The Sun 18042023

TELLING IT AS IT IS ON TUESDAY APRIL 18, 2023 No. 8252 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my FEAST FOR THE EYES ... Mydin Seremban 2 manager Raisa Mohamad Nor arranging colourful decorative ketupat casings at the hypermarket yesterday ahead of Hari Raya. – BERNAMAPIC INSIDE No need for Sivakumar to go on leave: PM 2 page Healthy rebound in medical tourism post Covid-19 3 page KUALA LUMPUR: As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, a silent epidemic has been raging behind closed doors – the scourge of child sexual exploitation. Every day, vulnerable children fall prey to predators who seek to fulfil their twisted desires at the expense of innocent minors. It is estimated every year, some 100,000 children in Malaysia aged 12 to 17 may experience online sexual exploitation or abuse, as revealed in the 2022 Disrupting Harm study. However, Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS, a senior consultant community paediatrician who heads the Clinical Research Centre Perak and the Paediatric Department at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun Ipoh, said this number is likely a significant underestimate. About 6,000 to 7,000 children are reported as having been abused yearly, although Amar said this is gross under-reporting as three local community prevalence studies on child sexual abuse showed rates of between 8% and 26% of all children. “Studies conducted in 2006 and 2011 found that at least half of 15 to 17-year-olds and 10 to 12-year-olds experience some form of physical or emotional abuse and live in an unstable home environment.” Amar said it is heart-wrenching to know that any discussion on sexual abuse and exploitation of children is made difficult by society’s reluctance to acknowledge its reality and magnitude, as well as lack of understanding of who are the common abusers. “Child sexual abuse can be considered more traumatic as it often occurs in the victim’s own household by individuals they trust and who claim to care for them. Thirty to 40% of all children under 18 years who are identified as sexually abused are often classified as “rape victims” and may not be referred to the Welfare Department or pediatricians and only reported to the police. “In Malaysia, we are still grappling to improve the awareness of child abuse and develop services to support children and prevent child abuse. One reason for our failure is the false perceptions society has regarding child abuse, such as it is usually carried out by strangers, only girls and teenagers are sexually abused and children are the ‘property’ of parents for them to do as they please. “Although society tends to focus on paedophiles, they are actually uncommon. The individuals who commit it (sexual assault) usually look just like anyone else in society and can be our office colleagues, family members or friends. “Most sex abusers are male but a minority (of them) are female,” he told theSun. The police Sexual, Women and Children Investigation Division reported that in 2022, there were 2,826 reported offences, such as sexual perversion, rape, obscene acts (portrayal or description of sexual matters) and incest crimes involving children from the ages of below six up to above 18. Of the offences, rape accounts for the highest number, with 1,012 cases involving children aged between 13 and 15. Selangor registered the highest number of child sexual exploitation cases in 2022, with 325 rape cases, 245 obscene acts (portrayal or description of sexual matters), 70 sexual perversion cases and 40 incidents of incest. A 27-year-old victim, who wanted to be known only as Mathilda, said: “When I was at the age of 15 to 17, my cousin, who lived with me, began to sexually exploit me by taking inappropriate photographs of me without my consent. “This was something I mistakenly thought was bullying. Then, he became more extreme and started to violate me,” she said. “I first discussed the issue with one of my friends and she eventually made me tell oSome 6,000 to 7,000 cases of sexually abused children are recorded yearly, but child specialist says incidents are under-reported █ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] everyone about it. “I mustered up the courage to let my parents know about the matter. I left my family after finishing secondary education in order to protect myself,” Mathilda added. “I am not in touch with any of my family members and none of them could contact me up until now.” Turn to — page 5 Silent epidemic

2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS No need for Sivakumar to go on leave now: Anwar KUALA LUMPUR: The government will leave it to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to carry out investigations involving Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar and his officials with regard to allegations over the recruitment of foreign workers, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He also urged the public not to make any presumptions on the issue. “We have to differentiate between the process of an investigation and being charged. So, we leave the investigation to the MACC. “Then, if there are no charges, it’s fine, and if there are, that would be another matter altogether,” he said after launching the Sayr Al-Salikin’s Masterpiece (4 Volumes) and Sivakumar fielding questions from media personnel in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC oGovt will leave it to MACC to conduct investigations involving minister, officials over graft allegations, says PM Hikayat Iskandar Zulkarnain at Wisma Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka yesterday. Asked if Sivakumar needed to go on leave until the investigations were completed, Anwar said at the moment, there are no charges against the minister. “There are no charges yet. In an investigation, (for example) even myself as the prime minister would have to comply by providing an explanation. I wouldn’t have to resign (at that point), would I?” Anwar said the unity government led by him remained firm over matters related to governance and fighting corruption. “In this matter, we don’t care if it offends anyone, no matter who the figure or which party it involves. That is our position.” Meanwhile, DAP secretarygeneral and Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Anwar had not issued any directive for Sivakumar to be relieved from his post following the arrest of his officers. “So far, there has been no such instruction from the prime minister for Sivakumar to take leave,” Loke said at a media conference yesterday regarding flight ticket prices in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Loke added that the MACC was still investigating the case. “We (DAP) are monitoring the development of the case.” On Sunday, Sivakumar, who is also Batu Gajah MP, was present at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to provide his statement on the case, believed to be related to foreign worker recruitment contracts. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed yesterday that Sivakumar was summoned to the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya to assist with investigations following the arrest of several of his officers, believed to be over allegations of graft in the recruitment of foreign workers. MACC recently arrested two of Sivakumar’s senior officers, believed to be linked to the issue. Meanwhile, Sivakumar denied reports that his office and home were raided by MACC yesterday, Bernama reported. “Nothing, there was nothing,” he said when asked about media reports that MACC had raided his office and residence to complete investigations into allegations of him receiving millions of ringgit through middlemen to continue receiving government contracts. Sivakumar, who was met by reporters after the soft launch of the National Training Week 2023 yesterday, said he was at the MACC headquarters on Sunday to have his statement recorded. “I was not arrested. I was there to give my statement and I told them that I would cooperate.” Asked if MACC would be calling him again, Sivakumar said: “No”. He added that he and the Human Resources Ministry would extend full cooperation to MACC in the course of the probe. “Investigations are ongoing and if there is anything (that requires additional information), we will give our full cooperation, that’s all.” Penang calls for easing of MM2H conditions GEORGE TOWN: Penang has expressed hope that the Home Affairs Ministry would consider easing the overly strict conditions introduced for new applicants of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme. In a statement yesterday, Penang state exco member for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin said he has urged the ministry to review and revise the new MM2H conditions urgently, so that the programme could keep pace with the changing needs of the economy. He added that easing MM2H conditions would help make a meaningful contribution in the revival of the nation’s economy after the pandemic. “Expatriates play a vital role in bringing a multiplier effect to the economic development of Penang and Malaysia as a whole. “Thus, it is beneficial for the country if conditions for new applicants of MM2H are fair, reasonable and effective to encourage potential residents or investors from abroad to stay with us.” Yeoh said as one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, Penang is known for its vibrant multicultural scenes, savoury street food and strategic geographical location, which have captivated many expatriates. He said the MM2H Consultant Association found that stricter conditions had caused a 90% drop in the number of MM2H applicants, since they were introduced in 2021. “These unnecessary barriers have hindered attracting longterm foreign residents. “If such conditions persists, I believe many expatriates will no longer choose Malaysia and will (choose) neighbouring countries, where it is easier for them to meet eligibility requirements to settle down.” – Bernama Take precautions, Malaysians in Sudan told KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has advised Malaysians in Sudan to take precautions and not go out for the time being due to the conflict in the country. He said they could contact the Malaysian embassy in Sudan directly, and any information or further action would be relayed from time to time. “The Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring developments in Sudan with other government agencies, including the National Security Council, to ensure the safety of every Malaysian in Sudan.” He added that 29 Malaysians in Sudan, who are mostly students, have been accounted for and confirmed to be safe. Zambry added that an inter-agency meeting was held yesterday morning to obtain the latest information on the current situation there and to discuss proposals to ensure the safety of Malaysians. The coordination meeting, chaired by the Foreign Ministry’s deputy secretary-general for bilateral relations Datuk Norman Muhamad, also involved the National Security Council, Home Affairs Ministry, Prime Minister’s Department’s Research Division, the National Disaster Management Agency, police and Petronas. “A 24-hour operations room has also been launched at the ministry to monitor the current situation in Sudan, in addition to a WhatsApp group communication channel.” The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces has sparked political unrest and threatened security in the country. – Bernama Empowering children of military personnel ALOR GAJAH: The Defence Ministry is working on various approaches to empower children of military personnel with technical and vocational education training (TVET), especially at tertiary education level. Its Deputy Minister Adly Zahari said meetings have been held with Petronas and Tenaga Nasional Berhad to devise TVET-related training and job matching programmes for such children. “The ministry provides several educational-assistance schemes at the diploma and degree levels, especially under the Armed Forces Board Fund Foundation, in addition to a one-off assistance for those who pursue university studies. “This is a relatively large group but only a few choose to continue their studies in the field of TVET. Earlier, we had also focused on empowering defence personnel who were going to retire by providing TVET programmes,” he said after a breaking of fast event here on Sunday. He said the TVET programme for children of military personnel was not merely to provide them with the appropriate training but also to produce skilled and quality human resource personnel, especially for local industries. “This is in line with the aspirations of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is the National TVET Council chairman, to increase the marketability of graduates, especially those who have done TVET.” – Bernama Report on soldier’s death to be completed in two weeks ALOR GAJAH: The full report on the internal investigation into the death of soldier Kpl Mohammad Nasri Mohd Nasib, whose body was found in the Belum Forest Reserve in Perak on April 12, is expected to be completed in two weeks. Defence Deputy Minister Adly Zahari said the report is more than 50% complete, and the latest developments on the probe would be presented in the post-Cabinet meeting tomorrow. “On Wednesday, we will get some news, but a full report should be in after Hari Raya,” he said after a breaking of fast event on Sunday. He also said the Defence Ministry would take care of the welfare of the deceased’s family members, comprising his wife, Nurhayatul Husna, 30, and two children Muhammad Aakif Rizqi, four, and Nur Afifah Raisha, two. Earlier, it was reported that Mohammad Nasri, from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment at Seri Bentong Camp in Pahang, went missing during an operation in the interior of the Belum Forest Reserve on April 7. His remains were laid to rest at the Pulau Mertajam Mosque Muslim Cemetery in Penaga, Penang on April 13. A post-mortem conducted at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital found that a head injury, consistent with a fall, was the cause of death. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 PETALING JAYA: Medical tourism in Malaysia is slowly recovering after the country fully opened its borders in the early part of last year. Private Hospitals Malaysia Association president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said medical tourism is an important part of business for private hospitals. He said those coming to Malaysia for treatment find it easy to communicate with hospital staff as everyone speaks English and patients are given top-grade medication, unlike in some other countries. Kuljit added that most of the private hospitals that treat medical tourists are in major urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Malacca. “For medical tourists, Malaysia is a huge draw as the country offers many attractions and places to visit. “Medical tourists from places such as the Middle East, Bangladesh, India and China are usually accompanied by their family members, who regard the trip as a holiday. “While a medical tourist gets treated at the hospital, the family members will take the opportunity to visit the many attractions in the country.” Kuljit said medical tourists consider healthcare in Malaysia to be very affordable compared with other countries in the region, adding that many locals may complain about the cost of treatment at private hospitals as they pay next to nothing at government hospitals. Before Covid-19 hit the country in 2019, there were 1.2 million medical tourists who sought treatment in Malaysia. However, as the sector is slowly recovering, about 800,000 medical tourists had sought treatment here last year. “Malaysia has the best staff in the private sector, including top-notch specialists, and this makes it attractive to medical tourists.” He said the private sector can add more hospitals and beds to treat patients but the cost will remain the same as there are no economies of scale when it comes to medical drugs and salaries. Kuljit said while the government issues licences for private hospitals that meet its standards and regulations, and have the money to invest, it will not step in to help if a hospital runs into financial difficulties. Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) said Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry recorded more than RM1.2 billion in revenue last year – its highest since 2019 – as air travel rebounded after three years of pandemic lockdowns and travel restrictions. It said the annual revenue of private healthcare had been steadily increasing, rising from RM527,000 in 2011 to RM1.7 billion in 2019, before Covid-19 became a pandemic. The volume of healthcare travellers had also increased from 643,000 to over 1.2 million over the same period. MHTC expects the medical tourism industry to continue growing, with a projected annual revenue of RM2 billion in 2025. The council said due to the border closures and compounded impact of Covid-19, Malaysia’s healthcare travel revenues saw a sharp decline, with the biggest impact felt in the second half of 2020 and beyond. It said the highest number of medical tourists were from Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, UK and the US. PH-BN seat talks nearing completion KUALA LUMPUR: The result of the seat negotiation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming six state elections is expected to be announced after Aidilfitri or before the end of May. PH Communications director Fahmi Fadzil said top leaders of PH and BN will announce the matter when the time comes. “I believe that the party leadership will announce the result of the seat negotiation soon, and I expect it to be very positive,” he said after attending the announcement of Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programme here yesterday. However, Fahmi said details on the negotiation should be referred to PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail or PKR vice-president Mohd Rafizi Ramli. On Feb 22, the menteri besar and chief ministers of the six states – Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan – agreed to consider dissolving their respective state assemblies in the last two weeks of June to make way for state elections. On the digital programme, Fahmi said nine focus sectors will be included, as identified by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, such as digital tourism, digital agriculture and digital town, involving an investment totalling RM1 billion by 2025. – Bernama Healthy rebound in medical tourism post Covid pandemic oForeigners seeking treatment in Malaysia drawn by affordable costs, top-notch specialists at private hospitals Foreign trailer driver ban driven by safety concerns KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to ban foreigners from driving trailer lorries in the country was made in line with the government’s stance on road safety aspects. The Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association (MRTSA) chairman Nik Salim Nik Salleh said the ban was apt because foreigners did not receive appropriate training or early exposure regarding the road safety legislation in Malaysia. Based on the current road accident statistics, he proposed that the government intensify its efforts to deal with problems related to road safety, especially involving locals. “The MRTSA supports the government’s stance on this matter because it (allowing foreigners to drive) will create additional risks to road safety in the country. “Allowing foreigners to drive trailer lorries or any commercial vehicles will also affect job opportunities for locals in the sector,” he said here yesterday. Meanwhile, Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said road accidents, especially involving heavy vehicles including trailers, can be reduced if safety aspects are observed by all parties. He said it could be achieved by ensuring that all trailer lorry drivers have good driving skills through continuous training given by their employers. “Among the causes of accidents involving trailer lorries are the drivers’ bullying behaviour and dangerous driving attitude, low level of road safety awareness and carrying excessive loads,” he said. On April 11, Transport Minister Anthony Loke was quoted as saying that foreigners are not allowed to drive trailer lorries despite pressure from the industry to allow them to drive to overcome shortage of drivers. Citing data on the country’s haulage for 2022, Loke said there were 766 haulage companies with 16,465 prime movers and 61,616 trailers, while the number of drivers was 12,326. – Bernama Water, power issues hinder Labuan growth LABUAN: The frequent water and power supply disruptions have resulted in poor investment and economic growth in Malaysia’s international business and financial centre of Labuan. Labuan MP Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman said for over two decades this issue has exacerbated economic recovery, burdening the people in the long run. He said the federal government through the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry, must give serious attention to this prolonged issue. “Water and power supply disruption has become a norm for the people in and outside Labuan, and this had been going on every week for so many years,” he said. “There had been many investors who were keen to invest in Labuan but due to the disruptions, they had lost interest,” he said, adding that he would be meeting the prime minister to look into solutions to the problem. Suhaili, who is also Labuan-based Sabah government-linked Asian Supply Base Sdn Bhd chairman, said more investments would create more employment opportunities for locals. “I hope under the unity government, Labuan will not be left behind in terms of fund distribution for basic infrastructure and necessities,” said Suhaili. – Bernama █ BYRAJVINDER SINGH [email protected] Permanent farmers market for Malacca JASIN: The Malacca government will build a permanent farmers’ market equipped with various facilities worth RM3 million next to Sungai Rambai Rest and Service Area (south-bound). Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the allocation for the construction had been approved by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority for the overall cost including land acquisition. “The permanent farmers’ market will be built with an open concept and the operation of the old market in Sungai Rambai town will be moved there. “The new site is strategic because Sungai Rambai borders several districts in Johor, making it the gateway to the south,” he said after closing the Kuih Tradisional dan Pelita Raya Aidilfitri Melaka festival here on Sunday night. – Bernama TRADITIONAL APPEAL ... Brothers (from left) Ghazali, Kamrul, Mohd Arif and Mohd Rafi Kori showing their bestselling tanjak traditional headwear and capal leather slippers at the Terengganu Trade Centre in Kuala Terengganu. – BERNAMAPIC

4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Communities in Johor receive RM50,000 post-flood relief JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Plantations Berhad has delivered post-flood relief assistance to aid communities in Johor, with a contribution of RM50,000 to Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Berhad (WanCorp) for the “Tabung Sumbangan Pasca Banjir Negeri Johor”. WanCorp was instrumental in mobilising its resources to help affected Johoreans and their families mitigate the impact of floods through the provision of rescue and relief operations, food supplies, shelter and necessities for flood evacuees. It is now assisting in post-flood activities to help affected Johoreans and their families through the provision of post-flood activities, including clean-up efforts as well as fixing and restoring homes and repairing public infrastructure such as schools and community centres. Johor Plantations managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery said: “Floods remain a challenge for the community. The devastation and property damage has resulted in many people being displaced and facing losses. “Our goal is to alleviate some of the financial burden of affected families and provide support as they gradually recover from the impact of the floods. We hope our contribution would make a difference in helping them get back on their feet.” The contribution was made during an iftar event hosted by Johor Plantations at the Persatuan Kebajikan Darul Hanan (Darul Hanan) in Pasir Gudang, which cares for orphans and the less fortunate. Johor Plantations also gave the children duit Raya and donated RM5,000 to fund some of the activities at the orphanage. Mohd Faris said: “Ramadan is a special month of introspection, growth and sharing. With these values in mind, we are honoured to spread the joy of Aidilfitri alongside Darul Hanan, an organisation that has been integral in improving and uplifting the lives of children.” – Bernama Rahmah retailers go above and beyond JERTIH: Industry players, especially those in the retail sector, have not only adopted the “Payung Rahmah” initiative well, they have also offered more than what the government had intended. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said players in the sector were seen to be more proactive in offering various packages, especially with the festive season approaching. He said although the government has set 30 types of goods under the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme, there are supermarkets that still offer lower prices on more than 50 items. He said a survey carried out by the ministry at a supermarket revealed there were up to 100 items being offered at Rahmah rates. “In addition to the existing Rahmah packages, they also organised a Rahmah sale on their own. “Of course, we at the ministry are thankful to industry players, who have adopted the Rahmah concept well,” he said yesterday. – Bernama Helping parents, teachers deal with childhood dyslexia PETALING JAYA: According to the latest statistics from the Education Ministry’s Special Education database, about 314,000 or 17% of students enrolled in primary schools in 2020 were dyslexic. Globally, it is estimated that one out of 10 people suffer from dyslexia, which is a condition where a person has difficulty reading. It usually comes with other learning disorders such as dyspraxia, which is difficulty in performing coordinated movements, and dyscalculia, which involves difficulty with numbers and dysgraphia, a neurological disorder characterised by difficulty in writing. Malaysia Dyslexia Association president Abdullah Syakirin Mohammad said dyslexia is usually diagnosed via an academic and psychological assessment. “This can be done at five years of age as long as the child can recognise alphabets and numbers,” he said, adding that the main challenge the association faced is in educating the public that dyslexic children are special and their minds are wired differently. “At the Malaysia Dyslexia oDiagnosis can be done at five years of age as long as the child can recognise alphabets and numbers, says association president █ BYVEISHNAWI NEHRU [email protected] Association, we offer educational assessment and screening by a registered psychologist, overseen by our group of advisers who are highly skilled and experienced. “We also offer intervention classes at four locations in the Klang Valley, specifically at our headquarters on Jalan Ampang, as well as in Bangi, USJ and Taman Tun Dr Ismail. “Intervention classes are also offered at Sungai Petani, Universiti Utara Malaysia Sintok and Jitra.” National Organisation for Dyslexia Malaysia (NOD) president Dr Mullai Ramaiah Arunachalam told theSun that most parents are unaware of dyslexia as awareness programmes are rare in Malaysia. “We have conducted over 200 workshops as even teachers are unaware of what dyslexia is. Teachers do not tell parents that it is perfectly okay to have a dyslexic child. In Western countries, dyslexic children are considered to be gifted as they sometimes have the latent talents of geniuses. She said Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell and even former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew were dyslexic. Mullai said many parents react with shock and refuse to accept that their children have dyslexia as they feel it is a social stigma. She said parents prefer to ignore the problem and seek help when their children are 17 or 21 years old, which is very late. She added that NOD has devised a comprehensive teaching tool to teach in English and Tamil, which is popular in Malaysia and abroad. “We conduct workshops in English and Tamil throughout the country and overseas, and in January, the Selangor government sponsored a workshop for B40 students, teachers and parents. “NOD also has done a comprehensive study with Universiti Kebangasaan Malaysia titled ‘The Relationship between Dyslexia and Delinquency: A Psycho-Socio Criminogenic Approach’. “The findings showed 51.4% of delinquents at the Henry Gurney School in Malacca have dyslexia.” Tadika Visual Sukses principal Kausalya Appalanaidu, whose kindergarten has several dyslexic pupils, said the learning difficulty can be managed. “It depends on the parents, who should involve themselves by helping their dyslexic children, who only spend four hours at school and the remaining time at home. “Parents need to continue teaching their children after school as they cannot depend on the teachers alone,” she said, adding that such parental involvement would ensure dyslexic children have a head start on their education. National Training Week to start in May PUTRAJAYA: National Training Week (NTW) 2023 will take place from May 22 to 28 to increase awareness about the importance of training and foster a culture of lifelong learning among the people. Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said NTW is an innovative initiative that brings together organisations and individuals from various backgrounds and industries to experience extensive learning and development opportunities. Led by the Human Resource Development Corp, the NTW will be carried out by the Human Resources, Higher Education, Education, Health and Youth and Sports ministries, in collaboration with the private sector and non-profit organisations. Sivakumar said the Human Resources Ministry expected the event to attract more than 5,000 trainers and collaborators, who will deliver more than 5,000 training courses, train up to 125,000 participants and record more than 500,000 hours of training, estimated to cost more than RM250 million. – Bernama Marine-themed musical with sea-inspired tunes KUALA LUMPUR: A rousing opening number by Malaysian artiste Michael Chan and the captivating music of the gamelan set the tone for the entire musical performance, Mantera Nelayan. With the hypnotic rhythms of the gamelan, a completely immersive experience was created, allowing the audience to escape to the tranquil sounds of the ocean. The minute the stage was lighted, 12 “fishermen” were seen seated cross-legged on the floor, with musical instruments such as keromon, gambang, saron, kenong, gong and gendang. As the beating of the gong gained momentum, the sounds of a thunderstorm and ocean waves crashing on the shore portrayed by the vibrant energy of the “fishermen”, signalled to the audience that they were ready to set sail to earn their livelihood despite the rough seas. Interestingly, all 12 “fishermen” were human-sized puppets made of wood and clay that were controlled by musicians in the background. The show was only aired on Youtube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=il1S8l3fpG8. The gamelan show, which was performed by a group of women artistes, was part of an Arus Gangsa project mooted by Universiti Malaya marine biologist and seagrass expert Dr Jillian L.S. Ooi. When she is not underwater watching grass grow, Ooi is the co-music director of Rhythm in Bronze (RIB), an award-winning contemporary gamelan ensemble based here. Ooi believes that when scientists apply music to their work, the results can be surprisingly beautiful. The science-music relationship works well as she is capable of stimulating ears and brains as well. Ooi said RiB’s Mantera Nelayan was inspired after her stint at a fishing community on Pulau Rhythm in Bronze gong player Amira Farhana Ahmad Hamidi rehearsing for a performance. – BERNAMAPIC Rawa in Mersing, while undertaking research work on seagrass meadows with her students. “According to the beliefs of the fishermen, they will only carry out the mantera ritual as a blessing to ensure a safe journey. “This is because they believe fishing means taking something from the sea, hence, the mantera ritual has to be practised for fear that tragedy would befall them if the ritual is not performed.” – Bernama

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 Ex-officer of farmers group claims trial to bribery charge KUALA LUMPUR: A former deputy general manager of the Sepang Area Farmers’ Organisation pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court yesterday to accepting bribes amounting to RM4,800 in connection with the 2021 Food Guarantee Fund programme. The accused, Mohd Asyraf Mohd Fauzi, 36, who was then an economic affairs assistant officer at the organisation, was charged with accepting the RM4,800 bribe from a 39-year-old man through his CIMB account. The bribe was an inducement for the accused to assist Syarikat Giching Maju Enterprise to obtain a cleaning contract and for the supply of sugar cane saplings for the farming project. The offence, allegedly committed at CIMB Sentul Raya branch between Nov 10, 2021 and Dec 31, 2021, was framed under Section 17 (a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009. The section provides imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the amount or value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. DPP Irna Julieza Maaras proposed bail of RM20,000 in one surety and for the accused to surrender his international passport and report to the MACC office until the case is disposed. Counsel for the accused Saleh Ahmad appealed for the bail amount to be reduced as his client needs to support his wife and four children. “My client has paid RM8,000 bail for two earlier charges in the Shah Alam Sessions Court and he cannot afford to raise the proposed bail,” said Saleh, adding that the accused does not have a passport. Judge Suzana Hussin allowed the accused bail of RM5,000 in one surety and ordered him to report to the MACC office once a month. The court also allowed the case to be transferred to the Shah Alam Sessions Court to be heard together with the two other cases. On April 11, Mohd Asyraf claimed trial in the Sessions Court to two counts of bribery involving RM6,000 in connection with the same programme. – Bernama Early Aidilfitri cheer for lucky draw winner MALACCA: Muhammad Sharul Aiemi Abdullah won the top prize in a form of a Proton Persona 1.6 car worth RM49,242 in a lucky draw held in conjunction with an organisation of the Malacca Grand Ramadan Bazaar (Melgrab) in Jalan Hang Tuah. The 21-year-old, who has just completed training at a police training centre three months ago and is currently stationed in Negeri Sembilan, expressed joy and disbelief oPolice recruit wins Proton Persona after visit to Ramadan bazaar to buy Raya clothes for family RM1.2m worth of cigarettes seized MUAR: Police arrested a local man and seized 1.2 million sticks of cigarettes worth RM1.24 million, believed to have been smuggled, during a raid at a house in Jalan Naib Kadir, Bukit Pasir last Friday. District police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said acting on intelligence and surveillance carried out by the Simpang Renggam General Operations Force 5th Battalion and the Muar district police headquarters for four weeks, a 54-year-old man was arrested at 2.30pm. He said following the raid, police seized 118 large packages of various brands of cigarettes comprising 4,000 cartons, a car, two mobile phones and RM1,699 cash. “The modus operandi is to use a rented house as a collection centre before the cigarettes are distributed to customers, who we believe are foreign workers and also locals,” he said. – Bernama Price tag offences most common SEREMBAN: Failure to display a price tag is among the highest offences recorded by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in Negeri Sembilan since early January. Its director Muhammad Zahir Mazlan said more than 100 compounds totalling RM16,400 have been issued to the traders involved. “To date, the highest case recorded by us is the failure to display the price tags and the traders are instantly compounded RM200.” He said this to reporters after launching the state-level Hari Raya Puasa Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme at Mydin Hypermarket Seremban 2, which was also attended by State Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan. Muhammad Zahir added that they had yet to receive any complaint about the rising prices of goods or lack of supply. He also said monitoring activities and checks carried out under Ops Pantau 2023 at 3,677 premies involving wholesalers, retailers, supermarkets, general markets and farmer’s markets found supply of basic necessities is sufficient at all levels of the business chain during Ramadan. – Bernama RM8,000 fine for offending comedy act KUALA LUMPUR: Siti Nuramira Abdullah, who caused controversy with her act at a comedy club last year, was fined RM8,000 by the Sessions Court yesterday. Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini meted the sentence after Siti Nuramira, 27, plead guilty to an alternative charge of deliberately offending the religious beliefs of others. She allegedly committed the offence at the Crackhouse Comedy Club in Taman Tun Dr Ismail at 6pm on June 4, 2022, under Section 298 of the Penal Code. The court also ordered her to be sentenced to four months’ jail if she failed to pay the fine. Siti Nuramira paid the fine. The defence was to have carried out cross-examination of the prosecution’s first witness, Muhammad Asyraf Kamal Musthaffa, yesterday but DPP Abdul Malik Ayob informed the court that the prosecution had offered an alternative charge. – Bernama GOODWILL GESTURE ... Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department director Hassan ‘As’ari Omar distributing ‘bubur lambuk’ during the Ops Raya campaign at the state Fire and Rescue Department headquarters yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Man arrested over assault on motorist LABUAN: Police have arrested a 22-year-old man whose assault on a motorist was caught on a dashboard camera. State police chief Supt Ahmad Jawila said the arrest was made on Sunday at 3.45pm, after a police report was lodged by the 26-year-old victim on April 12. “The man was taken to court yesterday for a remand order for further investigations.” Ahmad added that the man was being investigated under Sections 323, 427 and 506 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, causing damage (to the victim’s vehicle) and criminal intimidation. In a video circulating on social media, the assailant, who was driving a car, is seen punching the victim, who was driving behind him at a traffic light at Jalan Patau-Patau. The victim had allegedly confronted the suspect for failing to use the indicator when changing lanes. He said the victim suffered nosebleed and cuts following the assault. – Bernama when he was announced as the winner. “Earlier this month, I bought Raya clothes and spent RM800 at the bazaar for my family members in preparation for Aidilfitri. I had never entered any lucky draw before but this time, for some reason, I was moved to participate. “I didn’t believe it at first, but when I watched the organiser’s TikTok video and checked the lucky draw ticket again, it was true that I won,” he said after receiving a replica of the car key from Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh at the opening ceremony on Sunday. Also present were Tourism, Heritage, Art and Culture Comittee chairman Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, Malacca City Council Mayor Datuk Shadan Othman and Melgrab organiser Muhd Fikri Mohd Ali. Meanwhile, Abdul Razak said the committee would have discussions with relevant agencies to include Melgrab in the state’s tourism calendar after seeing the positive development of the event, which managed to achieve more than RM3 million in sales through 158 traders, Bernama reported. “Seeing the good response, including visitors from outside Malacca such as Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Kuala Lumpur, I will discuss it and enter the organisation of the bazaar in the Malacca tourism calendar.” He added that more than 1.5 million people had visited the bazaar since Ramadan started. “Perhaps after this, if there are new products and designs, they can be highlighted in the bazaar to make it easier for the public to get them in preparation for Aidilfitri. The Ramadan fund collection for the needy also opens up opportunities for buyers and sellers to make donation,” he said. ‘Enforcement of laws on child sexual abuse needs to be strengthened’ A 22-year-old male victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was sexually assaulted by his stepfather while his mother was away in Singapore for work. “My stepfather even allowed his group of friends to similarly behave inappropriately towards me, prompting me to leave home to protect myself from their deplorable behaviour. “Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with a stage two human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection last year. Equally unfortunately is that I have to live with the stigma of sexual abuse, as society is not ready to accept victims like me. “It is important to remember that survivors of sexual abuse and individuals living with HIV are not to blame for their condition and they deserve compassion and support,” he said. Amar also said: “To prevent sexual abuse, children should be taught sexual protective behaviours starting at the age of three, through a standard curriculum in all childcare facilities. “Safety rules should be in place and periodically audited, including not allowing one-on-one interactions between adults and children without a guardian present.” Malaysia has laws to protect children from sexual violence but the enforcement of these laws is insufficient. “The Child Act 2001 and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 should be the primary legislation used when dealing with children, as they have been designed to protect children. Unfortunately, they are not being made use of,” said Amar. Under Section 31 of the Child Act, sexual abuse of a child and even causing or permitting a child to be abused is a crime. Offenders are liable to be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment or fined up to RM50,000, or both. “We need to identify sexually abused children and offer a safe environment for them to voice abuse. “The consequences of sexual abuse are severe and often cause psycho-social problems, so professional consultants are needed to address the issues,” he said. From front page

6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS YANGON: Myanmar’s junta yesterday began releasing more than 3,000 prisoners to mark the Buddhist New Year, without specifying whether those jailed in its bloody crackdown on dissent would be freed. The military has arrested thousands since its coup more than two years ago, which plunged the country into turmoil and sparked widespread clashes with anti-coup fighters. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing “pardoned 3,015 prisoners to mark Myanmar New Year, for the peaceful mind of the people and on humanitarian grounds”, the junta’s information team said in a statement. Those who re-offend would have to serve the remainder of their sentence with an additional penalty, the statement said. It did not say whether anti-junta protesters or journalists jailed covering the coup and its aftermath would be among those freed. A further 98 foreigners serving sentences in Myanmar would also be pardoned and freed, according to a separate junta statement that did not provide details. Around 100 people gathered outside Insein prison in commercial hub Yangon after the announcement, hoping their friends and loved ones would be included in the amnesty. Two yellow buses later pulled out from the prison compound, with some in the waiting crowd waving and calling to those inside. The country typically grants an amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark its traditional Buddhist New Year holiday, which in previous years was a joyous affair. But this year, streets in many major cities were silent in boycott after a military air strike on a village in a resistance hotspot that media and locals said killed more than 170 people. – AFP Rebels ‘kill 13 troops’ looking for NZ pilot oIndonesian military says only one soldier died in attack by Papua separatists JAKARTA: Separatist gunmen in Indonesia claimed to have killed 13 army personnel deployed to rescue a New Zealand pilot taken hostage in the restive Papua province after Jakarta did not respond to their request for negotiations. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) had abducted Susi Air pilot Philip Mehrtens in February. The group initially demanded Jakarta recognise the area’s independence in exchange for the pilot, but had told Reuters this month they were prepared to drop that demand and seek dialogue. The TPNPB said its members had attacked two military posts in Yal and Mugi districts in Nduga Regency on Saturday. The rebel group said its members killed 13 Indonesian military and police officials in the attack in Mugi, reported CNN. However, the Indonesian military said one soldier had died in the attack. Myanmar junta pardons thousands of prisoners G7 top diplomats seek unity on China TOKYO: The G7’s top diplomats began talks in Japan yesterday, looking to project a unified message on concerns about China after controversial remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron. The foreign ministers are keen to move past the firestorm created by Macron’s assertion, after a trip to Beijing, that Europe should avoid “crises that aren’t ours”, and China was on the agenda even before official talks kicked off yesterday morning. After arriving at the mountain resort town of Karuizawa on a special bullet train, the group held a working dinner on China and North Korea, with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi telling his counterparts that “the unity of the G7 is extremely important”. Yesterday’s first session again focused on China and regional challenges, and Hayashi opened the talks by warning the international community was “at history’s turning point”. He urged counterparts to “demonstrate to the world the G7’s strong determination” to defend the “international order based on the rule of law”. Host Japan is keen to put regional challenges atop the agenda, and recent events including Chinese military drills around Taiwan and North Korean missile tests have sharpened that focus. Even as the ministers began talks, the US Navy announced it had sailed a guided-missile destroyer through the Taiwan Strait in a freedom-of-navigation operation. The controversy over Macron’s remarks will prompt closer scrutiny of whatever language a final statement, expected today, uses on China and its threats to seize Taiwan. Trips to Beijing by Macron and other G7 officials “will be a topic of discussion”, a senior US official said on condition of anonymity. “I think there will be a discussion of how we can continue to be fully aligned on a common and concerted approach.” The bloc’s officials have been keen to avoid pouring more fuel on the fire, and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna has insisted there is no change of policy on China and Taiwan. The G7 – Japan, America, Britain, Canada, France, Italy and Germany – is also likely to restate tough language on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. – AFP Devotees visiting the Shwedagon pagoda during the Thingyan festival, that marks the Myanmar New Year in Yangon yesterday. – AFPPIC Military spokesman Julius Widjojono said on Sunday that other soldiers were dispatched to several sites in the search for Mehrtens. The soldiers said they faced communication difficulties due to bad weather. “As of 2.03pm local time the information we have is one died. “We have not received any other information because it is difficult to reach the area, especially with the uncertain weather,” the military spokesman said when asked about the higher casualty numbers. He said the military will intensify the operation to rescue Mehrtens as they have identified the pilot’s location. “We asked the Indonesian and New Zealand governments to free the hostages through peaceful negotiations,” rebel spokesman Sebby Sambom said in a recorded message on Sunday. “But the Indonesian military and police attacked civilians on March 23. “Because of that the TPNPB troops said they would take revenge and it had already started,” the rebel spokesman said, adding that fighting was continuing on Sunday. Herman Taryaman, a military spokesman in Papua, denied allegations of an attack on civilians last month, saying the security forces were protecting civilians chased away by the rebels. A low-level battle for independence from Indonesia has been continuing for decades in the remote and resource-rich Papua region. Analysts have said the conflict has intensified significantly in recent years. It began after a controversial 1969 vote supervised by the United Nations saw the former Dutch territory brought under Indonesian control. – The Independent/Reuters ‘Gunpowder’ found at home of Japan blast suspect TOKYO: Suspected gunpowder has been found at the home of a man accused of throwing an explosive at Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a campaign event, local media said yesterday. Kishida was unharmed in the attack, in which a suspected pipe bomb was tossed towards him at a port in the western city of Wakayama, shortly before he gave a speech. Police spent over eight hours on Sunday searching the home of the man, who has been named as 24-year-old Ryuji Kimura. Local residents were temporarily evacuated over the threat of explosives. Wakayama police declined to comment on the reports. National broadcaster NHK said suspected gunpowder, as well as pipe-like objects and tools were found at the home, and investigators now believe the explosive thrown at the event was homemade. They are analysing Kimura’s phone and computer for clues, but he has so far refused to detail any motive in the attack. He was transferred yesterday to the Wakayama prosecutors’ office from a local police station. NHK aired footage showing him sitting in the rear seat of a police car looking straight ahead as he was moved. He is under arrest on suspicion of obstruction of business. The attack came less than a year after the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. – AFP B R I E F SHEATSTROKE KILLS 11 AT AWARDS EVENT NEW DELHI: Eleven people died of heatstroke in India after an estimated one million spectators waited for hours in the sun at a government-sponsored awards ceremony, officials said yesterday. Around 20 people were hospitalised and 300 felt ill at the event near the western city of Mumbai on Sunday, when temperatures hit close to 38°C with high levels of humidity, local media reported. Senior government officials attended the ceremony, including Interior Minister Amit Shah who praised the crowd for waiting so long in the sun. The office of Maharashtra state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described it as a “sad and disturbing incident” and promised compensation for the victims’ relatives. – AFP GUNNER HELD AFTER KILLING COLLEAGUES NEW DELHI: An Indian army gunner has been arrested for the killing of four soldiers at a military base near the Pakistan border, police said yesterday, ruling out a terror motive. The attack took place last week at the Bathinda military station in Punjab, a northern state where tensions have been high over the resurgence of a separatist movement. Police said Desai Mohan shot the four soldiers dead in the early hours of the morning while they slept, using a stolen rifle and ammunition. Local media reports quoted an unnamed police official saying the accused was being sexually abused by the four soldiers. “The motive was personal,” said Supt Gulneet Singh Khurana. – AFP

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 Four dead in Alabama birthday party shooting WASHINGTON: At least four people were killed and more than 20 others injured, mostly teenagers, in a Saturday night shooting at a birthday party in the US state of Alabama. Local news reports said the shooting occurred at a Sweet 16 party at a dance studio in Dadeville, a small town northeast of the state capital Montgomery. “There were four lives tragically lost in this incident, and there’s been a multitude of injuries,” said Alabama Law Enforcement Agency spokesman Sgt Jeremy Burkett. He specified later that 28 people had been wounded, some of them critically, and urged residents to come forward with any information they might have related to the attack. But Burkett provided no further details on how the shooting unfolded or why. Annette Allen told the Montgomery Advertiser newspaper that her grandson Phil Dowdell was among those who died. He had been celebrating his sister Alexis’s 16th birthday when gunfire ripped through the party. “He was a very, very humble child. Never messed with anybody. Always had a smile on his face,” Allen said of her grandson, a high school senior and football player due to graduate within weeks. “Everybody’s grieving,” Allen said of the small community of some 3,000 residents. President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the shooting, said the nation was again grieving over young Americans killed in gun violence. “What has our nation come to when children cannot attend a birthday party without fear?” Biden, who has long sought tighter gun safety measures, asked in a statement. “Guns are the leading killer of children in America, and the numbers are rising, not declining,” he said. The nearby Lake Martin Community Hospital received 15 individual gunshot wound patients, mostly victims in their teens, said Heidi Smith, marketing director for the rural health facility’s operator IvyCreek Healthcare. Six of the patients were discharged and nine have been transferred to facilities with higher levels of care. Of those, five were in critical condition, Smith said. More than 12 hours after the tragedy, neither Burkett nor other law enforcement officials provided any details on who may have perpetrated the shooting and why, or whether a suspect has been detained. “We can’t share anything further at this time,” the sergeant said, adding only that “it was tied to a birthday party”. – AFP B R I E F S2,000KG COCAINE FOUND FLOATING OFF SICILY ROME: Over €400 million (RM1.9 billion) worth of cocaine has been found floating off Sicily in packages likely left by a cargo ship for traffickers to bring ashore, Italian police said yesterday. In “one of the largest” drug hauls ever made in Italy, police intercepted 70 packages, which were tied together and contained around 2,000kg of cocaine, off Sicily’s eastern coast. The packages, made up of around 1,600 bricks of drugs and sporting a tracking device, were spotted by a navy surveillance plane, police said. They were “probably left at sea by one of the cargo ships frequenting that stretch of coastline, to be subsequently recovered and transported to the mainland”, it said in a statement. – AFP CRITIC OF UKRAINE WAR JAILED 25 YEARS MOSCOW: A Russian court yesterday sentenced Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in jail on various charges, including treason, over his criticism of the Ukraine offensive. His high-profile trial is the latest in a string of cases against opposition voices in Russia, in a crackdown that has intensified since President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine last year. Kara-Murza, 41, was found guilty of treason, spreading “false” information about the Russian army and being affiliated with an “undesirable organisation”, according to an AFP journalist present in the Moscow court. He was sentenced to 25 years in a penal colony following a closed-door trial. Kara-Murza was smiling and gestured to his supporters to write to him in prison. – AFP New Zealand public radio threatens to quit Twitter WELLINGTON: Radio New Zealand (RNZ) became the latest broadcaster to threaten to leave Twitter yesterday, after the social media platform labelled the public broadcaster “government-funded”. RNZ head of content Megan Whelan said it could join US counterparts National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting Service that both quit Twitter last week in protest at the tag. “Not only is our editorial independence protected by the law, we guard it vigorously,” Whelan wrote on Twitter. Public broadcasters have been infuriated by the forced tag, which they believe puts them on par with outlets that are controlled by authoritarian governments. “Twitter’s own policy defines ‘government-funded media’ as cases where the government ‘may have varying degrees of government involvement over editorial content’ ... which does not apply to RNZ,” Whelan said. She added that RNZ was considering its options “including talking to Twitter to have the label removed or revised, or as other public media around the world have done, leave the platform”. NPR last Wednesday became the first broadcaster to quit Twitter after it was briefly labelled “state-affiliated media”, saying the platform was “taking actions that undermine our credibility by falsely implying that we are not editorially independent”. Twitter owner Elon Musk later indicated that the “state-affiliated” tag was a mistake but despite now being called “government-funded” NPR has not posted since April 12. – AFP Explosions rock Sudan capital KHARTOUM: Explosions rocked the Sudanese capital Khartoum yesterday as fighting between the army and paramilitary forces led by rival generals raged for a third day with the death toll surpassing 100. The violence erupted on Saturday after weeks of power struggles between the two generals who seized power in a 2021 coup, Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The intense conflict, which has seen air strikes, tanks on the streets, artillery fire and heavy gunfire in crowded neighbourhoods both in Khartoum and other cities across Sudan, has triggered international demands for an immediate ceasefire. “The death toll among civilians has reached 97,” the doctors union said, adding later that “dozens” of fighters had been killed. The figure does not include all casualties as many could not reach hospitals due to difficulties in movement amid the fighting. The Central Committee of Sudan Doctors, a separate pro-democracy organisation, had also reported dozens of deaths among security forces, and some 942 wounded. The World Health Organisation warned that “several” of Khartoum’s nine hospitals receiving injured civilians “have run out of blood, transfusion equipment, intravenous fluids and other vital supplies”. The violence has forced terrified Sudanese civilians to shelter in their homes with fears of oDeath toll among civilians at 97, ‘dozens’ of fighters killed, says doctors’ union a prolonged conflict that could plunge the country into deeper chaos, dashing hopes for return to civilian rule. The RSF was created under former autocratic president Omar al-Bashir in 2013, emerging from the Janjaweed militia that his government unleashed against non-Arab ethnic minorities in Darfur a decade earlier. The fighting broke out after bitter disagreements between the two generals over the planned integration of the RSF into the regular army – a key condition for a final deal aimed at ending a crisis since the 2021 military coup they orchestrated together. The two sides accuse the other of starting the fighting, and both claim the upper hand by declaring control of key sites, including the airport and the presidential palace – none of which could be independently verified. Three UN staff from the World Food Programme are among those killed in fighting in the western region of Darfur, forcing a “temporary halt” to all operations in a country where one-third of the population needs aid. Fighting also raged in the eastern border state of Kassala. Loud gunfire and deafening explosions again shook buildings and echoed across the streets of Khartoum yesterday as street fighting continued, AFP journalists said. Power has been off across swathes of Khartoum, and the few grocery stores remaining open warn they will only last a few days if no supplies can enter the city. Despite the wide calls for a ceasefire, the two generals have appeared in no mood for talks with each one calling the other “criminal”. – AFP Saudi Arabia unilaterally releases detainees to Yemen SANAA: Saudi Arabia yesterday released 104 detainees to Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and a Saudi-led coalition said, in a unilateral move that follows simultaneous detainee exchanges between Yemen’s warring parties. The military coalition, which intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Iran-aligned Houthis ousted the government from the capital Sanaa, said the additional release was to support dialogue in continuing efforts to end Yemen’s conflict. A Saudi delegation, which is seeking a permanent ceasefire deal to end military involvement in the war, on Thursday concluded peace talks in Sanaa with the Houthi group, whose top negotiator said talks had made progress and further discussions would be held to iron out remaining differences. The head of Yemen’s Houthi Supreme Political Council Mahdi al-Mashat said on Saturday another round of talks would come after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, Yemen’s Saba news agency reported. A three-day operation between six cities in Yemen and Saudi Arabia overseen by the ICRC to return nearly 900 detainees held in relation to the conflict ended on Sunday, a significant confidence-building measure amid the peace talks between Saudi envoys and Houthi officials. Yemen’s conflict, which has killed tens of thousands of people and left millions hungry, has widely been seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Riyadh and Tehran last month agreed to restore diplomatic ties severed in 2016, raising hopes that Yemen’s peace process would see progress. The Houthis’ deputy foreign minister said on Twitter the 104 Yemenis were to be released outside of that main prisoner exchange deal. Warring parties agreed at negotiations in Relatives of detainees released by Saudi Arabia waiting for their arrival at Sanaa International Airport yesterday. – REUTERSPIC Switzerland last month to free 887 detainees and to meet again next month to discuss further releases. Negotiators had hoped for an “all for all” deal involving all remaining detainees during talks, the latest in a series of meetings that led to releases of prisoners in 2022 and 2020 under a UN-mediated deal known as the Stockholm Agreement. The coalition said in a statement on state news agency SPA it would like to see the detainee issue concluded. “Any respite for an exhausted population, including through release operations like these, is something to be supported. But ultimately, only a political solution will end the suffering in Yemen,” said ICRC regional director Fabrizio Carboni. – Reuters

8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 SPEAK UP Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ Spend wisely to avoid T post-festive debt HE fasting month of Ramadan is coming to an end and Muslims all over the world, including in Malaysia, will be celebrating Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Many will be preparing for this festive season that comes once a year. It is normal for celebrants to spend more money during this period. Nevertheless, it must be done cautiously and prudently so that they do not end up with more debt later. It is disheartening to know that some people are willing to spend beyond their means for a single occasion. This can lead to them having financial issues and problems that will be difficult to handle. We have often read in the news of people burdened with debt after celebrating an occasion. It is important to realise that there is more to life than spending extravagantly on oneself and an event. Remember that we still need to support ourselves and our families and pay the bills after the festivity is over. As such, it is not wise to be lavish and frivolous to celebrate the festivity. We must also realise that the current economic uncertainty and the increase in the cost of living demand that everyone live within their means and not overspend. There is no need to be wasteful as such behaviour is also against the teachings of Islam. There is a saying on this point, ukur baju di badan sendiri, which means that one should know one’s abilities and thus spend accordingly. Some people have the propensity to purchase new items when they are not necessary. The mentality is that “Hari Raya comes only once a year, so why not spend a bit more buying new things”. However, this should not be used as an excuse to waste money and buy unnecessary things. Our homes can still look presentable and beautiful with reusable decorations by just using a bit of creativity and hard work. A savvy shopper always prepares a shopping list to help him keep track of his spending and control his expenses, and only spends on the items he actually needs. He avoids making unneeded purchases. Before making purchases, a wise consumer will also evaluate the costs of the goods and make comparisons to maximise savings. Due to the prevalence of online scammers, people should use caution when making purchases online. Scams, especially those conducted online, are on the rise, and many victims have lost thousands of ringgit as a result of their foolishness. The once-a-year festive season should be cherished with delight and joy rather than burdened with debt, anguish and regret. Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow, Associate Professor, Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] Madani and coaching commonalities THE newly introduced Malaysia Madani concept has honed our aspirations towards good governance. Talk on “renewed spirit” is in the air, urging the nation to understand and embrace the six core Madani values of sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion. It aspires Malaysia to be a global society embracing universal values to make us a resilient and forward-looking society that is compassionate towards the needs of humans and nature. In essence, Madani promotes values of fairness, justice and effectiveness in governance as a vehicle for addressing the economic storm and facilitating real progress that looks at the effects on the people and not just on economic growth and foreign investments as well as national heritage such as flora, fauna, culture and history to be preserved, maintained and celebrated. These values are to be worked at and inculcated over time within public and private institutions, organisations and communities. Malaysia Madani aims at giving individuals and society a voice, aiming “to rectify historical mistakes by engaging with the people for feedback”. This resonates with the principles of coaching, which is a transformative process that works on the premise that change is possible if one were to desire it, encouraging people to bring forth their capacity to express themselves and explore the possibilities of creating new pathways. Madani calls out for changes in attitudes, propelling the nation to “act to change” situations. The concept envisages the development of an emotional quotient that encourages all levels of society to have open conversations in receiving feedback for the betterment of the country and the nation. Similarly, the soul of coaching practice opens conversations, brings up unspoken words and supports subsequent plans of action to initiate new directions. Notably, coaching conversations lift the lid on previously unimagined possibilities through self-reflection and self-discovery and the process in turn supports coachees to map out their next moves. In coaching, the coach uses tools to support individuals to create opportunities and shape the future through mechanisms, such as constructive feedback by creating social awareness and social management. This comes with trust-building, which is one of the core Madani components. Fundamentally, it strives to forge trust between the government in building good relationships based on accountability and transparency and establishing sound and ethical practices, which is the precursor to which good governance will be executed and strengthened. Madani is set to make this happen as it talks about giving focus to the establishment of an independent body, tasked with creating a safe space and effective communication channels for the marginalised, promoting crossgenerational engagement. Thus, if coaching were to be used as a yardstick for measuring success in its widest possible sense, both at the individual and community levels, then the likelihood of Madani gaining traction and making an impact on society must be high as both instruments appear to be treading on the same ethical path of openness to bring about positive outcomes to society via the set of values that bring about inclusiveness and fairness. In recent years, Malaysia has been experiencing an increase in trust deficit issues particularly towards leadership and independence of public institutions and systems. Trust is the heart of the coaching culture as it strives to advance trust among its stakeholders and supports clients to sustain progress in a holistic perspective, involving internal and external elements of growth. The recently launched book, Developing a Madani Nation: Vision and Framework of Reform Policy, promotes sustainability in social and individual behaviour. This collaborative and integrative spirit is also propounded in coaching practice where the focus is on creating and using support systems and structures to ensure goals, intentions and outcomes remain sustainable. The sustainability of systems and structures is considered important, working collaboratively instead of alongside to produce long-lasting results. To excel in the era of digitalisation, this nation cannot gain momentum without paying attention to the changing requirements of the evolving work and business landscapes. Aptly, Madani embraces the spirit of innovativeness, encouraging innovation in all areas of life. As a nation that is multicultural in traditions and way of life, it is an advantage for us to tap into these diversities in creating innovative and creative solutions, which can also address solutions for the diverse global community. In coaching, the process offers the space for innovativeness that supports the expansion of thoughts and actions, encouraging clients to leave their comfort zones and expand their capacity to transcend barriers to believe in their abilities and develop the drive to look for possibilities. Coaching enables an individual to acknowledge and appreciate personal capabilities and strengths. It is time for us to focus on our success stories, our indigenous asset of the diversity of its people and nature to invite new possibilities for Malaysia. Once again, the commonality between coaching and the Madani principles is evident here, for there is a quote in the much talked about Madani framework, which states that “our efforts should not be limited to meeting limited needs” and that we should, most of all, “not forget that we start with strength”. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow COMMENT by Punitha Veni Muthusamy and Capt Dr Shanmugam D. Moorthi “A savvy shopper always prepares a shopping list to help him keep track of his spending and control his expenses and only spends on the items he actually needs. He avoids making unneeded purchases.

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 Living a healthy retirement WE are constantly encouraged by active retiree friends to join them in their morning workouts, whether in traditional martial arts exercises or brisk walking to stay healthy. Whether we like it or not, physical activities are a cornerstone of healthy living. Scientific evidence suggests that people who exercise regularly not only live longer but also live a better life with fewer aches and pains. A study of adults, aged 40 and above, found that brisk walking of around 8,000 steps or more per day can help longevity. As retirees, we can increase the number of steps based on our stamina and pace by either taking part in light sporting activities to keep the body moving or indulging in gardening etc. I regularly walk to maintain my health. Retirees who are obese have an increased risk of diseases. However, being too thin or underweight can weaken our immune system, increase the risk of bone fracture and in some cases cause illnesses. As people age, muscle functions can decline. Older adults may not have the energy to carry out normal activities and can lose their independence. However, regular exercises can help their coordination, flexibility, concentration and focus. Other factors that retirees need to pay attention to are eating a healthy diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals and whole grains and sleeping at least eight hours. Practising a habit of reading, writing and playing card games can improve memory and the ability to manage stress, anxiety and depression. Such activities can stimulate the brain and contribute significantly to better health and longevity. Embracing a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Staying physically, mentally and socially active after retirement depends on the individual but we must make an effort and take the initiative to live healthily. C. Sathasivam Sitheravellu Seremban LETTERS [email protected] Exploring alternative payment system I T would be somewhat inconceivable that before the conflict in Ukraine, the process of de-dollarisation would have gained traction at the pace and momentum which is happening now, even if the catalyst and impetus can be mainly attributed to the concerted strategic manoeuvres of the two superpowers of Russia and China. The move by Russia to demand payments for its oil and gas in RUB (ruble) soon after the sanctions probably set in motion the accelerated drive towards de-dollarisation. China has been an eager participant from the start, with an agreement to pay in yuan/renminbi (RMB), also alongside India – benefitting from the discounted prices along the way (“China agrees to pay for Russian gas in roubles and yuan: Gazprom”, Reuters, Sept 6, 2022 and “India’s oil deals with Russia dent decades-old dollar dominance”, Reuters, March 8). Following the recent rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran that was brokered by China, both countries have also agreed to accelerate the process of dedollarisation, such as the selling off of US Treasury bonds (“De-dollarisation is underway as more countries seek alternatives to US dollar”, CGTN, April 7). One to one, China and Brazil have reached a deal to carry out trade and financial transactions directly in the RMB and the Brazilian real (BRL). While de-dollarisation or the process of decoupling from the use of the USD as the world’s “reserve” currency, i.e. global intermediary of national currencies, is bound to happen sooner or later, it is never anticipated that such multilateral readjustments to the international financial architecture would be fore-fronted on such a geopolitically and geoeconomically significant and pivotal scale. Yet, it has to be stressed that de-dollarisation by no means implies, definitively, that the USD will be displaced as the world’s (leading and indisputable) reserve currency soon or well into the future. De-dollarisation is, therefore, a process and work in progress, which “end-game” (i.e. how would the diminishing status of the USD play out) is still ambiguous and uncertain. The move from currency swaps and use of bilateral currencies directly in place of the USD to minimise transaction costs and promote the greater internationalisation and stature of the RMB, for example, towards the latter playing the role of equivalent rival and substitute portends multipolarity in geopolitical and geoeconomic configurations. But not necessarily the creation of parallel systems in what would be tantamount to a kind of “currency protectionism”. The USD will still be the preferred currency of international payment settlements for many countries due to the desire to accumulate financial assets from the issuer (i.e. the US) as the primary source of hard cash or foreign exchange (forex) earnings as determined by the balance of payments (BOP). Thus, de-dollarisation would only mean more currency alternatives for partner countries other than the USD for convenience and ease, with benefits in the “trio” of lower transaction payment settlements, financial forex holdings and capital flow of funds costs. A parallelism or analogy can be made with the infamous Mundell-Fleming macroeconomic trilemma – whereby it is said a country has the impossible task of allowing capital outflow while maintaining monetary sovereignty on the back of pegging the currency. It can be strongly argued that Malaysia successfully defied and breached the MundellFleming trilemma by refusing the Washington Consensus prescription of the World Bank (“Managing the Impossible Trinity: The Case of Malaysia”, Goh Soo Khoon, Munich Personal RePEc Archive/MPRA, 2009). Something that is not often, if at all, acknowledged. We imposed selective capital controls only for the short-term horizon, i.e. not more than one year. Our currency was pegged at RM3.80 to the USD. And we maintained monetary sovereignty by ensuring that the RM became non-internationalised (i.e. nonconvertible off-shore – subject to the regulations tactically imposed by Bank Negara, aimed at controlling speculative activities, such as the permitted thresholds and appointed offices overseas/AOOs as agents). If this is possible, then it is also equally possible for there to be de-dollarisation and at the same with the USD to maintain/continue its prestigious status as the world’s reserve currency, at least for a long time to come. The US can then continue with its “exorbitant privilege” – first coined in the 1960s under the then Bretton Woods system of gold standard exchange, i.e. the convertibility of the USD into gold by French statesman Valery Giscard d’Estaing, the Finance minister at the time and later, president. Unless, of course, the equation changes with the US and China exchanging places, i.e. becoming the net exporter and net importer, respectively. This still begs the question of whether such a role reversal would calm geopolitical insecurities and geostrategic rivalries. Would the US be contented to allow China to assume the role, which is virtually that of a “near-neo/crypto hegemon” in what would be a kind of a unipolar world but that is geopolitically “non-hierarchical”? Will the US allow for the USD to be undermined given that behind the currency as a prominent national and international symbol are the values and a vision which are not in symmetry with China’s worldview? It can well be speculated that the Fed’s decision to begin hiking the federal funds rate is due to the need to shore up the USD, following the move to de-dollarisation. Notwithstanding, for the promoters of dedollarisation, understood in contradistinction to the displacement of the USD as the world’s reserve currency, the move is also critically vital as both strategy and tactic to shield from geopolitical disruptions, a point forcefully made by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) of Indonesia. Last year, Indonesia rolled out a Domestic Government Credit Card programme to facilitate transactions between the central and regional administrations. The aim is for the country’s public sector and private sector to converge eventually in using a uniform payment platform for greater national security (“Top Asian economy urges citizens to abandon Western payment systems”, RT, March 19). Before this, Jokowi had called for a region/Asean-wide payment settlements connectivity to be expanded – building upon the cross-border arrangements at the bilateral level to promote a bigger impact (“Jokowi supports payment connectivity in Asean to enter global level”, Antara News, Nov 14, 2022). Not only that, the idea based on Asean centrality can be expanded later for a jointlydeveloped payment system(s) at the wider regional level, i.e. in relation to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership/RCEP. In this regard, we can start with business-to-business transactions and then move on to business-to-consumer transactions later. Towards that end, there should be an Asean-equivalent of a “central bank” but unlike the European Central Bank. But a real-time gross settlement system that is like TARGET2 (Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer System), clearing outstanding payments and net the respective accounts i.e. from debit to credit. The Asean version will be a regional monetary authority limited to processing and clearing the settlement payments – “Asean Banking System”. In the execution of the interbank transfers across borders, there will be a single shared platform and, by extension, a shared/common database via multiple cloud centres/ network and infrastructure diversification to avoid/preempt a “single point of failure” i.e. concentration risk. And which can be operated by selected operating central banks of the member-states based on seamless operationalisation and integration in the form of interoperable and shared interface and interchange of data, e.g.: 0 Bank Negara (BNM); 0 Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS); 0 Bank Indonesia (BI); 0 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; and 0 Bank of Thailand (BOT). For reserves by which the respective commercial banks can clear payments, the operating member state central banks can provide the assets if need be first. This can be subsequently settled by the central bank under which the transactions between the commercial banks take place within the national banking system. But normally, this will not be necessary. The operating central bank will simply serve as an intermediary between the two central banks that are the sender and receiver, respectively. For example: 0 Commercial Bank A in Brunei wishes to clear a cheque or make a deposit payment to Commercial Bank B in Laos. 0 Commercial Bank A is short of reserves to make the payment. Instead of borrowing from the interbank market and the money market funds, Commercial Bank A wishes to tap into the standing facility of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) due to a slightly lower interest rate. 0 The payment settlements will then be cleared by the relevant operating central bank under a distribution/allocation of tasks roster, e.g. BOT. 0 The Bank of Laos (BOL) will then claim from BOT. In turn, the commercial bank in Laos, acting on behalf of the funds receiver/recipient, will/has a claim from BOT as the final destination of payment settlement operating route. 0 So, the operating central bank will act as the centralised entity to offset and net the accounts of the sender and receiver via their respective commercial banks and, by extension, central banks, both non-operating and operating. Thus there are two principal/primary components to the Asean payment settlements system: 1. The Asean Banking System; and 2. The banking system of the respective central banks of the member-states. The “ancillary” i.e. secondary systems of the commercial banks need not have direct access to the Asean payment settlements system. However, secure communications and authentication will be uniform and centralised by way of a network service provider except that it cannot be SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecom) for obvious reasons. Again, this requires regional collaboration and perhaps co-headed by Malaysia and Singapore in this respect. Currently, some commercial banks in Asean have already introduced and implemented multicurrency accounts e.g. debit and credit cards, which should be a harbinger of greater regional integration in banking terms – reducing transaction costs such as those related to forex conversions and, of course, also offering insurance or protection against potential geopolitical and, by inclusion, financial risks, such as sanctions and even cyberattacks, e.g. hacking, distributed denial of service/DDOS. Such a system will not only protect and mitigate against geopolitical fallouts and financial risks that ensue from the former but also enhance the promotion of cross-border flows of funds within the Asean region as well as the movement of capital i.e. investment and trade and workers. Currently, Asean already has the Local Currency Settlement scheme which allows for the facilitation of bilateral settlements, which can be streamlined and made uniform across the Asean region i.e. the same policy template for all bilateral settlements. However, to ensure its viability, coordination and, by extension, synchronisation of the regional banking system is necessary. Exactly like how SWIFT was first formed back in the 1970s – where 239 banks from 15 countries got together to address cross-border payments. Except that the Asean version combines the best of both worlds, i.e. both SWIFT and TARGET2. Dr Rais Hussin and Jason Loh Seong Wei are part of the research team of Emir Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT By Rais Hussin and Jason Loh “The move from currency swaps and use of bilateral currencies directly in place of the USD to minimise transaction costs and promote the greater internationalisation and stature of the RMB, for example, towards the latter playing the role of equivalent rival and substitute portends multipolarity in geopolitical and geoeconomic configurations.

10 theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 MEDIA & MARKETING HAVING just celebrated its silver jubilee back in September 2022, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia steps towards another significant milestone in its 25-year history, with the opening of its 150th café in Malaysia. Located in Sierra Fresco, Puchong, the new café stands as a testament to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia’s continuous dedication to bringing authentic flavours to Malaysians across the country. Mohamed Amar Shah, Managing Director of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia shared at the opening of the brand’s 150th café, “Ever since we’ve made Malaysia our home with the first-ever The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf café back in 1997, we have continued to uphold our commitment to delivering a unique experience in every cup or on every plate. In turn, we are grateful to have our passion reciprocated by Malaysians, who continue to support us in making our cafés a space of community. The opening of our 150th café is a commitment from us to continue nurturing this relationship with our customers in Malaysia.” The 2,800-square feet café at Sierra Fresco features a large seating area, including a community table for eight, that can accommodate up to 110 customers and visitors. The 150th café’s modern interior design takes on an open space concept, with arches featured prominently in its architecture. Southern Californian motifs pay tribute to the brand’s roots, while complementing the café’s sunshine-like lighting, creating a warm and inviting ambience. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia’s Recipe for Success: A Focus on Innovation. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has seen exponential growth and expansion over the course of its journey in Malaysia, with 140 cafés operating across the country as of 2022. Anchoring this achievement has been a continuous commitment to innovation and a penchant for exploration. Fiona Rodrigues, Head of Marketing and Innovation said: “Drawing inspiration from diverse cuisines from across the world, we as a brand are passionate about innovation. We explore and strive to create recipes that would delight the Malaysian palate, while staying true to flavours’ origins. Looking back, it has always been a shared exploration between us and our customers, and we always cherish the opportunity to bring more authentic flavours of the world to their tables.” The latest offerings from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia centre around the Ramadan and Raya season, welcoming Malaysians to Explore the Heart of Raya. Inspired by flavours both familiar and extraordinary, the seasonal beverages include the Vanilla Cardamom Cold Brew Coffee and Cardamom Oat Milk Macchiato. Infused with aromatic cardamom, the subtle hint of spice adds a depth of flavour that does not overpower the senses. Also featured are the thirst-quenching Mangoes & Cream Ice Blended® and Mangoes & Cream Cold Brew Tea. Meanwhile, the seasonal Ramadan and Raya menu also features the locally-inspired The Straits and Pine-lemon Sugee cakes, while other delectable dessert selections are the Midnight Chocolate cake, Mangoes & Cheese Tart and Cinnamon Raisin Swirl. Alongside this, Middle-Eastern-inspired flavours are also up for exploration, with the Fattoush Salad, Hummus with Tortilla Chips, Chicken Shawarma and Baklava Delight. While innovation in the kitchen remains one of the key focus for the brand, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia is also planning to further enhance customer accessibility with the expansion of its drive-thru services. Through this, the brand aims to provide a better on-thego experience for a greater number of customers. Win an exclusive Meet & Greet session with brand ambassador, Meerqeen! The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia has also announced the extension of the brand’s ambassadorship with Meerqeen. Alongside that, fans of Meerqeen would be happy to know that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia has announced a new social media contest happening from now to May 5, 2023, where they can stand a chance to win an exclusive meet-and-greet with the actor. To participate, simply follow these steps*: 1. Follow @coffeebeanmy and @meerqeen on Instagram. 2. While holding any food or drink from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, snap a picture with the #RayaMeerqeenCBTL set-up display or window cling at selected cafés (look for the hashtag to identify it!). 3. Share the photo on your IG Feed or IG Story, tag @coffeebeanmy and @meerqeen, as well as hashtag #RayaMeerqeenCBTL. Ensure that your profile is public. 4. @coffeebeanmy and @meerqeen will be selecting 25 winners with the most creative entries for a special meet-and-greet session with Meerqeen at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia’s 150th café at Sierra Fresco. * Terms & Conditions apply. THE Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Competition returns for the 10th year running, calling all secondary school students studying the national syllabus to pen their ideas and aspirations for a better Malaysia and stand to win up to RM172,000 in bursaries to study at Sunway University as well as up to RM28,000 worth in prizes. This year’s theme is centred around nation-building, and participants are invited to describe the role they can play in shaping the future of Malaysia. Entries are split into two categories with Form 1 to 3 students (Category A) and Form 4 and 5 students (Category B), with each, having their own essay prompts. The Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Competition is jointly organised by Sunway Group, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, Sunway University, and the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia, in partnership with Sunway Super App. It is endorsed by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, with the aim to elevate English proficiency among Malaysian students nationwide. Sunway Group deputy chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Razman M. Hashim said: “The Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Competition reflects Sunway’s long-standing commitment towards the role of education in shaping the destiny of an individual, our society and the country. With English being the international language of business and science, this essay competition provides a national platform to promote and encourage the use of English among students in articulating their thoughts and ideas about their place in Malaysia’s future,” added Tan Sri Datuk Seri Razman M. Hashim, who is also a trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. The Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Competition 2023 is currently open for submissions until May 8, 2023 (by 1pm), and students are encouraged to submit their essays online at www.sunway.com.my/essay. Essay Topics With this year’s theme centred around nation-building, entrants in Category A (Form 1 to 3 students) will be tasked to answer this question within 200-350 words, “What do you see as your responsibilities in building our nation?” Meanwhile, Form 4 and 5 students in Category B are invited to respond in 500-650 words to the following prompt: “Look at our society. What is the single most distressing problem our people are facing? How could your generation help to address this issue?” Following the submission deadline, a judging panel will then select and invite a shortlist of 100 finalists from all over the country to attend a final on-site essay writing competition, where winners from their respective categories will be selected by the same panel of judges. The panel comprises Margaret Hall, Past President and Executive Committee Member of the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia, representatives from the Sunway Education Group Centre for English Language Studies and officials from the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Prizes The Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Competition 2023 will see both categories offer awards for the top three winners, along with 10 consolation prizes. These include cash prizes, bursaries to study at Sunway University, 10,000 Sunway Points, an Award Certificate, and a Trophy. 01st Place – RM5,000 cash prize, Sunway University Bursary valued at RM16,000, 10,000 Sunway Pals Points, an award certificate and a trophy 0 2nd Place – RM3,000 cash prize, Sunway University Bursary valued at RM12,000, 10,000 Sunway Pals Points, an award certificate and a trophy 0 3rd Place – RM1,000 cash prize, Sunway University Bursary valued at RM8,000, 10,000 Sunway Pals Points, an award certificate and a trophy 0 10x Consolation Prizes – RM500 cash prize each, Sunway University Bursary valued at RM5,000, 10,000 Sunway Pals Points, an award certificate and a medal For more information regarding the Sunway – Oxbridge Essay Competition, please visit www.sunway.com.my/essay. Write and Win oMalaysia’s longest-running English essay competition returns for its 10th year with the theme centred around nation-building The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf opens 150th outlet Scan the QR code for full entry terms and conditions

KLCI 1,434.90 STI 3,319.26 16.60 HANG SENG 20,782.45 343.64 SCI 3,385.61 47.46 NIKKEI 28,514.78 0.23 TSEC 15,963.55 34.12 KOSPI 2,575.91 S&P/ASX200 7,381.50 19.90 TUESDAY APRIL 18, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES April 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) FITTERS-WC 145,889,100 2.0 +1.5 HONGSENG 118,233,300 14.0 +0.5 REVENUE 116,485,100 44.5 +4.0 SMRT 104,791,900 64.5 +11.5 DATAPRP 97,265,300 23.0 +5.0 EXCHANGERATES APRIL 17, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.4840 4.3480 4.3140 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0200 2.8990 2.9060 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.3640 3.2650 3.2570 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.3500 3.2580 3.2380 1 EURO 4.9290 4.7670 4.7550 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.7900 2.6870 2.7020 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.3640 3.2650 3.2570 1 STERLING POUND 5.5660 5.3880 5.3940 1 SWISS FRANC 4.9940 4.8760 4.8820 100 UAE DIRHAM 123.5300 117.0700 116.2300 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.2880 4.0210 3.7960 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.7100 62.8700 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 57.7200 54.8300 54.3300 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.5700 5.2200 5.0100 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0316 0.0286 0.0235 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3540 3.2470 3.2610 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6000 1.5000 1.3000 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.2300 7.7500 7.5100 100 QATAR RIYAL 123.7300 117.4600 116.8900 100 SAUDI RIYAL 120.8300 114.7000 113.8600 100 SOUTH AFRICA RAND 25.6600 23.1600 22.8900 100 THAI BAHT 13.6300 12.0900 11.7600 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY April 17, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,563.70 -5.10 FBMKLCI 1,434.90 -0.23 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 582.84 +2.66 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 175.16 -0.40 CONSTRUCTION 161.44 -2.70 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,765.50 +31.30 ENERGY 878.19 +0.40 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 618.83 +8.95 HEALTH CARE 1,831.80 -22.00 TRANSPORTATION 932.74 +2.70 PROPERTY 708.00 -0.40 PLANTATION 6,820.00 -31.00 FBMSHA 10,924.10 -18.00 FBMACE 5,369.32 +1.14 TECHNOLOGY 62.82 -0.50 TURNOVER VALUE 3.251 BIL RM1.891 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS April 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM HEXTECH 300,500 23.76 +1.18 F&N 711,000 27.50 +1.00 HEIM 62,200 27.30 +0.50 NESTLE 19,100 137.00 +0.50 PETDAG 302,400 22.86 +0.48 5 TOP LOSERS April 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM MPI 51,000 28.40 -0.80 AYER 1,000 6.83 -0.27 HAPSENG 2,847,200 4.84 -0.21 INARI-C1X 2,000 0.10 -0.18 KESM 1,600 7.50 -0.18 Nine promoted sectors added to Pemangkin KUALA LUMPUR: The government will add nine promoted sectors into the Program Mangkin Malaysia Digital (Pemangkin) and expects RM1 billion worth of potential digital investments through public-private partnerships, which would usher in Malaysia’s golden digital decade. According to Communications and Digital (KKD) Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the sectors identified cover digital tourism, agriculture, cities, content, finance, trade, services, health as well as Islamic finance. It has been recognised to enhance digital readiness and competitiveness, as well as to drive innovation and collaboration among industry players. “These identified sectors will be crucial drivers of innovation, competition, and growth, and will help usher in Malaysia’s ‘golden digital decade’. Public-private partnerships will be key to realising our national agenda in the digital economy. “We greatly urge the private sector to work with the government to create a more cohesive, inclusive, and innovative tech ecosystem. There are plenty of opportunities From left: MDEC chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Fahmi and Mahadhir at the press conference after the event. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN oGovt identifies RM1b worth of potential digital investments through public-private partnerships █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [email protected] Mitsubishi Motors sales in FY22 up 27% on-year KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in the country, continued its sales trend on an upward trajectory after closing financial year 2022 (April 2022-March 2023) with 27% more vehicles sold compared to the same time last financial year. The company sold 24,315 units with a market share of 3.2%, allowing it to retain its top three spots in the non-national automotive sales table. This is also MMM’s historical high sales achievement since its inception in 2005. The Mitsubishi Xpander remains Malaysia’s most popular non-national MPV with a sales growth of 52.2% compared to financial year 2021 (April 2021-March 2022). MMM sold 13,794 units of Xpander which contributed 57% to the company’s overall total sales. The Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck is also a remarkable one with a sales growth of 12% compared to the financial year before. MMM sold 10,520 units of Triton and maintained a solid market share of 18%. The Triton is also strong number two in the pick-up truck segment. “The Triton and Xpander have been a catalyst for our sales growth in FY22. In ending a successful financial year, we will continue to focus on improving customer purchase and service experience to meet the evolving needs of our customers, assuring a seamless experience,” said MMM CEO Shinya Ikeda. He added, “On the global front, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) recently premiered the Mitsubishi XRT, the concept car of the all-new Triton at the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show 2023. For the upcoming Asia Cross Country Rally 2023, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart plans to compete with a prototype cross-country model of the all-new Triton in its quest for a second straight victory. Our participation in rallies will be reflected not only in new Triton models but also across a broad range of Mitsubishi vehicles. We are optimistic about the future of the Mitsubishi Motors brand and its presence in Malaysia.” SC allows dealer’s representatives to expand scope and services KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has introduced a framework that will benefit dealer’s representatives (DR) in the capital market. The new framework, which took effect on April 14, will allow them to expand their scope of activities and roles beyond just dealing in securities. The SC recognises the importance of promoting competition and enhancing the quality of services in the capital market. In this regard, this framework will also provide DR greater flexibility to develop their careers and meet the evolving needs of investors. In addition to facilitating share transactions for their clients, DR who meet certain requirements can apply for additional licences to engage in a variety of activities such as investment advice, financial planning, restricted dealing in unit trust and dealing in private retirement schemes. The new framework also removes the requirement for DR to be employed on a full-time basis. These flexibilities are only available to DR who have been licensed for more than five years and meet the competency requirements for the relevant regulated activity. To ensure effective supervision and oversight of DR performing these additional regulated activities, they are required to be undertaken within the same broking firm or within its group of companies. The expansion of DR permitted activities is facilitated via amendments to Chapter 4 of the Licensing Handbook. 21.31 4.42 for us to grow together especially under Malaysia Digital and the roll out of various Pemangkin programmes,” he said in his speech during the unveiling of the new Pemangkin strategy yesterday. KKD also expects 49,000 employment opportunities to be generated through the promoted sectors by 2025. In addition, he said that KKD is proactively engaging with the technology industry and will continue to channel as well as render critical support and intervention across sectors to catalyse and accelerate the growth of the digital economy. Fahmi remarked that the Pemangkin industry dialogue will act as a platform for consistent and effective engagement to address the needs of key stakeholders. He said that both the public and private sectors can come together and form an effective partnership and engagement in areas affecting policy and regulation, funding facilitation, private-led investments, and market access and development matters. Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO Mahadhir Aziz said it will be allocating RM192.9 million for the period 2023-2025 to support the programme’s new initiatives. Launched last year, Malaysia Digital is a national initiative to encourage and attract firms, talents and investment while enabling local businesses and Malaysians to play an important part in the global digital economy. Participation 49.4 30.4 20.2 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 920.8 571.5 399.3 1891.6 Sold RM m 946.5 579.9 365.2 1891.6 Net RM m -25.7 -8.4 34.1 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) 17/04/2023

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 SUNBIZ /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME General insurance premiums increase to RM19b in 2022 KUALA LUMPUR: The general insurance industry has recorded an increase in gross direct premiums of 10% to RM19.4 billion for 2022 compared with the prior year. However, underwriting profit had contracted by 23% to RM1.56 billion, mainly due to losses in both motor as well as medical and health insurance lines of business. Motor portfolio reverted to a loss after two years of profit during the pandemic, with a reported 58% increase in the number of accidents as of September 2022 compared with the corresponding period in 2021. Reversing a trend of recent years, the industry’s gross direct premium growth rate outpaced Malaysia’s gross domestic product growth rate; the latter following the full reopening of the economy in 2022, but the economic outlook is tempered by forecast risks of global economic recession and other global headwinds. Motor and fire lines of business remained as the top premium contributor, motor maintained its position as the largest line of business at 46% share of total premium. Although motor insurance oGrowth rate outpaces that of Malaysia’s gross domestic product, reversing the trend seen in recent years observed a 9% growth in gross direct premiums to RM9 billion in 2022, it recorded an underwriting loss of RM3 million with net claims incurred ratio deteriorating to 65.3%, reverting towards prepandemic levels. Meanwhile, premium for fire in 2022 increased by 6% to RM3.82 billion as compared with 2021, with underwriting margin improving to 39.1% owing to improved claims experience. Personal Accident (7% share of total premium) also saw significant growth in premium of +43% yearon-year largely due to the Perlindungan Tenang Voucher (PTV) Programme initiated by the Finance Ministry and Bank Negara Malaysia in collaboration with the general, life and takaful insurance industry. The 2022 premiums for miscellaneous and marine aviation and transit classes of insurance had also trended upwards by 10% and 8% to RM2.7 billion and RM1.5 billion respectively. Medical and Health insurance (MHI) had increased in premium by 1% to RM976 million compared to 2021, however, MHI UW margin more than halved to 5% in 2022 from 12.1% in 2021 due to higher claims. The PTV scheme was a successful public-private partnership to enhance the insurance penetration rate and financial resilience of the B40 segments through uptake of basic insurance protection plans. A total of 10 PIAM member companies participated in the programme with a total redemption of 4.5 million vouchers amounting to RM301 million from the period of Sept 30, 2021 to Nov 30, 2022. Agents continued to be the dominant distribution channel over the past decade with more than 60% share of total gross written premium (GWP) but this channel saw slower growth in the past five years. In contrast, more consumers are buying insurance online as the growth of internet distribution channel had grown rapidly at +53.3% p.a. effectively over the past decade. In other words, the use of online platform as a medium to purchase insurance plans has increased 64 times from a low base of RM3.6 million in 2013 to RM229 million GWP in 2022. The general insurance industry settled close to RM19 million daily on total insurance claims. The amount of daily claims payout is reverting back to pre-pandemic trend in 2022 increasing by 23% YoY compared to 2021. Over the past decade, motor daily claims payout represented the majority of total claims averaging at RM13 million per day (72% of total payout). Last year saw motor daily claims payout increased to RM13 million per day following reductions in the previous three years. DXN inks underwriting deal with three banks for Main Market listing CYBERJAYA: DXN Holdings Bhd (DXN) has signed an underwriting agreement with Maybank Investment Bank Bhd, CIMB Investment Bank Bhd and RHB Investment Bank Bhd in conjunction with its proposed initial public offering (IPO) on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd. DXN and its subsidiaries are principally involved in the sales of health-oriented and wellness consumer products. It operates a vertically integrated supply chain with in-house research, cultivation and manufacturing functions across Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, and have over 300 stock keeping units of health-oriented and wellness consumer products that are manufactured in-house and distributed through its direct selling network or sales branches. In conjunction with DXN’s IPO, Maybank Investment Bank Berhad, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad and RHB Investment Bank Bhd has agreed to underwrite the retail offering of 160,000,000 ordinary shares in DXN (retail IPO shares), representing approximately 3.2% of the enlarged issued ordinary shares in DXN. The retail IPO shares are to be offered: 60,000,000 retail IPO shares are reserved for the directors and eligible employees of the DXN From left: CIMB Investment Bank Bhd group head, investment banking and deputy CEO Nor Masliza Sulaiman, DXN Holdings Bhd non-independent executive director and CEO Teoh Hang Ching, Lim, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd CEO Datuk Fad’l Mohamed and RHB Investment Bank Bhd head of group capital markets & advisory Jaimie Sia at the signing ceremony. Group, and persons who have contributed to the success of the DXN Group; and 100,000,000 retail IPO shares are reserved for application by the Malaysian public via balloting. DXN’s non-independent executive chairman and founder Datuk Lim Siow Jin said, “The signing of the underwriting agreement marks a significant milestone for us ahead of our proposed listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd. Since we began operations, we have expanded our presence from being solely in the Malaysian market into international markets. We have a vast distribution footprint spanning across various global regions of Europe, Latin America, North America, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa and Oceania and we are eyeing our next stage of growth as we aim to expand into new markets.” Maybank Investment Bank Bhd is the principal adviser, joint global coordinator, joint bookrunner, joint managing underwriter and joint underwriter for the IPO. CIMB Investment Bank Bhd is the joint global coordinator, joint bookrunner, joint managing underwriter and joint underwriter. RHB Investment Bank Bhd is the joint bookrunner and joint underwriter whereas CLSA Ltd and CLSA Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd are the joint global coordinator and joint bookrunner. KLDX rolls out SC-regulated 1st IEO platform in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: Kapital DX Sdn Bhd (KLDX) launched its 1st Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) platform in Malaysia, opening new investment opportunities for investors in private markets. The KLDX IEO Platform is registered and regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). KLDX’s innovative IEO platform provides investors including high net worth and retail investors, family offices, and institutions, the opportunity to invest in digital investments that are backed by underlying assets including equity shares, fixed income instruments, as well as funds. KLDX, as a platform regulated by Securities Commission Malaysia, will ensure that only high-quality investments are offered through the platform by implementing a rigorous due diligence process based on KLDX’s robust internal assessment framework. For companies looking to raise money, the KLDX IEO platform provides easier access to capital at a lower cost, and faster time to market, which enables companies to raise capital more efficiently, allowing them to focus on their core business operations and drive innovation. In addition, the KLDX IEO platform also offers companies access to a wider investor base, unlocking growth potential for their businesses. The KLDX IEO platform is powered by blockchain technology, which ensures a high level of security and transparency for all participants. KLDX will also actively offer investment products that are focused on environmental, social, and governance factors. These products will enable investors to support companies that are making positive impact on the environment and society while also generating returns. “We are excited to launch the KLDX IEO platform, an innovative solution that empowers companies to raise funds in a cost-effective and efficient manner, while also democratising investor access to private market assets on a trusted platform regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia.” said KLDX founder and CEO Selvarany Rasiah. She said that their platform aims to create a more inclusive investment landscape, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios and generate greater wealth through investments in private market assets such as equity shares in private companies, private debt, private funds, real estate and alternatives. At KLDX, she added they are committed to driving financial inclusion and empowering investors with opportunities for growth and prosperity. KLDX chairman Datuk Seri Dr Nik Norzrul Thani said, “We understand the challenges that corporates including start-ups and SME face in accessing capital, and our goal with the KLDX IEO platform is to make the fundraising process easier.” Malaysia Aviation Group enhances distribution capabilities with MHPlus SEPANG: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has introduced MHPlus, Malaysia Airlines’ new distribution capability (NDC) platform which provides an advanced digital solution to enhance communication capabilities and enable closer cooperation between MAG’s airlines and its trade partners. MAG said MHPlus targets to embed a streamlined transmission process across the travel industry distribution chain. For phase one implementation, Traveloka and Holiday Tours & Travel (HTT), have partnered with Malaysia Airlines to enjoy greater access to air and rich contents, direct marketing promotions with travel agents and partners, personalised product offerings and promotions tailored based on varying customer profiles. MHPlus is targeted to go live in the second half of 2023. MAG group managing director Captain Izham Ismail said, “We are delighted to introduce MHPlus and MHAgentPlus into our family of products aimed at providing personalisation and enhancing communication capabilities for our travel agents, partners and customers alike. It is a testimony to our crucial milestone in becoming Asia’s leading travel and aviation services group, as we continue to embrace new technologies to provide our stakeholders with more curated offerings to fit their needs. We are pleased to launch this pilot phase together with our partners as it marks an important step forward in our NDC journey to enhance the user and traveller experience.” Iko Putera, CEO of Transport at Traveloka said, “Traveloka’s partnership with Malaysia Airlines underlines a common goal – to strengthen our position in the regional and global market while constantly improving our services and offerings for consumers.” HTT said that they are thrilled to embark on this journey with MAG as an early adopter of their advanced new distribution capability implementation.

13 * SUNBIZ @thesundaily theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Most Malaysian SMEs receptive to ESG practices KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd’s inaugural annual environmental, social and governance survey report, “ESG Insights from Malaysian SMEs: Building A Better Future Together”, reveals that three out of five Malaysian small and medium enterprises believe embedding ESG practices in their business will create long-term value, build a strong workforce and increase business opportunities. The study was jointly commissioned with UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei (UNGCMYB) and SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp) to provide insights on the awareness, adoption and challenges of SMEs striving to integrate ESG factors into business practices in Malaysia. The study was developed using three approaches – in-depth interviews, a large-scale survey among 610 SMEs, and secondary research. Alliance Bank group CEO Kellee Kam said, “As a bank that has a long-standing relationship with the SME sector, we understand the unique challenges businesses face. Locally, there is a lack of SME-centric frameworks and information to help small businesses on their ESG journey. As such, we launched this study to fill the gap in the market. “We hope that our key findings, alongside our recommendations and tools prove useful to SMEs who are looking to start or enhance their ESG journey.” According to the study, ESG adopters cited improving productivity, cost savings and brand reputation as the key motivation for including ESG practices in their strategy. As for the nonESG adopters, three key themes were identified for their hesitations towards adopting ESG – uncertainty about the impact of ESG, limited knowledge of ESG and financial constraints. However, this group of SMEs highlighted that financial support from banks, sponsored From left: Alliance Bank group chief strategy, marketing & business development officer Dr Aaron Sum Wei Wern, Faroze, Kam and Alliance Islamic Bank CEO Rizal IL-Ehzan Fadil Azim at the unveiling of the survey report. oAbout 60% of small and medium firms believe their adoption creates long-term value: Alliance Bank study ACES 2023 set to be biggest so far, targeting 600 nominations PETALING JAYA: The highly acclaimed Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) is expected to attract a record number of 600 nominations this year. ACES, which has been likened to that of the film and TV industry’s glamorous Golden Globe Awards, enters its 10th edition this year and will showcase the biggest ceremony ever in its history. “This year’s ceremony will be the biggest to date in conjunction with the inauguration of the ACES Summit,” said MORS Group CEO Shanggari Balakrishnan. By biggest, it also means the awards will, for the first time, be held over a two-day period – Nov 23 and 24 – with the first day dedicated to winners of the sustainability domain and the evening of the second day for winners of the leadership categories. Meanwhile, the ACES Summit, which is scheduled on the morning of Nov 24, will provide a unique opportunity for participants to address and discuss current issues and topics related to sustainability, leadership, and business. “Through a range of thoughtprovoking sessions, attendees are exposed to new ideas, trends, and best practices that can help drive Asia’s responsible business agenda,” said Balakrishnan, who has built working relationships with over 800 CEO, heads of state, and investors across the globe. MORS Group which organises the ACES Awards has to date received a total of 240 nominations, with 160 nominations for the leadership domain and 80 for the sustainability category. Since its inception, the awards has emerged as one of the most powerful symbols of robust organisational health and adherence to corporate governance. “The ACES Awards is more than just a recognition, as it also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, mentoring, networking opportunity and showcasing of best practices,” said Balakrishnan, adding that winning an award from a reputable programme like the ACES Awards can also help establish a company’s credibility in the eyes of its stakeholders including customers, investors, and employees. Balakrishnan said participating in the awards can also serve as a motivator for companies to continue to strive for excellence and sustainability. Synergy House gets Bursa nod for IPO, Kenanga IB is underwriter PETALING JAYA: Synergy House Bhd, a crossborder e-commerce seller and exporter of ready-to-assemble (RTA) home furniture, has entered into an underwriting agreement with Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) for the group’s initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. Prior to entering into the agreement, the group had obtained approval from Bursa Securities for the listing. Synergy’s IPO will comprise a total of 130 million shares, including a public issue of 80 million new shares representing 16% of the enlarged issued share capital. The IPO also includes an offer for sale of 50 million existing shares representing 10% of the enlarged issued share capital which will be made available by way of private placement to bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. Kenanga IB will underwrite the 25 million new shares made available to the Malaysian public and the 12.5 million existing shares made available to eligible persons. Synergy House executive director Tan Eu Tah said, “The signing of the underwriting agreement marks an important milestone for us as it brings us one step closer towards being a listed company. We would like to extend our gratitude to Bursa Securities for granting the approval for our listing. We are also pleased to have Kenanga IB on board as our principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter and placement agent. “Our IPO will provide us the capital to grow our business which business model we have adopted since 2004.” The company’s executive director Teh Yee Luen said, “The funds raised via the IPO will enable us to continue to grow our business-toconsumer (B2C) segment which we started in 2012. In tandem with our strategy to continue growing our B2C segment, part of our IPO proceeds will be used to purchase inventories for our B2C segment as well as for the implementation of e-commerce advertising and promotion strategies.” Kenanga IB executive director, head of group investment banking and Islamic banking, Datuk Roslan Tik said, “We would like to thank Synergy House for having us onboard for the group’s IPO exercise. “We believe the group will be able to continue to leverage its design and development capabilities to expand its business through the listing.” Rockwills rewrites records with 3,000 wills in March PETALING JAYA: Rockwills International Group is continuing its growth trajectory, registering the best results in its 28-year history in the first quarter of 2023, with a record number of wills written in March. Rockwills recorded more than 3,000 wills last month, an average of 100 per day. On a year-to-year basis, the region’s largest will writing and estate planning group reported a 35% surge in the number of wills written. Group CEO Azhar Iskandar Hew (pic), attributed the group’s continued strong performance to more being prodded into action upon greater awareness and the realisation of the importance of estate planning, which is crucial for an individual’s overall wealth management and financial planning. “The current challenge for the estate planning industry is not so much educating the public on the need of a will or trust as essential in estate planning but addressing the public’s tendency to procrastinate,” said Azhar. “The Covid-19 pandemic did help to impress on the fragility of life and in the process, spurred more to act and plan ahead to safeguard the future of their loved ones.” Azhar said Rockwills’ foresight to roll out expansion initiatives, like setting up more branches in the country and collaborating with associates abroad, positioned it well to be able to benefit from this increased awareness of the public. The partnership in estate planning with various legal and estate planning firms saw Rockwills being able to support the needs for comprehensive estate plans for Malaysian businessmen whose cross-border business and investments extend to countries like China, India, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. “Overseas investments bring a different set of challenges. It is extremely important for Malaysians with foreign investments and properties to have a foreign will prepared by experts on the ground to ensure compliance of the local laws for speedy execution of their probate,” explained Azhar. Looking ahead, he said Rockwills will continue to focus on its education initiatives which has resulted in the awareness of estate planning transition from the old age-band to the youngerage group. Catering to the needs of younger individuals, Rockwills will continue to push the envelope for innovation, such as including digital assets and pets in wills and trusts. Since its incorporation in 1995, Rockwills has written more than 300,000 wills across a wide spectrum of clientele. training and learning opportunities and tax incentives will facilitate their ESG adoption. UNGCMYB executive director Faroze Nadar said, “As the backbone of our economy – serving as key drivers of job creation and economic development – SMEs can be important change agents helping to achieve a sustainable future for all. “Alliance Bank is a valued partner in pushing forward the ESG agenda in Malaysia. Through our collaboration, we have been able to provide much needed support to companies, especially in helping SMEs transition to a more resilient and sustainable future. “Together, we are taking a pragmatic approach by providing tools that will help SMEs to ensure sustainability performance and better navigate today’s ESG landscape.” SME Corp Malaysia CEO Rizal Nainy said, “Operating sustainably is not just a responsibility, it is an opportunity for SMEs to innovate and grow. By prioritising ESG practises, businesses can build a competitive advantage and enhance their brand image. “It is imperative for Malaysian SMEs to embrace ESG to remain relevant and competitive in the domestic and global market. SME Corp. Malaysia as the Central Coordinating Agency for SME development sees a need to develop a holistic ecosystem to drive the sustainability agenda for SMEs including microenterprises. “The PKSlestari initiative by SME Corp. Malaysia envisages creation of the sustainability ecosystem of SMEs and I believe this report will complement this initiative, specifically in developing a policy framework to encourage and accelerate the adoption of ESG among SMEs.” As part of Alliance Bank’s sustainability agenda, the bank aims to have RM10 billion in new sustainable banking business by FY2025. To date, the bank has recorded RM6.7 billion in new sustainable banking business.

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 SUNBIZ /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Volkswagen to build e-vehicle battery ecosystem in Indonesia oGerman carmaker to partner Vale, Ford, Huayou, Eramet and several Indonesian firms JAKARTA: Volkswagen will build an electric vehicle (EV) battery ecosystem in Indonesia and will partner with miner Vale, Ford and China’s battery minerals producer Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, the Southeast Asian country’s investment minister said. Automakers are courting Indonesia for its raw materials used in producing EV batteries, which account for about 40% of a vehicle’s sticker price, aiming to cut costs and close the gap on EV market leader Tesla. Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on Sunday that Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest automaker, will work with Vale, Ford, Huayou, French miner Eramet and several Indonesian firms such as Merdeka Gold Copper, the parent company of Merdeka Battery, and energy firm Kalla Group. The partnerships would consist of joint ventures and supply raw materials, he said in a video statement from Germany, where an Indonesian delegate led by President Joko Widodo was attending industry fair Hannover Messe and meeting representatives of companies including German chemical giant BASF, Eramet and Volkswagen. Separately, a statement issued by Widodo’s office said Volkswagen’s investment will be carried out by its Jakarta sets up task force on palm oil sector governance Exchanges, asset managers square off over EU rules LONDON: Stock exchanges and asset managers have squared off ahead of European Union (EU) negotiations this week over how much information investors should be given to find the best deals on Europe’s fragmented stock markets. The European Parliament and EU states begin negotiations today on finalising reform of the bloc’s securities rules, known as MiFID, aimed at making its capital market more efficient now that if faces competition from a post-Brexit London. It includes mandatory contributions from trading platforms to a “consolidated tape” or record of share prices, a longstanding feature of US markets. Proceeds from selling the tape would be shared among the contributors. In initial positions, parliament has backed a tape that provides prices of completed share trades in real-time – currently many investors only get delayed prices - and an indepth view of pre-trade prices on offer. EU states have also backed a tape with completed share trades in realtime, but with less comprehensive pre-trade data. Exchanges, which earn money from market data, say parliament is going beyond transparency to give investors a trading tool. “The inclusion of real-time pretrade data, as per the European Parliament proposal ... would only further distort EU market structure,” the Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE) said in a statement last week. But the Association of Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), whose members include global banks and asset managers, said yesterday that an “ambitious real-time pretrade” tape would help reverse the worrying trend of European stock markets being “markedly less dynamic” than their US peers. The European Fund and Asset Management Association (Efama) also backs parliament’s position, saying liquidity in European stock markets has contracted by 25% since 2013 compared with a 23% rise on US markets, with a number of factors contributing to this. “One of these is undoubtedly the absence of a consolidated equities tape without which a complex and fragmented EU27 market is put at a competitive disadvantage globally when marketing to international investors,” Efama said. The negotiations will also seek to iron out disagreement over whether brokers should be banned from receiving commission for sending stock orders to a specific platform. – Reuters ELECTRIC FERRY ... Shell Plc yesterday launched its first electric ferry globally at its Singapore refinery and said it would work with the city-state's port authority to cut emissions from ships. The first electric ferry, Penguin Refresh, is scheduled to start operating in May and another two will be put on by August, partly replacing diesel-powered ferries now in use. – REUTERS battery unit PowerCo. Meanwhile, Bahlil said BASF had also expressed an interest in building a plant to produce battery materials, partnering with Eramet, in Indonesia’s north Maluku province, for a total investment of about US$2.6 billion (RM11.5 billion). BASF and Eramet are jointly assessing the development of a nickel and cobalt hydrometallurgical refining complex in Indonesia, as was announced in 2020, and details would be announced once the assessment has been concluded, BASF said in an emailed response. Bahlil said investment interest by European companies would allay concerns that Indonesia’s management of its mines “did not adhere to international standards”. Widodo told Reuters last month that Indonesia will improve monitoring of environmental standards for nickel mining, amid concerns over the impact of production of the metal. Volkswagen, Ford, Eramet, Kalla Group, Huayou, and Merdeka Gold Copper did not immediately respond to requests for comment. PT Vale Indonesia declined to comment. Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest nickel reserves, has been trying to develop downstream industries for the metal, ultimately aiming to produce batteries and EVs. Last month, Ford inked its first investment in Indonesia by joining Vale Indonesia and Huayou in a US$4.5 billion nickel processing plant in Southeast Sulawesi. Volkswagen last month said it plans to invest €180 billion (RM872.7 billion) over five years in areas including battery production and raw material sourcing. – Reuters JAKARTA: Indonesia has formed a new task force to improve governance in the palm oil plantation sector, aiming to ensure companies comply with rules including on tax payments, its Deputy Finance Minister said yesterday. The formation of the task force followed an industry-wide audit that officials launched last year after a cooking oil supply scarcity at home led to exports of some palm oil products being stopped for three weeks, shocking the global vegetable oil market. Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara, who has been assigned to head the task force, said authorities intended to “improve our palm oil industry’s compliance on various rules, regarding land permits ... and also on payments to the state”. The ministry's tax office is currently updating its data on companies' plantation area, he added. Indonesia's palm oil exports in the first three months of 2023 were worth US$5.92 billion (RM26.2 billion), the statistics bureau said earlier, down 11.3% from the same period in 2022. – Reuters Singapore March exports drop less than forecast SINGAPORE: Singapore’s March non-oil domestic exports (NODX) shrank 8.3% year-on-year, official data showed yesterday, though the drop was smaller than the previous month and less than forecast. Economists had expected a 20.8% contraction in a Reuters poll. Exports had contracted 15.8% in February. On a seasonally adjusted monthon-month basis, NODX increased 18.4%, Enterprise Singapore data showed, versus the prior month’s 8.2% decline. Economists had forecast 1.7% growth. The trade reliant city-state has now recorded six consecutive months of year-on-year contraction in the NODX, amid concerns over the economic outlook. The Monetary Authority of Singapore left its monetary policy settings unchanged last week, even though the inflation rate remains elevated, reflecting policy makers’ concerns about its growth outlook. Although year-on-year growth was seen in non-electronic exports, electronic exports contracted 21.2% in March, following a 13.1% decline in February due to a decline in integrated circuits (ICs), personal computers (PCs) and disk media products exports. “This upside surprise was mainly due to pharmaceuticals ... so not sure if this upside surprise is really reflective of a improved external outlook,” said Brian Tan, senior economist at Barclays. “The electronics exports still looks fairly bleak,” he added. Electronics are Singapore’s main growth engine for exports. – Reuters India, Russia in talks on free trade deal NEW DELHI: India and Russia are discussing a free trade agreement (FTA), the Russian trade minister said yesterday, an announcement that could deepen bilateral commercial ties that have flourished since war broke out in Ukraine. The FTA talks mark a step-up in economic relations between the two countries despite calls from Western countries for India to gradually distance itself from its dominant weapons supplier, Russia, over its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. India's imports from Russia more than quadrupled to RM$46.33 billion (RM204.8 billion) over the last fiscal year, mainly through oil. “We pay special attention to the issues of mutual access of production to the markets of our countries,” Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who is also the trade minister, told an event here. “Together with the Eurasian Economic Commission, we are looking forward to intensifying negotiations on a free trade agreement with India.” Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said the Covid pandemic had disrupted discussions on an FTA between India and the Russianled Eurasian Economic Union, and that he hoped “our colleagues will pick up on this ... because we do believe it will make a real difference to our trade relationship”. – Reuters

1 8 A P R I L 2 0 2 3 T U E S D A Y HIGH-OCTANE hits, dance breaks, fireworks and a bonus lesson on the history of Caribbean music: with his groundbreaking Coachella set, Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny showcased a Latin revolution in pop fueled by his skyrocketing fame. The reggaeton titan born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio first appeared at the influential music festival in 2018, as a guest of rapper Cardi B. Five years on, the 29-year-old artist drew tens of thousands of screaming fans to the event’s main stage in the California desert as the first-ever Spanish-language headliner. His two-hour catalogue-spanning performance sent fans – and the industry – home with a message: the lineage of Latino music in the Americas is deep, rich and having a profound impact on today’s most popular and most profitable music. It’s a message that music’s power players are only starting to accept and process. “I don’t think the narrative of the nation of the US as a white, Englishspeaking nation is really fully changing anytime soon,” said Vanessa Diaz, a professor at Loyola Marymount University who teaches the course “Bad Bunny and Resistance in Puerto Rico.” But “I think that we see a reckoning with the demand of the people and not necessarily just what the industry would normally prescribe.” Case in point: Coachella fans roared with delight for the hits off Un Verano Sin Ti, his massively successful latest album, which was the first entirely Sp a n i s h - l a n g u a g e work to earn a Grammy nomination for the coveted Album of the Year award. Bad Bunny also did some of his earlier work, interspersing his songs with d o c u m e n t a r y - style footage tracing the heritage of the Latin music – and, specifically, Caribbean rhythms – that have fueled his blistering ascent to global stardom. It culminated with an ode to the classics including Bronx-born Puerto Rican Pete Rodriguez’s I Like It Like That – the song sampled by Cardi B on her smash I Like It that featured ... you guessed it, Bad Bunny. Authenticity Bad Bunny – the son of a truck driver and a teacher – grew up in Vega Baja, a small town near the island’s capital San Juan. Young Benito honed his vocal skills in the children’s choir at church, before growing into a pre-teen who loved spending hours developing beats on his computer, as he also began delving into everything from bachata to the Bee Gees. He was working at a supermarket bagging groceries when he got a call from a label over his viral plays on the DIY platform SoundCloud. Thus began his rapid explosion to the top of global music – the highestIt’s good to be Bad Bad Bunny has helped revive reggaeton in the mainstream music industry. – AFP oBad Bunny is the reggaeton star transforming pop music He has remained true to his Perto Rican heritage by continuing to sing in Spanish. – AFP grossing tour, the most-streamed artist – over the course of which he’s remained firmly rooted in his own heritage. He proudly celebrates Puerto Rico and its traditions through his music and his public persona, while also evoking a comfort with contemporary societal evolutions including gender fluidity, which is particularly appealing to youth. “His artistry comes out of his experience as a person who was born in a colony and who grew up under direct colonialism and the struggles in Puerto Rico,” said Diaz, noting that his authenticity is part of his mass appeal. “Everyone understands that intimate connection to a homeland,” Diaz said. “His dedication to that, I think, resonates deeply on a global level.” Price of fame From urgency over hurricane relief to the 2019 street protests demanding the ouster of Puerto Rico’s governor, Bad Bunny’s art and actions have also made him a de facto political poster child – whether he wants to be or not. “That’s part of what makes him such a revered figure,“ said Petra Rivera-Rideau, a professor at Wellesley College who has also studied the reggaeton star. But the constant eye of celebrity has heaped pressure on him to meet the varying expectations of loyal – and therefore oft critical – fans, a particular challenge for an artist widely known to enjoy spending time alone. Some are unhappy about his purported relationship with model Kendall Jenner – they don’t think she’s right for him. Others are disappointed that he seems to waver somewhat when taking a stand on racial politics. But, as Diaz puts it: “If we want something polished and dressed up and strategic, then we don’t want the same Bad Bunny we wanted before.” Bad Bunny addressed his audience head-on Friday night: “Humbly speaking, people think they know the lives of famous people but they don’t.” “They don’t know what we feel, what we live through. (...) Don’t believe everything you hear.” For all the influences he honored at Coachella, Bad Bunny has grown into an influential icon himself, freshening reggaeton – a fusion of hip-hop and reggae with AfroCaribbean origins – and imbuing it with Latin trap, which draws on rap from the American south. He works regularly with fellow Latino artists and featured collaborators including Puerto Rican rapper Jhayco at Coachella. When Post Malone, whose performance was marred by technical difficulties, joined him onstage, he smiled along quizzically as Bad Bunny addressed him in Spanish. He was definitely in the minority: early in the set, Bad Bunny asked the crowd their language preference. The response from the masses was unequivocal: “Espanol.” – AFP Bad Bunny (centre) performing at this year’s Grammy Awards. – AFP He was named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year for 2022. – FACEBOOK

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME John M. Chu gives first look at Wicked DIRECTOR Jon M. Chu has provided fans with a little something to tide them over until the first instalment of Wicked’s two-part film adaptation, set to premiere on Nov 27, 2024. Chu shared two stills from the upcoming movie through Twitter on Sunday. The movie is based on the 2003 Tony winning-winning musical Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which was inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book of the same name. “You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? FIRST LOOK of the #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz,” Chu captioned the post. The first image shows Oscar-nominated actress, Cynthia Erivo, as the green-skinned Elphaba, known as the future Wicked Witch of the West, riding a broom away from the camera while wearing a black cloak and pointy hat. Erivo herself appeared thrilled with the post. “It’s been wonderful making magic with you,“ the actress commented on Chu’s post, alongside several green heart emojis. The second image showed pop star Ariana Grande, climbing a steep flight of stairs as Glinda, also known as the Good Witch, wearing a vivid pink ball gown and having blonde hair. The sneak peek has already caused a Twitter uproar, with some users questioning Ariana Grande’s ponytail and others criticising the dim lighting seen in the images. Despite the minicontroversy, no doubt the engagement has increased interest in the movie and any potential sequels. Along with Grande and Erivo, Chu tagged other cast and crew members in the photos, including actor Jeff Goldblum, and our very own Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, who will be playing Madame Morrible. – by Hazique Zairill BLACKPINK members Jennie Kim, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rose delivered a powerful performance at this year’s Coachella event, which was described as “legendary” by fans who attended. On top of that, the group showed their love for South Korea. The K-pop girl band performed their iconic songs like How do you like that? and Tally from the Born Pink album, dancing in synchronised steps with other dancers and combining a lights show, fireworks, and drone-powered 3D performances. But what caught the audience’s eye was the way elements of Korean traditional art were incorporated spectacularly into their performances. They used ‘dancheong’ (refers to traditional design and colour) for the main stage as well, during Jisoo’s solo performances. The traditional patterns were also used on Jennie’s stage outfit. One of the most outstanding moments of the show was the dancers’ rendition of the “Buchaechum”, a traditional Korean dance performed with fans. In the end, the group bade their farewells in Korean, and this made many Koreans feel proud of the group for bringing their traditional art and language to the world stage. – by S. Tamarai Chelvi Wood said that he hoped the new films would be good. – REUTERS BLACKPINK performing at Coachella. – COACHELLA The two images shared by Chu showing Erivo (left) and Grande. – TWITTER RACHEL WEISZ and Daniel Craig are keeping their marriage healthy – and private. In fact, the two were friends for over a decade before the pair began dating, and later got married in 2011. The two actors first starred together in the play Les Grandes Horizontales at the National Theatre Studio in London in 1994, and have since shared several more plays, and one movie together. However, during a segment on Sunday Today with Willie Geist, Rachel, 52, spoke candidly about her and Craig’s desire to continue being just husband and wife, rather than co-stars. “I think we aren’t going to [costar together] at the moment. I think we really love our private life, as a life, as a family. And then we go to work separately,” the actress remarked. She said: “We really enjoyed that experience,” but added: “I think it’s nicer to – it also means we can alternate,” in reference to their hectic schedules as actors. She admitted that, despite being a renowned couple, she did not find the limelight to be burdensome and claimed that it had little meaning for her. “And it’s no work at all to keep not showing up at events. It’s no work at all, to keep a private life. Life can be demanding, life in a family can be complicated but I don’t even know what ‘celebrity’ means.” She said that although fame does not rule her life, she is accustomed to it. “I’m used to it now. Like, if someone recognises my husband, it’s just part of life – they’re normally really nice and go, ‘Best Bond ever!’ or whatever. Rachel has two children: a four-year-old daughter with Craig, and a boy named Henry, 13, whom she had with her filmmaker ex-partner Darren Aronofsky. She stated that she was so preoccupied with her own life that she ignored any criticism directed at her for having her second child at the age of 48. “Perhaps it’s just that we were very, very tired,” she remarked. “Maybe I didn’t notice what was going on.” – by Thashine Selvakumaran Weisz (right) says she and Craig prefer to just stay as a couple. – AFP Rachel Weisz wants healthy marriage with Daniel Craig Wood as Frodo in the original The Lord of the Rings film. – NEW LINE CINEMA There and back again oLOTR star Elijah Wood says he is surprised over plans to make new films for the franchise and the enthusiasm to explore it by whoever are the new films’ screenwriters and filmmakers. Currently, all that’s confirmed about Warner Bros.’ new Lord of the Rings movies is that there will be “multiple” films made based on Tolkien’s books. No additional information was given by the studio. In a statement to Variety, Jackson and his main Lord of the Rings collaborators, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens previously said Warner Bros. kept them in the loop every step of the way regarding the new movies. “We look forward to speaking with [the studio] further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,” Jackson, Walsh and Boyens added in their statement. – by Mark Mathen Victor THE star of the original three The Lord of the Rings films, Elijah Wood, has expressed surprise over Warner Bros. developing multiple new films based on the intellectual property. “I’m fascinated and I’m excited. I hope it’s good,” Wood recently told GQ magazine. “Obviously at the core of that, is a desire to make a lot of money,” Wood continued. “It’s not that a bunch of executives are like, ‘Let’s make really awesome art.’ And, again, not begrudging anybody because, of course, it is commerce. But great art can come from commerce.” Wood’s comments are in relation to how Peter Jackson’s original The Lord of the Rings’ box office raked in US$2.991 billion (RM13.16 billion) worldwide, while Jackson’s prequel The Hobbit trilogy raked in US$2.938 billion (RM12.93 billion) at the global box office. “[Jackson’s original trilogy] came out of a passion for these books and wanting to see them realised. And I hope that that is ultimately what will drive everything forward with whatever these subsequent movies are,” Wood said. The actor also hopes there will be a reverence for author J.R.R. Tolkien’s material BLACKPINK set the stage ablaze

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 In perfect harmony oThe Wanted’s trade mark is their vivid vocal performance and being able to effortlessly switch between solo and choir ACAPELLA music has existed for centuries. It is a style of singing that sees several people singing in unison to produce pleasant music. Acapella music has been enjoying an increase in popularity in recent decades. There are now several incredible acapella bands available. Audiences love hearing how each performer has their own tone and approach. The Wanted, a Taiwanese acapella group that made history by becoming the first band in the genre to create an original Mandarin Chinese album, recently spoke about themselves and their music in an online interview with theSun. We looked into greater depth about their journey, difficulties, and their victories thus far. There are five members of The Wanted. Leader Adi (vocal bass), Dodo (soprano), Rere (soprano), Chia (mezzo-soprano, rapper), and Don (Vocal percussion, beat-box). The members first got to know one another in high school when they all joined the school choir, and their teacher was the one who first introduced them to acapella. They had several opportunities to participate in many acapella competitions during that time. The group ultimately received recognition from the Golden Melody Awards for their debut album in 2014, after transitioning from posting covers to producing original compositions and establishing a significant following. In general, The Wanted listens to a wide variety of music, including classical, jazz, folk, rock, hip-hop, and even K-pop. This makes it easier for the group to think about their music without being constrained by guidelines and requirements, and they are always experimenting with new genres and methods to communicate diverse types of music using acapella. They utilise an effects unit to alter their vocals to produce various sounds, because acapella is typically thought of as having a more acoustic feel. Their primary focus while creating songs has always been in that direction. The band discussed how they write songs, and their creative process. Dodo and Chia are reportedly in charge of writing the majority of the songs. When the entire group has done creating the song, they will meet to discuss its direction. Dodo will only begin working on the arrangement after the group meeting. Of course, the music will need to undergo several revisions and adjustments. Occasionally the group would work on their songs through a jamming session, allowing everyone to contribute ideas that frequently result in a pleasant surprise during the final recording. The voice, in the band’s opinion, is the most straightforward means of expressing one’s emotions. They promise that by listening to their music, listeners would be able to █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Celine Dion makes a comeback POP diva Celine Dion announced the release of new music last week – her first since revealing last year that she was suffering from a rare neurological disorder that was affecting her singing. The new album Love Again is the soundtrack for a film of the same name, and contains five new songs as well as past hits. It is the 55-year-old Canadian Dion’s first since her 2019 album Courage. “I had a lot of fun doing this movie. And to have the privilege of appearing with the beautiful and talented actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan in my very first feature film is a gift that I will cherish forever,“ Dion said in a statement. “I think it’s a wonderful feel-good story, and I hope that people will like it, and like the new songs too,“ Dion said. The romantic comedy by director Jim Strouse is scheduled for release in theatres on May 5. In December, Dion posted a tearful video on Instagram to say she had recently been diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome and The Courage World Tour began in 2019, and Dion had completed 52 shows before the Covid-19 pandemic put the remainder on hold. – AFP They excel in composing mash-ups that are very popular amongst their fans. (from far left) Leader and Vocal Bass Adi, Sopranos Dodo and Rere, Mezzo-soprano and rapper Chia, Don, Vocal Percussion and Beatbox. instantly experience the members’ emotions as they make every effort to tell various stories with their voices. They said that their music in particular carries a sense of cosiness and comfort due to the harmonies, as well as a sense of rebellion due to their willingness to experiment and buck the norms of their genre. Every time the lineup of The Wanted changes, there is a significant amount of friction for the group as a whole, which is one of the most challenging obstacle the band has ever encountered. It appears that replacing a member is more complicated than just finding another musician who can play the same instrument to take their place. Every member of an acapella group has a unique voice, as we already know, and a roster change significantly alters the tone of the song. Each time that occurs, they must restart experimenting with their existing task to fit a new arrangement, which gradually consumes a lot of their time. The Wanted went a step further and said that they had thoughts of giving up at least once a day since this particular journey had been so difficult. It is undoubtedly challenging to succeed as an independent band in such a specialised genre. They do, however, feel that they have much more to say and produce, as well as a greater yearning to be heard by more people, and that they have not yet reached their boundaries. Winning the Golden Melody Award for their debut album was undoubtedly one of The Wanted’s a dialogue between electronic and acoustic sounds, fusing the old and the new. We ourselves are quite thrilled to introduce acapella in a fresh way to our fans.” They made sure to express their gratitude to their support group, including friends and family. They aspire to continue winning more awards and honours, and to have a fruitful international tour. “Live performances of acapella are the greatest way to experience it, and we want to get our music in front of more people, hopefully in Singapore and Malaysia as well!” The Wanted is known for their capacity to sing in various styles. – ALL PIX FROM INSTAGRAM/@ACAWANTED most notable team accomplishments. It has made their music more widely known and strengthened the team’s faith in the music they are producing. As a band, the group has been experimenting and learning new things. They often attended dancing classes together in the past. This helps the team be more expressive with their bodies when performing on stage, in addition to incorporating dance into their performances. One of the team’s most memorable moments was trying to sing along to a BTS song while simultaneously dancing. They are now putting a lot of effort into becoming experts in both fields. The group is currently preparing for their second album. Since their debut album, they have been experimenting, and this album seems to be the end result. They intend to write acapella songs different from those on their debut album. They said: “Expect to hear more samples and synthesiser effects on this album since we want to establish would not be ready to start a European tour in February as she had planned. She said the disorder was causing muscle spasms and was “not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.” The Courage World Tour began in 2019, and Dion had completed 52 shows before the Covid-19 pandemic put the remainder on hold. She later cancelled the North American section of the tour due to her health problems. Her spring dates in Europe, which were due to begin in the Czech Republic, were postponed to 2024, while eight of her summer shows were cancelled entirely. This was to have been the Grammy-winning winner’s first global concert tour in a decade and the first without her husbandmanager Rene Angelil, who died from cancer in 2016. – ETX Studio

18 FEATURE theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 Five love languages THE five love languages explain how we express our affection and gratitude. You might experience love differently than your spouse does, depending on your personality. Your partner’s expectations and demands will become clearer after you understand and decode these many expressions of love. Everyone has a particular manner of showing and love in return, and these ways can be categorised into one of five “languages”: acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, giftgiving and receiving, and quality time. Acts of service Another way we show love and experience love is via acts of service. D oing something nice for your partner that you are aware they would appreciate. And the logic underlying it – that pleasant, comfortable feel you receive from a selfless act – is probably something we can all connect to. This kind of selfless service motivates individuals as well as the people whom they have an influence on to be better, to go above and beyond, and to aspiration. For those who feel that deeds speak louder than words, this is their love language. Those on this list want to be shown how much they are valued, as opposed to those who prefer to hear it. Doing both modest and large tasks to improve their quality of life is strongly recommended. Physical touch A person who uses physical contact as their preferred form of communication experiences love via physical adoration. For those who use this love language, physical closeness and touch may be immensely affirming and act as a strong emotional link. In addition to sex, some people only experienced their parents’ intense love and devotion when they were hugged, kissed, or physically caressed. These people treasure the comfort and affection that physical touch brings. They only want to be near to their lover. Words of affirmation If words of affirmation are your partner’s love language, they probably want to feel loved, cherished, and respected. But, how this is done is crucial. Individuals who use this love language frequently choose gentle communication, pleasant remarks, and modest requests. Complimenting your spouse in front of friends, family, or co-workers is another approach to employ words of encouragement. Once we identify our love language, he adds, it becomes much easier to take time to love and care for ourselves. oYou may be able to deepen your relationship and increase communication by being more aware of your partner’s love language █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The love languages apply to all relationships, not just romantic ones. Cuddle when you watch a movie. When you are praising your loved one in public, they could feel much more cherished. Also, you may show someone you care by praising them and letting them know what they’re doing right or what you like about them, even when you don’t expect it. Also, Your encouraging comments you sent via a text will go a long way towards helping them feel close to you and cherished. Gifts The love, consideration, and work that went into the present are what the person who likes this language lives on. Some individuals like receiving presents as visual expressions of their affection; this has less to do with the actual worth of the item and more to do with the thought process that went into selecting it. Those that use this love language understand the importance of providing presents and cherish the meaning they hold for both the giver and the recipient. Giving a present shows your spouse that you are thoughtful of them and go out of your way to get them something that will make them smile. Quality time Spending time with their companion, especially when engaging in shared activities, makes those who value quality time feel cherished. When they are there and conversing with their spouse, they feel important to them. They prefer not having a phone, TV, computer, or social media to divert their concentration. Going out for a walk together, spending time at the beach, organising a date night, and spending time doing something you both like are some examples of quality time. Understanding your love language can help you on your dating journey since it will help you focus your search for compatible partners by helping you identify what you want and need in a relationship. If you know, for instance, that you thrive in a relationship where enjoyed spending time with your partner is a primary concern, you can look for those obvious signs in a possible mate by observing how they act when you are going to date, such as setting aside time to schedule a date or a call and having to give you their complete attention at that time. The ability to use and respect the love languages isn’t the only thing that enables a lasting and effective relationship, even if they are a great tool, immensely relevant, and interesting to learn about. If your long-term values are out of sync, if your partner routinely treats you disrespectfully, or if you have other problems in your relationship, it doesn’t matter if you can communicate love to them in their love language or can identify the sort of love they exhibit. Make the right choice, all the best! Express gratitude and appreciation for your partner, unprompted. – ALL PIX BY 123RF

19 FASHION theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 Stylish headscarves for Hari Raya AS Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, there is no shortage of online businesses and retail shops selling the colourful headscarves, or “tudung” in Malay, and we bet you would be spoilt for choices. In Malaysia, there are many headscarf designers creating beautiful designs, but designer Amira Salehin creates stunning handdrawn designs that can elevate your style. A trained architect, Amira draws lovely flowers and plants, and the designs are transformed into her exclusive headscarves. For the upcoming celebration, Amira came up with her latest collection for Hari Raya, titled Foliage, on her Instagram page, @amiwabisabi. So, we decided to approach Amira to talk about her latest collection. What inspired your new tudung collection? “The Foliage Collection shows off botanical motifs inspired by vintage sketches of foliage and flowers. Heavily inspired by works of Foliage - a bold teal with minutes of pastel floral motifs for those who dares to be different. █ BY S.TAMARAI CHELVI Foliage Sky - A feminine design in soft colour works for all types of clothing. A soft coloured lovely design perfect to match any clothing for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. renowned vintage artists such as William Morris. The tudung takes on ideas of repetition from some of his works “The material is premium silk satin. It comes in four exclusive colours. As it’s for Raya, a mix of bold and pastel colours was chosen this year to suit several Raya themes.” What is special about the tudung you are making this year? “It shows off my signature florals in a sketch-drawing style. It’s also the first time we are printing the tudung on this premium silk satin material. Not to mention, actress Zara Zya has become our ambassador.” What were the challenges that you faced when making tudung? “Designing something new collection is never easy, especially when you are busy with a lot of other things. I work full-time, and at that time I was designing the collection, I was pregnant, so I got tired pretty quickly. “As for the design, I already had a style in mind, so I took a lot of time to gather inspiration from books and the internet. It took a bit more time to put everything together and get it just right.” Who is your target market? “Young adults, both local and foreign, especially those, who love unique motifs and art.” What has the feedback been so far? “It’s been great! I have been loving the amount of love I have received and hope it will continue to do well with this collection and future ones.” Where can our readers purchase your tudung? “Visit www.belhams.com and search for Amiwabisabi!” Elevate your festive fashion THE festive season is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to update your wardrobe with some stylish baju raya. Need inspiration? Look no further than these wonderful local brands. From elegant and sophisticated designs to modern and trendy styles, there are a range of options that are sure to enhance your fashion sense and help you stand out from the crowd. So, whether you’re a fan of classic styles or prefer to experiment with bold prints and colours, get ready to celebrate the festive season in style with these amazing baju raya options! Lubna Fancy a modern printed baju kurung this year? Go for Lubna! This wellknown Malaysian fashion label offers a variety of modern and stylish baju raya designs. Their collection features a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, with a focus on soft pastel colours, bold prints, and intricate details. Lubna’s baju raya collection is also known for its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, Why not try a baju kurung with a trendy print? –INSTAGRAM/@LUBNA.OFFICIAL oStep up your fashion game and discover the ideal baju raya for the upcoming festive season from these exceptional local brands █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Their garments stand out from conventional baju raya designs thanks to their delicate embroidery and unique colour blends. –POKOKS.COM ANAABU incorporates soft androgyny into every aspect of its design. – ANAABU.CO from formal events to casual gatherings. This brand is ideal for a girly look thanks to its playful silhouettes of ruffles, ballooned sleeves, and waist-cincher. In order to match as a family, there are also Lubna Homme (for men) and Lubna Kids. They also offer a Lubna Plus Size line for girls of larger frame. Instagram: @lubna.official Alia Bastamam For those seeking something different yet chic, Alia Bastamam offers a distinctive and refined interpretation of baju raya designs. Clean lines, premium materials, and delicate finishes are highlighted in the Forever Raya 2023 collections, which combine traditional and sleek modern design elements. Alia Bastamam’s pieces are versatile and can be dressed up or down for a variety of occasions, from formal events to casual get-togethers. In addition, the brand has gained recognition both locally and internationally, making them a popular choice among fashion enthusiasts. A baju raya by Alia Bastamam is unquestionably something to think about if you’re looking for an elegant and high-quality garment. Website: alia-b.com POKOKS POKOKS, which specialises in children’s clothing, also sells family sets on their website, which are ideal for those who want to coordinate outfits with their loved ones! For both you and your little ones, Pokoks.kids has a lovely selection of baju raya that have been specifically designed and are inspired by culture and nature. They also offer options for men, women, children, and even infants. Browse their elegant collections for their well-crafted baju raya. Their Sarang, Jumpa, and Menuai collections, in my opinion, are lovely and suitable for the entire family. Website: pokoks.com Maslea If you’re looking for a traditional outfit replete with long kebaya and batik, Maslea is the place to go. The Malaysian fashion house Maslea is renowned for its cutting-edge takes on the traditional baju raya costume. Maslea’s baju raya lines successfully merge classic and contemporary styles. The flower print and polka dot kebayas from this local brand, Maslea, paired with classic batik will transport you back to the glory days of the 1980s. That classic look you’ve always wanted can be captured at a raya morning photoshoot. Website: maslea.com Kurung Tokma Kurung Tokma has you covered if you’re a hijab-wearing woman in search of a more classic look. Their Plain Kurung Kedah, a contemporary take on the classic baju kurung, and Loose Kebaya, a collection of elegantly loose and flowy kebaya in soft, pastel shades like sage green and dusty blue, are two examples of their simple yet chic designs. Focused on making baju kurung for women of all ages that are both practical and stylish. The label is wellliked by fashionistas who prefer to keep their wardrobes modern and stylish with the help of some nice, simple designs. Kurung Tokma is unquestionably worth checking out if you’re looking for a trendy, comfortable baju kurung. Instagram: @kurungtokma ANAABU Various modern and minimalist baju raya designs are available from the local brand Anaabu. They are ideal for those who value clean lines and aesthetics because of their pieces’ well-known simplicity yet sophisticated. Known to be intimately designed with minimal embellishment and muted hues. Anaabu’s baju raya collection is popular among Malaysian and international fashion enthusiasts, and their pieces can be easily styled for both casual and formal occasions. This year, the brand is unveiling its EID 2023: SUKMA, TANAH DAN AIR collection, which includes a wide range of apparel and accessories. Website: anaabu.co

20 EDUCATION theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 Postgraduate studies at MSU LIFELONG learning refers to gaining knowledge and learning new skills throughout your life. Many people continue their education for personal development and fulfilment, while others see it as a significant step toward career advancement. As one of the national Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) centre, Management and Science University (MSU) offers breakthrough ways for working adults wishing to further their studies. A wide range of programmes is offered with the student’s convenience and their educational and professional backgrounds in mind. With ten locations including Sabah and Sarawak for potential candidates to take the APEL Aptitude Test as the non-conventional prequalification for entry into higher studies, MSU currently offers APEL (A) and APEL (C) at T-3 (Certificate), T-4 (Diploma), T-6 (Bachelor’s degree), and T-7 (Master’s degree) levels. Introduced and approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), APEL widens access to higher education for adult learners who are richly work-experienced yet lack academic qualifications. APEL (A) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning allows working professionals with a direct pathway towards higher education without prior formal educational qualifications. It is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for access to a programme of study and/or award of credits. Otherwise, APEL (C) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning via Credit Transfer allows the assessment of credits against matching modules in a programme of study. The APEL C pathway provides credit transfer for entry into diploma programmes right up to a PhD. Once an APEL C applicant’s competency level is determined, those credits can shorten his or her entire study duration considerably, saving time and money. For example, an applicant presenting only SPM for university entrance application would usually qualify for diploma studies only. With APEL C, it’s possible to pursue a bachelor’s degree directly. Another flexible option for adult learners to pursue their education is a micro-credential programme. Its offer offers industry in-demand programmes that provide flexible and made easy learning assessments that shall fulfil his or her needs for comprehensive education in preferred areas of study. These stackable programmes will allow for exemptions into academic programmes at MSU. MSU APEL Centre is managed by the MSU Continuing and Extended Education Centre (CEdEC). It was established with the aim to excel at providing continuing education in tandem with society’s current needs. Promoting lifelong education, CEdEC offers programmes that suit best those in need of flexibility in the scheduling and overall conduct of the teaching and learning experiences. As professional adults in the working world or self-managed professions, the demands to balance work and study are an everyday struggle, be it financially, personally, or professionally. Prospective candidates are required to sit for the APEL Aptitude Test at the MSU campus in Shah Alam as part of the process to evaluate their eligibility for enrollment. Keeping up with the pace of the industries’ evolving scenarios, MSU is providing opportunities by offering flexible learning modes and programs. Blending technical vocational education and training (TVET) with traditional academic curricula, MSU enhances competencies with industry internship, community and creative entrepreneurship, as well as global exposure; empowering MSU graduates with the well-roundedness desired and sought after by employers. Among the best in the region, the University’s programmes of study are meticulously crafted to enhance graduate potential, producing graduates that are a popular pick among employers. MSU comprises the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, the Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies, the Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering, the International Medical School, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Education and Social Sciences, the School of Hospitality and Creative Arts, the School of Graduate Studies and the Graduate School of Management The postgraduate studies at MSU offer advanced degrees at MBA, MSc and PhD levels covering wide areas including Management/Business, Accounting/ Finance, Educational Management and Leadership, Teaching English as Second Language, International Business, Fashion Business, International Hospitality and Tourism Management, Early Childhood Education, Counselling and Guidance, International Event Management, Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology, Food Service Technology, Biomedicine, Engineering, Applied Science, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Information Technology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy, Applied Science, Design, Medical Physiology, Public Health and Anatomy. This programme is offered under the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and Graduate School of Management (GSM). In all, as an applied, enterprise, holistic and international university, MSU offers foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and flexible programs through an entry system that facilitates admission of students from all walks of life, where it aims to TRANSFORM LIVES and ENRICH FUTURES. For more information on postgraduate programmes offered at MSU, please call 03-5521 6868, email [email protected] or visit www.msu.edu.my.

21 SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AUN HIN ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. Registration No. 198401003412 (115931-X) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 a Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 110B-1, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan on the 23rd. day of May, 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes:- 1. To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and property of the Company disposed of and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator thereof, shall be disposed of. Dated this 18th. day of April, 2023 NG SENG @ NG KIN SIN Liquidator 110B-1, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan. 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF D E FARMASI SDN. BHD. Company No. 199901026585 (501485-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of D E Farmasi Sdn. Bhd. 199901026585 (501485- M) duly convened at No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, the following Special Resolution was duly passed on 10 April 2023 : “SPECIAL RESOLUTION - MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP That approval be and is hereby given to place the Company into Members’ Voluntary Winding Up pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016.” ORDINARY RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR That, subject to the passing of the Special Resolution, approval be and is hereby given to appoint Yew Teck Huat, I/C No. 630424- 08-6159 of No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak as Liquidator for the purpose of the aforesaid winding up and to authorise the Directors to fix his remuneration.” Dated : 18 April 2023 Chairman Chung Wok Kim IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF D E FARMASI SDN. BHD. Company No. 199901026585 (501485-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the above company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 19 May 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them and the names and address of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the liquidators of the said company at No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak and if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator are by their solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Dated : 18 April 2023 Yew Teck Huat Liquidator No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan 30250 Ipoh, Perak. DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: JA-28NCC-20-01/2023 Dalam Perkara Seksyen 466(1)(a) dan 465(1)(e) Akta Syarikat 2016 Dan Dalam Perkara Netforce Chemical Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat: 199801016129 (472258-A)) Dan Dalam Perkara Kaedah-Kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA CCM CHEMICALS SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 198701000832 [159498-A]) .... PEMPETISYEN DAN NETFORCE CHEMICAL SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 199801016129 (472258-A)) .... RESPONDEN NOTIS IKLAN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk Penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah pada 31 haribulan Januari, 2023, dikemukakan oleh CCM CHEMICALS SDN BHD. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di hadapan Mahkamah yang bersidang di Johor Bahru pada pukul 9.00 pagi, pada 1 haribulan Jun, 2023. DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di Level 5, Menara KLK, No. 1, Jalan PJU 7/6, Mutiara Damansara. 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor dan/atau alamat perniagaannya di No.69, Jalan P10/21, Selaman Industrial Park, Seksyen 10, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Azraai, Hazieq & Zikry yang beralamat di B-8-5A, Level 10, Block B, Menara Uncang Emas, Jalan Loke Yew, 55200, Kuala Lumpur. Bertarikh pada 16 haribulan April, 2023 t.t ........................................... TETUAN AZRAAI, HAZIEQ & ZIKRY Peguamcara bagi pihak Pempetisyen PERINGATAN: Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada peguamcara yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12 tengahari pada 31 haribulan Mei, 2023 (sehari sebelum tarikh yang ditetapkan untuk perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut). [Ruj Kami: SA/2.2/466/2022/CCMC/(NCSB)] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF EEFAR LITHOGRAPHIC SDN. BHD. Registration Number : 199301022746 (277484-D) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 439 (2) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the Special Resolution set out below was duly passed by the Members of the Company on 15 April 2023. MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP AND APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR - SPECIAL RESOLUTION RESOLVED THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Tan Kiah Siang of 106, Jalan Tembaga, 11600 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, who has given his consent to act, be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given by Section 456 and Section 457(1) of the Companies Act, 2016. RESOLVED THAT the Liquidator be and is hereby authorised to divide all or such part of the surplus assets of the Company as he shall think fit to the members of the Company. Dated this 18th of April, 2023. TAN GIM HWA Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF EEFAR LITHOGRAPHIC SDN. BHD. Registration Number : 199301022746 (277484-D) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE is hereby given that the Creditors of EEFAR LITHOGRAPHIC SDN. BHD. Registration Number : 199301022746 (277484-D) which is being wound up voluntarily, are required within one month from the date hereof to send their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company and, if so required by notice in writing by the Liquidator, either by their solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice and in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proven. Dated this 18th of April, 2023. TAN KIAH SIANG Liquidator O-26-A1 Gurney Tower Office 18 Persiaran Gurney 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PERAK ENTREPRENEUR AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BERHAD (Registration No. 200901026129(869231-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the abovenamed Company duly convened and held on 10th April 2023, the following resolutions was duly passed:- “THAT pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the Company be wound up voluntarily.” “THAT the Liquidator may exercise any powers in accordance with Section 456 and Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” “THAT in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, the Liquidator may distribute to the members in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company.” SAYED SHARIFFUDDIN BIN S. SHAMSHUDDIN Chairman Dated this 18th day of April, 2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PERAK ENTREPRENEUR AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BERHAD (Registration No. 200901026129(869231-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 19th May 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claim and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are, by their solicitors or personally, to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. KHOR YONG YONG Liquidator 33B Jalan Pahang 10400 Georgetown Pulau Pinang Dated this18th day of April, 2023. 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai (81) 1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di-12 Tingkat 1 Lrg 1 Tmn Ria 08000 Sungai Petani Pada Hari 03hb MEI 2023, Waktu 9.30 pagi NEGERI KEDAH NAMA PAJAK GADAI ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI Pajak Gadai EMJ Sdn Bhd 12 Lorong 1 Taman Ria 08000 Sungai Petani Pajak Gadai Kah Yuit Sdn Bhd 15 Taman Cenderawasih Jalan Kelang Lama 09000 Kulim Pajak Gadai Kah Yong Sdn Bhd 6A Jalan Kampung Baru 08000 Sungai Petani Min Seng Pawnshop 7 Jalan Raya 09300 Kuala Ketil Pajak Gadai San Heng Loong Sdn Bhd LC 1203 Jalan Baling 09400 Padang Serai Pajak Gadai Sin Yit Foh Sdn Bhd 23-B Main Road 06300 Kuala Nerang Pajak Gadai Sing Lee Seng Sdn Bhd 5 Jalan Semiling 08100 Bedong Pajak Gadai Sungai Petani Sdn Bhd 174 Jalan Kuala Ketil 08000 Sungai Petani Pajak Gadai Poh Fook Sdn Bhd 52G Jalan Kuala Kedah Taman Gunung Indah 05400 Alor Setar Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 18hb APRIL 2023 sehingga 20hb APRIL 2023, pukul 10.00 pagi sehingga 4.00 petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Iklan Bertarikh 18-4-2023 CHONG KIAN CHONG Pelelong Berlesen 04-5792628 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ARITA FLANGES INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD. [199401007952 (293631-X)] (In Members’ Voluntary Winding UP) At a General Meeting of Members of the Company duly convened and held at 182A, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang on the 13th day of April, 2023 at 11.00a.m. the following Special Resolution was duly passed: “MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP OF THE COMPANY That, the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Tang Yin Kham (NRIC No. 510610-07-5414) be appointed as Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.” LIM JUN LIN Director Dated this 18th day of April, 2023 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the Company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 18th day of May, 2023 to send their names and addresses and the 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 in writing from the Liquidator, are, by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at the Liquidator’s office of 184A, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. TANG YIN KHAM Liquidator Dated this 18th day of April, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF KIM NINWONI (M) SDN. BHD. 201801039919 (1301950-X) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the Members of the abovenamed Company held on 13-04-2023, the following special resolution was duly passed:- “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Lai Chung En and Ms. Chan Bee Lee (f) of StanleyCo Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd., Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor be and are hereby appointed as Liquidators for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given under section 456 and the Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” Dated this 18-04-2023 LOK KHING MING Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF KIM NINWONI (M) SDN. BHD. 201801039919 (1301950-X) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the Creditors of the above Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 18-05-2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidators are by their Solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Dated this 18-04-2023 CHAN BEE LEE (F) LAI CHUNG EN Liquidators IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF STAYARIVA HOSPITALITY SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201101012856(940996-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the abovenamed Company duly convened and held on 10th April 2023, the following resolutions was duly passed:- “THAT pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the Company be wound up voluntarily.” “THAT the Liquidator may exercise any powers in accordance with Section 456 and Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” “THAT in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, the Liquidator may distribute to the members in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company.” ONG AH LUAN, CAMERON Chairman Dated this 18th day of April, 2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF STAYARIVA HOSPITALITY SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201101012856(940996-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 19th May 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claim and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are, by their solicitors or personally, to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. KHOR YONG YONG Liquidator Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, 11th Floor, South Block, No 142-A, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Dated this18th day of April, 2023. 322 Notices CLASSIFIEDS *Terms And Conditions Apply Call 03-7784 6688 or email [email protected] RM138 6SHFLDO2΍HU for Limited time only! (excl 6% SST) 2 Units 3 Storey Shop House known as 178, 178A, 178B & 180, 180A, 180B Seang Teik Road, 10400 Penang. Price: RM2.5 million per unit Riverside Resort Sdn Bhd, 332D Chulia Street, 10200 Penang 04-2630337 PROPERTY FOR SALE GREAT RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT / SALE! For Viewing Appointment, please call Ms. Chloe : 03-2072 2562 Address: Kota Raya Complex Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock 50000 Kuala Lumpur Area: 5th Floor – 26,102 sf 4th Floor – 22,390 sf Other Floors – From 205 sf to 2,982 sf Size : 5cm x 1 column (3cm) Spec : Full Color Actual Price : RM198.00 5 Days duration *Value Added on website www.thesundaily.my Call : 017-320 8888 Home Repair Expert Plumbing, Tiling, Wiring and A/Cond From RM60 onward NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai (81) 1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di-59 Tingkat 1 Jln Kendi Kawasan Perniagaan Pada Hari 02hb Mei 2023, Tmn Merak 14100 Simpang Ampat Waktu 3.30 Petang NEGERI PULAU PINANG NAMA PAJAK GADAI ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI Pajak Gadai Emas Jaya Sdn Bhd 29 Jalan Usahawan 4 13200 Kepala Batas Pajak Gadai YS Sdn Bhd 442 Jalan Penang 10000 Penang Pajak Gadai Kah Hin Sdn Bhd 6688 Jalan Bagan Ajam 13000 Butterworth YMC Capital Sdn Bhd 47 Jalan Permatang Rawa Bandar Perda 14000 Bukit Mertajam Shun Chang Sdn Bhd 228 Jalan Pasar 14000 Bukit Mertajam Sing Tai Foh Sdn Bhd 716 Jalan Raya 14200 Sungai Bakap Pajak Gadai Lian Hin Sdn Bhd 1078 Jalan Che Ahmad 14300 Nibong Tebal Pajak Gadai Sun Heng 16 Jalan Keruing Kawasan Perniagaan Simpang Ampat 14100 Simpang Ampat Yong Chang Dang Sdn Bhd 293 Jalan Burmah 10350 Penang Pajak Gadai MVJ Sdn Bhd 6679 Jalan Juru 14100 Simpang Ampat Pajak Gadai Bukit Mertajam 75 G Jalan Perniagaan Gemilang 1 Pusat Perniagaan Sdn Bhd 14000 Bukit Mertajam Pajak Gadai Butterworth Sdn Bhd 776 G Taman Kekaya Jalan Bagan Ajam 13000 Butterworth Pajak Gadai Zillion Worth Sdn Bhd 2889 Jalan Baru Bandar Perai Jaya 13600 Perai Sing Yee Li Sdn Bhd 46 Jalan Todak 2 Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya 13700 Perai Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 18hb APRIL 2023 sehingga 20hb APRIL 2023, pukul 10.00 pagi sehingga 4.00 petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Iklan Bertarikh 18-04-2023 CHONG KIAN CHONG Pelelong Berlesen 04-5792628 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AUN HIN ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. Registration No. 198401003412 (115931-X) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 a Final Meeting of the abovenamed Company will be held at 110B-1, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan on the 23rd. day of May, 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes:- 1. To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and property of the Company disposed of and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator thereof, shall be disposed of. Dated this 18th. day of April, 2023 NG SENG @ NG KIN SIN Liquidator 110B-1, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan. 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF D E FARMASI SDN. BHD. Company No. 199901026585 (501485-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of D E Farmasi Sdn. Bhd. 199901026585 (501485- M) duly convened at No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, the following Special Resolution was duly passed on 10 April 2023 : “SPECIAL RESOLUTION - MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP That approval be and is hereby given to place the Company into Members’ Voluntary Winding Up pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016.” ORDINARY RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR That, subject to the passing of the Special Resolution, approval be and is hereby given to appoint Yew Teck Huat, I/C No. 630424- 08-6159 of No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak as Liquidator for the purpose of the aforesaid winding up and to authorise the Directors to fix his remuneration.” Dated : 18 April 2023 Chairman Chung Wok Kim IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF D E FARMASI SDN. BHD. Company No. 199901026585 (501485-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the above company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 19 May 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them and the names and address of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the liquidators of the said company at No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak and if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator are by their solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Dated : 18 April 2023 Yew Teck Huat Liquidator No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan 30250 Ipoh, Perak. DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: JA-28NCC-20-01/2023 Dalam Perkara Seksyen 466(1)(a) dan 465(1)(e) Akta Syarikat 2016 Dan Dalam Perkara Netforce Chemical Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat: 199801016129 (472258-A)) Dan Dalam Perkara Kaedah-Kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA CCM CHEMICALS SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 198701000832 [159498-A]) .... PEMPETISYEN DAN NETFORCE CHEMICAL SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 199801016129 (472258-A)) .... RESPONDEN NOTIS IKLAN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk Penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah pada 31 haribulan Januari, 2023, dikemukakan oleh CCM CHEMICALS SDN BHD. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di hadapan Mahkamah yang bersidang di Johor Bahru pada pukul 9.00 pagi, pada 1 haribulan Jun, 2023. DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di Level 5, Menara KLK, No. 1, Jalan PJU 7/6, Mutiara Damansara. 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor dan/atau alamat perniagaannya di No.69, Jalan P10/21, Selaman Industrial Park, Seksyen 10, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Azraai, Hazieq & Zikry yang beralamat di B-8-5A, Level 10, Block B, Menara Uncang Emas, Jalan Loke Yew, 55200, Kuala Lumpur. Bertarikh pada 16 haribulan April, 2023 t.t ........................................... TETUAN AZRAAI, HAZIEQ & ZIKRY Peguamcara bagi pihak Pempetisyen PERINGATAN: Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada peguamcara yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12 tengahari pada 31 haribulan Mei, 2023 (sehari sebelum tarikh yang ditetapkan untuk perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut). [Ruj Kami: SA/2.2/466/2022/CCMC/(NCSB)] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF EEFAR LITHOGRAPHIC SDN. BHD. Registration Number : 199301022746 (277484-D) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 439 (2) of the Companies Act, 2016 that the Special Resolution set out below was duly passed by the Members of the Company on 15 April 2023. MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP AND APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR - SPECIAL RESOLUTION RESOLVED THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Tan Kiah Siang of 106, Jalan Tembaga, 11600 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, who has given his consent to act, be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given by Section 456 and Section 457(1) of the Companies Act, 2016. RESOLVED THAT the Liquidator be and is hereby authorised to divide all or such part of the surplus assets of the Company as he shall think fit to the members of the Company. Dated this 18th of April, 2023. TAN GIM HWA Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF EEFAR LITHOGRAPHIC SDN. BHD. Registration Number : 199301022746 (277484-D) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE is hereby given that the Creditors of EEFAR LITHOGRAPHIC SDN. BHD. Registration Number : 199301022746 (277484-D) which is being wound up voluntarily, are required within one month from the date hereof to send their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company and, if so required by notice in writing by the Liquidator, either by their solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice and in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts are proven. Dated this 18th of April, 2023. TAN KIAH SIANG Liquidator O-26-A1 Gurney Tower Office 18 Persiaran Gurney 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PERAK ENTREPRENEUR AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BERHAD (Registration No. 200901026129(869231-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the abovenamed Company duly convened and held on 10th April 2023, the following resolutions was duly passed:- “THAT pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the Company be wound up voluntarily.” “THAT the Liquidator may exercise any powers in accordance with Section 456 and Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” “THAT in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, the Liquidator may distribute to the members in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company.” SAYED SHARIFFUDDIN BIN S. SHAMSHUDDIN Chairman Dated this 18th day of April, 2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PERAK ENTREPRENEUR AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BERHAD (Registration No. 200901026129(869231-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 19th May 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claim and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are, by their solicitors or personally, to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. KHOR YONG YONG Liquidator 33B Jalan Pahang 10400 Georgetown Pulau Pinang Dated this18th day of April, 2023. 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai (81) 1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di-12 Tingkat 1 Lrg 1 Tmn Ria 08000 Sungai Petani Pada Hari 03hb MEI 2023, Waktu 9.30 pagi NEGERI KEDAH NAMA PAJAK GADAI ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI Pajak Gadai EMJ Sdn Bhd 12 Lorong 1 Taman Ria 08000 Sungai Petani Pajak Gadai Kah Yuit Sdn Bhd 15 Taman Cenderawasih Jalan Kelang Lama 09000 Kulim Pajak Gadai Kah Yong Sdn Bhd 6A Jalan Kampung Baru 08000 Sungai Petani Min Seng Pawnshop 7 Jalan Raya 09300 Kuala Ketil Pajak Gadai San Heng Loong Sdn Bhd LC 1203 Jalan Baling 09400 Padang Serai Pajak Gadai Sin Yit Foh Sdn Bhd 23-B Main Road 06300 Kuala Nerang Pajak Gadai Sing Lee Seng Sdn Bhd 5 Jalan Semiling 08100 Bedong Pajak Gadai Sungai Petani Sdn Bhd 174 Jalan Kuala Ketil 08000 Sungai Petani Pajak Gadai Poh Fook Sdn Bhd 52G Jalan Kuala Kedah Taman Gunung Indah 05400 Alor Setar Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 18hb APRIL 2023 sehingga 20hb APRIL 2023, pukul 10.00 pagi sehingga 4.00 petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Iklan Bertarikh 18-4-2023 CHONG KIAN CHONG Pelelong Berlesen 04-5792628 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ARITA FLANGES INDUSTRIES SDN. BHD. [199401007952 (293631-X)] (In Members’ Voluntary Winding UP) At a General Meeting of Members of the Company duly convened and held at 182A, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang on the 13th day of April, 2023 at 11.00a.m. the following Special Resolution was duly passed: “MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP OF THE COMPANY That, the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Tang Yin Kham (NRIC No. 510610-07-5414) be appointed as Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.” LIM JUN LIN Director Dated this 18th day of April, 2023 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the Company which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 18th day of May, 2023 to send their names and addresses and the 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 in writing from the Liquidator, are, by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at the Liquidator’s office of 184A, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. TANG YIN KHAM Liquidator Dated this 18th day of April, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF KIM NINWONI (M) SDN. BHD. 201801039919 (1301950-X) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the Members of the abovenamed Company held on 13-04-2023, the following special resolution was duly passed:- “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 and that Mr. Lai Chung En and Ms. Chan Bee Lee (f) of StanleyCo Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd., Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor be and are hereby appointed as Liquidators for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given under section 456 and the Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” Dated this 18-04-2023 LOK KHING MING Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF KIM NINWONI (M) SDN. BHD. 201801039919 (1301950-X) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the Creditors of the above Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 18-05-2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidators at Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidators are by their Solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Dated this 18-04-2023 CHAN BEE LEE (F) LAI CHUNG EN Liquidators IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF STAYARIVA HOSPITALITY SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201101012856(940996-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the abovenamed Company duly convened and held on 10th April 2023, the following resolutions was duly passed:- “THAT pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the Company be wound up voluntarily.” “THAT the Liquidator may exercise any powers in accordance with Section 456 and Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016.” “THAT in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, the Liquidator may distribute to the members in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the Company.” ONG AH LUAN, CAMERON Chairman Dated this 18th day of April, 2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF STAYARIVA HOSPITALITY SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201101012856(940996-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 19th May 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claim and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are, by their solicitors or personally, to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. KHOR YONG YONG Liquidator Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, 11th Floor, South Block, No 142-A, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Dated this18th day of April, 2023. 322 Notices CLASSIFIEDS *Terms And Conditions Apply Call 03-7784 6688 or email [email protected] RM138 6SHFLDO2΍HU for Limited time only! (excl 6% SST) 2 Units 3 Storey Shop House known as 178, 178A, 178B & 180, 180A, 180B Seang Teik Road, 10400 Penang. Price: RM2.5 million per unit Riverside Resort Sdn Bhd, 332D Chulia Street, 10200 Penang 04-2630337 PROPERTY FOR SALE GREAT RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT / SALE! For Viewing Appointment, please call Ms. Chloe : 03-2072 2562 Address: Kota Raya Complex Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock 50000 Kuala Lumpur Area: 5th Floor – 26,102 sf 4th Floor – 22,390 sf Other Floors – From 205 sf to 2,982 sf Size : 5cm x 1 column (3cm) Spec : Full Color Actual Price : RM198.00 5 Days duration *Value Added on website www.thesundaily.my Call : 017-320 8888 Home Repair Expert Plumbing, Tiling, Wiring and A/Cond From RM60 onward NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai (81) 1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di-59 Tingkat 1 Jln Kendi Kawasan Perniagaan Pada Hari 02hb Mei 2023, Tmn Merak 14100 Simpang Ampat Waktu 3.30 Petang NEGERI PULAU PINANG NAMA PAJAK GADAI ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI Pajak Gadai Emas Jaya Sdn Bhd 29 Jalan Usahawan 4 13200 Kepala Batas Pajak Gadai YS Sdn Bhd 442 Jalan Penang 10000 Penang Pajak Gadai Kah Hin Sdn Bhd 6688 Jalan Bagan Ajam 13000 Butterworth YMC Capital Sdn Bhd 47 Jalan Permatang Rawa Bandar Perda 14000 Bukit Mertajam Shun Chang Sdn Bhd 228 Jalan Pasar 14000 Bukit Mertajam Sing Tai Foh Sdn Bhd 716 Jalan Raya 14200 Sungai Bakap Pajak Gadai Lian Hin Sdn Bhd 1078 Jalan Che Ahmad 14300 Nibong Tebal Pajak Gadai Sun Heng 16 Jalan Keruing Kawasan Perniagaan Simpang Ampat 14100 Simpang Ampat Yong Chang Dang Sdn Bhd 293 Jalan Burmah 10350 Penang Pajak Gadai MVJ Sdn Bhd 6679 Jalan Juru 14100 Simpang Ampat Pajak Gadai Bukit Mertajam 75 G Jalan Perniagaan Gemilang 1 Pusat Perniagaan Sdn Bhd 14000 Bukit Mertajam Pajak Gadai Butterworth Sdn Bhd 776 G Taman Kekaya Jalan Bagan Ajam 13000 Butterworth Pajak Gadai Zillion Worth Sdn Bhd 2889 Jalan Baru Bandar Perai Jaya 13600 Perai Sing Yee Li Sdn Bhd 46 Jalan Todak 2 Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya 13700 Perai Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 18hb APRIL 2023 sehingga 20hb APRIL 2023, pukul 10.00 pagi sehingga 4.00 petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Iklan Bertarikh 18-04-2023 CHONG KIAN CHONG Pelelong Berlesen 04-5792628 322 Notices Hetmyer blitz keeps Rajasthan top WEST INDIES powerhouse Shimron Hetmyer’s batting onslaught lit up the IPL yesterday as he fired Rajasthan Royals to a stunning threewicket win over holders Gujarat Titans. Hetmyer’s unbeaten 26-ball 56 steered Rajasthan to victory, set up by skipper Sanju Samson, who hit 60 off 32 balls. “I just really wanted to win against these (Gujarat) guys because they beat us three times (including the final) last year so it was a bit of revenge really,” man of the match Hetmyer said. Chasing 178 for victory, Rajasthan were in trouble at 55-4 when Samson and the lefthanded Hetmyer turned on the chase at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. Iyer ton in vain for KKR INDIAN batsman Venkatesh Iyer struck his maiden T20 century on Sunday, but it was not enough to stop Kolkata Knight Riders losing to IPL heavyweights Mumbai Indians by five wickets. Iyer’s 104 off 51 balls helped Kolkata to 185-6, a total five-time winners and hosts Mumbai overhauled with 14 balls to spare at the Wankhede Stadium. Opener Ishan Kishan blasted 58 off 25 balls but it was T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav’s quickfire 43 that brought the home crowd to life, as he looked like returning to form after a rough patch. The lefthanded Kishan gave Mumbai a flying start in a 65-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma, who made 20 off 13 balls after coming in as an impact sub. … as Tendulkar Jr makes debut ARJUN TENDULKAR made his Indian Premier League debut on Sunday bowling for Mumbai Indians, the team once captained by his illustrious batsman father Sachin Tendulkar. Arjun went wicketless in his two overs, giving away 17 runs, in a match that Mumbai won and his proud father wrote an emotional note on social media. “Arjun today you have taken another important step in your journey as a cricketer,” Tendulkar tweeted. “As your father, someone who loves you and is passionate about the game, I know you will continue to give the game the respect it deserves and the game will love you back… This is the start of a beautiful journey. All the best!” INSIDE EDGE

22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 SPORTS Stamp of authority Ancelotti exposing Chelsea downfall on return to the Bridge UNDER a fortnight ago, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly picked up the phone and called Blues great Frank Lampard to come back and try to steady the ship, with the team in shambles. In another world, it might have been Carlo Ancelotti on the line to the American. Instead Ancelotti returns to Stamford Bridge dug-out strictly as an opponent, representing Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg clash tomorrow (3am Malaysian time). Ancelotti’s Madrid picked off the Blues in the first game, carving out a 2-0 lead through Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio, and they could have added further goals as they controlled proceedings. The Italian’s return to Chelsea evokes warm memories of one of the finest ever Premier League sides, which he led to the club’s first ever League and FA Cup double in 2010, halcyon days in stark contrast to the Blues’ recent slump. Chelsea’s current hodgepodge of players lack both the leadership and quality of that group, as was laid painfully bare in their defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu last week. “I am sad, yes,” said Ancelotti before that clash. “I have a fantastic memory of this club, of the people that are still working there. “I’m a supporter of Chelsea, of course, because I spent two really nice years there. “I think and I hope Lampard will be able to do a fantastic job with them.” It was a generous line from Ancelotti, but the Italian will hope his coach is nowhere near as magnanimous tomorrow in London. Ancelotti was let go by then-owner Roman Abramovich in 2011, ending his brief but memorable two-season spell in charge. Madrid are aiming to win a record-extending 15th Champions League, defending the title after their triumph over Liverpool last season, and looked streets ahead of the 2021 victors in the Spanish capital. Despite not being first choice – or second, or third – for the job, Ancelotti was chosen as a safe pair of hands and also helped Madrid lift La Liga last season too. Like Zinedine Zidane before him, showing excellent man management is a vital skill for Los Blancos coaches – although not the only one, as he was at pains to point out. “I am ‘fantastic’ at managing but there are other things, because this team is well-trained,” said Ancelotti before the first leg. “If we win the Copa del Rey, we will have won every title possible in two years and there are teams who won’t win that in their whole lives.” Ancelotti experience and stability are in stark contrast to Chelsea’s haphazard project, and tomorrow they may help him highlight chasms where he once left silverware and memories. – AFP Barca drop more points as Griezmann stars for Atletico A SUBDUED Barcelona could not break down Getafe in a 0-0 draw yesterday, dropping more points but still sitting 11 clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Third-place Atletico Madrid beat Almeria 2- 1 at home with Antoine Griezmann netting a brace as he continued his sparkling form. Valencia sunk deeper into the relegation mire with a 2-0 home defeat by Sevilla, who host Manchester United in the Europa League on Friday. The one positive for Barca was a 22nd clean sheet of the season in the top flight, with Getafe, 15th, not creating much danger. “Here you suffer, because the grass is high, the usual tricks, so it’s hard, the clear chances you have – you have to put them away,” Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen told DAZN. “It’s a dry pitch, so it’s difficult. We did things differently to normal.” Xavi echoed Ter Stegen’s complaint that the low quality of the pitch played a part in the result, but said Barca could not hide behind it. “It’s not an excuse, we weren’t accurate, we made chances but we could not finish them,” said Xavi. “But yes, the grass did hurt us, the ball didn’t run.” Atletico stayed two points behind Real Madrid with a narrow win over Almeria, 17th, which should have been more comfortable than it proved to be. Antoine Griezmann headed Atletico ahead in the fifth minute when Angel Correa nodded on a corner to the back post. Diego Simeone’s side were dominant throughout, but Almeria pulled level when Leo Baptistao’s shot deflected in off Jose Gimenez. Griezmann sent the Rojiblancos ahead again before the break, finishing clinically from Yannick Carrasco’s pass at the end of a fine team move for his 11th league goal. “I think I’m at my most complete version in terms of assists and goals,” Griezmann told Movistar. “I’m happy with my performances but I haven’t reached my ceiling yet – I hope I can soon.” – AFP VICTOR OSIMHEN and Mike Maignan will face off for a place in the Champions League semifinals tomorrow (3am) when AC Milan travel south to Naples for the decisive second leg of the all-Italian quarterfinal. Nigerian striking sensation Osimhen and France’s new first-choice goalkeeper Maignan arrived at two of Italy’s most storied clubs via Ligue 1 outfit Lille, where they played together for a season before both eventually made their way south of the Alps. Osimhen hadn’t played for Napoli since the last international break before making a substitute’s appearance in Saturday’s goalless draw with Verona which cut his side’s imposing Serie A lead to 14 points. The 24-year-old’s devastating efficiency in front of goal was sorely missed in last week’s single-goal defeat which gave Milan a slender advantage to take into tomorrow’s showdown at the Stadio Maradona. “Osimhen has such a physical presence and speed you can chuck the ball at him and he’ll hold onto it, use his head or unleash a change of pace. He has so many different options when he has the ball,” Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti said on Saturday. Napoli wasted a host of chances to get something from the game at a packed and soaking wet San Siro in which Maignan produced the sort of display which has made him a natural successor to Hugo Lloris as Les Bleus’ goalkeeper. The 27-year-old’s return between the sticks in late February following five months out injured has given Milan more security at the back, with five clean sheets in their last nine matches in all competitions. And knowing he is ready to pull off at times astonishing saves when gaps appear at the back has allowed Milan to slowly return to the more swashbuckling style with which they won their first Serie A title last season. Former Milan manager Fabio Capello said Maignan was Milan’s best player in the first leg and the seven-time European champions will need him in similar form tomorrow if they are to have a chance of winning number eight. – AFP Napoli, Milan chase Euro glory in all-Italian clash Juve stunned as Roma eye second spot JUVENTUS were beaten 1-0 by modest Sassuolo to remain stuck in seventh in Serie A yesterday when Gregoire Drefel reacted fastest to score from a fluffed clearance. The defeat leaves Juventus below the European spots after the Turin giants were docked 15 points for illicit transfer activity in January. Runaway leaders Napoli drew on Saturday as Italy awaits an explosive party in Naples where Napoli look certain to clinch a first title since the days of Diego Maradona. Italy’s champions-elect have had their imposing league lead cut to 14 points after a second-string XI could only manage a goalless stalemate with Verona and second-placed Lazio won at Spezia on Friday. Jose Mourinho’s Roma bucked the trend by beating Udinese 3-0 with Eduardo Bove slamming home a loose ball after a saved penalty for the opener. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Tammy Abraham also scored as Roma consolidated third place, five points ahead of Inter in fifth. Rublev relishes Monte Carlo ‘fairytale’ ANDREY RUBLEV said winning his first Masters 1000 trophy in Monte Carlo yesterday was like a “fairytale” after the Russian battled past Denmark’s Holger Rune in three sets. The fifth seed came from 4-1 down in the deciding set to defeat sixth-seeded teenager Rune 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 after one hour 34 minutes on the red clay of Court Rainier III. The 25-year-old achieved the biggest win of his career after losing Masters finals in Monte Carlo and Cincinnati, both in 2021, to boost his confidence heading into next month’s French Open on clay. “It’s a great feeling. Today I handled my emotions really well,” said Rublev. “After struggling so much, so many times, losing in the finals, semifinals, losing even earlier, to win first 1000 Masters and finally I did it. “I remember the previous finals and when I was losing I thought I’d have no chance and mentally I was going down. “But today I thought, ‘Just believe until the end’, and this is what I was trying to do in the third set, hoping I would have an extra chance to come back and what a way to do it.” Fitzpatrick wins Heritage in playoff ENGLAND’S Matt Fitzpatrick beat defending champion Jordan Spieth in a thrilling sudden-death playoff yesterday to win the PGA’s RBC Heritage tournament. The pair, who played in the same group in the final round, both ended regulation play on 17-under 267 after Spieth shot 66 and Fitzpatrick 68 at Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It took until the third hole of the playoff for a champion to be decided when Fitzpatrick produced a brilliant 9- iron approach shot on the par-4 18th and made a simple birdie putt to win. “It’s hard to describe. I said to (caddie) Billy (Foster), it doesn’t get better than this – walking down here, just looking around. “It’s a course I dreamed of playing when I was young,” he said, with his family congratulating him at the side of the green. “I managed to play a couple of times with my dad and yes, this one means more than anything.” Patrick Cantlay, the other member of the leading group, finished in third after carding a 68 to leave him one shot behind Fitzpatrick and Spieth. SHORTS Picture: Getty Images UEFA Champions League 2022-23 Q-FINAL, 2ND LEG – APR 19 @ 3am in M’sia CL form W D L Form Goals for / against Passes Corners Possession 12 / 7 23 / 8 CHELSEA vs REAL MADRID Stamford Bridge First leg result: 0-2 Head-to-head Won 4 Drawn 2 Won 2 3 9 220 3 46% 8 Total shots / Shots on target 357 3 54% 18 First leg statistics Source: UEFA *Eliminated from competition © GRAPHIC NEWS Vinicius Junior Real Madrid attacking talent PERENNIAL FAVOURITES: Real hold advantage to reach semifinals for 11th time in 13 seasons Champions League 2022-23: Shots on target 16 14 13 13 Vinicius Jr. Haaland Mbappé* Benzema Salah* Giroud Real Madrid – Total shots (34) Man City (29) PSG (27) Real Madrid (27) Liverpool (23) Milan (19) 18 18

23 * SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | APRIL 18, 2023 UEFA Champions League 2022-23 Q-FINAL, 2ND LEG – APR 20 @ 3am in M’sia CL form W D L Form Goals for / against Passes Corners Possession 21 / 5 25 / 3 BAYERN vs MAN CITY Allianz Arena First leg result: 0-3 Head-to-head Won 3 Drawn 0 Won 4 4 9 495 5 54% 12 Total shots / Shots on target 362 8 46% 17 First leg statistics Source: UEFA Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS Serge Gnabry Bayern TOUGH TASK: Bayern – yet to concede at home in this European campaign – are looking to join elite group of clubs to have overturned three or four-goal first leg deficits 2004 2017 2018 2019 Q-final: Last 16: Q-final: S-final: Deportivo v AC Milan Barcelona v PSG Roma v Barcelona Liverpool v Barcelona 4-0 6-1 3-0 4-0 1-4 0-4 1-4 0-3 Champions League comebacks: By team at home in second leg @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Time to regroup Tottenham must put ‘disappointment’ behind them quickly, says Danjuma ARNAUT DANJUMA insists Tottenham must quickly regroup and remember there is plenty to play for despite a devastating 3-2 home defeat to Bournemouth. Spurs could have moved level on points with top-four rivals Newcastle with victory on Sunday but they were undone in stoppage time when Dango Ouattara curled home a winner for their relegation-threatened opponents. Danjuma looked to have rescued Spurs a point with a superb left-footed effort two minutes from time after Son Heung-min’s opener had sandwiched goals from Matias Vina and Dominic Solanke either side of the break for Bournemouth. With Tottenham looking for a last-gasp winner, Gary O’Neil’s men provided a suckerpunch when Solanke found Ouattara, who cut inside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and found the bottom corner in the fifth minute of added time to inflict a 10th Premier League defeat of the season on the hosts. “Yeah, the primary feelings we have are disappointment but I think towards the end of the game we’ve done well. We try to win the game and if you are Spurs, you should always try to win,” Danjuma told SpursPlay. “Inevitably you will leave some space in behind for Bournemouth to counter but I think I would be more disappointed if we didn’t try to go for the win. “We’re obviously devastated with the result but nevertheless, I am standing here very confident in my teammates, in the fans and the staff. “We have seven games left and it all to play for so as long as we focus on the next games, get our conviction back, get our confidence back, there will be nothing to worry about.” Spurs’ acting head coach Cristian Stellini was forced to defend his tactics after his side ended the game with six attacking players and an unclear formation. Richarlison and Danjuma were introduced to join Ivan Perisic, Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Harry Kane on the pitch, but the latter was asked to drop deep into midfield. Stellini, who also replaced substitute Davinson Sanchez after only 23 minutes following boos by his own supporters, insisted the players’ mentality was to blame for the result, not his gung-ho tactics in the final quarter of an hour. “In that moment, we used Harry in the midfield line,” Stellini revealed. “We dropped Harry to have more ball and the possibility to play and we used four players to try to attack. “That was the formation. We have all the quality we can have to try to score. That was the intention. “It’s a habit we have (dropping deeper), it’s not the first time. It’s a long time that we do this, but we have to be perfect in the defensive situation. “We were not so perfect because we allowed them to score with two mistakes. This is a problem, it’s not a tactical problem, it’s an individual problem, a mistake.” – The Independent Eze to see why Eberechi is enjoying himself EBERECHI EZE believes Crystal Palace are playing with greater freedom since the return of Roy Hodgson following his matchwinning display against Southampton. Eze’s second half double at St Mary’s earned the Eagles a 2-0 triumph and a third consecutive Premier League success under former England boss Hodgson to all but end the club’s relegation concerns. The 24-year-old had become a peripheral figure during the reign of Patrick Vieira, with his recall to Palace’s starting XI coinciding with the team’s upturn in form. Playmaker Eze, who was signed from QPR by Hodgson in 2020, told the club website: “I think he has just given us the confidence in what we’re good at. “We know what we can do. We know what we’re capable of, and he’s given us the licence to go and do that. “We’re playing with a lot more freedom, more energy, and we’re so much more positive, which is a huge credit to the gaffer coming in and helping us with that.” The former England U-21 international started just four of the previous 12 top-flight games prior to Hodgson’s reappointment during which Palace picked up a paltry five points and scored only five times. “I’m just happy to be contributing, helping the team and doing what I can to influence the game, because it’s been a tough period,” said Eze. “To come out of it the way that we have is big for us. I’ll keep on doing what I can, keep on working hard, applying myself, and whatever happens, happens. “That was a big game for us. We’ve been putting in good performances, working hard and it’s paid off, so it’s a big one for us.” – The Independent KEVIN DE BRUYNE claims Manchester City will still need to take their “A game” to Germany to reach the Champions League semifinals this week. City appear to have one foot in the last four after an impressive 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. Yet playmaker De Bruyne is taking nothing for granted ahead of Wednesday’s (Thurs 3am Malaysian time) return encounter and is approaching the game as he would any other. “It’s still got a long way to go,” the Belgian said. “It’s not like 50 minutes to go and you might cover up a bit. It’s 95 minutes and a lot can happen. “You’ve heard of crazy scores in many games so we’ll have to bring our ‘A’ game. “I don’t think we speculate about keeping ahead, we just play the game we know how to play. “We start again and we know it’s going to be hard. Going to Bayern, they have a lot of quality but we’d rather have three ahead than the opposite.” De Bruyne showed his frustration when he was substituted by manager Pep Guardiola during the first leg. “It happens in the moment,” he said. “I want to play every game and I feel really good. I’ve had no injuries and been fit every game. That’s it.” De Bruyne was back on the field as City eased to a 3-1 win over Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday. Erling Haaland scored twice to take his overall tally for the season to a remarkable 47. De Bruyne created the Norwegian’s second goal with a defence-splitting through ball and their partnership is proving a huge success. De Bruyne said: “Obviously he is really sharp and his movement is excellent, and his touch is mostly really, really good. “He is there at the right times. You know it is a little bit different to what he is used to at Dortmund or Salzburg but we have been dealing with that a lot, and if you are patient you will get your chance.” – The Independent City need their ‘A game’ against Bayern: De Bruyne █ GEORGE SESSIONS █ ANDY HAMPSON RESULTS & STANDINGS Newcastle must move on, say Trippier KIERAN TRIPPIER says Newcastle United have to forget about Saturday’s drubbing at Aston Villa and focus on next week’s crunch clash with Tottenham. The Magpies went down to their heaviest defeat of the season in a 3-0 loss at Villa Park, where they were uncharacteristically poor. It was a blow to their Champions League qualification hopes but Spurs did not punish them, losing 3-2 at home to Bournemouth. That sets up a huge clash at St James’ Park on Sunday (9pm Malaysian time), where a Newcastle win would put them six points ahead of their north London opponents with a game in hand. “I don’t think we were right from minute one,” Trippier told the club’s official website. “They played very well, to be fair to them. But it was one of those days where it didn’t go well for us. “We have to dust ourselves down and forget about this result to move on to a massive game next week. “In any game it is frustrating to concede. All three goals were avoidable. They were on the front foot and from minute one, it wasn’t right. They played very well and deserved all three points. “It’s always difficult when you concede again. But we have to forget about this result. They wanted it more – and that’s strange with how we have performed all season – but we have to get back on top.” – The Independent █ JONATHAN VEAL ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: West Ham 2 (Benrahma 33-pen, Bowen 54) Arsenal 2 (Jesus 7, Odegaard 10), Nottingham Forest 0 Manchester United 2 (Antony 32, Dalot 76). P W D L F A Pts Arsenal 31 23 5 3 74 31 74 Man City 30 22 4 4 78 28 70 Man Utd 30 18 5 7 46 37 59 Newcastle 30 15 11 4 48 24 56 Tottenham 31 16 5 10 57 45 53 Aston Villa 31 15 5 11 44 40 50 Brighton 29 14 7 8 54 37 49 Liverpool 29 12 8 9 50 35 44 Brentford 31 10 13 8 47 42 43 Fulham 30 12 6 12 42 41 42 Chelsea 31 10 9 12 30 33 39 Crystal Palace 31 9 9 13 31 40 36 Wolves 31 9 7 15 26 42 34 Bournemouth 31 9 6 16 31 59 33 West Ham 30 8 7 15 29 41 31 Leeds 30 7 8 15 39 54 29 Everton 31 6 9 16 24 46 27 Nottm Forest 31 6 9 16 24 56 27 Leicester 31 7 4 20 41 55 25 Southampton 31 6 5 20 24 53 23 LA LIGA: Girona 2 (Castellanos 45, Romeu 70) Elche 0, Getafe 0 Barcelona 0, Atletico Madrid 2 (Griezmann 5, 43) Almeria 1 (Gimenez 37-og), Valencia 0 Sevilla 2 (Bade 55, Suso 75). TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Barcelona 29 23 4 2 53 9 73 Real Madrid 29 19 5 5 61 24 62 Atletico 29 18 6 5 47 21 60 Real Sociedad 29 15 6 8 37 28 51 Real Betis 29 14 6 9 37 30 48 Villarreal 29 14 5 10 38 28 47 SERIE A: Lecce 1 (Ceesay 31) Sampdoria 1 (Rodriguez 75), Torino 1 (Sanabria 57) Salernitana 1 (Vilhena 9), Sassuolo 1 (Defrel 64) Juventus 0, Roma 3 (Bove 37, Pellegrini 55, Abraham 90+1) Udinese 0. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Napoli 30 24 3 3 66 21 75 Lazio 30 18 7 5 49 20 61 Roma 30 17 5 8 42 26 56 AC Milan 30 15 8 7 49 37 53 Inter Milan 30 16 3 11 48 34 51 Atalanta 29 14 6 9 47 34 48 BUNDESLIGA: Wolfsburg 0 Bayer Leverkusen 0, Union Berlin 1 VfL Bochum 1, Werder Bremen 1 Freiburg 2. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Bayern 28 17 8 3 78 30 59 Dortmund 28 18 3 7 62 39 57 Union Berlin 28 15 7 6 43 31 52 RB Leipzig 28 15 6 7 53 35 51 SC Freiburg 28 14 8 6 41 37 50 B. Leverkusen 28 13 5 10 51 41 44 LIGUE 1: Lille 2 Montpellier 1, Strasbourg 3 Ajaccio 1, Auxerre 2 Nantes 1, Clermont-Ferrand 2 Angers 1, Brest 1 Nice 0, Monaco 3 Lorient 1, Marseille 3 Troyes 1. TOP 6 P W D L F A Pts Paris SG 31 23 3 5 73 30 72 Marseille 31 19 7 5 57 30 64 Lens 31 18 9 4 51 25 63 Monaco 31 18 7 6 66 43 61 Lille 31 16 7 8 56 39 55 Rennes 31 16 5 10 51 33 53

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] TUESDAY • APRIL 18, 2023 Ten Hag demands more from Antony after Devils chop Forest MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag wants even more from Antony after he answered his critics in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The former Ajax winger has come under scrutiny for his output since his £82 million (RM435m) summer move from the Dutch club and Ten Hag was forced to defend him in the build-up to the clash at the City Ground. And he immediately rewarded that faith with an impressive performance, scoring one and making the other as United strengthened their grip on the top four. But Ten Hag is not satisified and wants his more consistency from the Brazil international. “I defended him. He knows, I know as well, when you are a forward, you need end product,” Ten Hag said as United moved six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham. “But already he had quite a lot of end product, he scored in all competitions now, eight goals, first year at United is not bad and still games to go. “But he has to do it. I can’t say in every game, but many games if you want to be a top-class player and especially in all the competitions. “In the Premier League, there are a lot of quality defenders and you have to act on a really high level. “It is a lot about scanning, taking the right decision. There is only a split moment where you have to take that decision. “He has to step up. Today was an example where, with both goals, he made the right decision.” Antony opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when he showed desire to get to the rebound first after Anthony Martial’s shot was saved. He then superbly created Diogo Dalot’s goal with an incisive through ball. Ten Hag added: “It’s so important in top football, the timing, the right moment to bring the pass is huge, it makes every impact, it makes the difference between a goal and no goal. “The goal he made, he was in the right spot, in the right moment to get the rebound. “The second goal was a great team goal, how we built that up, the way Antony did it to bring the pass, and in the right moment. The movement from Diogo was fantastic. It was good to see.” Forest failed to have a shot on target and are now winless in 10 games, with Steve Cooper’s job remaining under severe threat after owner Evangelos Marinakis’ warning that results and performances “must improve immediately”. They were competitive in the opening half an hour and could easily have been awarded a penalty when a corner appeared to strike Harry Maguire’s outstretched arm. But referee Simon Hooper did not give it and VAR official Andy Madeley chose not to overrule. Cooper was insistent that was not the reason his side lost, but is expecting a meaningless apology from the PGMOL. “I am not going to say it is the absolute reason we lost the game but I think it is a definite penalty by Maguire and possibly a second yellow card and could be a gamechanger,” he said. “I repeat, it’s not the reason we lost, and I won’t hide behind a penalty decision, but I do think it is a really, really, really bad error. “One from the referee on the pitch, but benefit of the doubt from that angle and bodies around the high handball. “But for VAR not to give it, they apologised last week and are going to have to apologise again tomorrow, which means absolutely nothing. “I try not to be the manager who talks about poor decisions but the Harry Maguire one I am struggling to get my head around it, especially the VAR.” – The Independent █ JONATHAN VEAL Running out of ammo Gunners must rediscover ruthless mindset to win title, says Arteta MIKEL ARTETA admitted Arsenal need to rediscover their “ruthless” streak after they blew a two-goal lead for the second time in a week. The Gunners suffered another dose of the title jitters as West Ham came from two down to draw 2-2 at the London Stadium. The Premier League leaders raced two goals in front inside the opening 10 minutes through Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard, but, just as they had against Liverpool last weekend, they faltered badly. Said Benrahma’s penalty and Jarrod Bowen’s volley, either side of a missed spot-kick by Bukayo Saka, rescued a surprise point for the hosts and put another dent in Arsenal’s title bid. “We started extremely well again, dominated the game, dominated the pitch and scored two beautiful goals, and after that we made a huge mistake,” said Gunners boss Arteta. “We stopped playing with the purpose to score a third and fourth one. It looked too easy. We gave them hope and credit to West Ham, they took it. “They did what they did really well, extremely direct, and we struggled to get out of that game. If you don’t defend your box like you should then you have to do many more things better. “Then after 50 minutes you can go 3-1 up and the game is probably over, and two minutes later you concede a goal. That is part of football. “My worry is after 2-0 that we made that huge mistake and did not understand what the game required in that moment. “We need that ruthless mindset to go kill a team and today we haven’t done it.” While some Arsenal fans will be despondent and some pundits will write off their hopes of becoming Premier League champions, Gunners captain Martin Odegaard is staying positive. “We have to remember we are still top of the League with everything in our own hands,” he told Football London. “The same mindset, same mentality to make sure we win the next one.” He did however, admit his side had again paid the price for wasting a dominant start. “A lot of the same things to last week, started well but then we stopped, allowed them to play on their qualities,” he added. “We gave them the game they wanted, we gave them hope, and that’s on us. We have to look forward now.” With City in FA Cup action this weekend, the Gunners will have a big opportunity to extend their lead on Saturday when they host rock bottom Southampton. Anything less and suddenly, and away win against the champions will become imperative. Arsenal looked to be cruising after Jesus tapped into an empty net and Odegaard volleyed Gabriel Martinelli’s cross past Lukasz Fabianski. Yet West Ham were handed a lifeline when Declan Rice intercepted Thomas Partey’s weak clearance and squared the ball to Lucas Paqueta, who was brought down by Gabriel to allow Benrahma to score from the spot. The points looked safe when Michail Antonio handled in the area and Saka stepped up to take the penalty, but the England winger put it horribly wide. Moments later Bowen swept in a high ball from Thilo Kehrer to equalise, and relegation-threatened West Ham could have won it when Antonio’s late header clipped the crossbar. “Very good after going 2-0 down,” said Hammers manager David Moyes. “When you ever go 2-0 down to the team leading the league you’re thinking ‘my goodness’. But I didn’t think we deserved to be 2-0 down. “We tried to put Arsenal under pressure and we looked a bit quicker all round the pitch. We need to get back to that. But we’re pleased, it’s a big result. “Sometimes the fine lines are so small. They got a penalty and at 3-1 it’s going to be difficult. We got a bit of fortune, but then we grew and I quite fancied us to get a third one.” – The Independent/Agencies Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (centre) in action with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen during yesterday’s English Premier League match at the London Stadium. – REUTERSPIX or download app from the App Store or Google Play TM . 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