity. Alan Quah – Comic artist 1. Which Star Wars movie is your favourite, and which one made you a fan of the █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR franchise? I watched Episode 4 to 6 more than 3 dozen times with Empire Strikes Back being my favourite. 2. How has Star Wars impacted your life, whether personal, professional or both? It has had a huge impact on me growing up, I would copy the e n t i r e m o v i e Syahrin and members of the 501st will appear in full Star Wars regalia at the event. - ALL PICS BY MUHAMMAD ADIB FARHAN/SUNPIX

19 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 ON June 17 and 18, Star Wars fans - expected to total over 15,000 - will converge on Paradigm Mall for the Festival of the Force, a 40th anniversary celebration of the release of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. The Sun spoke to The Force is 40, the festival’s ragtag group of organisers for more details on what’s happening in the two days. “We’re very confident it will surpass the numbers from the last Star Wars event we did,” said Daniel, the de factor “founder” of the group. The last event he referred was in 2017, which had a reported 14,000 fan turnout. The Malaysian Book of Records will supposedly be at the event. Daniel says this event will be bigger than the last due multiple reasons. “During the 2017 event, it had one charity home, but for this event we have two. The last event also had 20 exhibitors; this event has 56. There are also so much more activities”. For charity According to Julian, there was supposed to be one event back in 2020, but due to how COVID shut everything down, he had to lay low and “hibernate”. Now, with this event honoring RotJ’s 40th anniversary, Julian decided to do one last one for the road as it’s the last film in the Original Trilogy. Daniel joined last year, and not long afterwards, Paradigm Mall threw its support behind the event. “From there, it became a snowball effect; the event just got bigger and bigger”. The event, which was founded on the basis of charity and goodwill, has roped in two charities this year. “One is from Gabungan AnakAnak Palsi Serebrum (GAPS) and the other is Ti-Ratana Toy Bank. GAPS will be participating in a Star Wars From left: Malik, Julian and Daniel have pooled their efforts for months to bring Festival of the Force to life. – MUHAMMAD ADIB FARHAN/SUNPIX oThe Festival of the Force is a two-day Star Wars extravaganza █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR All about Star Wars costume contest. All the proceeds from the event will be donated back to GAPS,” Julian explained. “For the toy bank, there will be a toy donation drive. Toys collected during the two days will be donated to Ti-Ratana Toy Bank for distribution afterwards”. Eventful two days As for the activities planned, Malik – who joined the group last year – explained that the two days will be stacked. “There’s going to be cosplay, a fashion show, a lightsaber workshop and a performance from a drama school. There will be a contest for fathers, sons and daughters, along with a voice impersonation contest. There will be collector items that has never been seen before for display”, he excitedly listed out. Malik also explained that there will be a huge panel session with renowned artists who have worked with Star Wars, Marvel and so on, and those that attend the two-day event will have access to Star Wars themed food and beverages. There will also be a panel session with renowned artists that have worked with Star Wars, Marvel, and so on. We will also have Star Wars themed food and beverages. “We hope to achieve a sizable donation to the charities. Everybody is encourage to give a helping hand for the children. For the turnout, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for 7,000 people per day,” he continued. “We’re also hoping to make the country proud by having a huge Star Wars event despite being a small country”. For more information, follow The Force is 40 at www.facebook.com/theforceis40 This year’s Eurovision reached 162 million viewers SOME 162 million viewers watched this year’s Eurovision song competition held in Liverpool on May 13, the BBC said, also highlighting “record” engagement online. The UK hosted the musical extravaganza on behalf of last year’s winner Ukraine, due to the Russian invasion. Sweden’s Loreen secured a seventh victory for the Nordic country with the track “Tattoo” and made Eurovision history as the first woman to win the competition twice. The contest “has never been more popular”, said Noel Curran, director-general of the European Broadcasting Union that organised the competition. The figure counted viewers over the contest’s three live shows – two semi-finals and the final – across 38 public service media markets. In host country Britain, around 9.9 million people tuned in for the Eurovision final on May 13, up 12 per cent from last year. Winner Sweden had an average audience of 2.3 million viewers, accounting for 82.3 per cent of all TV viewers in the country. Finland, which took second place, had 1.7 million viewers. On TikTok, the three live shows were viewed 4.8 million times, while videos under the #Eurovision2023 hashtag garnered 4.8 billion views between April 30 and May 15. Starting this year, viewers Singer Loreen after winning the final of the Eurovision Song contest on May 14 2023 outside the 37 participating countries could take part in the voting process. Votes were received from over 100 non-participating countries, including the United States, Canada, Turkey and New Zealand. Gen Z on podcasts vs social media PODCASTS are on everyone’s lips – or in everyone’s ears – having captured the hearts of listeners around the world, especially young people. But why are podcasts more popular with Gen Z? In the US, the number of Generation Z podcast listeners has increased. And according to “The Gen Z Podcast Listener Report,“ based on over 1,000 online interviews with US monthly podcast listeners aged 13-24 in April 2023. This enthusiasm is apparently motivated by a desire for well-being. According to the study, over 80% of Gen Z listeners say they turn to podcasts to relax. Roughly two in three listen to podcasts to escape. Plus, more than eight in ten young listeners say they listen to podcasts without doing anything else at the same time. In fact, some podcasts even make it easier to fall asleep. Some young people use podcasts as a kind of therapy or to help them understand their emotions. And while listening to podcasts helps young people feel good, social networking does not. According to the study, one in three Generation Z listeners believes that being on social media has a negative impact on their emotional well-being. In fact, mental health came fourth in the list of most important issues for the Generation Z listeners surveyed. It also seems that podcast listeners who pick up the habit young make for more devoted listeners as they grow up. – ETX Studio Gen Z prefer podcasts to social media – GETTY

20 TECH theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME THE transition to electric vehicles could save more than 100,000 lives in the US by 2050, according to a new study. Switching from fossil fuelburning to zero-emission vehicles would also result in 3 million fewer asthma attacks, the American Lung Association reported on Wednesday, provided that no more gas cars are on the road by 2035. Combined with cleaner electricity generation through renewable sources like solar and wind, this could generate over US$1.2 trillion (RM5.54 trillion) in public health benefits over the next quarter of a century. The report calculates what health impacts the emissions reduction would have on people living near busy roads or electricity generation with unacceptable doses of toxic air pollution. “These benefits would take the form of avoiding up to 110,000 premature deaths, along with nearly 3 million asthma attacks and over 13 million workdays lost due to cleaner air,” the report stated. “Policies and investments must prioritise low-income communities and communities of colour that bear a disproportionate pollution burden. State and local jurisdictions should act to implement policies as soon as possible.” The report also notes that such a swift transition would avoid “even more dire consequences of climate change” on a global scale. Many countries have already made commitments to ban the sale of fossil fuel vehicles over the coming years to meet climate targets, while several major automotive companies have announced that they will stop manufacturing them. The US and China, which represent the two biggest car markets, have targets of 100 per cent zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040, similar to the UK and Europe. Despite these targets, only 4.6 per cent of cars sold in the US in 2021 were electric, according to figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the UK, a recent surge in electric car sales saw them surpass sales of new diesel cars for the first time last year. – The Independant Apple’s Vision Pro headset price is unbelievable Electric cars could save lives APPLE has revealed the price and release date for its upcoming virtual reality headset. The announcement came at the end of a lengthy introduction to the new headset and operating system it is built on, which is called RealityOS, during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference. The tool, known as Vision Pro, will cost US$3,499 (RM16,160), Apple said. That is even higher than the rumoured US$3,000 (RM13,855) price tag – which had already drawn comments around its high price. Those rumours had suggested that Apple was expecting relatively low numbers of purchases for the new headset initially, and that it would be followed by a lower-priced version later. The inclusion of the word “pro” in the name is likely intended to reflect that premium price and target market. It will go on sale “early next year”, Apple said, at its website and its retail store. – The Independent A Toyota RAV4 covered 1,942 on 22 May, 2023, driving on a specially designed electric road built by wireless charging startup Electreon. – THE INDEPENDANT Turning memes into learning tools oCould memes help students better master their subjects? The memes featured on the Antimatter site reference a multitude of school subjects, from mathematics and physics to history and literature. – ETX STUDIO EINSTEIN supposedly once said that if you can’t explain something simply, you don’t understand it well enough. The American start-up Antimatter has put its own spin on this premise to help students with their revision. It offers to help them learn their subjects better... by making them into memes. Memes that are humorous or ironic takes on a subject based on a photo, a quote, a GIF or a video excerpt little known to the general public. These communication tools, synonymous with internet culture, are often the preserve of a limited audience of web users who pride themselves on their meme expertise. In many ways, memes are insider jokes: you need a good understanding of the things they reference to find them entertaining. It is precisely this intimate knowledge of the subject that Antimatter draws on to help students with their revision. The American start-up lets them create memes on the theme of their choice and post them on its platform to encourage the sharing of academic knowledge. “To be able to shitpost, you have to understand the subject matter really well,” Antimatter founder and CEO, Jonathan Libov, told TechCrunch. “In a sense, shitposting is the highest form of consciousness.” The memes available on the Antimatter site are themed on a multitude of school subjects, from mathematics and physics to history and literature. One of them uses an image of Bender, the feisty robot from the TV series Futurama, to allude to the fact that the god Zeus often entrusted critically important tasks to other characters in Greek mythology, including Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus. Another meme refers to the love triangle involving the British art critic John Ruskin, his wife Effie Gray and the PreRaphaelite painter John Everett Millais. While Antimatter describes itself as a revision aid, the company insists that these memes do not absolve students from serious study and revision work. “You can’t learn from the meme alone, right? You learn from the discussion of the meme,“ Jonathan Libov told TechCrunch. “It’s the discussion during that review session when all of the learning really happens, when people are looking at each other’s memes and explaining what they created.” And the start-up doesn’t intend to limit itself to memes and students. Its aim is to offer other formats – including puzzles – to companies, in order to give a fresh twist to the traditional PowerPoint presentations that characterize office life. – ETX Studio

21 * SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 CAN England regain the Ashes playing their ultra-aggressive “Bazball” brand of cricket or will they come unstuck against battle-hardened Australia? The answer will come over the coming weeks, starting with the first Test of a hotly anticipated five-match series at Edgbaston tomorrow (6pm in Malaysia). England have forced the rest of the world to sit up and take notice, with 11 wins in 13 Tests since captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum joined forces last year. But doubts persist as to whether their policy of all-out attack can work against archrivals Australia, who only last week hammered India by 209 runs at The Oval to win the World Test Championship final. Steve Waugh, the last Australia captain to win an Ashes series in England, back in 2001, is not alone in questioning whether Stokes’s side have an alternative plan. “Have they got a Plan B?” Waugh said to the Australian media. “They have shown they are good enough to carry this style of cricket off but the ultimate test will be against a world-class bowling attack, which Australia has got.” England had won just one out of 17 Tests before newly appointed English cricket chief Rob Key brought McCullum and Stokes together to oversee a dynamic revamp of their long-format game dubbed “Bazball”, in reference to the nickname of former New Zealand captain McCullum. And all-rounder Stokes is adamant he has no intention of altering his approach. “Nothing is going to change because we’ve had unbelievable success with it,” the 32-year-old told the BBC. “If we were to change anything from the last 12 months because we find ourselves in an Ashes series then anything from the last 12 months will have been completely pointless.” England have scored at an eye-watering 4.85 runs an over in the past year. And England great James Anderson, Test cricket’s most succesful paceman, said that had benefits for the bowlers as well. “The (bowling) run-rate is irrelevant to Ben in particular,” explained Anderson. “He’s like ‘I don’t care how many runs you go for, I want 20 wickets as quickly as possible’. You’re constantly thinking, as a bowler then, about ‘How am I taking my next wicket’?” Stokes opted against bowling himself in England’s recent 10-wicket win over Ireland after struggling with a knee injury. He has since declared himself fit to bowl. England will be without Jack Leach and Moeen Ali has been recalled in his absence. Ashes-holders Australia, have a proven world-class off-spinner in Nathan Lyon, who is closing in on 500 Test wickets. Australia have now gone 12 Test innings in England since enjoying a first-wicket stand of 20 or more. – AFP 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO: WA-A72NCC-12233-04/2023 ANTARA QUICKASH MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. [No. Syarikat: 201701007737 (1221902-M)] …PLAINTIF DAN 1. LEE YIN LOONG (NO. K/P: 991115-14-5761) Berniaga di bawah nama dan gaya CMS FOOD DELIVERY [No. Pendaftaran: 201903009040 (002924189-M)] 2. LOW YUEN KUAN (NO. K/P: 690304-10-5540) ...DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI Kepada: - LEE YIN LOONG (NO. K/P: 991115-14-5761) Berniaga di bawah nama dan gaya CMS FOOD DELIVERY [No. Pendaftaran: 201903009040 (002924189-M)] 77, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 12, Bandar Usahawan, Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. Dan/Atau LEE YIN LOONG No 3, Jalan Rimbunan Mawar 2, Laman Rimbunan 52100 Kuala Lumpur. Dan/Atau LEE YIN LOONG 45-18-03, Menara Orkid, Bandar Baru Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. LOW YUEN KUAN (NO. K/P: 690304-10-5540) No 3, Jalan Rimbunan Mawar 2, Laman Rimbunan 52100 Kuala Lumpur. Dan/Atau LOW YUEN KUAN (NO. K/P: 690304-10-5540) 45-18-03, Menara Orkid, Bandar Baru Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di MAHKAMAH MAJISRET DI KUALA LUMPUR oleh Plaintif, QUICKASH MALAYSIA SDN BHD dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bersama dengan Perintah untuk Penyampaian ganti pada papan notis di Mahkamah Kuala Lumpur dan alamatalamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui 77, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 12, Bandar Usahawan, Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, No 3, Jalan Rimbunan Mawar 2, Laman Rimbunan 52100 Kuala Lumpur dan 45-18-03,Menara Orkid,Bandar Baru Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan dan serta mengiklankan satu notis pengiklanan sebanyak sekali di akhbar ‘The Sun Daily’, di mana penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut adalah disifatkan sebagai penyampaian yang sempurna dan memadai ke atas kamu selepas tujuh (7) hari dari hari dari tarikh penampalan dan juga pengiklanan yang terakhir. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela Tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur. Jika kamu gagal berbuat demikian, Penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 6 Jun 2023 ................t/t............. Peguamcara Plaintif Tetuan Leong Law Chambers NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI ini adalah difailkan oleh Tetuan Leong Law Chambers, Peguamcara pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di Ground Floor, PT 14077, Jalan Sri Cindai 1, 18300 Gua Musang, Kelantan. (Tel: 09-9134888) (Ruj: LLC/23/QK-CMS/L26) 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DS FREIGHT SERVICES SDN. BHD. (1007725-W) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 439(2)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the following Special Resolution was passed by the Members of the Company on 29 May 2023: “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily in accordance with Section 439 (1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr Cheong Hock Eng of 137-A (1st Floor), Jalan SS15/5A, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor be and is hereby appointed liquidator with power to act for the purpose of such winding up in accordance with Section 456 and Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” AND NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company are required, on or before 17 July 2023 to send their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the undersigned, the liquidator of the said Company, and, if so required, are to come in and prove their debts and claims as shall be specified or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such proof. CHEONG HOCK ENG Liquidator Subang Jaya Dated: 8 June 2023 322 Notices RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT / SALE! For Viewing Appointment, Contact Ms. Nadia/Sall 03-2072 2562 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FUJI OFFSET PLATES (M) SDN. BHD. (198601007867 (157058-H)) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE is hereby given 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 at a General Meeting held on 09 JUNE 2023. “That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. LIM JIT TOONG (NRIC No.: 480712-71-5289) of No. 10, Jalan SS 25/9, Taman Bukit Emas, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator for the purposes of such winding up with all powers given by Section 456 of the Companies Act, 2016.” LIM FUNG KONG Director Kuala Lumpur Date: 15 JUNE 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FUJI OFFSET PLATES (M) SDN. BHD. (198601007867 (157058-H)) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the above-named Company which is being voluntarily wound up are required to, on or before 07 JULY 2023 to send in their names and addresses with full particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the Company, and, if so required by notice in writing from the Liquidator, either personally or by their solicitors, 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 or claims are proved. LIM JIT TOONG Liquidator No. 29-2, Jalan 46A/26, Taman Sri Rampai, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala Lumpur. Date: 15 JUNE 2023 JOB VACANCY Kore Industries is a renowned company specializing in the production of multi-color injection molded products and molds for various industries. Our cutting-edge technology and skilled team ensure the delivery of high-quality products that surpass customer expectations. We are currently seeking a talented Sales Engineer to join our team based in Zhongshan City, China. Sales Engineer role: A detail-oriented professional with an unwavering sense of timeline, implementing sales strategies, achieving targets, and providing customized solutions to customers. Drive program deliverables: Maintain a sense of urgency, ensuring timely project execution, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and monitoring progress to meet strict timelines and exceed customer expectations. Collaboration with the engineering team: Contribute to FMEA and APQP stage meetings, fostering innovation and continuous improvement. Fluency in English and Mandarin: Required for effective communication with Chinese counterparts and customers, enhancing business relationships. Responsibilities: Implement sales plans, build customer relationships, prepare quotations, stay updated with industry trends, generate sales reports, and contribute to project management activities. Offer: Competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, professional -growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment. Joining Kore Industries: Gain exposure to diverse industries and travel opportunities. Application: Submit application to [email protected] with the subject line “Sales Engineer Application. 190 Shops to Let 302 Jobs 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS KLANG VALLEY PENANG | KEDAH PERAK | PERLIS | PAHANG | KELANTAN TERENGGANU MS. Shoba TEL: 03-7784 8888 FAX: 03-7784 4424 MALACCA | N.SEMBILAN MR. Rajah TEL: 012-628 2844 FAX: 06-764 2051 JOHOR BAHRU MS. Anne Lim TEL: 013-770 6699 FAX: 07-355 5549 Showdown at Edgbaston England’s ‘Bazball’ revolution faces ultimate test in Ashes Kyrgios crashes out WIMBLEDON finalist Nick Kyrgios crashed out in the first round of the ATP Stuttgart grass tournament yesterday, losing to China’s Wu Yibing 7-5, 6-3 in his first tour match since October. The 70-minute loss to the world No. 64 came after Kyrgios missed seven months of play and underwent a knee procedure after withdrawing before his first match at the Australian Open in January. “This was my first time on the grass in an ATP match,” Wu said. “The last time was Wimbledon juniors six years ago. I’m very happy to have played Nick in the first round, he’s one of the best players on grass. He aced me so much. The key for me was to stay cool, stay patient and find a way.” Wu, coached by former Australian Open runnerup Marcos Baghdatis, in February became the first Chinese player to win an ATP Tour title in Dallas. Venus loses to Swiss teen VENUS WILLIAMS’ return to action following a five-month injury layoff ended in defeat. The seven-times Grand Slam champion fell to Swiss teenager Celine Naef 3-6, 7-6 (6-3), 6-2 in two hours and 18 minutes at the Libema Open in Rosmalen, Netherlands. Williams started brightly but lost the closely fought second in the tiebreak before fading in the decider. “I cannot believe I had the chance to play against Venus,” Naef said after her first win on the WTA Tour. “She’s an amazing player and really a role model for anyone.” Williams, who was handed a wildcard for the tournament, had been sidelined since January after sustaining a hamstring injury in Auckland. MOEEN ALI said Ben Stokes was the only England captain who could have persuaded him to come out of Test retirement. A one-word message from Stokes, after first-choice spinner Jack Leach had been ruled out of all five Ashes Tests against Australia, was all it took to bring slow-bowling all-rounder Moeen back into England’s red-ball set-up. “Stokesy messaged me with a question mark – ‘Ashes?’,” Moeen told reporters at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Moeen said he had not heard the news about Leach, who has a back injury, and thought Stokes was joking. “Then the news came through and I had a chat with him,” he said. “That was it. It’s the Ashes. To be part of it would be amazing.” Moeen, who turns 36 on Sunday, last played Test cricket in September 2021. But his developing relationship with Stokes – the pair were together with Chennai Super Kings during this year’s Indian Premier League – proved the difference. Asked if there was any other captain who could have persuaded him to change his mind, Moeen replied: “Probably not, no.” A powerful batsman as well as an off-spinner, Moeen has played 64 Tests for England, taking 195 wickets and scoring 2,914 runs. But Australia have proved tough opponents for Moeen, with his career bowling average shooting up from 36.66 to 64.65 in Ashes cricket. Nevertheless, he said he is relishing the chance to be involved as England bid for a first Ashes series win since 2015. “The fact that it is the Ashes and it is such a big series, to be part of it would be amazing,” said Moeen. – AFP ‘Only Stokes could get me back’ Moeen Ali. – REUTERSPIX TRAMLINES

22 theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 SPORTS 5650/2023 14/06/2023 (WED) 1871 7254 1673 7115 1460 9537 2554 8761 5761 7111 2938 0151 5782 8500 5224 2876 8710 7082 0999 6179 7887 4760 3476 16,631,939.86 1871 1871 1871 1673 1673 7254 1673 1673 7254 7254 1871 7254 412,834.87 1871 7254 1673 DOG 99719 77801 7801 801 03380 0 1 3 4 270934 70934 0934 934 27093 2709 270 2 7 6,917,939.12 3,923,838.71 71 28 38 45 47 100,000.00 20 23 24 25 34 53 17 24 32 36 37 46 42 15,160,135.20 RM160,491 Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System) won on 11/06/2023 ! 212 517 + BOAR 950 857 + RAT 124 547 + RAT Draw Date: 14/06/23 (Wed) Draw No: 5597/23 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 2517 0857 4547 1024 + 5343 8598 + 2933 0129 + 5508 5832 + 4373 9095 + 5720 4389 + 5101 1068 + 5784 9925 + 1699 0141 + 4213 7490 + 3890 RM6,123,949.80 2517 + 0857 0857 + 2517 2517 + 4547 4547 + 2517 0857 + 4547 4547 + 0857 RM221,004.00 RM2,308,335.70 RM1,466,527.70 RM2,376,754.20 081 024 225 343 768 598 282 933 860 129 985 508 755 832 614 373 089 095 375 720 314 389 865 101 761 068 965 784 439 925 561 699 460 141 344 213 437 490 213 890 517 857 547 RM703,433.90 517 + 857 + 547 857 + 547 + 517 517 + 547 + 857 547 + 517 + 857 857 + 517 + 547 547 + 857 + 517 Don’t missed out dmcGO ODD or EVEN giveaway! ‘Dream come true’ Homa delighted to have US Open in backyard FOR multiple reasons, The Los Angeles Country Club is a special venue for Max Homa. The 32-year-old has risen into the ranks of golf’s elite – he’s ranked No. 7 in the world – but Homa is still in search of his first major title. He is hoping it comes this week at the US Open in his home area of Los Angeles. “I’ve just been thinking about how – I don’t know, when you grow up and we all have that cliche joke, putt to win the US Open, putt to win the Masters, you don’t picture the golf course except for if it’s at Augusta,” Homa said. “To have a major in my hometown, 18-ish miles (29km) from where I grew up, I think that’s a dream come true.” Homa has played his best golf in the familiar confines of California. Of his six PGA Tour wins, four have come in the state, including the 2021 Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles and the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year in San Diego. He has history at LACC, too, even though it isn’t a regular PGA Tour venue and is set to host major golf for the first time. When Homa was a student-athlete at Cal, he shot a course-record 61 during the 2013 Pac-12 Championship. “I do look at that (course knowledge) as a bit of a boost,” Homa said. “All the guys who played the Pac-12s here, anybody who played here prior, it’s definitely a bit of an advantage.” The devil’s advocate might ask whether such a home-course advantage actually could create distractions for Homa. He joked that if friends have texted him this week looking for US Open tickets, they shouldn’t expect a reply. “I did try and at least plan a month or two ago like how I go about it,” Homa said. “If I didn’t respond to you this week and you’re somehow watching this, I’m sorry, but it’s a lot.” Homa was also asked if there’s a danger he might “try too hard” this week. “You just look at how I played every other major trying way too hard, so I’m quite good at that,” he cracked. “In an odd way, it’s almost worked its way out positively because I’ve been thinking about this event for like a year, about how I can’t try too hard, can’t try too hard.” A T13 at the 2022 PGA Championship is his only top-30 result. Last year he made the weekend at the US Open for the first time, tying for 47th. As for what he’s doing to try to improve that major record, Homa offered a typically humorous, self-effacing answer. “Play better,” he said. “I really do believe that my golf game is plenty good enough to contend in these things. I think I’ve shown that in other PGA Tour events. “I’ve won six times, a lot of them recently. I’ve done it on some pretty great golf courses, some hard golf courses. “I just think I get here and I try too hard… I think I’ve been waiting for the weeks to click with my golf game and realising that it’s not the golf game. This week will be a mental test for me, which is good.” – Field Level Media Koepka targets major title tally BROOKS KOEPKA yesterday said he was halfway to his goal for major titles after claiming his fifth at last month’s PGA Championship and hopes to add one more at the US Open in Los Angeles this week. Koepka has put the knee issues that plagued him in recent years firmly behind him and excels on the sport’s biggest stages, finishing in a tie for second at the Masters in April before claiming his third PGA Championship. “Double digits, that’s what I’m trying to get to,” the confident American told reporters at the Los Angeles Country Club. “I don’t think it’s out of the question for me. The way I’ve prepared, the way I’ve suited my game for these things is going to help me. “I’m only 33, so I’ve definitely got quite a bit of time. I’ve just got to stay healthy and keep doing what I’m doing.” Koepka, who left the PGA Tour a year ago to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf, said: “There’s four weeks a year I really care about and this is one of them. I want to play well, so I wasn’t going to waste any time on news that happened last week. “I saw it on TV. Watched a little bit of the interview, and that was it. Just went out and practiced.” As to whether he plans to rejoin the PGA Tour when eligible to do so next year and if he would advocate for the inclusion of LIV’s team golf concept, he declined to speculate. “I’m not going to go into the future. I don’t have a crystal ball with me,” he said. “I’m just worried about the US Open. If I can get to number six pretty quick, that would be nice.” – Reuters McIlroy sees progress in LACC WORLD NO. 3 Rory McIlroy said he has made “big steps of progress” in his game before he begins the US Open with renewed focus and tries to end a nineyear barren run in majors. McIlroy cancelled his pre-tournament press conference yesterday, a week after he addressed the fallout from the announcement of a merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf at the Canadian Open. The 34-year-old, missed the cut at the 2023 Masters and finished seventh at the PGA Championship, ended in a share of ninth in Toronto for his third consecutive top-10 finish on the PGA Tour. “I’m building toward something,” McIlroy said. “I’m certainly feeling a lot better coming into this major championship than I was going to Oak Hill. “I sort of pieced it together around Oak Hill and did okay, but the last two performances – minus the two Sundays – have been really big steps of progress and it’s just about trying to build on that.” McIlroy won the US Open in 2011 at Congressional Country Club, storming to victory while setting the mark for lowest 72-hole score in the tournament’s history at 16-under-par 268. The Northern Irishman – who will tee off with LIV’s Brooks Koepka and former masters champion Hideki Matsuyama in the first round today – has posted four consecutive top-10 finishes at the US Open. “I’ve had my ups and downs in this tournament but I’ve started to figure out how to handle US Open conditions and tests,” McIlroy said. “I think there’s certainly a lot more patience in my game than there used to be.” – Reuters Brooks Koepka plays a shot during a practice round prior to the 123rd US Open. – AFPPIX

23 SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | JUNE 15, 2023 Transfer targets – Part 1 The first 10 Premier League teams and the players they should sign WITH the 2022/23 season completed and Premier League clubs now focused on the summer transfer window. Here’s a look at which players suit each team’s biggest need over the next eight weeks. First up: from Arsenal to Fulham. Arsenal What they need: Central midfielder Who should they sign: Moises Caicedo With Granit Xhaka set for a Bundesliga return, Arsenal need at least two central midfielders this summer. Declan Rice remains the priority for the Gunners, yet the West Ham star can’t be the only middle man that arrives this summer ahead of their return to the Champions League. Moises Caicedo is another linked with Arsenal and would offer an ball-carrying outlet from deep as well as terrific defensive capabilities to help fill the void that will be left once Xhaka departs. Aston Villa What they need: Winger Who should they sign: Harvey Barnes Having secured a return to European football on the final day of the season, Aston Villa are aware they need to add strength in depth in the off-season ahead of Unai Emery’s first full season at the Villa Park helm. A right-back, winger and striker are the priorities for the Villans this summer, with Harvey Barnes one who’ll tick off a problem position. Barnes’ goal exploits were overshadowed by James Maddison’s form, but the 25-year-old still managed a commendable 13 League goals for the relegated Foxes. Bournemouth What the need: Central midfielder Who should they sign: Tyler Adams Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil worked wonders in the Cherries hotseat following his appointment as Scott Parker’s successor, but if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight, they need to strengthen in key areas. One of those will be in the middle of the park. Bournemouth could do a lot worse than raid relegated Leeds for Tyler Adams, the American having ranked third for tackles in the Premier League last season. Brentford What they need: Striker Who should they sign: Viktor Gyokeres Ivan Toney’s suspension leaves Brentford a little light up top. While a shortterm addition would suit all parties, Brentford may instead seek to bring Viktor Gyokeres up to the Premier League. Coventry’s failure to secure promotion means the Swede is seemingly up for grabs and having scored 21 and provided 12 assists last season, Thomas Frank’s side would certainly benefit from the 25-year-old’s addition. Brighton What they need: Central midfielder Who should they sign: Enzo Le Fee The Seagulls are a little light in the middle of the park. Enzo Le Fee was a standout performer for Lorient this season, yet will depart the French side in the coming weeks, and Brighton would be foolish not to consider the 23- year-old. Le Fee ranked third for tackles and seventh for dribbles in the 2022/23 Ligue 1 campaign, while an additional five goals and five assists has helped boost his reputation. Burnley What they need: Central midfielder Who should they sign: Albert Sambi-Lokonga Burnley will need an overhaul in central midfield this summer. They can’t rely on 33- year-old Jack Cork to help beat the drop next season, and so a player who has worked under Vincent Kompany in the past would be a viable option for the Clarets. Albert Sambi-Lokonga spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, though still struggled for minutes at Selhurst Park. Arsenal are unlikely to rely upon Lokonga next season, noted by their pursuit of high-profile midfielders, so another shortterm move would certainly benefit the Belgian. Chelsea What they need: Striker Who should they sign: Victor Osimhen To put it bluntly – Chelsea need a player to put the ball in the back of the net. Christopher Nkunku is set to sign for the Blues, but another striker would certainly aid their quest to launch a sustained title push under Mauricio Pochettino. Victor Osimhen wouldn’t come cheap, the Nigerian having scored more goals (26) than any other player in Serie A this season, yet with Todd Boehly willing to loosen the purse strings, Osimhen could prove the perfect frontman for Chelsea, and one to rid them of the dreaded No. 9 curse. Crystal Palace What they need: Rightback Who should they sign: Sacha Boey Crystal Palace were able to muddle through the season with Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne at right-back, but the pair are now 33 and 32 years of age, respectively, and the Eagles could do with some investment in defence ahead of the new season. While he has been linked with Arsenal, Sacha Boey could prove a shrewd capture for the Eagles. The 22- year-old was key in Galatasaray’s title triumph and has made the second most tackles (86) in the Super Lig this season, so a committed body to shore up the defence would certainly be welcomed at Selhurst Park. Everton What they need: Striker Who should they sign: Alfredo Morelos Everton have been linked with a move for Wout Weghorst, the Dutchman having worked under Sean Dyche during their short time together at Turf Moor, as the Toffees seek to sign another striker. However, Weghorst has a poor record in England having scored just two goals in 37 League appearances, so they may be better off perusing the free market. Alfredo Morelos will leave Rangers this summer upon the culmination of his contract and having scored 11 goals and provided five assists in the Scottish Premiership last season, the hot-headed Colombian could prove a handy pick up. Fulham What they need: Defender Who should they sign: Harry Maguire Centreback is hardly a problem position for Fulham, with Tim Ream, Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop all performing admirably for the Cottagers as they beat the drop last season, but with the former now 35, some fresh blood would benefit Marco Silva’s side. Harry Maguire is unlikely to be a Manchester United player once the summer transfer window closes and with their ongoing pursuit of Kim Min-Jae, the England international is expected to leave sooner rather than later. If his England performances are anything to go by, Maguire could prove a solid addition to the Fulham defence, while a fresh start would certainly benefit the 30-year-old. The Independent United still in Raya race MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ‘still in the mix’ to sign Brentford star David Raya, despite Tottenham being in pole position to sign the goalkeeper. The Spaniard is keen to leave Thomas Frank’s this side but could be priced out of a move, with the Bees valuing his services at £40m (RM233m). According to The Telegraph, no club is prepared to meet that figure at this stage, with United still in regular contact with the 27-year-old and sounding out their interest. Spurs are attempting to accelerate talks with Raya by agreeing a contract and personal terms with the goalkeeper, though, regardless, his next club remains uncertain unless Brentford budge on their valuation or an interested party increases their offer. Chelsea to host Lukaku meeting CHELSEA and Inter Milan are set to meet and discuss Romelu Lukaku’s future in the coming days, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are willing to entertain offers for the forward, who is keen to extend his stay in the Serie A beyond this summer. Inter are also keen on Kalidou Koulibaly and he will be discussed too, with Chelsea set to ask for a ‘final price tag’ for Andre Onana. █ BEN MCALEER SIDENETTING Victor Osimhen (below), and Harry Maguire (top).

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] The situation presents the Parisians with two clear options for dealing with Mbappe: sell him this summer to the plethora of suitors, or convince him just as they did last summer of the advantage of staying in his home city. Here we look at the likely options for Mbappe this summer: Real Madrid Real Madrid appears to be the obvious choice for a player who has long been tied to the historic club. After trying endlessly last summer to secure the rights to the star Frenchman, Madrid came out with nothing but false hope. For months it felt as though Mbappe lighting up the Bernabeu week after week would be a guarantee but Mbappe saw the Parc Des Princes as having too much to offer at that time to leave. One summer later the Madridistas believe they have found solace as they become yet again the frontrunner to sign Mbappe. Set to lose legendary No. 9 Karim Benzema, this represents a perfect transition period for Madrid as they look to bring in the hyper-talented Mbappe to replace the lost goals from Benzema’s departure. Saudi Arabia A mere few years ago the idea that a player of Mbappe’s caliber in the prime of his career would go to a league such as the Saudi’s would seem rooted in fantasy. Yet, as we have all learned money talks and the Saudi League sure has a lot. With the wealth that teams possess and the high-profile names that have gone to Saudi Arabia in the past year, there seems to be at least a chance that Mbappe could venture to the Middle East. Recent history has taught us not to underestimate the lure of Saudi money. Paris St Germain While Mbappe has made his intentions clear that he does not want to renew his contract into 2025, PSG still have the opportunity to convince their star to stay on yet again. Mbappe has enjoyed much success in Paris domestically, finishing as the league’s top goal scorer in five straight seasons as well as securing five of six Ligue 1 trophies with the club. Yet, with PSG entering each Ligue 1 season as massive favorites, this domestic success does not seem to be enough to keep Mbappe happy. Success in the illustrious Champions League which defines Europe’s best seems to be the next step for Mbappe who has seen his club flame out in back-to-back Round of 16’s. One thing we can trust is that Mbappe will do what he sees as best for his future whether that is financially or on the pitch. Manchester United or the Premier League? Should a takeover of Manchester United be completed in the near future, the new owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe or Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim, would surely be interested in a statement signing. Chelsea would surely be interested with Todd Boehly eager to make an impact in the market once more, yet the figures involved in such a deal might prove beyond the Blues with so many other areas of the squad to address. The Independent or download app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my FREE access Interactive THURSDAY • JUNE 15, 2023 █ CHARLIE SCHONINGER Why European dominance is far from certain for Pep’s champions PEP GUARDIOLA had his right arm around Kevin De Bruyne and his left around Ilkay Gundogan as they sang along to “We Are The Champions”. He may have found himself in a particularly appropriate place among his players as the bombastic rock anthem blared out over the Ataturk Stadium. For Guardiola, becoming champions of Europe has taken him seven seasons at Manchester City. For some, there has been an inevitability that City would conquer Europe. De Bruyne and Gundogan, who turn 32 and 33 respectively this summer, could be forgiven for feeling they had no such guarantees of glory. Rodri, their match-winner, thanked some of the players who had gone before, who had elevated City to this level – but made a bullish statement. “We can trust in ourselves that we did it and this is what teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, AC Milan – these kind of clubs – did in the past.” All of which may be what their rivals fear. Even a man as relentless as Guardiola, with his track record of winning time and again, sought to take his mind off it, however briefly. “Now is the time to celebrate,” he said. He scoffed at comparisons with Real. “We are just 13 Champions Leagues behind them,” he said. “Be careful, Real Madrid, because we are on our way. You sleep a little bit and we will catch you.” When a team wins the Champions League, it is easy to predict an age of dominance. It rarely actually materialises, partly due to the vagaries of cup games against elite teams. “People say I have to win trebles every season,” Guardiola reflected. “I am a good manager but no.” But there was nevertheless a warning. City could have staying power. They might not be a one-hit wonder. “There are teams that win the Champions League and after one or two seasons disappear,” Guardiola added. “This is what you have to avoid. Knowing me this is not going to happen.” He has a contract to 2025, a structure built around him and a willingness to praise his employers that suggests he is going nowhere. His own project had survived previous European heartbreaks. Perhaps City will not slip back to the pack until Guardiola leaves, Erling Haaland does or both. Rodri sounded confident about the future. “Guys like Erling, 22-year-olds, and the lads coming now, we have a very good squad for the next years,” he said. It is true, though the average age of City’s starting 11 – 28 years and 137 days – is scarcely young, and that was with the 33-yearold Kyle Walker and the 32-year-old Riyad Mahrez on the bench. And there is the prospect a club who rarely lose players they want to keep could be stripped of a duo just when the treble winners have hit an all-time high. Gundogan, is out of contract this summer and, much as Guardiola is desperate to keep him, is available on a free transfer. The lengthy hug between Guardiola and Bernardo Silva on the Turkish pitch indicated this might be his final year at City. Neither would be easy to replace. For now, though, City are well positioned to maintain their superiority in England but even as they conquered Europe by the narrowness of their win over Inter, the reliance on Ederson for brilliant saves, showed the difficulty of knockout football. Istanbul may be the end of an era for one or two, but not for Guardiola or City. They won’t disappear. But even as chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak marked victory by noting to Guardiola that next season’s Champions League final is London, it is far from a certainty City will be there. – The Independent █ RICHARD JOLLY What next for Mbappe? Real Madrid, Man Utd and other options for wantaway PSG forward WHO doesn’t love a little transfer speculation, Kylian Mbappe, arguably the world’s most valuable footballer, finds himself yet again amidst transfer rumours worldwide. PSG miraculously managed to keep the star after it looked all but guaranteed that the speedy Frenchman would be taking his talents to Madrid. The Parisians believed this threeyear deal would be more than enough to keep the World Cup winner happy in Paris. A letter Mbappe recently sent to the club stating his intention not to sign a contract extension after the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season shattered any dreams that PSG ownership or fans had of the starboy prolonging his stay in Paris. With Mbappe’s intentions now clear, PSG must enter scramble mode as they risk losing their prime asset, one which they bought for €180 million (RM864m), for free after the conclusion of next season.