PETALING JAYA: Shopping is an important part of tourist activities and should not be discouraged, unless tourists are being exploited or forced by their guides to shop at specific venues, said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang. He was commenting on Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s instructions that tour group itineraries must include as many local attractions as possible, and exclude shopping stops. While concurring with Tiong that it may project a bad image if tour operators were forcing travellers to make shopping stops, Tan said every stakeholder involved in the tourism industry needs to speak up and defend the industry if they felt a bad idea was being bandied about, since it will cost the industry dearly. “Shopping has remained one of the key spending components for international tourists to Malaysia, representing some 33% of the RM86.1 billion tourism receipts in 2019,” Tan said. He added that popular shopping items include handicraft, souvenirs, foodstuff, cosmetics, chocolates and clothing, which have kept many retail outlets in shopping malls and small cottage industries afloat. “The main beneficiaries are shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu. Shopping is a lifestyle and most tourists would like to buy something to take home,” he said. theSun columnist Y.S. Chan said cottage and handicraft industries would receive a huge boost if busloads of tourists arrive to witness and appreciate how local products are made. “Spending by these tourists will transform such industries, and raise community-based tourism by several notches,” he said. According to the Tourism Satellite Account (a standard statistical framework and the main tool for the economic measurement of tourism), shopping made up 33.3% of the RM89.4 billion in inbound tourism expenditure and 42.1% of the RM92.6 billion in domestic tourism expenditure in 2019. Malaysian Retailers Association vice-president Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said before a minister makes any major policy decisions, all stakeholders should be consulted and their views considered, adding that it could otherwise be deemed inappropriate. “The industry understands where the minister is coming from. But there will always be bad apples in any industry and there are ways to deal with them. The government can step up enforcement activities against tour agencies and retail venues found to be exploiting tourists, and they should have their licences withdrawn. “But the retail industry as a whole should not be painted with the same brush. It must be remembered that shopping is an integral part of any holiday, just like experiencing good food. Tourists will want to go to a shopping centre where they can have a variety of choices.” Ameer pointed out that tourist spending on shopping is about 33% of their total spending, and most tourists will not know where to visit without the help of a guide. He said tourists could be hoodwinked if there was no one around to show them the reputable shopping centres. “At the same time, it is also important for heritage sites such as Jonker Street in Malacca, and Masjid India, Central Market and Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur to be promoted as tourist destinations. “When it comes to promoting cottage industries, most tourists will not know where to go and this is where guides play an important role. If they are found to be taking advantage of tourists, their licence should be revoked.” He said it was also important for the country to promote tourism by being more moderate and oIt is a key spending component, representing 33% of RM86.1 billion tourism receipts in 2019: Matta president █ BYRAJVINDER SINGH [email protected] SMOKEY GOODNESS ... Wearing respiratory masks and goggles to protect against smoke, baker Nor Azilah Ali (left) and her assistant Raja Nurul Wahida Raja Ramli make traditional cookies such as akok, beke nyor and bahulu using a charcoal stove in Kampung Padang Tengir, Manir in Kuala Terengganu yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Shopping is revenue making it easier for people to visit the country. For example, Saudi Arabia is coming up with more tourist-friendly policies. Ameer called on the government to set up international tourist centres in major towns where local and foreign visitors can visit, enjoy themselves, and learn more about the country. “It should be a place for foreign tourists to relax and enjoy themselves in a more liberal setting so that they will be back for return visits.” INSIDE page 3 page No plans to reinstate 2 GST, says Anwar ‘Use King’s decree as reference point’ TELLING IT AS IT IS ON WEDNESDAY No. 8208 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my FEBRUARY 15, 2023
2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS No plans to reinstate Goods and Services Tax: Anwar KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no plans to reinstate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or introduce any other broad-based consumption tax as a means of addressing the national debt issue, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said other measures would be taken to reduce expenditure and settle government liabilities and debt worth RM1.5 trillion, which is equivalent to 82% of the country’s gross domestic product, Bernama reported. “What we will tighten (in spending) is through subsidy reduction for the wealthy, such as that done in terms of the electricity subsidy. “As I have explained in a previous session (in Parliament), while the previous government planned to raise electricity tariff rates, the present administration has aborted the plan and only decided to impose (subsidy reduction) on the T20 (top 20% income group) as well as o‘Other measures to be taken to trim expenditure, settle govt liabilities and debt worth RM1.5 trillion’ multinational and large companies, except those dealing with food security,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Anwar, who is also finance minister, was responding to a supplementary question from Wong Kah Woh (PH-Taiping) on whether the government would introduce new taxes to ease the nation’s debt burden. He said the government would also strengthen administrative positions in view of billions of ringgit being lost due to weak administration and leakage. “Due to the national debt being higher than the country’s growth, other measures need to be taken, including ensuring that the revenue base is expanded while reviewing the public expenditure method without burdening the people, especially in the areas of education, health and basic needs. “We will consider all these matters when tabling Budget 2023 on Feb 24.” Anwar also said the government is in the midst of studying provisions in relevant laws to enhance protection for whistleblowers who report on corruption and misconduct cases. He said it is among his main areas of focus now as there are many whistleblowers, including civil servants, who may feel insecure and unsafe in reporting such cases. He added that there is also a view from the legal side that this would not provide a way for any party to make false accusations or create slander. “So, as an effort to get facts and information, I agree with the call (for amendment) and we will table it at the next Parliament session at the latest,” he said in reply to Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PNMasjid Tanah). Mas Ermieyati wanted to know the government’s commitment to amending the legislation on protection for whistleblowers, which should be done as soon as possible as suggested by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on integrity, governance and anti-corruption. Replying to an original question by Lo Sui Fui (GRS-Tawau) on the improvement strategy to ensure that the investigation of corruption cases has a real impact and effect, Anwar said the current focus of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is the investigation of large-scale corruption cases. ALL EYES ON IT ... Selangor Rural Development, Village Traditions, Malay Customs, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Borhan Aman Shah (left) watching Bukit Malawati state assemblyman Juwairiya Zulkifli (second from left) playing ‘batu seremban’ after the official opening of the Traditional Games Museum in Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC German president to visit Cambodia, Malaysia BERLIN: German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier left on Monday on a trip to Cambodia and Malaysia to improve political relations, promote trade and address climate change, the German Press Agency reported, quoting his office. Another focus will be broadening Germany’s political and economic position in the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine as well as Germany’s dependence on China, which is increasingly perceived as risky, the office said. Steinmeier will meet the head of state and prime minister in both countries for talks. This is the first visit of a German president to Cambodia, Bernama reported. A business delegation will be accompanying Steinmeier. His office also stressed on the economic importance of the region. According to the report, nearly 1,000 German companies are active in Malaysia. Steinmeier will visit a mineclearing project funded by Germany and the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. PM to answer questions in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesdays KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will answer questions addressed to him during the Minister’s Question Time (MQT) every Tuesday during the Dewan Rakyat’s current session. This was announced by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul before the MQT session on the second day of the first meeting of the second session of the 15th Parliament yesterday. “This means that the prime minister will answer three questions (during MQT) beginning today (yesterday). “The relevant ministers will answer questions posed during the MQT session on Thursday. We will notify you if there are any changes to this rule.” In a post on his Facebook page, Anwar had previously said he would answer questions from MPs during the Prime Minister’s Question (PMQ) session. Johari had said the introduction of the PMQ session would require amendments to the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat before it could be gazetted as a regular session. Meanwhile, as part of Covid-19 preventive measures, the Speaker said all MPs were encouraged to wear face masks in the Dewan Rakyat and that sanitisation activities would be conducted regularly. Johari said the relaxation of the dress code announced in the previous session would also continue, with MPs having the option not to wear a necktie when attending Dewan Rakyat sessions. He added that they were also allowed to wear long-sleeved Batik Malaysia shirts every Thursday. Johari said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had given his consent to the laws passed in the second meeting of the fifth session of the 14th Parliament and the first meeting of the first session of the 15th Parliament. The Acts include the Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, Customs (Amendment) Act 2022 and Excise (Amendment) Act 2022. Others are the Free Zones (Amendment) Act 2022, Tourism Tax (Amendment) Act 2022, Departure Levy (Amendment) Act 2022, Goods Vehicle Levy (Amendment) Act 2022, Windfall Profit Levy (Amendment) Act 2022, Sales Tax (Amendment) Act 2022, Service Tax (Amendment) Act 2022 and Consolidated Fund (Expenditure on Account) (Amendment) Act 2022. – Bernama More targeted economic model being planned KUALA LUMPUR: The government will strengthen the country’s fiscal position by increasing revenue and expenditure rationalisation, introducing more targeted subsidies, identifying new sources of growth and implementing economic structural reforms. Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said these would help to reduce the impact of the projected global economic slowdown this year and its effect on Malaysia’s economic growth. “The government is trying to plan a more targeted national economic model through the implementation of various engagement sessions with stakeholders, academia and civil society organisations. “Additionally, the government is also focusing on potential sectors such as the tourism and agriculture sectors,” he said during the oral question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Rafizi was replying to a question by Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) on the recommendations and affirmative action of the National Economic Action Council in planning a more focused economic model to reduce the impact of the global economic slowdown this year. He added that the government is also focusing on improving governance, especially the implementation of government projects by studying and redrafting the level of efficiency in order to speed up implementation and save costs. “Emphasis will be given to efforts to increase investments, create more jobs, address inflation and ensure the implementation of a minimum wage that will benefit workers. “The ministry is currently preparing the half-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, and all related strategies and initiatives will be detailed in the document.” – Bernama RM20m in aid given to quake-hit Turkiye, Syria KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has contributed RM20 million in humanitarian aid to help earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the contribution included US$1 million (RM4.34 million) each from the government and the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, with the remaining donations coming from various parties, including local companies. “For the search and rescue mission, we have already sent two Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART). Another team, including members of the Armed Forces, will leave tonight (last night).” He was replying to Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar), who wished to know the form of government aid provided to help earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria. On the cost of sending SMART aid, Anwar said their flight charges were borne by Turkish Airlines. – Bernama
3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 Ways to curb offensive online content KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 197 posts on various social media platforms were removed for unethical use of the medium in January, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said of the total, 101 were posts uploaded on TikTok, adding that there were three methods used by social media platform providers to take down such content. “The first method is to use artificial intelligence technology, that automatically detects and removes content if it is found to violate community guidelines. “The second is through reports from social media users, and the third is by request from enforcement agencies or bodies. “So far, the Communications and Digital Ministry has not applied for action to close or block any social media accounts, but had only taken down the uploaded content,” he said in reply to Zahir Hassan (PH-Wangsa Maju) during question time. Fahmi also said the implementation of a short-term policy involves operational aspects of monitoring and enforcement on a case-bycase basis. “The policy will be adopted and the strengthening of cooperation with platform providers, including TikTok and other social sites owned by Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Twitter will be done through a coregulatory framework. “The medium and long-term approaches, on the other hand, will include review and amendments to existing laws to ensure they are always relevant and practical, taking into account the current situation,” he said. Fahmi also gave an assurance that the freedom of expression would continue and would be strengthened under the unity government, but stressed that it does not mean any party could spread lies and false information to the public. – Bernama Road tax, licence renewal options KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicle owners can continue renewing road tax and driving licences as usual through the MY EG Services (MyEG) group existing channels, with the added flexibility now to forgo receiving physical copies of their documents. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, the company assured the public that road tax and driving licence renewals would continue uninterrupted. “The group remains committed to serving the public by providing a secure and convenient online platform for vehicle owners and drivers to renew their road tax and driving licences.” More information can be obtained at www.myeg.com.my or by calling the MyEG customer service helpline at 03-7801 8888. The public may also follow its social media accounts for updates. – Bernama Minister lauds unity govt agreement KUALA LUMPUR: The cooperation agreement among coalitions to form the unity government inked last December has been seen as the foundation for political stability to create a strong and robust government for the country. Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this is because the agreement had proved to be the best mechanism for the public, as well as party leaders and supporters to understand each other, have more confidence in those involved and prevent further political disputes. “The issue is not just about the election process but the understanding of politics, meaning that among the parties involved in forming the government, there should be a great understanding. “This is what we saw in the unity government, which was formed and manifested through the cooperation agreement signed in mid-December,” he said after the launch of Radio Televisyen Malaysia as broadcast partner of the Malaysia Football League 2023 yesterday. – Bernama Former Treasury sec-gen’s wish list for govt PETALING JAYA: With the new month-long Parliament session just starting, the credibility of the unity government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be judged by how well he delivers on his big promises. Among others, these will be the introduction of reforms for good governance and raising the standards of integrity and accountability in running the country, said prominent social activist Tan Sri Sheriff Kassim, who is also co-founder of the Group of 25, comprising former top civil servants. He has come up with a wish list of several measures for the government to introduce, starting with strengthening the role of Parliament in protecting the supremacy of the Federal Constitution as the basis of law and █ BYAZMAN UJANG [email protected] order in the country. He called for the implementation of reforms in institutional governance to reduce, in particular, corruption as well as cronyism, nepotism, wastage and leakage in ministries and government departments. In this regard, the former Treasury secretary-general also urged the government to enforce Treasury regulations on awarding of government contracts for the procurement of services and supplies through open tenders and competitive bidding. “We hope the prime minister will ensure a multiracial approach in providing government services and assistance to promote a stronger sense of belonging among all races and communities,” Sheriff said in a WhatsApp message sighted by theSun. The academic community and civil society should play their roles as the eyes and ears of the people to boost freedom of speech and (independence of) the media. On Anwar, who is also finance minister, retabling Budget 2023 in Parliament on Feb 24, Sheriff called on the government to abolish subsidies and use the savings to provide cash assistance to those who are “really poor”. “This will make the rural economy more responsive to the high food prices by going into food production, inland fish rearing, poultry farming, and vegetables and fruit cultivation to raise their incomes. “Let us return to the free enterprise system in Budget 2023. The best economic policy, although not politically chic, is to let the price mechanism work by itself to provide profit incentives for farmers to grow food crops. “Don’t listen to all the nonsense about controlling prices to help the poor. A better way to help the poor is through targeted cash assistance,” said Sheriff. ‘King’s decree should be used as reference point’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s decree in Parliament on Monday should serve as a reference for MPs to see what improvements can be made, said Institute for Research and Development of Policy research and advocacy officer Farhan Rawi. He added that all input and content of the decree are also a good start for MPs to begin their debate on the royal address. “This is something excellent. If you look at it, there are many inputs or information that His Majesty has decreed and it is a policy speech that should be the reference for MPs to oMPs could reflect on royal address as guide on priorities and direction of govt, says expert see what are the priorities and direction that the government will undertake this year. “All MPs should also view the content of this decree positively and if they wish to participate in the discussions of the royal address, it should be prudent and in-depth, in addition to seeing what improvements are possible to defend the welfare and issues of the people,” he said as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled “Parlimen Ke-15: Menjunjung Titah Diraja” on Monday. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Perdana Policy Centre, Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Fathi Yusof also appeared as a guest on the programme. He said the King’s decree contained items of significance, namely the togetherness between the royal institution and the government, and His Majesty’s aspirations for the current government administration, thus setting the stage for the King to give advice not only to the MPs but also to the government and the people, Bernama reported. “I believe that most of the text delivered was from His Majesty’s heart, expressing his wishes and hopes for the government as well as hoping for stability and unity in the country,” he said. Muhammad added that the decree by His Majesty, who expressed hope the government would be able to carry out its responsibility of governing the country, and that the Opposition would carry out its responsibility by offering constructive criticism for the good of the people and country, was something that needed to be heeded by all parties. In his royal address at the opening ceremony of the first meeting of the second session of the 15th Parliament, the King said the aspect of physical security through disaster risk management needs to be emphasised by the government for the survival of the people. His Majesty also expressed concern that the desired atmosphere of peace and progress cannot be achieved if diversity, pluralism and political turmoil continue to cause strife and division. SPRING COLOURS ... Visitors admiring Japanese-themed decoration at LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN
4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Mental health initiative launched in schools oGroup of 16 doctors kickstart campaign to guide youth on ways to deal with stress and keep themselves grounded PETALING JAYA: Sixteen family medical doctors from the Malaysian Ireland National Training Programme for Family Medicine kicked off the #beMINDful campaign in local schools recently to raise awareness on mental health. The programme is under the direction of NobelDr, a doctor-led NGO. #beMINDful is a project in collaboration with MyWipHealing (a community platform that promotes mental health awareness) and clinical psychologists from UCSI University that aims to guide youth on healthy ways to deal with stress, grounding techniques and how to be mindful. Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Gombak administrative and curriculum senior assistant Shahariah Ismail said the school was selected as the first to kickstart the campaign, in which 122 Form Three students participated. “Students at this school are under a lot of pressure as the people around them have high expectations for their academic results and it affects them a lot mentally. We appreciate NobleDr reaching out to us, as high-performing schools tend to be neglected as the public assumes everything is perfect. The #beMINDful campaign is just what we needed.” NobleDr founder Dr Syazana Ali said: “After two years without physical education classes due to Covid-19, students have to confront a significant number of challenges. At a young age, it is crucial to educate them about the importance of physical and mental health and to guide and prepare them for adulthood.” She said NobleDr’s goal is to help underserved communities get better healthcare by making them more aware and teaching them about it. She added that this initiative is supported by the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health, a place where public and private entities and NGOs can share information and work together to coordinate mental health services. “Besides physical health, it is also important to make mental health a priority. NobleDr’s objectives are to boost awareness about mental health, provide a safe space to talk about the topic and get more people to feel comfortable speaking up about their mental health issues and seek help. “Mental health is an important yet often overlooked aspect of wellbeing, and it is crucial to have an open and supportive environment when discussing such matters.” For more information, please visit nobledr.org. Busker greets visitors with flute music at tourist spot IPOH: The dulcet tones and undulating melodies from the hauntingly beautiful sound of a flute greeted visitors to Kellie’s Castle, which is perched on top of a hill at Batu Gajah in Perak. In the lobby, a musician was immersed in his performance as he played the flute and mesmerised the crowd, who stopped by to drop some cash into a box nearby. Among the numbers he played were Yesterday Once More by The Carpenters, Derita Cinta by Datuk Jamal Abdillah and Jampi by Hael Husaini. The flutist, who introduced himself as Faiz Azmi, 42, from Batu Gajah, is married with five children aged eight to 20. Faiz, who became a busker in 2017, said he is currently focused on his musical career as a flutist. “I will be at Kellie’s Castle during festive seasons or school holidays and will play songs on the flute from 10.30am to 5pm. “On normal days, Saturdays and Sundays, I usually perform for visitors around Ipoh City. I also do shows outside Ipoh on invitation.” Faiz, who makes his own flutes from PVC pipes, said there are two types of flutes that he produces, a side-blown flute, which is commonly used today and an end-blown version. Faiz did not start his career as a musician. For nearly 20 years, he was in the film industry, performing death-defying acts as a stuntman. “You need to be physically fit to be a stuntman. While the job poses high risks, it is enjoyable and provides a lucrative income.” However, Faiz’s career as a stuntman came to a close due to health reasons. “In fact, I truly enjoy this job (busking), sitting at a place in a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere while entertaining the crowd. My focus is more on tourist spots and enjoying the beautiful scenery. I’m able to exude a positive aura to attract tourists to the place,” said Faiz, who plays between 40 and 50 songs daily. His musical repertoire includes Malay, English, Chinese and Indian hits. “The choice of songs is based on the ages of the visitors at the place,” said Faiz, who also sells his PVC flutes for RM50 each. – Bernama Libraries will always be relevant, says association president KUALA LUMPUR: As the world is headed towards total digitalisation, the role of libraries as a hub of information, knowledge and preserver of historical documents will remain as relevant as ever. American Librarian Association president-elect Emily Drabinski said the optimistic outlook for the public institution is derived from the inadequacy that online providers can contribute to its users, which is the human factor. She said libraries still maintain their roles in providing not just information but access to technology in the community while emphasising the space that libraries provide for physical social interaction. “We will always be here when the technology fails. We see that there is a lot of bad information available very easily on the internet but a library is a place that takes very seriously the role of providing information and making sure we select and acquire quality information for our communities,” she said after attending a discussion titled “The Roles of Libraries as Community Connectors from the United States and Malaysia Perspectives” and making a courtesy call at the National Library in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Librarians Association of Malaysia president Dr Ghazali Mohamed Fadzil said libraries, especially in rural areas, could provide solutions for social issues in the community and help to build a better community that is more educated and modern. “Successful libraries are all about passion at all levels of its management, not just being passionate about the work but passionate to serve the community. “I’ve seen a number of good things happen when librarians are passionate about serving the community,” he said. – Bernama WEDDED BLISS ... Couples gather for a group photograph at a mass wedding ceremony held in conjunction with Valentine’s Day at Wisma Chin Woo in Ipoh yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Varsity to offer new Master’s courses KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) will offer five new Master’s programmes by coursework this year in the field of architecture, education and medicine. Its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said the programmes are Master Of Architecture, Master Of Education (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Master of Internal Medicine, Master of Surgery (Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery), and Master in Family Medicine. “We aim to have between 15 and 20 students for each programme. However, we cannot take so many students as these programmes are highly specialised and require expertise,” he said after delivering the 2023 Unimas vice-chancellor’s message yesterday. He said the student intake for the five new Master’s programmes is expected to start in September or October. “At present, we offer 27 Master’s courses to around 1,800 students.” Mohamad Kadim said Unimas currently has about 16,000 students and intends to increase the enrolment to 20,000 students by 2025. “To achieve this, the university plans to boost the intake of undergraduate students by about 5,000 a year and the pre-university programme student intake by 1,000 a year.”- Bernama African Swine Fever hits 30 farms GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Veterinary Services Department yesterday confirmed that 30 commercial pig farms in the state have been affected by African Swine Fever (ASF). In a statement, the department said 19 of them were in the South Seberang Perai district, two in Central Seberang Perai, six in North Seberang Perai and three in Southwest Seberang Perai, bringing the total number of infected pigs to 68,659. “To control and prevent the spread of ASF, the state Veterinary Services Department is implementing a stamping out policy through the culling of infected or likely to be infected pigs at farms in the infection zone, in accordance with the veterinary protocol for ASF. “This policy is implemented with the aim of eliminating the virus so that farmers can start breeding the animals again safely, free from ASF and thereby ensure a sufficient supply of pork in the country.” The department also said the culling of infected animals has been ongoing since Jan 5 after the first case was detected and the infection rate is seen to be slowing down. – Bernama █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected]
5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 M’sian tracker dogs join SAR missions in Turkiye GAZIANTEP (TURKIYE): The two tracker dogs in Malaysia’s search and rescue (SAR) team in Turkiye have adapted well although they are on foreign land. The canines, Denti the Labrador and Frankie the English Springer Spaniel, from the Fire and Rescue Department K9 unit have been actively assisting in tracking victims oCanines from Fire and Rescue Dept hit the ground running despite extreme cold, dangerous conditions buried under the rubble. The frigid weather and dusty surroundings have not hindered their tracking ability, which had been proven in recovery operations during the recent landslide tragedy in Batang Kali. However, their handlers Tony Albert Mani (Denti) and Y. Thibagaran (Frankie) expressed concern over the presence of jagged edges and sharp debris at the site that could cause injury. “So far, our two dogs have no problems, healthwise and in terms of their food. They are in the best condition and are ready to go down to the location at any time when needed,” said Thibagaran. Denti and Frankie have been assigned to assist at several locations, alongside SAR teams from Malaysia, Bernama reported. Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department chief commander of the Special Tactical Operation Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) Ismail Abd Ghani said apart from the two tracker dogs, the department also brought in special tools for use in the SAR missions in Nurdagi, which included tracking tools, metal cutters, buffers and concrete breakers. “A total of 30 firefighters from Malaysia are involved in this mission, involving STORM and special Hazardous Materials Management Team members, who are experts in SAR and emergency rescue work,” he said. Turkiye has declared a three-month state of emergency in 10 provinces, namely Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye and Sanliurfa to ensure the SAR missions run smoothly. Covid-19 admissions down 6.5% from previous week, says Health DG KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Covid-19 patients admitted to health facilities per 100,000 population has dropped 6.5% in the sixth Epidemiological Week 2023 (ME6/2023) from Feb 5 to 11 compared with the previous week. Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the number of admissions to public hospitals per 100,000 population in ME6/2023 from ME5/2023 for Category One to Five patients recorded no change. “The percentage of bed occupancy in ME6/2023 compared with ME5/2023 for non-critical cases recorded no change while intensive care unit cases decreased by 2%,” he said. He added that positive cases monitored by the Covid-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) showed a decrease, but the number of cases referred to hospitals by CAC increased by 130%. From Jan 25, 2020 (ME4/2020) until Feb 11, 2023 (ME6/2023), the cumulative new Covid-19 cases were 5,039,326, cumulative cured cases (4,993,160), average active cases (9,490), cumulative deaths (36,951), while cumulative clusters totalled 7,171 with five active clusters. Noor Hisham said the number of new cases in ME6/2023 decreased 19.4%, number of cured cases rose 63.1% whereas the number of deaths also increased 166.7%. The infectivity rate value in ME6/2023 was 0.94, he said. Noor Hisham also said the results of the surveillance of Covid-19 at sentinel locations throughout the country until ME6/2023 found that 22 cases of influenza-like disease were detected positive for Covid-19 with a positive rate of 2.8% and 1.9% of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections tested positive for Covid-19. The Health Ministry will continue to monitor the development of infections in the country and abroad through information obtained from the World Health Organisation and the authorities of regional countries, in addition to ensuring that appropriate prevention and control measures are implemented, he added. – Bernama Green turtle carcass found on Labuan beach LABUAN: A giant green sea turtle also known as Chelonia Mydas was found dead on Kampung Sungai Labu beach yesterday, with authorities saying it could have been hit by a boat propeller. A villager spotted the carcass at 7.28am and alerted Bernama photographer Muqtadir Halim, who then reported to the Labuan Fisheries Department. Its director Faizal Suhaili Ibrahim said the turtle was believed to have been washed up on the beach, which is popular with visitors on weekends. “We found severe injuries on the body. The tissue was bloated and smelly, indicating the turtle has been dead for several days,” he said. Green turtles are found mainly in tropical and subtropical waters. Like other sea turtles, they migrate long distances between feeding grounds and the beaches from where they hatch. “The green sea turtles, which are classified as endangered species, are under high risk of extinction if threats to their survival are not addressed,” he said. – Bernama Search for missing man expanded KUALA LUMPUR: The search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate a man feared missing in Sungai Pisang at Batu 12 in Gombak last Sunday has been extended to an 8km radius from the scene. Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis said the SAR team is focusing its search on the water catchment area from the river. “The SAR operation for the missing man involved 15 firefighters and resumed at 8am yesterday. We hope the victim will be found soon,” he said. In the incident, the victim and his friend were bathing in the river before being carried away by strong currents following heavy rain. The other victims was found stranded on the other side of the river. – Bernama 35 evacuated as floods hit Penampang KOTA KINABALU: Some 35 evacuees were relocated in Penampang, while seven areas have been rendered impassable due to floods yesterday morning, following continuous heavy rain since Monday night. The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee secretariat said all evacuees were relocated to the temporary relief centre at Penampang Cultural Centre, which opened at 10pm. The impassable areas are Kampung Kolopis, Sungai Koimadang, Bulatan Siga, Penampang Proper, Jalan Kibabaig, Jalan Dato Panglima Banting and Jalan Kasugui. “Sungai Moyog was at danger level on Feb 13. The weather were reported to be cloudy yesterday morning, and the number of evacuees is expected to remain the same for the day,” the statement read. Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick said he had been in contact with district officer Francis Chong regarding the floods, adding that officers at the parliamentary service centre have been instructed to assist the district disaster management centre. – Bernama Umno division chief charged with misappropriating RM440,000 SHAH ALAM: The Umno division leader here, Datuk Azhari Shaari, pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court yesterday to charges of dishonestly misappropriating RM440,000 in funds for orphans and Aidiladha “korban” programme and forgery. On the charges for dishonest misappropriation of funds, Azhari, 53, was charged in his capacity as the sole signatory of bank accounts belonging to Persatuan Belia Kampung Kuantan Timur, Persatuan Belia Kampung Kuantan Utara and Persatuan Belia Bersatu Teguh Shah Alam to have misappropriated RM120,000, RM200,000 and RM120,000 belonging to the associations, respectively. The funds were for the implementation of the korban programme and to purchase school uniforms for orphans by the associations concerned. He was charged with committing the offences at a bank branch at Port Klang in Klang on Sept 8, 2017 and Sept 27, 2017. The charges were framed under Section 403 of the Penal Code, which provides imprisonment for five years and with whipping and is liable to a fine. Azhari was also charged with three counts of using the minutes of the 2009 annual general meeting of the three associations, which he misrepresented as genuine documents. The offences were alleged to have been committed at the same bank branch on May 19, 2010. The charges were framed under Section 471 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 465 of the same law which provides imprisonment for two years or with a fine or both. Justice Rozilah Salleh allowed a bail of RM80,000 with two sureties and also ordered him to surrender his passport to the court. DPP Allan Suman Pillai prosecuted, while Azhari was represented by lawyer S. Ashok Kandiah. The court set April 13 for mention. – Bernama Frankie from the K9 unit assisting the Malaysian search and rescue team in Turkiye. – BERNAMAPIC
6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS New Zealand declares national emergency WELLINGTON: New Zealand declared a national state of emergency for only the third time in its history yesterday as Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread flooding, landslides and huge ocean swells, forcing evacuations and stranding people on roof tops. “It has been a big night for New Zealanders across the country, but particularly in the upper North Island. A lot of families displaced, a lot of homes without power, extensive damage done across the country,” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told reporters. Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty said while the country was now through the worst of the storm, more rain and high winds were expected. He added that there were extensive damage to roads and infrastructure. Transmission companies were reporting damage to substations and power networks. Energy Minister Megan Woods said around 225,000 people were without electricity. At 3pm (10am in Malaysia) Gabrielle was around 160km southeast of Auckland and was expected to continue moving southeast. Weather warnings remain in place for much of the east coast of the North Island and upper South Island. Authorities have evacuated beach settlements and were urging more people to leave homes as rivers continue to swell and huge surf inundates beachfront properties. Roads were closed, mobile phone services down and some towns cut off. Residents in hard-hit areas were being asked to conserve water and food because of fears of shortages. Air New Zealand has again cancelled all domestic flights in and out of Auckland. Helicopter and boat crews were rescuing people trapped by rapidly rising floodwater in Hawke’s Bay, southeast of Auckland. Hipkins said it was too early to say how many people have been displaced or injured. No deaths have been confirmed. It was reported that one person was missing after a house slid down a hill in Hawke’s Bay, while the fire and emergency service said a volunteer firefighter was still in a house that had been swept downhill in a landslide. Local media published photographs and video of people sitting on top of buildings surrounded by floodwater, houses swept to the bottom of hills and roads under water. A New Zealand warship rescued a person off the east coast from a yacht that had its emergency beacon turned on. New Zealand declared national emergencies after an earthquake in 2011 and when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. – Reuters oPower firms report damage to networks, with 225,000 without electricity ‘Modi’s party has nothing to hide’ MUMBAI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party has “nothing to hide or be afraid of” on the controversy over the Adani group, the home minister said yesterday, responding to opposition allegations of favouring the conglomerate attacked by a US short seller. Led by billionaire Gautam Adani, the business house’s seven listed companies bearing his name have in total lost about US$120 billion (RM522 billion) in market value since a Jan 24 report by Hindenburg Research alleged improper use of offshore tax havens and stock manipulation. The Adani group has denied the allegations and threatened legal action against Hindenburg. “The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the matter. It is not right for me to comment,” said Amit Shah, who is widely considered the most powerful politician in India after Modi, according to ANI news agency. “There is nothing for the BJP to hide and nothing to be afraid of,” Shah added, referring to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. He denied allegations of crony capitalism and suggested the opposition go to court if they had proof. The Adani crisis has stalled parliament, ignited street protests by the opposition, sparked investigations by regulators and weighed on the broader markets in a challenge to Modi ahead of a string of state elections this year and a general election next year. Rivals, including the main opposition Congress party, accuse Modi and the BJP of longstanding ties to the apples-to-airports Adani group, going back nearly two decades when Modi was chief minister of the western state of Gujarat. Adani and Shah also come from the same state. However, Modi’s immense popularity appears intact for now, according to approval ratings. Without referring to Adani, Modi told parliament last week that the “blessings of 1.4 billion people in the country are my protective cover and you cannot destroy it with lies and abuses”, as opposition lawmakers chanted “Adani, Adani”. There was some respite for the Adani group yesterday as shares of its flagship company Adani Enterprises rose as much as 10% after it reported a quarterly profit versus a loss a year ago. – Reuters Australia foils Iran surveillance plot SYDNEY: Canberra said yesterday it had busted an Iranian surveillance operation targeting an activist who joined demonstrations in Australia over the death of Mahsa Amini. Iran has been rocked by nationwide protests after 22-year-old Mahsa died in police custody, while she was being held for breaching the country’s strict dress rules for women. Tehran unleashed a major crackdown on protesters, sparking solidarity demonstrations around the world, including in Australia. Australian Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said Tehran had been caught spying on the family of an Iranian-Australian who had participated in the local protests. “It is perfectly legal for anyone in Australia to criticise a foreign regime, as tens of thousands of people across the country have been doing in response to events in Iran,” she said in a speech to the Australian National University national security college. “What we absolutely will not tolerate, under any circumstances, are attempts by foreign regimes to disrupt peaceful protests, encourage violence or suppress views.” Without providing details, O’Neil said Iran had carried out “extensive research” on the Australia-based individual “and their family”. “I am pleased to say our agencies were on to it like a shot,” she said. “We are not going to stand back and have Australians or indeed visitors to our country, watched and tracked by foreign governments on our soil.” – AFP B R I E F SPHILIPPINES CONDEMNS LASER USE AGAINST SHIP MANILA: The Philippines yesterday condemned the “aggressive” actions of a Chinese security vessel, which is accused of using a military-grade laser light on a Philippine patrol boat in the disputed South China Sea, leaving crew members temporarily blinded. The incident happened on Feb 6, nearly 20km from Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, where Philippine marines are stationed on a derelict navy ship, grounded to assert Manila’s territorial claim in the waters. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it had filed a diplomatic protest to the Chinese embassy in Manila over the “latest aggressive activities of the Chinese Coast Guard”. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday the Philippines boat had “intruded” into China’s sovereign waters without permission, and the Chinese Coast Guard personnel had acted in a “professional and restrained” manner. – AFP MOLDOVA ACCUSES RUSSIA OF COUP PLOT CHISINAU: Moldova President Maia Sandu on Monday accused Russia of plotting to violently overthrow the country’s pro-European leadership with the help of saboteurs disguised as anti-government protesters. Moscow’s alleged plan would involve “saboteurs with military background, camouflaged in civilian clothes, to undertake violent actions, attacks on state institutions and taking hostages”, Sandu told reporters. Under the guise of “protests by the so-called opposition”, the saboteurs would aim to “overthrow the constitutional order and replace the legitimate power of Chisinau with an illegitimate one,” she added. Sandu’s statement comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week told a European Union (EU) summit that Kyiv had “intercepted the plan for the destruction of Moldova by Russian intelligence”. Moldova received EU candidate status in the summer of 2022, but over the past year has been faced with numerous anti-government protests organised by a fugitive oligarch named Ilan Shor. – AFP Mayor gives single staff bonus on Valentine’s Day MANILA: A life-long bachelor mayor in the Philippines gave single staff extra pay for Valentine’s Day yesterday to show gratitude for the extra hours they work and show that “someone loves them”. Lonely hearts at General Luna town hall in Quezon province will receive three times their normal daily wage if they have been single for more than five years, Mayor Matt Florido told AFP. Other footloose and fancy-free staff will get double pay or the option to take a paid day off. “I know what they are going through today, I feel for them,” said Florido, 42, who says he has been single “since birth”. “On Valentine’s Day, no one will give them chocolates, flowers, so we thought of giving them this kind of incentive so that they can also feel someone cares for them.” It is the third year in a row that Florido has handed out bonus payments to singles in local government. Of the 289 employees, 37 qualified for the compensation after passing a stringent vetting process. – AFP UNFORGETABLE WEDDING ... Punlert Boonthongmak and Wacharinya Moolaeg receive their marriage licence after their Valentine’s Day ceremony while riding on an elephant at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Chonburi, Thailand yesterday. – REUTERSPIC
7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 Russia launches new offensive in Ukraine: Nato KYIV: Russia has started its major offensive in Ukraine, with the eastern city of Bakhmut among the areas enduring heavy artillery fire, said North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Bakhmut is a prime objective for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and its capture would give Russia a new foothold in the Donetsk region. Both Donetsk and Luhansk make up the Donbas, Ukraine’s industrial heartland, now partially occupied by Russia. “The reality is we have seen the start [of a Russian offensive] already because we now see what Russia does. President Putin is to send thousands more troops, accepting a high rate of casualty,” Stoltenberg said. “We see no sign whatsoever that President Putin is preparing for peace,” Stoltenberg told a press conference in Brussels, ahead of a two-day meeting among Nato defence ministers, which started yesterday. Russia is still set on gaining control of Ukraine through force, he said, adding: “We see how they are sending more troops, more weapons, more capabilities.” The Russian assault on Bakhmut has been spearheaded by mercenaries of the Wagner group, who have made small but steady gains. The renewed Russian bombardments made the situation there even more acute. “The city, the suburbs, the entire perimetre, and essentially the entire Bakhmut direction and Kostyantynivka are under chaotic shelling,” deputy commander of Ukraine’s Svoboda battalion Volodymyr Nazarenko told Reuters. Nazarenko said although no fighting was taking place in the city centre right now, the defenders were prepared to meet any assault. “Every position and street there, almost every building, is a fortress,” he said. The Ukrainian military reported Russian shelling all along the frontline and said 16 settlements had been bombarded near Bakhmut. – The Independent US still stumped by latest flying objects WASHINGTON/BEIJING: The US said on Monday it still did not know the origin or purpose of three aerial objects that its military shot down over the weekend, as Washington and Beijing traded accusations about high-altitude balloons. While American and Canadian officials struggled to explain the presence of the objects, a White House spokesman stressed that there was no reason to believe that they were anything other than human-made. “There is no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent takedowns,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. The saga began with a suspected Chinese spy balloon that drifted across the US and was shot down by the US military, off the coast of South Carolina on Feb 4. Since then, US fighter jets have downed three more mysterious objects over North American airspace starting on Friday. “We have not yet been able to definitively assess what these most recent objects are,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said at a news briefing. US military fighter jets on Sunday downed an octagonal object over Lake Huron, the Pentagon said. On Friday, an object was shot down over sea ice near Deadhorse, Alaska, and a third, cylindrical in shape, was destroyed over Canada’s Yukon on Saturday. The debris from the items, which has not been found, should “tell us a lot”. Kirby said the objects flying at altitudes of between 20,000 and 40,000ft were considered a risk to air traffic, although they did not pose a threat to people on the ground. They also were shot down because US authorities could not rule out that they were spying. – Reuters B R I E F SSOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCES STATE OF DISASTER JOHANNESBURG: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a national state of disaster to enable an intensive response to widespread flooding that has affected seven of the country’s nine provinces. Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape have been most affected by the floods, which were brought on by heavy rainfall as a result of the La Nina weather phenomenon, according to a statement from the office of the presidency on Monday. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, the Northern Cape, and North West have also experienced flooding. Invoking the national disaster Act gives the government additional powers, including in the procurement and delivery of goods and services, and the ability to bypass restrictions under current law. The police and defence force may be called on to help respond to the flooding. – Reuters TUNISIA RAMPS UP ARRESTS, DETAINS RADIO STATION HEAD TUNIS: Tunisian police on Monday detained a radio station head and a senior opposition official, part of a wave of arrests targeting prominent politicians and other figures as critics of the president accuse him of seeking to quell dissent. Police raided the house of Noureddine Bhiri, a senior official in the biggest opposition party Ennahda and a prominent critic of President Kais Saied, and took him away, his lawyer Samir Dilou said. Authorities also raided the house of Mosaique FM head Noureddine Boutar, whose radio station has frequently broadcast criticism of Saied, and arrested him, said his lawyer Dalila Ben Mbarek. Police also detained political activist and lawyer Lazhar Akremi. – Reuters Three dead, five injured in Michigan campus shooting WASHINGTON: A gunman who killed at least three people and wounded five on a US university campus shot himself dead on Monday after a massive police manhunt. Thousands of students at Michigan State University (MSU) were ordered to shelter in place after shots were fired in a campus building in the early evening, leaving two dead. The gunman fled to the students’ union, where he killed one more person, sparking a major police operation as officers swarmed the 5,000-acre campus. Just after midnight, police confirmed the suspected gunman had shot himself dead a short distance away. “We are sad to report that there have been three confirmed fatalities,” Deputy Chief Chris Rozman of the university’s police force told reporters. “This is in addition to the five victims who were injured and transported to the hospital. Some of those five victims still have life-threatening injuries.” Rozman said hundreds of officers from several agencies had been involved in the operation to try to find the gunman, releasing a photograph of a Black man in a baggy blue jacket, and wearing red shoes. “The suspect has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This truly has been a nightmare. We are relieved to no longer have an active threat on campus.” Police refused to give details of the victims, who were from one of the top institutions in the US. – AFP Turkiye-Syria quake toll passes 37,000 KAHRAMANMARAS/ANTAKYA: Rescuers worked through the night to rescue people clinging to life beneath the rubble eight days after Turkiye’s worst earthquake in modern history, but hopes of finding many more survivors were fading yesterday. A boy and a man were rescued in hard-hit Kahramanmaras early yesterday, 198 hours after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck on Feb 6. Elsewhere in Kahramanmaras, rescuers were attempting to reach a grandmother, mother and a daughter, who appeared to have survived the quake and aftershock that killed more than 37,000 in Turkiye and Syria. But others were bracing for the inevitable scaling down of operations as low temperatures reduced the already slim chances of survival, with some Polish rescuers announcing they would leave today. In the shattered Syrian city of Aleppo, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said the rescue phase was “coming to a close”, with the focus switching to shelter, food and schooling. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had agreed to allow more UN aid to access the war-torn country from Turkiye, diplomats said late on Monday. Turkish media said rescuers held out hope of finding survivors at several locations in Kahramanmaras province, Adiyaman and Hatay, where there were signs of life beneath the ruins. But in the southern city of Antakya, excavators began tearing down heavily damaged buildings and clearing rubble. Blue lights from ambulances lit up the dim streets where there was still no power and the smell of smoke filled the air. Hundreds of people are leaving the city every day, and those who remain huddle around fires on street corners and in parks, and sleep in tents or cars. Rescue workers occasionally called for silence as they listened for the faintest sound of life from under the rubble. In Kahramanmaras, rescuers said they had contact with a grandmother, mother and a baby trapped in a room in the remains of a three-storey building. Rescuers were digging a second tunnel to reach them, after a first route was blocked, and a human chain was formed to carry out the rubble in buckets. “I have a strong feeling we are going to get A 17-year-old survivor rescued from the rubble 198 hours after the earthquake in Adiyaman, Turkiye yesterday. – REUTERSPIC oRescue efforts continue as hope fades for survivors them,” said Burcu Baldauf, head of the Turkish voluntary healthcare team. “It is already a miracle. After seven days, they are there with no water, no food and in good condition.” The disaster is the sixth most deadliest in this century, behind the 2005 tremor that killed at least 73,000 in Pakistan. – Reuters
8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 SPEAK UP Improving first aid in Malaysia FIRST aid refers to onsite interventions performed in order to save a life and decrease the severity of the injury using little to no medical equipment until medical help arrives. Importance of first aid First aid is “the difference between a life saved and a life lost”. Thousands of lives in Malaysia – 2,500 lives by asphyxiation from choking or 29,000 lives from heart attacks – could be saved annually if the general public is trained to recognise signs of an emergency and provide first aid. Around 59% of deaths from injuries during emergencies could be saved had first aid been administered. A cardiac arrest (where the heart suddenly stops pumping) is the most frequent out-ofhospital medical emergency. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) which includes chest compressions and sometimes manual ventilation to increase blood flow is the typical first-aid response. The initial stage is crucial, the probability of survival decreases by 7% to 9% every minute CPR is not administered. Nine of 10 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases result in deaths because of lack of external intervention and the ambulance response time in Malaysia can be well over 15 minutes. This highlights the importance of increasing awareness and exposure to first-aid training and capability, particularly CPR. The estimated survival rate for an out-ofhospital cardiac arrest in Kuala Lumpur was 22.5% in 2011. Providing CPR within the first few minutes can double or triple survival chances. Like cardiac arrests, first aid is critical in the case of burn injuries. First aid decreases injury severity, chances of death and length of hospitalisation and improves the healing process. The instances of requiring first aid are only increasing over time. As it is, heart attacks are one of the most common causes of death in Malaysia. In 2007, 8,700 people (24 per day) died of coronary heart disease (CHD) which increased to 13,500 people (37 per day) in 2017. Malaysia has the lowest average age of onset for CHD in the region at 58 years compared with 65 in Thailand as well as higher obesity rates. Frequency of first aid Despite its life-saving importance, knowledge and occurrence of first aid are worryingly low. A study by International Islamic University Kuantan students in 2017 found that although 90.8% had awareness and a positive attitude towards first aid, only 42.8% had moderate knowledge and 55.4% had little knowledge regarding first aid. In 2018, 222 final-year medical, dental and pharmacy students at the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology were surveyed on their knowledge about first aid. Not one of the participants was able to correctly answer all the questions. For instance, only 21.1% of students answered correctly on a question related to choking. Likewise, only 26% responded correctly when asked what to do when a chemical enters the eye. A Malacca study found that in 2019 only two of the 1,780 (0.11%) out-of-hospital heart attacks were given CPR by the general public and that households performed CPR successfully only in 1% of the cases. A study on the Burn Unit of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia involving 485 burn patients showed that 222 patients (45.8%) received no first aid, and of the 261 patients (53.8%) that did practise it only 24 patients (5%) performed it correctly (running under cool water for more than 20 minutes). First aid training First aid training is essential to equip the general public with the necessary skillset needed to assess and react in a medical emergency. Research confirms that training improves one’s probability and willingness to perform first aid. First aid training has been linked to increased confidence and decreased fear of hurting the recipient. In some cases, trained individuals are almost three times more likely to feel confident in performing CPR than non-trained individuals. Bystander CPR administration in Arizona increased from 19.6% in 2005 to 75.9% in 2009 after a large-scale public hands-only CPR campaign. Similarly, it was found that exposure to an ultra-brief 60-second video on hands-only CPR increased the likelihood of an individual attempting CPR and displaying superior skills than an individual who did not watch the video. Studies demonstrate that children as young as nine to 10 years old have the capability to learn theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and improve self-belief in providing first aid. This shows that primary school children should also be given first aid training. Past training predicts future training. Hence, “early exposure to training may increase the likelihood of continued, lifelong training”. Since knowledge has shown to be significantly less in those who attended training more than five years ago compared with those who attended less within the same time frame, it is crucial to provide refresher and follow-up training. Poor knowledge of the procedure is a primary reason for an unwillingness to perform CPR. However, first-aid training simulations may not necessarily reflect real-life situations. Trainers often test a single skill and provide feedback in contrast to real-life situations wherein individuals can suffer from multiple emergencies (such as bleeding and lack of breathing). Hence, it is critical to improving first aid training to resemble life-like situations more closely. Bystander effect The bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon wherein the presence of other individuals discourages people from intervening in an emergency situation. The more bystanders are present during an emergency, the less personally responsible one feels to act, this is known as the diffusion of responsibility. As such, no one takes the initiative to intervene. Furthermore, as humans are socially influenced by other individuals’ behaviour to guide their own actions, the lack of intervention from others reinforces their own inaction. As a result, individuals in an emergency situation are unknowingly influenced by the bystander effect. Good Samaritan Laws (GSLs) A primary concern for the public is the fear of facing legal consequences for performing first aid wrongly and harming the person more by mistake. GSLs are designed to protect first aiders from litigation of any form and thus, encourage individuals to perform first aid without fear of repercussions and any inhibition. Unfortunately, the public is usually unaware of the existence of GSLs. A study in Hong Kong found that only 12.1% were aware of what GSLs were. When informed about GSLs, 95.2% of respondents supported enacting GSLs of which 57% said implementing them would change their willingness to perform bystander CPR. Numerous countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, Finland and China have implemented GSLs. There is currently no GSL in Malaysia. Hence, EMIR Research recommends that Parliament enacts a Good Samaritan Bill to provide a “conducive” and first-aid friendly environment and eco-system for first responders. In addition, EMIR Research also recommends the following policy proposals: 0 Workplaces to hold mandatory first aid workshops once a year, which should be claimable via the Human Resource Development Fund. In addition, every workplace should have a specially designated first responder who would attend and participate in refresher courses (and related programmes, e.g, emergency response planning, crisis and disaster management, etc.) on a regular basis; 0 Make first aid training a mandatory part of the curriculum wherein schools and tertiary institutions provide thorough first aid training to all staff (teaching and administrative) and students with refresher courses – rather than a complete training conducted annually – aimed at improving retention; 0 The Health Ministry (MOH) creates an online interactive first aid learning platform as a website and an app – with numerous realworld and simulated scenarios; 0 The MOH launches an awareness campaign blitz in collaboration with the relevant authorities such as the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Local Government Development Ministry, Red Crescent Society, St John Ambulance, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, etc. to create publicity materials such as posters and short videos on first aid. The contents are to be circulated through social media, broadcasting (TV and radio), newspapers, public transport advertisements, signages, etc. In addition, the stakeholders should also organise numerous first-aid roadshows and workshops nationwide, especially among lower-income and deprived areas. These areas are more likely to be vulnerable to medical emergencies and have longer ambulance response times. 0 Improve first aid training so that it resembles real-life situations more closely by: 1. Training for handling multiple emergencies simultaneously such as bleeding and asphyxiation rather than just focusing on a single situation such as cardiac arrest only; 2. Promoting awareness of the “bystander effect”; and 3. Addressing the fear of litigation by explaining the principles and provisions of the GSL (post-implementation); 0 According to the Transport Ministry, 18 people on average die every day due to road accidents in Malaysia. As road accidents are only increasing, basic first aid training should be part of the process to obtain a driver’s licence. Jason Loh and Juhi Todi are part of the research team at EMIR Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Jason Loh and Juhi Todi
9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 Take heed of doctor’s grouses A HEAP of write-ups lament our predicament with the national ‘Malaysian Brain Drain’ issue in popular newsprint media. The ‘Talent Corps’ 2011 was formed to engineer brain gain and stem brain drain. Its CEO was quoted as saying that almost half a billion ringgit had been spent. Although it had some initial success, it was not sustainable enough to dissuade our precious talents from leaving our shores nor to bring back talents from abroad. Here in this write-up, our focus is the medical brain drain from the subspecialists’ perspective. A new mould is needed. The absence of voice is the key element, the discontented human capital, from junior to the most senior doctors, sub-specialists and clinical researchers, does not bode well for a long-lasting solution. The suggestion implied by Prof Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, the former president of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, that a piecemeal effort at realignment is not apt but instead a wholesome approach to inclusivity of all relevant players is needed. We should now steer from merely mulling the obvious problems and focus on the why or how to stem this brain drain. Sustainability is achieved by providing training from a pool of talented junior doctors, with confirmation of permanent posts thereafter, thus, allowing the creation of pathways for general specialists to branch to sub-specialities. As such, more specialities are available in more regional hospitals of each state and this can then be propelled further to create subspeciality services. Patients are now aware of the rapid progress in medical care which needs newer subspecialties. High-end cardio-thoracic and brain surgery, transplant medicine, clinical genetics and clinical immunology services are available only in selected public and university hospitals at this moment. “Losing our fresh medical talents outwards, (Singapore is a favourite) would negate creating new sub-specialists of the future,” said Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, ex-Dean of UM Medical Faculty. Some policymakers appear unruffled, giving narratives that brain drain occurs in many sectors as in developed countries and without offering a solution it is bound to get worse. We cannot trivialise the loss of our prized talents at the nation’s expense. What is also amiss in the narratives, is that new medical graduates are the future human capital to prop up our healthcare service to greater heights and to enhance the quality of patient care besides research capabilities. They could be our next iconic physicianscientists and potential Nobel laureates. How grave is the loss of senior consultants to the nation? It is estimated that the nation spends RM1 million through five years of medical school to produce one new doctor. It costs much more as he moves up the career pathway. Specialist training with a local Master of Medicine speciality is of four years duration (after three years of compulsory service) and further moving up to sub-specialist training for another three years. Clinicians with additional roles in translational research will venture further with doctoral training usually a clinical PhD (three to four years). With such long years (at least 18 cumulative years) and huge cost (at least RM4 million to RM5 million), it is behoved on policymakers not to trivialise these victims’ misgivings, but duty bound to review facilities to be afforded, remuneration as proportionate, promotion prospect expanded so as to be equitable to their sacrifices of surpassing stiff competitions and enduring a long duration of training. When meaningful funding and provision of good research facilities are not forthcoming and then are labelled as ineffectual, it is indeed demoralising. Can we blame them when they start looking outward? Administrative leaders could do more with a permissive mode of prospering an ecosystem to yield an intended outcome and not to be inhibitory to new ideas and innovation. Increase funding for research There is a need to be realistic, that better research output is doomed to be at an average level even when the country has the best brains available and when research funding is inhibitory, research funding from the present 1% of GDP for Malaysia is untenable. The amount allocated for research would translate as RM 20.21 billion. Malaysia’s Budget 2021 allotment for Covid19 control alone was RM45 billion (equivalent to US$10.43 billion) which translates to more than twice the amount of research allocation. The nation had little home Covid-19 research data to modify CDC recommendations to suit local needs, unlike a few researchintensive countries. Elsewhere, research funding to GDP revealed the following figures - South Korea 4.55%, Israel 4.54%, Japan 3.21%, the US 2.79%, Singapore 1.95% and Thailand 1%. Should we not increase our research allocation to 2% of GDP, such as in Singapore? Funding for medical/clinical research usually requires a larger quantum and longer duration to have their impact realised. In addition to funding, the research ecosystem must also be improved to encourage scientists from the medical/clinical areas to be motivated to do advanced research in their respective fields. Many of our medical scientists are working outside Malaysia and efforts to bring them back should also be made. It behoves the nation to shed all previous misconceptions and biases, and to form a national task force to stave off further brain drain, “bottom-up and not top-down” and come as a wholesome recommendation and not segmented piecemeal effort stated below: 1. To include the representatives of intended groups; (a) medical graduates, house officers, medical officers, specialists, sub-specialists, and (b) policymakers of the Health Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, Science Technology and Innovation Ministry, Public Service Department and the Prime Minister’s Department; 2. To refer to existing white papers from MOH; 3. To refer to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia; 4. Viewpoint from medical associations - Academy of Medicine, Medical Association, Society of Allergy and Immunology; and 5. Deans of medical schools and hospital Directors Leading professionals and academics exhaustively provide the “push and pull” factors to prevent brain drain. The Translational Immunology Group for Education, Research and Society (TIGERS) may provide the perspective of sub-speciality input. Let us implement the “hows” after grasping the “whys”. This article is jointly written by Prof Dr Lokman Mohd Noh; Dr Amir Hamzah Abdul Latiff; Prof Dr Rahim Md Noah; Assoc Prof Dr Adli Ali; Dr Intan Juliana Abd Hamid; Assoc Prof Dr Intan Hakimah Ismail and Prof Dr Norazmi Mohd Nor, TIGERS. Comments: [email protected] UK, Malaysia transnational education partnerships, the next 30 years MANY governments in Southeast Asia and around the world are looking for innovative and cost-effective ways to boost their higher education capabilities and expand access to quality education for their students. They also have ambitious plans to create regional education hubs to attract top talent and education resources to their countries. Many of these ambitions are underlined by policies which have an internationalisation element. Universities are encouraged to develop partnerships, exchanges and relationships with overseas counterparts, which can help to improve their teaching quality and increase their students’ international competitiveness. One important type of internationalisation activity is Transnational Education (TNE), which refers to partnerships that allow students to earn overseas qualifications by studying in their home country. Southeast Asia is a major host of TNE programmes, with more than 83,000 students across the region enrolling in UK higher education programmes in the 2020 to 2021 academic year and many others taking up courses offered by universities in other countries such as Australia, the US or China. Two countries in the region, Singapore and Malaysia, are among the top five hosts of UK TNE students worldwide. The education landscape in Malaysia Malaysia, with over 46,000 students from 2020 to 2021, has more TNE students enrolling in UK higher education qualifications than any other country besides China or the UK itself. Private Malaysian colleges have a long history of partnership with UK institutions in offering UK qualifications in Malaysia. These are either delivered entirely within the country or with students completing the final part of their course in the UK. The UK also has the largest number of branch campuses in Malaysia. Transnational Education is now very prominent and is one of the unique features in Malaysia’s education landscape. The UK and Malaysia have an impressive track record of education collaboration. Since the launch of the first UKMalaysia TNE joint programme more than thirty years ago, it has been absolutely amazing to witness the UKMalaysia TNE collaboration grow from strength to strength. What makes TNE successful? Successful TNE partnerships are ones which are progressive in their approaches starting with capacity building of their local staff to investing in collaborative academic development, research and strategic investment for the mutual benefits of both the foreign and local partners. It is also one where partners can leverage and engage local government, cities and regional partners to catalyse opportunities in graduate employability, research and entrepreneurship, widening participation as well as contributing to discussions and research to solving global and local challenges. More importantly, of course, the heart of TNE‘s success lies with the students. As the partnership between the UK and Malaysia continues to grow and strengthen, it is essential we equip young people with the tools to examine and critically engage with the world around them, challenge norms and push forward academic thinking. The ultimate aim of international education collaboration between the UK and Malaysia is to produce future leaders who understand both our countries and have the skills to take our bilateral relationship forward. The future of TNE in Malaysia As both the UK and Malaysia continue to develop our higher education offers, there is a lot to share, to learn from each other, to come up with new ideas/new initiatives in TNE, and to shift from a more traditional teaching partnership in TNE and transform to a more in-depth collaborative academic and research development. There is significant potential for cooperation between individual institutions from the UK and Malaysia, between quality assurance agencies and between our governments. Transnational education is a cornerstone of the UK-Malaysia education relationship and reflects the growing scope and depth of our education relationship. A commitment to ensure that TNE is delivered in a virtuous cycle eco-system focusing on quality student experience, excellent academic development, faculty collaborations and research opportunities are key success factors to drive the UK-Malaysia education partnership to new heights in the next 30 years. Jazreel Goh is the country director for British Council Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Jazreel Goh COMMENT Dr Amir Hamzah Abdul Latiff Immigration Department doing a good job NEVER before now has the Immigration Department been faced with such a deluge of applications for new passports or for renewals as it is currently facing. And most applicants don’t complain much about having to stand in long queues because they invariably get their new passports on the same day. It was not by accident that the department has been able to process the vast numbers every day but by planning, executing and reviewing the processes involved. It was done with forethought and innovation. Over the Covid-19 pandemic period, nearly six million passports expired. Some say the Immigration Department must have been prepared to meet this huge demand or at least part of it, once the lockdown was over. But let’s look at the facts. Most of us cannot remember the last time civil servants had to work until 10pm every day and during weekends for four months last year to cope with the demand as immigration officers did in 73 passport offices. Last year alone, the number of passports issued totalled 2,574,435 which was half a million more than the previous high reached in 2017. Few realise the process that has to be followed before a passport is issued. There is a 14-point process ranging from checking to printing as well as other variables, including the determination of passport stock. On average, 200 passports are issued every day per immigration officer. Credit must be given where credit is due. That is to the Immigration Director-General Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud and his staff who have been processing about 25,000 applications every month since our borders have been opened and travel restrictions lifted. Khairul Dzaimee should also be complimented for his hands-on approach to monitoring the performance of his department to ensure positive results. While commenting on the passport issue I also hope the department will consider some suggestions to further improve its services. For instance, could the department set aside one day in a week or provide special lanes to serve just senior citizens and those with infants and the infirm? Also, could officers work on rotation to man counters during the lunch break instead of closing the offices between 1pm and 2pm as is the practice now? And could the online application process be further simplified? And a chatbot be introduced to answer some of the queries? These and other innovations would make a good service to the public even better. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye Kuala Lumpur LETTERS [email protected]
10 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 MEDIA & MARKETING Get a jump start today on creating a successful tomorrow! For the best in local and international higher education institutions, catch theSun's fortnightly Education Focus. FOCUS 2023 EDUCATION Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. CELEBRATE moments of love and appreciation for your special ones and elevate them to the next level with 1664 Rosé this February as the brand delivers playful elegance in its #GoodTasteWithATwist month-long Valentine’s Day celebration. As France’s No.1 premium wheat beer, 1664 Rosé is delivering an e x t r a o r d i n a r y experience that covers the perfect gift with a twist, and a movie excursion that punctuates an evening of simple pleasures. The affair brings consumers on a voyage of luxe moments starting at Le Cinema Lounge 1664 which sets the perfect ambience for good conversation, laughter, pictureperfect surroundings and of course, 1664 Rosé. Le Cinema Lounge 1664, adorned with splashes of blue and white, presents an idyllic and charming setting for a date night with that special someone or even a chill evening with friends or family. Movie-goers are also gifted with a signature 1664 Rosé beer bouquet which can be enjoyed together and exclusive 1664 Rosé pillows to keep everyone comfortable during showtime. This is a first-of-its-kind superior movie-viewing experience in partnership with Dadi Cinema at Pavilion Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur, which begins on 10th February until the end of the month. Slated to be an experience to remember, the monthlong 1664 Valentine’s Day campaign offers more joie de vivre or the joy of living to consumers through shared moments and unique acts of love for an exceptional celebration. “Promising to bring #GoodTasteWithATwist and playful elegance to elevate and celebrate every little moment, the 1664 Rosé Valentine’s campaign ticks all the boxes for a perfect night out. It can be shared with anyone, from your partner to friends and even family so For safer disposal of unused medicines WITH improper disposal of unused and expired medications by the public becoming a rising concern due to potentially harmful effects on the environment and community, Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre and its partners are spearheading the ‘Safe Medication Disposal Programme’. The collaboration with Companies, Industries & Traders Association (CITA), a representative of various trade and manufacturing fields of Chinese-funded SMEs, and Hai-O, a traditional healthcare company will see a total of 50 disposal boxes being placed at various high-traffic locations and neighbourhoods in Klang. he public can look out for the bins from Jan 16. All discarded items will be collected and sent to BTMC for proper waste disposal. Safe disposal of expired or unused medicines in their numerous forms is essential for individual and environmental safety but many are unaware of proper medication disposal. Unused medications at home and improper medication disposal create various risks including intentional or accidental misuse, overdose, and addiction in humans, as well as possible toxic effects on pets. The leakage of toxicity from expired medications into the environment can also make water resources unsafe. Jasmine Lau, Chief Executive Officer, BTMC, said: “As a leading healthcare provider in Klang, we at BTMC are continuously educating the community and spreading awareness on the importance of handling their medication safely. Poor disposal practices are often the result of a lack of knowledge of how they can adversely affect the environment or even lead to misuse of medicines if in the wrong hands.” “By partnering with CITA and HaiO who not only share our values but are conscientious and passionate about elevating the quality of health in the community while protecting the environment, I hope the ‘Safe Medication Disposal Programme’ will encourage change in disposal habits among people.” BTMC is part of the Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Group. The hospital’s initiative falls under RSDH’s philosophy of “People caring for people” as well as RSD Cares’ commitment to sustainability, which includes “Caring for our planet” and “Caring for our community” as key pillars. For more information, kindly contact 03-3884 3539. Enjoy a romantic night at the movies with a specially curated 1664 Rosé beer bouquet. The Safe Medication Disposal Programme will see a total of 50 disposal boxes being placed at various high-traffic locations and neighbourhoods in Klang. that consumers can create unforgettable memories and show their appreciation in a unique way. This is also one of the reasons we have extended the campaign until the end of February because expressions of love should be an everyday occasion and 1664 Rosé has always been a perfect complement to those moments,” commented Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia. Additionally, consumers can #CelebrateMomentsWithATwist this Valentine’s Day via grannydoris.my/collections/1664- valentine-bouquet by delivering a specially curated 1664 Rosé beer bouquet to their loved ones nationwide, so that they too can make the ordinary into something more celebratory. The perfect gift also awaits on Shopee, PotBoy, Pandamart and AirAsia’s Travelmall, where consumers who purchase any three 4-can pack of 1664 Rosé or 1664 Blanc will be able to redeem an elegant set of 1664 stem glasses while stocks last. To purchase the 1664 Rosé Valentine’s Movie Experience, log onto www.dadi.my, or find out more about what’s in store, be sure to like and follow @1664BlancMY on Facebook and Instagram or www.carlsbergmalaysia.com.my visit www.facebook.com/1664BlancMY for more details. All activities are open to nonMuslims aged 21 and above. When purchasing and enjoying 1664 Rosé, remember to always #CELEBRATERESPONSIBLY – if you drink, don’t drive! Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, Stefano Clini Celebrating love oExperience Valentine’s Day with a twist specially curated by 1664 Rosé!
KLCI 1,483.97 8.80 STI 3,318.20 175.45 HANG SENG 21,113.76 12.94 SCI 3,293.28 9.12 NIKKEI 27,602.77 50.66 TSEC 15,654.48 110.20 KOSPI 2,465.64 S&P/ASX200 7,430.90 13.10 WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES February 14, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) MYEG 34,549,500 62.0 +2.0 HONGSENG 15,598,400 21.0 +1.0 SAPNRG 61,532,300 4.0 -1.0 BETA 59,934,400 59.0 +5.5 VELESTO 55,808,700 23.0 UNCH EXCHANGERATES FEBRUARY 14, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.4185 4.2825 4.2725 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0930 2.9700 2.9540 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.3240 3.2260 3.2180 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.3080 3.2180 3.2060 1 EURO 4.7470 4.5910 4.5710 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8200 2.7160 2.7000 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.3240 3.2260 3.2180 1 STERLING POUND 5.3710 5.1990 5.1790 1 SWISS FRANC 4.7930 4.6820 4.6670 100 UAE DIRHAM 121.6700 115.3100 115.1100 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.2020 3.9400 3.7400 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.1900 62.3900 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 56.8700 54.0200 53.8200 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.4400 5.1000 4.9000 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0301 0.0272 0.0222 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3430 3.2360 3.2260 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6700 1.5600 1.3600 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.1800 7.7000 7.5000 100 QATAR RIYAL 122.4300 116.2300 116.0300 100 SAUDI RIYAL 118.9900 112.9600 112.7600 100 SOUTH AFRICA RAND 25.6400 23.1500 22.9500 100 THAI BAHT 13.6500 12.1100 11.7100 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY February 14, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,787.76 +53.99 FBMKLCI 1,483.97 +8.80 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 602.75 +1.05 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 189.53 +1.53 CONSTRUCTION 161.51 +1.05 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,156.50 +5.54 ENERGY 896.72 -1.31 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 595.87 +0.04 HEALTH CARE 1,631.66 +7.77 TRANSPORTATION 953.27 +0.11 PROPERTY 681.68 +0.83 PLANTATION 6,916.54 +77.67 FBMSHA 11,111.88 +90.61 FBMACE 5,691.67 +16.31 TECHNOLOGY 65.54 +0.60 TURNOVER VALUE 3.202 BIL RM2.158 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS February 14, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM MPI 70,600 33.08 +0.94 F&N 365,600 26.80 +0.76 DIN045801028 100 102.00 +0.70 PMBTECH-LA 3,800 25.00 +0.50 PETGAS 608,600 17.52 +0.46 5 TOP LOSERS February 14, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 30,600 137.00 -1.00 KHIND 12,500 3.12 -0.13 HARISON 39,200 6.96 -0.12 KLUANG 4,500 3.88 -0.12 BKAWAN 3,700 22.88 -0.10 Analysts positive on BFood in view of expansion plan KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts remain positive on Berjaya Food Bhd’s (BFood) prospects based on its expansion plan despite the operator of Starbucks Coffee and Kenny Rogers Roasters (KRR) chains yesterday reporting lower second-quarter (2Q) earnings. Both RHB Investment Bank and Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research said the company’s results for the first half of the financial year ending June 30, 2023 (FY2023) were within expectation and maintained their “buy” call with a target price of RM1.29 and RM1.31, respectively. Yesterday, BFood announced a net profit of RM35.49 million for 2Q FY2023, down 9% year-on-year mainly due to margin compression as a result of higher operating costs. In a research note yesterday, RHB Investment Bank said it remains confident in the management’s ability to execute its expansion plans and capture immense growth opportunities. It noted that BFood, which already has 433 stores – comprising 373 Starbucks outlets and 70 KRR outlets – as of 2Q FY2023, still FDI worth RM393 billion approved from 2018 to 2021 KUALA LUMPUR: The government approved foreign direct investments (FDI) worth RM392.9 billion in the manufacturing and services sectors under the supervision of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) from 2018 to 2021. Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong said of the total approved FDIs, RM300.5 billion, or 76.5%, had been successfully realised. “The breakdowns of the realised FDI between 2018 and 2021 are 57.6% for 2018, oAmount involves foreign direct investments in manufacturing and services sectors under supervision of Mida Maybank AM launches decumulation fund for retirees KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank Asset Management Sdn Bhd (Maybank AM) has launched a shariah-compliant multi-asset Maybank Global Wealth Conservative-I Fund (Fund) which joins the Maybank Global Wealth Moderate-I Fund and Maybank Global Wealth Growth-I Fund in the suite of Maybank Flexible Retirement Solution offerings launched last year. The new decumulation fund aims to deliver higher income payouts while drawing down capital to convert assets to income systematically. This new approach supplements income post-retirement or even temporary time off from the workforce. The fund aims to achieve an income distribution of 7% per annum. Remaining assets continue to be invested in seeking returns, giving investors the opportunity to continue to build their retirement nest egg further. This provides investors with peace of mind, knowing that they have a regular source of income stream post retirement. In addition, investors have unparalleled access to a diversified portfolio of Shariahcompliant global assets. To achieve its investment objective, the asset allocation for the fund will comprise minimum of 70% in sukuk with the remainder invested in equities and cash. Schroder Investment Management (Singapore) Ltd (Schroders), is the solution’s investment adviser. Schroders manages over RM4 trillion of assets (as of Jun 30, 2022) globally and is one of Malaysia’s biggest offshore providers of Shariah solutions. Investors in the fund will benefit from the deep experience of Schroders’ multi-asset investment team, which comprises 90 dedicated investment professionals across the globe, with an established 30-year track record. Maybank AM CEO Ahmed Muzni Mohamed said, “Retirement planning remains a problem in Malaysia. Most of us only think about retirement only when we get older. Given the continuous rise in cost of living and inflation, we need to inculcate the importance of supplementing our existing retirement savings as early as possible to ensure a financially secure retirement.” 6.50 75.6% (2019), 62.2% (2020), and 87% (2021),” he told the Dewan Negara in response to a question from Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (BN-Titiwangsa) on the amount of FDI realised each year compared to the amount of investment approved by Mida between 2018 and 2022 yesterday. He said the official data of FDI approved for 2022 will only be finalised at the end of next month. “Typically, project implementation takes one to two years to be realised, depending on the scale of the project and current economic conditions,” he added. Liew said the government, through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) and Mida, is always committed to mobilising efforts to continue encouraging domestic and foreign investment into the country. He said that to ensure that the positive impact of FDI entry is immediately translated into economic activity, Mida has implemented various proactive strategies to realise investment projects by establishing the Project Acceleration and Coordination Unit (Pacu). The deputy minister said Pacu provides holistic facilitation to investors by speeding up and simplifying the approval process so that investment projects are implemented according to the set timeframe. He said Mida has also introduced the InvestMalaysia portal, which is an online application platform to optimise investment facilitation such as the approval of manufacturer licences for non-sensitive industries within two working days, and monitor the progress of the implementation of approved projects through surveys conducted twice a year in June and December. “The inflow of high-quality FDI is essential to stimulate economic growth and bring positive spillover effects to the country and people through the generation of highskilled employment opportunities for local people and business opportunities,” he added. – Bernama targets to open 35 to 40 Starbucks outlets and four to six KRR stores in FY2023. “We believe the strategic increase in average selling prices should be effective in softening the impact of increasing costs, considering the customer profile and Starbucks’ brand equity. Moving forward, BFood will continue to execute its effective marketing engagements and innovative product launches to drive revenue growth,” it said. The investment bank also said it has learned from BFood’s management that Paris Baguette – a South Korean bakery brand brought to Malaysia by BFood – recorded a robust performance following the opening of its first store at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and the company is targeting five new outlets in the city centre before expanding to other cities. Meanwhile, HLIB Research applauded the BFood group’s stable performance despite the headwinds faced. “We understand that this quarter (2Q FY2023) was a volatile period for the group (resulting) from the fluctuation in (the cost of) raw materials and the increase in minimum wage. This year also reflects the normalisation of sales (following the) pentup demand that benefitted the group last year. “However, we see a pocket of opportunity from the expected (influx of) Chinese tourists with the border reopening, leveraging on its renowned Starbucks brand equity,” it said in a note. HLIB Research added that the group appears to be on track to meet its target of opening 35 to 40 new Starbucks stores during this financial year, having successfully launched 17 new stores year to date. At lunch break yesterday, BFood fell 5 sen to RM1.08 per share with 4.59 million shares traded. – Bernama Participation 51.3 28.0 20.7 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 1115.3 594.3 448.9 2158.5 Sold RM m 1099.1 613.0 446.4 2158.5 Net RM m 16.2 -18.7 2.5 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 14/02/2023
12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 SUNBIZ Malaysia aims to have 4,000 EV charging stations this year KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is expected to provide up to 4,000 electrical vehicles (EV) charging points this year, said the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti). Miti Industrial Development Division senior director Datuk Hanafi Sakri said Malaysia currently has 900 EV charging points. “We have a national roadmap for EV charging stations where we are targeting to have about 10,000 charging stations by 2025, comprising 1,000 units direct current type and 9,000 units alternating current or slow charging. “Given the current momentum, I think we will be able to achieve the target,” he said during a press conference at Malaysia’s EV conference 2023 here yesterday. Under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030, Malaysia aims to have EVs and hybrid vehicles account for at least 15% of the total industry volume by 2030. Hanafi said Miti fully supports the extension of the full import and excise duty exemptions for oNational roadmap calls for 10,000 electric vehicle power points by 2025, says International Trade and Industry Ministry imported EVs until Dec 31, 2024. He added that the ministry has proposed to improve the EV ecosystem, particularly in terms of EV infrastructure to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and hopes that MoF will consider the proposals and that it would be announced in the revised Budget 2023 to be tabled on Feb 24. Meanwhile, in his welcoming remarks, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) CEO Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman said as the co-secretariat of the National EV Task Force, Mida is aggressively pursuing investment opportunities in Malaysia and capitalising on prospects to spur the EV automotive segment. He said Mida is committed to attracting quality investments to support the EV supply chain and Malaysia’s EV ecosystem, particularly in critical components such as EV batteries, battery management systems, battery packs, artificial intelligence, onboard charging, charging infrastructure, and modularbased battery swapping technology. “We are optimistic that EVs will become more popular and more mainstream, primarily due to the growing demand for green transport in Asean,” he said. On the same note, Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) chairman Datuk Phang Ah Tong said MARii is also supporting Malaysia’s commitment to its zero greenhouse gas target by 2050. He said the institute offers its support in the form of vendor development programmes such as the Automotive Supplier Excellence Programme, the Lean Production System Programme and the Digital Engineering and Prototyping Programme. “These programmes provide technical assistance and consultancy to improve the competence of local automotive suppliers to be more competitive and sustainable at the global level. “Apart from that, several centres of excellence such as MARii Design Centre, National Emission Test Centre and MARii Academy of Technology can be utilised to improve local engineering capabilities in the field of research and development, testing and development of energy-efficient vehicle tech-nology,” Phang said. He added that standards related to the EV industry such as charging systems, battery disposal activities, battery swapping, wireless charging and others are also developed to ensure that the EV technology used and developed in this country is comprehensive, safe and of good quality. – Bernama We’re taking measures to support development of EV industry: Tengku Zafrul KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is taking steps to strengthen the development of the electric-vehicle (EV) industry in the country by introducing policy measures, leveraging the existing EV ecosystem and ensuring a solid talent pipeline, said International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. He said Malaysia is looking into policies that will support energy sectors to ensure that the EV ecosystem is complete and fully supported, including standards, certification and verification related to charging systems and battery disposal activities. “Opportunities abound in the areas of renewable energy (RE), energy efficiency, energy storage systems, and support services for EVs, such as EV charging stations, operation and maintenance,” Tengku Zafrul said in his keynote address at Malaysia’s EV Conference 2023. He added that Malaysia has an established EV ecosystem, backed by solid research and development and standards facilities with agencies such as the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia, as well as an established components’ sub-sector that could service the whole EV value chain, comprising semiconductors, sensors, automotive electronics, transceivers, batteries and auto assembly. To capitalise on the EV market, Tengku Zafrul said, the government will also strengthen Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. “In fact, our Yang di-Pertuan Agong in his royal address in Parliament yesterday (Monday) expressed support for the continued empowerment of TVET, lauding the government’s move to encourage public-private joint ventures on TVET to ensure a Tengku Zafrul (second from right) trying out one of the electric motorcycles on display in conjunction with the EV conference yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC better match of graduates’ skills to the current needs of the local industry,” he said. The government has made a firm commitment to strategically develop the automotive industry, particularly the EV industry, as part of the zero greenhouse gas (GHG) target by 2050, the minister said. This includes offering full import, excise and sales tax exemptions for locally assembled EVs until Dec 31, 2025, and full import and excise duty exemptions for imported EVs until Dec 31, 2023. There are also special tax incentives for developing critical components such as the battery management system, battery pack and capacity, onboard charging, charging infrastructure, and modularbased battery swapping technology, he said. Additionally, road tax exemptions of up to 100% will be provided for EVs, as well as individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 on the cost of purchase, installation, rent, hire purchase, and subscription fees for EV charging facilities. “More EV-related incentives are expected to be announced in the revised Budget 2023, which will be presented on Feb 24 in the Dewan Rakyat,” Tengku Zafrul said. On the electric-vehicle industry’s growth, he said Mida has approved 26 projects worth RM14.7 billion in the EV and related ecosystems, including assembly, parts and components manufacturing and charging components. He said the shift to RE sources and electric transport is a significant step towards Malaysia’s commitment to net-zero GHG by 2050, as outlined in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan. Tengku Zafrul added that under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030, Malaysia aims to have EVs and hybrid to account for at least 15% of the total industry volume by 2030. – Bernama Betamek clinches RM123.5m deal to supply electronic parts for new Perodua model PETALING JAYA: Betamek Bhd has secured a RM123.5 million contract to supply electronic parts for a new Perodua model. The company’s wholly owned subsidiary Betamek Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd (BESB) on Monday received a letter of appointment from Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sendirian Bhd (Perodua). The supply of these parts commenced in the fourth quarter of the financial year ending March 31, 2023 (FY23), and is for a duration of six years. The contract is expected to contribute positively to the earnings of Betamek Group over six years, starting from FY23. Betamek managing director Mirzan Mahathir said the company, which provides one-stop EMS solutions to automotive makers, is optimistic that demand for its vehicle audio visual products and vehicle accessories will continue to grow given its major customer Perodua continues to see rising demand for its vehicles. “Our partnership with Perodua spans over two decades, and we are delighted to continue our relationship by supplying our latest technology for the company’s latest vehicle models,” he added. As of January this year, Perodua has 220,000 outstanding bookings to be fulfilled. The car manufacturer recently announced that it is looking to maximise its production to 330,000 units and sales to 314,000 units this year underpinned by outstanding orders carried forward from last year as well as continued demand for its vehicles so far this year. Intercontinental Specialty Fats joins CIMB’s Sustainability-Linked Treasury Programme KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Bank Bhd announced yesterday that it has onboarded Intercontinental Specialty Fats Sdn Bhd (ISF) as the latest client in its landmark Sustainability-Linked Treasury Programme. ISF’s participation in the CIMB programme is the first by a Japanese and foreign multinational corporation (MNC) in Malaysia. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Nisshin OilliO Group Ltd, the largest processer and marketer of edible oils in Japan, and one of the global leaders in the edible oil industry. Under the programme, ISF stands to receive a rebate linked to the achievement of pre-agreed Sustainability Performance Targets. The targets are unique to each client’s business profile and sustainability aspirations, and are subject to stringent independent third party verification. ISF is the first client in the palm oil industry to be onboarded since the programme’s introduction in 2022. The programme enables and incentivises clients to embed their environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspirations into treasury risk management solutions that are customised to their requirements. In addition, the programme provides for a longer term treasury solution by moving from one-off transactions towards a recurring businesses-usual flow programme framework. The Nisshin OilliO Group was established in 1907, and today it has operations in seven countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and Italy. The group has been listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since June 1949, and has a market capitalisation of over US$1 billion (RM4.3 billion).
13 * SUNBIZ theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Malaysian economy seen posting 4% growth in 2023 PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to slow to 4.0% this year from 8.7% in 2022, due to fading of base effects and pentup demand, tighter credit conditions and weakening global growth outlook, according to Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research. Based on its outlook report for 2023, the research house said that while it expects the economy to return to growth over the coming quarters, it believes the pace of economic expansion will moderate significantly with credit conditions tightening further and pentup demand fading. “Moreover, the export outlook will likely weaken further on the back of a slowing global economy and as the semiconductor industry continues to be in a downcycle,” it said in a statement yesterday. From a gross domestic product by expenditure perspective, the research house said, the growth slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2022 (Q4’22) was broad-based, with export growth weakening the most from 23.9% year-on-year (y-o-y) in Q3’22, to 9.6% in Q4’22. “Meanwhile, private consumption growth also slowed to 7.4% y-o-y, versus 15.1% in the previous quarter, while gross fixed investment expanded by 8.8% y-o-y, as compared with 13.1% in Q3’22,” it said. In terms of growth, the report said that it expects base effects to turn unfavourable after Malaysia posted its highest growth rate since 2000. While cash handouts and subsidies on food and fuel, combined with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions drove up aggregate demand in 2022, the growth impulse is unlikely to be sustained. “Households and businesses have already drawn down on their savings considerably since April 2022 and we expect that the 100bps of interest rate hikes by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to gradually feed through, further weighing on consumer appetite. Accordingly, we continue to expect private consumption growth to slow significantly to 5.0% in 2023, from 11.5% in 2022,” said Fitch Solutions. Additionally, it said that it anticipates gross fixed investment growth to slow markedly to 2.0% in 2023, versus 6.8% in 2022, as both domestic and external monetary conditions continue to tighten and as business confidence wanes. “BNM has adopted a relatively gradual oResearch house cites fading of base effects and pent-up demand, tighter credit conditions and weakening global growth outlook Ikea Malaysia expects positive performance this financial year KUALA LUMPUR: Home furnishings retailer Ikea Malaysia anticipates a positive financial performance with single-digit growth in financial year 2023 after extraordinary success in 2022 with the company achieving a 35% increase in revenue to RM1.54 billion. Country retail manager Malcolm Pruys said this year and next, the company wants to focus on the station stores at Ikea Batu Kawan in Penang and Tebrau in Johor, which are connected to top shopping centres. “We see that this station store (Batu Kawan) has great potential for business growth because its location is under huge development now, so we will make the store in this location the biggest focus for customers who live in the north of Malaysia,” he told reporters in a briefing on the company’s 2023 growth plan. Meanwhile, Pruys said in line with Ikea’s 20th anniversary this year, the company plans to make the brand more accessible using digital tools such as modernising the Ikea website to enhance the payment options. He said Ikea also plans to improve and innovate its hospitality industry towards a healthier diet with the launching of a plantbased menu this year. On long-term plans, Pruys said the company will open more stores if it finds strategic locations. “We are planning to increase the number of Ikea collection points nationwide in the next few years and in March we will open a collection point in Malacca,” he added. – Bernama tightening approach, having hiked its policy rate by only 100bps to 2.75% since it began its rate hiking cycle in May 2022. However, we are expecting an additional 50bps of hikes over the coming months, as real interest rates remain negative and underlying price pressures remain elevated by historical standards, with core inflation coming in at 4.1% y-o-y in December,” it said. The research house opined that as higher borrowing costs gradually feeds through, this will likely weigh on domestic and foreign businesses’ appetite to borrow and invest. Malaysia’s manufacturing PMI has fallen further to 46.5, marking the sixth consecutive month of decline and fifth straight month that the reading stayed below the 50 mark that separates contraction and expansion. Meanwhile, it said that a slowing global economy will hurt exports and it expect growth to decline sharply to 3.0% in 2023, from 12.8% in 2022. It added that the reopening of the mainland Chinese economy should provide a tailwind for Malaysian exporters given that the latter is Malaysia’s largest export destination, accounting for more than one-fifth of total outbound shipments. MR DIY net profit rises to RM136m in fourth quarter PETALING JAYA: MR D.I.Y Group Bhd’s (MR DIY) net profit increased 1.13% to RM136.08 million in its fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2022 (Q4’22) compared with RM134.55 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, due to higher revenue and gross profit. Revenue rose 9.27% to RM1.07 billion from RM975.39 million for the same quarter last year, primarily driven by positive sales contributions from new stores, which grew 20% y-o-y from 900 stores to 1,080 stores and led to a 15.2% y-o-y increase in total transactions to 38.1 million. For the full year, the group’s net profit rose 9.52% to RM472.95 million compared with RM431.83 million. Revenue rose by 18.15% to RM3.99 billion from RM3.37 billion for the same period. The group said that its full-year performance was impacted by inflationary cost pressures on the overall gross profit margin and higher operating costs due to an increase in the minimum wage which was implemented in May 2022. Reported net earnings was RM472.9 million, impacted by the one-off prosperity corporate tax. MR DIY CEO Adrian Ong (pic) said that the group’s performance was underpinned by a resilient business model backed by a value-for-money offering that benefits all its consumers. “We have delivered continuous growth with revenue reaching the RM4 billion mark on the strength of consistent quarterly and annual performances. These positive results are attributed to our loyal customers across the country and our more than 15,500 colleagues, who ensured we stay on course with our expansion strategy while continuing to explore innovative retail experiences for our customers. “The group is optimistic about its prospects going forward, given the positive post-pandemic sentiment. “The more favourable freight environment and the strengthening of the ringgit against both the US dollar and Chinese renminbi also favour a better performance. There are still concerns on the impact on household income given rising interest rates and increases in cost of living,” Ong said in a statement yesterday. He added that the group remains committed to long-term sustainable growth through a measured store expansion strategy, innovations in product offering and continuous focus on providing value for money to consumers under its “Always Low Prices” formula. The group aims to open 180 new stores across all brands in 2023, which will bring the total nationwide store network to over 1,200 and further cement the group’s position as the largest home improvement retailer in the country, while continuing to provide customers with value, convenience and a wide range of products. The group’s store network expanded from 900 stores in FY21 to 1,080 stores as of Dec 31, 2022 across its three brands – MR DIY, MR TOY and MR DOLLAR.
14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 SUNBIZ Adani Group likely to repay short-term CP debt oTwo big companies within conglomerate expected to redeem commercial papers as borrowings mature in next few months MUMBAI: Two large companies within India’s embattled Adani Group are likely to repay their short-term commercial paper (CP) debt as they come due over the next few months, instead of rolling them over as is normal, two merchant bankers and a company official directly familiar with the matter said. The two group companies have about 50 billion rupees (RM2.6 billion) worth of CP due to mature through March, data shows, while exchange data shows the flagship Adani Enterprises Ltd has redeemed a total of 2.5 billion rupees of CP since Jan 25. That is a day after US short-seller Hindenburg Research accused the group of improper use of offshore tax havens and stock manipulation – allegations the group has denied – that sparked about a US$120 billion (RM523 billion) loss in the group’s market value on concerns including about its ability to refinance debt. Adani Enterprises and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd regularly raise funds by issuing CP – short-term debt instruments issued to meet working capital requirements. “We will repay the CP as and when they mature and are currently not looking to tap the short-term debt market,” an official with one of the companies said on condition of B r i e f sTOSHIBA WARNS ON PROFIT AFTER Q3 SLUMP; COO RESIGNS TOKYO: Japan’s Toshiba Corp slashed its annual earnings estimate after third-quarter profit slumped, while its chief operating officer resigned over the inappropriate use of entertainment expenses some years ago. Hit by weak demand for hard disk drives due to reduced investments in data, Toshiba said quarterly operating profit tumbled 88% to ¥5.3 billion (RM176 million), far less than a Refinitiv consensus estimate of ¥37 billion. The industrial conglomerate also took a large charge relating to an old project for its power generation systems business. Its profit estimate for the year ending in March was cut by a quarter to ¥95 billion. – Reuters APPLE FACES HURDLES IN MOVE TO BOOST INDIA PRODUCTION BENGALURU: Apple Inc is facing challenges as it tries to increase production in India, the Financial Times reported yesterday, citing people familiar with the iPhone maker’s operations. The company has been shifting production away from China after the country’s strict Covid-related restrictions dented supply chains across industries and as trade and geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington escalated. At a casings factory in southern India, only about half of the components from the production line are in good enough shape to be sent to Apple’s supplier Foxconn, FT reported. – Reuters WALMART TO CLOSE THREE US TECH HUBS, RELOCATE STAFF NEW YORK: Walmart Inc will close three of its US technology hubs, asking hundreds of workers to relocate to keep their jobs, a company spokesman told Reuters. Nearly all technology employees across the company would be expected to work in their offices for at least two days a week, added Robert Munroe, Walmart’s director of global communications. The retailer would close offices that housed technology staff in Austin, Texas, Carlsbad, California and Portland, Oregon. The operations would move to hubs including one in San Bruno, California or the firm’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. Walmart, said it would pay transfer costs of workers who moved and make severance payments to those who decided to leave the company. UK JOBLESS RATE HOLDS AT 3.7% LONDON: Britain’s unemployment rate held at 3.7% in the three months to December, the Office for National Statistics said yesterday. Economists polled by Reuters had expected the rate to remain at 3.7%, not far above its lowest level in almost 50 years. – Reuters anonymity as they are not authorised to speak to the media. The official said payments are being made as the securities mature and the company has not got any requests for early redemptions. “All payments are being made as per schedule,” an Adani group spokesman said in an e-mail. Adani Ports has CP worth 35 billion rupees due to mature through end March, data from information service provider Prime Database showed. Adani Enterprises has CP worth close to 15 billion rupees due to mature over February-March and more than 2 billion rupees worth due for redemption from April through January 2024, the data showed. The Adani Group is unlikely to roll over this debt as it comes due, two bankers said on condition of anonymity as they are not permitted to speak to the media. “Market sentiment is such that people will be cautious to immediately roll over CP, and would prefer to cash out. So, we may see them (Adani Group) staying away from the market for some time,” said one banker, who regularly arranges debt issuances for the group. A second banker, who advises the conglomerate on local borrowings, added the group has not reached out to its bankers asking for a rollover. “The Adani group generally gets in touch with bankers some days prior to the maturing CPs but has stopped any sort of intimation, hinting that they may look to repay the existing CP holders,” this person said. Apart from short-term borrowings, Adani Enterprises has not moved forward with plans to launch its debut retail bond issue of up to 10 billion rupees, while Adani Green Energy Ltd has also stayed put on a planned 1.5 billion rupee, 10-year bond offering, according to bankers, including the two mentioned earlier. – Reuters Singapore 2022 budget deficit to be lower than previous estimate At least two more Fed rate hikes and no cut this year, say economists BENGALURU: The US Federal Reserve (Fed) will raise interest rates at least twice more in coming months, with the risk they go higher still, according to a majority of economists in a Reuters poll who see no cut by year-end. This brings the majority of privatesector forecasters in line with the central bank’s own projections and rhetoric, leaving financial market traders alone in clinging on to hopes rates will start falling later this year. Thanks to much stronger than expected US jobs data earlier this month, Fed policymakers, including Fed chair Jerome Powell, have reiterated a higher-for-longer mantra that market traders have been fighting for months. With inflation still at more than twice the Fed’s 2% target, 46 of 86 economists in the Feb 8-13 Reuters poll predicted the US central bank will go for two more 25 basis point hikes, in March and May, not just March. That would mean a peak of 5-5.25%, 25 basis points higher than what the majority had been predicting since November. All 37 who replied to an extra question said the bigger risk was the fed funds rate would peak even higher. The most recent US inflation data is due to be released later yesterday and could change the rate outlook a bit more. The consumer price index (CPI) is forecast to have risen 0.5% on the month in January with the core index, which strips out food and energy, rising 0.4%, according to a separate Reuters survey. Those follow more mild readings for December. There was no clear consensus on the Fed’s policy rate at the end of 2023. But over two-thirds of respondents in the latest survey, 54 of 80, forecast no cut this year as inflation was expected to remain above target at least until 2024. One-third, or 18 of those 54 economists, predicted the fed funds rate would peak at 4.75-5% and hold there through the remainder of the year. The remaining 26 of 80 economists predicted at least one cut by then. The poll also found a median 60% probability of recession in the coming year, upgraded slightly from 56% in January. But that will not be enough to prompt rate cuts until 2024. The world’s biggest economy was expected to grow only 0.7% this year before rebounding to 1.2% growth in 2024, still well below its long-term average of around 3%. The unemployment rate, currently at the lowest since 1969, was expected to climb to 4.8% in Q1 2024, by which time most economists were expecting at least one rate cut. But that rate would be very low compared to previous recessions. Asked which was more likely to compel a rate cut, 21 of 35 economists said a significant fall in inflation, with 14 saying a significant rise in unemployment. – Reuters Finance minister says city-state must brace for a period of higher inflation and that the government would help citizens and businesses weather the higher costs of living. – PEXELS PIX The second step of a scheduled sales tax hike would go ahead as planned in 2024. The sales tax will increase to 9% next January, after increasing from 7% to the current 8% on Jan 1 this year. Wong said this would offset all the spending increases lower-income households face due to inflation and the sales tax hike, while “substantially covering” spending increases for middle-income households. “But I hope all Singaporeans understand it is not fiscally sustainable to rely so heavily on government support year after year to cope with inflation,” Wong said. Singapore’s 2023 core inflation is forecast at 3.5-4.5% and headline inflation at 5.5–6.5%. Singapore’s key consumer price gauge rose 5.1% in December, while the core inflation rate – which excludes private road transport and accommodation costs – was unchanged from the rise in November. For 2022 as a whole, core inflation averaged 4.1%, higher than the 0.9% recorded in 2021. Meanwhile, headline inflation came in at 6.1% last year, up from 2.3% in 2021. “We have to brace ourselves for a period of relatively higher inflation, both globally and also in Singapore,” Wong said. “We cannot say how long this will last, but we expect Singapore’s headline inflation to remain high, at least for the first half of this year. – Reuters SINGAPORE: Singapore expects the 2022 budget deficit to be S$2 billion (RM6.6 billion), or 0.3% of gross domestic product (GDP), down from a previous estimate of S$3 billion, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said yesterday. Wong, who was presenting the 2023 budget to parliament, said the citystate must brace for a period of higher inflation and that the government would help citizens and businesses weather the higher costs of living. Singapore faces the prospect of a slowing economy amid inflationary pressures and rising interest rates. Meanwhile, its expenditure is increasing largely pegged to healthcare, driven by its ageing population. Wong, who is also deputy prime minister, said the government would help families and businesses. The government will enhance a support package to help Singaporeans offset a recent sales tax hike from S$6.6 billion to S$9.6 billion.
1 5 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 W E D N E S D A Y I T an avid fan of photography, or just in the market for a new camera – you’ve probably heard doesn’t matter whether you’re Different points of view of the DSLR vs mirrorless debate that has been raging for several years. So, how close are we to determining a clear winner? Well, the decision will always be a matter of personal preference, but camera manufacturers have already begun to be more transparent about their intentions. In the last few years, major camera manufacturers can be seen focusing more on mirrorless camera systems, as both Canon and Nikon have been seen discontinuing, or not updating, their DSLR models. This means that mirrorless is pretty much the default format for new cameras and is part of the recommendation for most people. However, this won’t be that simple as DSLRs continue to offer outstanding value, and extensive, renowned lens lineups. DSLR cameras, as you may have noticed, are still in high demand on the market today. People still sell and buy them even if they are used, older model devices. So, let’s look at the distinctions and where each camera type excels. What’s the main difference? There are many similarities and differences between these two cameras. One of the similarities is they both have interchangeable lenses, making them more versatile than fixed-lens point-and-shoot, and instant cameras. For amateur photographers who are eager to learn and progress, either of these makes a fantastic starting point. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras both display the scene through the camera lens while you take a photo, but they do so in vastly different ways. DSLRs reflect an optical picture into the viewfinder using a mirror that is inside the camera body. The mirror reflects light from the lens up to a prism (or multiple mirrors) and into the viewfinder, allowing you to preview your shot before you capture it. When you click the shutter button, the mirror flips up to allow the image to pass through to the rear of the camera, the shutter opens, and light strikes the image sensor, capturing the final image. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, apply a different approach. They use the camera sensor’s “live view” to make an electronic image that can be shown on the rear screen or in an electronic viewfinder – just as Both camera types can take high-quality images because they have similar sensors and processors. – SLEEKLENS.COM oThe DSLR vs mirrorless debate is still ongoing, despite mirrorless cameras making leaps ahead in recent years █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL There are two major distinctions between SLR and mirrorless cameras: the presence of mirrors and the function of the viewfinder. – GLOBAL CANON a smartphone camera does. There is no mechanism for flipping the mirror up and out of the way. But what seems like a win-win situation is actually quite complicated. Many people prefer the optical image of a DSLR viewfinder because it provides a “naked eye” view of the world without screen lag or digital artifacts. Second, digital displays require significantly more power, and mirrorless cameras cannot yet match the battery life of DSLRs. Image quality Both types of cameras may produce high-quality images with similar resolutions and noise levels. Mirrorless cameras used to have smaller image sensors, which meant lower quality, but that is no longer the case as these camera manufacturers have learned how to make more sensitive chips and reduce noise from small sensors. In addition, several mirrorless camera manufacturers have now increasingly utilised bigger-picture sensors. There are also a handful of fullframe mirrorless cameras with the same sensor size (35mm) as premium DSLR cameras. Sony, Canon, Nikon, as well as Fujifilm, have already produced mirrorless cameras with larger-thanfull-frame Medium Format sensors. Both camera types can take highquality images because they have similar sensors and processors. Size The most commonly mentioned advantage of mirrorless systems is their lower size compared to DSLRs. This is the primary selling point of mirrorless systems: DSLR-like sensor size and image quality without the heft. Nonetheless, there are often tradeoffs involved in making a mirrorless camera body so compact, including battery life, how a camera handles larger lenses, and the number of additional dials and buttons. A mirrorless camera is easier to transport, and a camera bag can hold more accessories like extra lenses and batteries. Video quality Mirrorless cameras have a significant benefit in this section. Firstly, their shape makes them far better suited to the continuous ‘live view’ required for video capturing. Secondly, camera manufacturers are concentrating their video capture technologies on this type of camera, so the best video features and performance is in the progress for sure. But don’t forget that DSLRs can also have tremendous video shots. The Nikon D90 introduced HD video to the consumer market, while the Canon EOS 5D II introduced DSLRs into professional videography and filmmaking. Nonetheless, whatever innovations bring to the future, it will all be for the best. For the time being, we believe mirrorless will be the next line up, however, used DSLRs will continue to offer excellent value. A mirrorless camera is smaller and easier to transport. Hence the camera bag can hold more accessories like extra lenses and batteries. – SONY ELECTRONICS
16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME AFTER some online speculation, representatives for Rihanna have confirmed that the singer is indeed pregnant, following her viral half-time Super Bowl 2023 performance over the weekend. The singer’s electrifying 13-minute appearance saw her performing hit songs such as We Found Love, Diamonds, Work and Umbrella. Throughout her performance, Rihanna was seen cradling her midsection, causing fans to speculate that she might be carrying her second child with partner, rapper A$AP Rocky. The two already share a a son who was born last May. Beyond the pregnancy speculation, Rihanna’s set had plenty of other highlights. Although there were no other special guests onstage helping her to perform , she had one well-publicised moment where she touched up her makeup mid-song, giving some nice promotion to her Fenty makeup brand. Also, the moving platforms she performed on gave her a sky-high perch at the game, stressing out fans as she rose higher and higher. With an army of dancers, wild outfits and a spectacular fireworks finish, it was a triumphant return to the stage after a five-year performance hiatus. While Rihanna herself has not given an official statement about her second pregnancy, an insider later revealed to In Touch Weekly that Rihanna’s baby is due “in late spring”. “She is counting down the days until being able to hold the newborn,” the source said. – by Anansa Jacob NewJeans rise to the top of Spotify charts AS news of the reinvigorated slate of DC Studios films picks up steam, along with anticipation over upcoming releases such as The Flash, Leslie Grace has finally spoken out about the cancelled Batgirl movie in an interview with Variety. Last August, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah’s film was cancelled by Warner Bros. Discovery. In it, Grace led the film as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl. The film was reportedly cancelled due to disappointing test screenings that led to WBD executives taking a tax write-off instead of completing the film, which had already cost the debt-ridden studio US$90 million (RM392.6 million), and would have cost millions more to finish. Grace told Variety that she had no idea the movie, originally set to stream on HBO Max, was shelved until it was first reported by the New York Post. The actress said she felt like a “deflated balloon” on that day. Recently, DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran said that the film was “not releasable” and that it could have “hurt DC”. When asked about his comments, Grace did not have any reasonable response, though she does say that she saw a rough cut of the film. “The film that I got to see – the scenes that were there – was incredible. There was definitely potential for a good film, in my opinion. Maybe we’ll get to see clips of it later on,” Grace added. Grace also noted that neither Safran nor James Gunn, DC Studios’ other head, have reached out to her. After Batgirl completed its production, Grace’s co-star Brendan Fraser gave her a wrap gift; a gold necklace with two charms, a little bell and a pair of dice. Fraser, who played the arsonist villain Firefly in the shelved film, immediately called her when news of the cancellation broke. Speaking to Variety, Fraser said: “What I find most lamentable is that now a whole generation of little girls are going to have to wait longer to see a Batgirl and say, ‘Hey, she looks like me’. “That makes me sad. I know how good she was. And I know what this would mean to so many people.” – by Mark Mathen Victor Rihanna expecting second child NEWJEANS, a new group that debuted less than a year ago, is going to be the next big thing, we are sure! Just look at their track record. Recently, their new song Ditto become the most streamed girl group song in US Spotify history, beating out legendary girl group BLACKPINK, whose songs like Ice Cream, Lisa, Money, Pink Venom, and How You Like That had previously broken records on the charts. Just a few days ago, NewJeans’ song OMG was also climbing the Billboard Hot 100 list. Ditto is not far behind. The five members of NewJeans – Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, Danielle, and Minji – are definitely K-pop stars to watch. Although there have long been unfounded rumours on the internet about a possible tour for the group in 2023-2024, we hope it actually materialises and that they will come to Malaysia to perform someday. – by S. Tamarai Chelvi Rihanna at the Super Bowl. – INSTAGRAM NewJeans are breaking records. – INSTAGRAM IT looks like there’s trouble in paradise for Megan Fox and her musician fiancé, Machine Gun Kelly. According to a source from People magazine, the actress, 36, is not on speaking terms at the moment with her fiancé, 32, following a fight during the Super Bowl weekend. “Megan is very upset. They had a fight over the weekend and Megan won’t speak to him,” said the source. “They haven’t officially called off the engagement, but Megan took her ring off,” the source added, noting that while the couple “have had issues in the past, things seem pretty serious this time.” Aside from the actress removing all photos and videos of herself with MGK from her social media, the Jennifer’s Body actress’ initially hinted at a possible breakup on Instagram over the weekend, before deactivating her account entirely. She uploaded a post featuring a series of photos of herself as well as a video of an envelope being burned in a fire pit and captioned it with lyrics from Beyoncé’s song Pray You Catch Me from 2016’s Lemonade, writing: “You can taste the dishonesty/ it’s all over your breath.” Before Fox deactivated her Instagram, she had responded to a fan’s comment speculating MGK may have been unfaithful in their relationship with a woman named Sophie – whom fans believe to be Sophie Lloyd, the Papercuts performer’s guitarist. In the comments section of Fox’s last post, before she deleted her account, one fan suggested that Kelly was unfaithful in the couple’s relationship, writing: “He probably got with Sophie.” Fox jokingly responded that it could’ve been her: “Maybe I got with Sophie,” alongside a fire emoji. Neither party has previously addressed the fan speculation. – by Hazique Zairill Fox and Kelly may have broken up. – AFP Breaking her silence oLeslie Grace finally gives her side of the story about the cancelled Batgirl film Grace learnt of the cancellation from medoa reports. – INSTAGRAM Megan Fox splits from Machine Gun Kelly? Grace as Batgirl. – INSTAGRAM
17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Jack could have survived, admits Cameron JAMES CAMERON doesn’t have many regrets – after all, he has now directed three of the four highestgrossing films of all time. But if he could go back and remake Titanic, the film that started his record streak 25 years ago and is being re-released in theatres, there is one thing he would change. “Based on what I know today, I would have made the raft smaller, so there’s no doubt!” said Cameron. Such is the film’s enduring popularity, even a quarter of a century later debates and theories continue to swirl around the fate of Leonardo DiCaprio’s lead character. Fans insist Jack could have survived the icy Atlantic waters after the ocean liner sank, if only he had shared an improvised raft with Kate Winslet’s Rose. Instead, Jack gallantly gave Rose an entire wooden door to float on, condemning himself to a freezing death but ensuring she survived. It is just one example of how the story of the Titanic “never seems to end for people,” Cameron told a press conference held for the anniversary re-release. “There have been much greater tragedies since the Titanic – I mean, World War One, tens of millions of people died. World War Two ...” “But the Titanic has this kind of enduring, almost mythic, novelistic quality. And it has to do with, I think, love and sacrifice and mortality. “ T h e men who stepped back from the lifeboats so that the women and the children could survive.” Cameron finally settles the score on whether Jack would have survived. – AFP Final verdict Cameron put Jack’s individual sacrifice to the test in a new National Geographic documentary, running experiments featuring two stunt performers and an exact replica of the film’s door in a cold water tank. In Titanic: 25 Years Later with James Cameron, the stunt actors were fitted with internal thermometers to chart how quickly their bodies plunged toward hypothermia. While the first test confirmed Jack would have died if he had acted according to the film’s plot, a second found the pair could have both balanced on the door and kept their upper bodies out of the water. “He got into a place where if we projected that out, he just might have made it until the lifeboat got there,“ admitted Cameron. “Final verdict? Jack might have lived. But there’s a lot of variables.” Epic love story Titanic was first released in December 1997, and held the number one box office spot for 15 consecutive weekends. While today most films earn their biggest profits on opening weekend, Titanic peaked on its eighth weekend – Valentine’s Day. The epic love story is now being re-released ahead of this year’s Valentine’s Day weekend, where it will hope to add to its US$2.2 billion (RM9.57 billion) total haul. “I’ll grant you US$100 million (RM434.9 million) of our box office (was) for Leonardo DiCaprio’s appeal to 14-year-old girls,” joked Cameron. Titanic is currently behind only Avengers: Endgame and Cameron’s Avatar, but is expected to soon be surpassed by Avatar: The Way of Water – again, by Cameron – which has made US$2.18 billion (RM9.5 billion) and is still drawing crowds. Collectively, Cameron’s three monster hits have collected US$7.25 billion (RM3.15 billion) – roughly the entire annual GDP of Bermuda. Besides making him an extraordinarily wealthy man, the three-hour-long Titanic has left another important if divisive legacy. “Historically before Titanic, the wisdom – which proved not to be true – was that a long movie can’t make money,” said Cameron. The first Avatar ran for 162 minutes and again “people said they wanted more,” he said. “We took that to heart and we made a three-hour-and-12-minute movie for the new Avatar. “And it’s doing very well.” – ETX Studio On the final stretch ATTACK ON TITAN has finally received a return date as the anime adaptation of the popular manga series quickly approaches its finale. The fourth season of the highly acclaimed anime series has running for the past two years, with the season being split into three parts. Even more ironically, despite the “Final Season” sub-title, Part 3 – dubbed “Final Arc” – will again be split into parts; two to be specific. The first half of the Final Arc will return to Japan on March 4 this year, while the release date for the second half is still unknown. The announcement of the Part 3 release date as well as the fact that it will split into two halves was made on the official Attack on Titan Twitter page, which also included a short teaser trailer. The first episode of Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 3 Final Arc will premiere in Japan on March 4 before airing on Crunchyroll shortly after. Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 3 Final Arc will presumably pick up immediately after how Part 2 ended. The franchise’s previously heroic lead, Eren Yeager, has completed his heel-turn into the oAttack on Titan is set to premiere the first part of the final season this year █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR cataclysmic event that will see most of the Attack on Titan’s world destroyed by a “stampede” of Colossus Titans. The final, third part of the season will see the remnants of the Scouts and Marleyan enemiesturned-allies attempting to stop Yeager and the Titans. Even more carnage and deaths of critical characters are inevitable. Beginning in 2009 and written by Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan has gone on to become one of the best-selling manga series of all time, having sold over 100 million volumes in print. The award-winning franchise released its final issue on April 9, 2021. The anime adaptation started in 2013, with its second season coming out four years later in 2017. The entire anime series currently sits at a total of eightyseven episodes. The first half of Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 3 Final Arc will premiere in Japan on March 4 before airing on Crunchyroll shortly after. All the previously released seasons, parts and episodes are also on Netflix. series villain by transforming into the gargantuan Founding Titan and kicking off the “Rumbling”, a
19 FEATURE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 another as people and discover shared interests and beliefs when we leave behind our conventional professional responsibilities. It would be amazing if you could organise a birthday or celebration or even attempt a team lunch or a coffee break. Ask questions and listen You may learn more about your coworkers by actively listening and by asking questions, which are both crucial aspects of developing connections. You show interest in your coworkers when you inquire about their personal lives, career aspirations, or basic requirements. Prior to giving facts about your life, give them a chance to do so. Your employees will also start to think of you as a good communicator if you start asking questions and promoting open dialogue. They are more likely to approach you when they have problems, are happy, or just want someone to listen. Get out of your comfort zone You may achieve this by being the one to strike up discussions. It’s crucial to demonstrate to your coworkers that you want to get to know them and work with them better, particularly if you want to build strong connections at work. If you do not even try to get to know your coworkers, you won’t ever succeed in building professional connections with them. So, venture outside of your comfort zone and take the initiative. Pair them up Form small teams and constantly rotate them. Members of a team can collaborate on mini-projects while getting to know one another. Putting strangers together might result in fantastic creative teams as well as friendships. Nothing works better than team-building exercises to bring people together. Set and respect boundaries Naturally, it’s wonderful to show an interest in the goals and aspirations of your team. Being amiable and considerate to every member of your team is likewise acceptable and even encouraged. But you must establish certain limits. Workplace friendships may not always be a good idea, especially if they involve a manager and an employee in a setting where there is a clear hierarchy. Having favourites and treating individuals differently are bad ideas. You should ask your whole team out after work rather than just the people you get along with the best. Include everyone in decisions Involving colleagues in decisionmaking is the easiest thing leaders can do on a daily basis to improve relationships with their staff. Whatdo-you-think questions will start to establish rapport, involve participants, and instil a feeling of accountability. Team spirit is higher when decisions are made jointly. Trust, involvement, accountability, and drive are all a result of inclusivity. Your job will be less stressful and more pleasurable if you have good working connections. Therefore, set aside some time to build relationships at work. You will receive two times as much in return for your efforts to build positive relationships at work. Arrange a social event Having casual gettogether is a great approach to develop connections. We may relate to o n e oA good work relationship requires trust, respect, and self-awareness EACH team member must keep their professional goals, both at the individual and organisational levels, laserfocused. The entire team might suffer and be forced to make adjustments if there is even the tiniest conflict between two individuals. Because they are all humans, employees are sure to have varying viewpoints and be motivated to pursue their own objectives in addition to the company’s objectives. Consequently, it is crucial that workplace connections between various employees remain amicable and polite. This will enable teammates to collaborate effectively as a team. Which will ultimately result in a skilled workforce prepared to reap the rewards of corporate success. █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Never undermine with petty jealousy, prejudice or gossip. – ALL PIX BY 123RF Be able to offer and accept constructive criticism. Recognise and respect the efforts and ideas of others. Ways to strengthen team dynamics at work Your relationships with fellow team members are the most vital to accomplishing your tasks.
20 ENVIRONMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 Myanmar’s river cleaners MA YU launches her makeshift polystyrene boat into a Yangon creek for another day of trawling the filthy waters for plastic and tin cans with her team of “river cleaners”. Around 10 others join her in the dawn light, driven to work the foetid grey-brown murk of Pazundaung creek by the economic crisis that has gripped Myanmar since the 2021 military coup. They gather recyclable materials to sell to traders, their only source of income since losing their jobs after the putsch that upended the economy and sparked widespread unrest. “There was no job for me on the land and I’m responsible for my children and my husband’s healthcare,” the 36-year-old Ma Yu told AFP, her cheeks and forehead daubed with the sandalwood “thanakha” paste popularly used in Myanmar to ward off the blazing sun. “So I rented some polystyrene sheets and I went onto the creek with my neighbour. On the first day, we managed to collect some plastic and cans to sell. We were happy,” she said. Myanmar’s economy has been battered by the fallout of the coup, with more than a million people losing their jobs, according to the International Labour Organization. Ma Ngal, 41, came to the river after losing her job selling vegetables and fish at a Yangon stall, with her carpenter husband also unable to find regular work. “I didn’t tell my parents and family members that we are doing this work,” said Ma Ngal. “But they found out, and I had to explain to them that I’m doing this for my family.” Dead bodies On a good day, a picker can find trash worth 30,000 kyat (around RM43.50), but more often the take-home pay is around US$3 (RM13). “Before we started working there was lots of plastic, cans and bottles on the creek,” says Kyu Kyu Khine, 39, who used to collect trash from Yangon’s streets. The pickers try to time their working days with the tides – floating downstream in search of more trash when it ebbs and riding it back upstream at the end of a shift. But the tidal surges can be treacherous, says Ma Yu, who was knocked off her boat on one of her early forays onto the water. “Sometimes I think that if something happens to me, I’m all alone here and I can’t do anything,” she said. The waters also carry regular reminders of the breakdown of order in Yangon, where residents say crime is surging in the aftermath of the coup. The pickers regularly see dead Waste collectors paddling polystyrene boats as they look for plastic and glass to recycle in Pazundaung Creek in Yangon. – AFP Sea turtles battle extinction RISING sea temperatures are threatening sea turtle populations by warming their nesting sites on beaches across the world, a new study found last week. The climate change-fuelled phenomenon could cause local extinctions of the already threatened reptiles, which have long breeding cycles and are slower to adapt than many other species, such as birds or butterflies. Sea turtles dig holes and lay their eggs in the sand, which has become warmer in recent years thanks to rising sea temperatures caused by global warming. Warmer nest temperatures produce more female offspring, thus risking overwhelmingly female populations that will have trouble finding mating partners in the near future. Many nesting sites today are currently heavily female-biased, suggesting rising temperatures are already having an impact. High temperatures at nesting sites can also decrease hatchling production. Last week’s study looked at whether sea turtles could shift their breeding period to cooler parts of the year in order to bring nest temperatures down. In the first global study of its kind, researchers modelled how sea turtles could mitigate the impact of a global temperature rise of 1.5°C – the bestcase scenario outlined by the United Nations – at 58 nesting sites around the world. On current trends, the world is headed for an increase of 2.6°C above the preindustrial benchmark. They found that moving the breeding period mitigated about 55% of seawater warming, meaning that in about 45% of cases the nesting was at risk. ‘Band-aid’ fixes “These findings underscore concerns for the long-term survival of this iconic group,” said the report published in the Royal Society Open Science Journal. Lead author Jacques-Olivier Laloe told AFP the findings point to the Rising sea temperatures are threatening sea turtle populations by warming their nesting sites on beaches across the world. – GETTY oWarming oceans threaten sea turtle reproduction: study “really worrying” possibility that local extinctions could ensue. The work found that sea turtles breeding at higher latitudes did benefit when they moved their nesting period to a period with cooler weather. But this was harder for sea turtles living near the equator where temperatures are less likely to fluctuate seasonally, the report said. Scientists warn that global temperatures are likely to warm beyond 1.5°C, possibly by midcentury, which means the study’s findings are likely “optimistic results”, said Laloe of Australia’s Deakin University. “In reality, it’s likely that sea turtles have less adaptive potential to climate change,” he said. There are a few ways that humans can help to cool the nests, such as providing shade or watering the sand. But these are “temporary ‘band-aid’” fixes, according to the authors. “Solutions to address climate change, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, switching to renewable energies, and changing land-use patterns are required to reduce future climate change impacts,” the study said. The researchers said the modelling could apply to other reptiles whose breeding success is temperature-dependent and thus vulnerable to climate change, such as crocodiles and tortoises. The research looked at all seven sea turtle species, six of which are already on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. – ETX Studio bodies floating on the water, said Ma Yu. “It’s not an easy job but ... the important thing for me is that my children don’t starve,” she said. Her fellow picker Ma Ngal says there are some lighter moments. “Some people joke with us when they see us working. They say ‘here come the municipal team, they know how to clean up the river’.” – ETX Studio
theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 21 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FILLON TECHNOLOGIES (S.E.A.) SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 200401016684 (655187-D)) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 459 (2) of the Companies Act 2016, that the Final Meeting of the Members of the abovenamed Company will be held at Conference Room, Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, 11th Floor, South Block, No. 142-A, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur on March 20, 2023, at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes:- (1) To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Statement of Receipts and Payments showing the manner in which the winding up of the Company has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon. (2) To resolve, pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the books, accounts and records of the Company be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of filing of the Return by Liquidator relating to Final Meeting. KHOR YONG YONG Liquidator c/o MAZARS RISK MANAGEMENT SDN. BHD. Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, 11th Floor, South Block, No 142-A, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: +60 3 2161 5222 Dated : February 15, 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR GUAMAN SIBIL NO: WA-A72-157-12/2022 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN MEADOW PARK II (NO PENDAFTARAN: PTG/WP.20/ 1/334) ...PLAINTIF DAN CHAN CHOW MEI (NO K/P: 621015-08-5126) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI YANG AMAT ARIF HAKIM BESAR MALAYA, ATAS NAMA DAN BAGI PIAK SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG. Kepada: CHAN CHOW MEI (NO K/P: 621015-08-5126) No. 4-02-02, Block 4, Meadow Park 2, Jalan 1/130, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dalam GUAMAN SIBIL NO:WA- A72-157-12/2022 oleh PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN MEADOW PARK II (NO PENDAFTARAN: PTG/WP.20/1/334) yang beralamat di Ground Floor, Blok 4 Meadow Park, Jalan 1/130 Off Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur di mana tuntutan Plaintif adalah seperti di dalam Writ Saman. DAN BAHAWA Mahkamah Yang Mulia ini telah memerintahkan bahawa Writ Saman ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara Penyampaian Ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Perintah Penyampaian Ganti dan sesalinan Writ Saman di Papan Tanda Notis Penyampaian Ganti di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dan melalui pengiklanan dalam Surat Akhbar tempatan iaitu ‘The Sun Daily’ untuk satu hari (1) dan penampalanpenampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah dianggap dan/ atau diambil sebagai sempurna dan cukup terhadap Defendan selepas tamat tempoh Tujuh (7) hari daripada tarikh terakhir penampalanpenampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam masa Tujuh (7) hari daripada penampalanpenampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut, termasuk hari pengiraan itu, memasukkan Kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang sedemikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 20 Januari 2023. t.t. Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Ooi’s Chambers. peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di No. E-28-05, Menara Suezcap, KL Gateway, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 012-3148 012 Email: [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR GUAMAN SIBIL NO: WA-A72-160-12/2022 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN MEADOW PARK II (NO PENDAFTARAN: PTG/WP.20/1/334) ...PLAINTIF DAN RAMANATHAN A/L NAGAPIN (NO K/P: 700528-08-5573) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI YANG AMAT ARIF HAKIM BESAR MALAYA, ATAS NAMA DAN BAGI PIAK SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG. Kepada: RAMANATHAN A/L NAGAPIN (NO K/P: 700528-08-5573) No. 5-07-02, Block 5, Meadow Park 2, Jalan 1/130, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dalam GUAMAN SIBIL NO:WA- A72-160-12/2022 oleh PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN MEADOW PARK II (NO PENDAFTARAN: PTG/WP.20/1/334) yang beralamat di Ground Floor, Blok 4 Meadow Park, Jalan 1/130 Off Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur di mana tuntutan Plaintif adalah seperti di dalam Writ Saman. DAN BAHAWA Mahkamah Yang Mulia ini telah memerintahkan bahawa Writ Saman ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara Penyampaian Ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti dan sesalinan Writ Saman di papan notis di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dan melalui pengiklanan dalam Surat Akhbar tempatan iaitu ‘The Sun Daily’ untuk satu hari (1) dan penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah dianggap dan/atau diambil sebagai sempurna dan cukup terhadap Defendan selepas tamat tempoh Tujuh (7) hari daripada tarikh terakhir penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam masa Tujuh (7) hari daripada penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut, termasuk hari pengiraan itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang sedemikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 13 Februari 2023. t.t. …………………………………. Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Ooi’s Chambers. peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di No. E-28-05, Menara Suezcap, KL Gateway, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 012-3148 012 Email: [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR GUAMAN SIBIL NO: WA-A72-159-12/2022 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN MEADOW PARK II (NO PENDAFTARAN: PTG/WP.20/1/334) ...PLAINTIF DAN SOH SIEW GEOK (NO K/P: 720507-14-5600) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI YANG AMAT ARIF HAKIM BESAR MALAYA, ATAS NAMA DAN BAGI PIAK SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG. Kepada: SOH SIEW GEOK (NO K/P: 720507-14-5600) No. 4-03-09, Block 4, Meadow Park 2, Jalan 1/130, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dalam GUAMAN SIBIL NO:WA- A72-159-12/2022 oleh PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN MEADOW PARK II (NO PENDAFTARAN: PTG/WP.20/1/334) yang beralamat di Ground Floor, Blok 4 Meadow Park, Jalan 1/130 Off Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur di mana tuntutan Plaintif adalah seperti di dalam Writ Saman. DAN BAHAWA Mahkamah Yang Mulia ini telah memerintahkan bahawa Writ Saman ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara Penyampaian Ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Perintah Untuk Penyampaian Ganti dan sesalinan Writ Saman di papan notis di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dan melalui pengiklanan dalam Surat Akhbar tempatan iaitu ‘The Sun Daily’ untuk satu hari (1) dan penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah dianggap dan/atau diambil sebagai sempurna dan cukup terhadap Defendan selepas tamat tempoh Tujuh (7) hari daripada tarikh terakhir penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam masa Tujuh (7) hari daripada penampalan-penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut, termasuk hari pengiraan itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang sedemikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 13 Februari 2023. t.t. ……………………… Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Ooi’s Chambers. peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di No. E-28-05, Menara Suezcap, KL Gateway, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 012-3148 012 Email: [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA PETISYEN PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO: JA – 28NCC – 21 – 02 / 2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 464 dan 465 Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai LANPRO TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD.(No. Syarikat: 199501042983/372188-D) Antara TETUAN TAY L.E. & CO Peguambela & Peguamcara (Mendakwa sebagai sebuah firma) …PEMPETISYEN DAN LANPRO TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (No. Syarikat: 199501042983/372188-D) …RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Petisyen Penggulungan terhadap Syarikat tersebut di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi ini telah pada 6 Februari, 2023 dikemukakan kepada Mahkamah Tinggi ini oleh TETUAN TAY L.E. & CO Peguambela & Peguamcara (Mendakwa sebagai sebuah firma) dan bahawa Petisyen ini telah diperintahkan untuk di dengar di hadapan Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Johor Bahru pada 3 April, 2023 dan sebarang Pemiutang atau Penyokong Syarikat tersebut yang berhasrat untuk menyokong atau membantah satu Perintah Penggulungan dikeluarkan di atas Petisyen, boleh menghadirkan diri pada masa pendengaran samada secara sendiri atau melalui Peguam untuk tujuan tersebut dan sesalinan Petisyen akan dibekalkan kepada Pemiutang atau Penyokong syarikat tersebut yang menghendakinya oleh mereka yang menandatangani di bawah setelah membayar caj teratur untuk sedemikian Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Peguamcara Pempetisyen adalah Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara, No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor. …………………………. Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguamcara Pempetisyen Nota:- Sesiapa yang mempunyai niat untuk menghadiri pada pendengaran Petisyen mesti menyerah atau mengeposkan kepada Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., yang bernama di atas satu notis bertulis akan niatnya untuk berbuat demikian. Notis tersebut mesti mencatit nama dan alamat orang tersebut, atau sekiranya ia adalah satu firma, nama dan alamat firma tersebut atau peguamcaranya (sekiranya ada) dan mesti diserahkan atau sekiranya diposkan dalam jangkamasa yang munasabah supaya ia sampai kepada yang dinamakan di atas tidak lewat pukul 11:00 pagi pada 2 April, 2023. Iklan Petisyen ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara, No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor. Tel : 07 - 331 4455 Fax : 07 - 332 4455 (Ruj : TLE/2349/LTSB/W-UP/ L/22/#hd4/M) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR (BAHAGIAN DAGANG) NO. PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT.: WA-28NCC-94-01/2023 Dalam perkara Addekoh Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat: 911964-H) Dan Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1)(h) Akta Syarikat 2016 Dan Dalam perkara Kaedah-kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA LEE LENG CHAN (NO. K/P.: 570219-01-6715) … PEMPETISYEN DAN 1. ADDEKOH SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 911964-H) 2. KOH SIONG CHOON (NO. K/P.: 600701-01-5299) 3. WONG SOH LING (NO. K/P.: 680817-10-6654) …RESPONDEN-RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 31 Januari 2023 dikemukakan oleh LEE LENG CHAN. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya didengarkan di hadapan Mahkamah Tinggi yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada pukul 9.30 pagi pada 5 September 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 peguamcaranya 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 No. 60, Persiaran Puteri, Tiara Puteri, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang beralamat di A3- 3-6, Block A3, Solaris Dutamas, No.1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Chong + Kheng Hoe …………………..………… Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe Peguamcara Pempetisyen NOTA - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos kepada Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe 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 jangka masa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 tengah hari pada 4 September 2023 (sehari sebelum tarikh yang ditetapkan untuk perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut). IKLAN PETISYEN ini diisukan oleh Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe, peguamcara Pempetisyen yang dinamakan di atas yang beralamat di A3-3-6, Solaris Dutamas, No.1 Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 03-6205 3928 E-mel: [email protected] Rujukan: 22081617] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP PETITION) NO.: WA-28NCC-958-12/2022 In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) read with Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of the Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972; And In the matter of Ace Private Equity Sdn. Bhd. (Company No.: 891019-H) BETWEEN BAYU AKSARA TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO.: 1360283-H) …PETITIONER AND ACE PRIVATE EQUITY SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO.: 891019-H) …RESPONDENT NOTIS IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS dengan ini adalah diberi bahawa satu Petisyen untuk menggulungkan Syarikat tersebut di Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur telah pada 5.12.2022 diperserahkan di Mahkamah oleh Bayu Aksara Technology Sdn. Bhd. DAN Petisyen tersebut diarahkan untuk didengar oleh Mahkamah yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada 18.07.2023 pukul 9:30 pagi dan manamana Pemiutang atau Pencarum Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau membantah Perintah di dalam Petisyen itu boleh hadir pada waktu perbicaraan dengan sendirinya atau melalui peguamnya bagi tujuan tersebut dan sesalinan Petisyen akan diberikan pada mana-mana Pemiutang ataupun Pencarum Syarikat tersebut yang mengkehendakinya oleh penandatangan di bawah dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan untuknya. Alamat Pempetisyen ialah di D-31-1, Menara Suezcap 1, Gerbang Kerinchi Lestari, No. 2, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Roshan beralamat di Suite 7-01, Blok B, Tingkat 7, Kelana Square, 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. TETUAN ROSHAN NOTA – Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada hari Pendengaran Petisyen mestilah menyerahkan pada ataupun melalui Pos kepada Tetuan Roshan secara bertulis niatnya untuk berbuat begitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat orang tersebut atau jika ianya sebuah firma, nyatakan nama dan alamat firma itu dan mesti ditandatangani oleh orang tersebut atau firma tersebut atau peguamcaranya atau peguamcara mereka (jika ada) dan mestilah diserahkan ataupun jika diposkan mengikut tempoh supaya sampai kepada penama di atas tidak lewat dari pukul 12:00 tengahari pada 17.07.2023 (sebelum hari yang ditetapkan bagi pendengaran Petisyen tersebut). [RS.CIVL.5.11.22.BAYUAKSARA] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PANDUAN SEJATI SDN. BHD. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) [Registration No. 199401000603 (286281-V)] NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 that a Final Meeting of Members of the Company will be held at 184A, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang on the 16th day of March, 2023 at 11.00a.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 resolve that under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the Liquidator be destroyed three (3) months after the Company has been dissolved. Dated this 15th day of February, 2023 TANG YIN KHAM Liquidator IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1965 AND IN THE MATTER OF JIN HENG (JH) SDN BHD [202001032474 (1388794- H)] (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE OF THE FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Final General Meeting of the members of the company will be held at the office of the liquidator, No. 3A, Jalan Kencana 20/1, Taman Kencana, 56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur on 15th March 2023 at 11.00 a.m. for the purpose of receiving the accounts and report of the Liquidator in relation to the winding up of the company. Lee Shih Mei Liquidator Kuala Lumpur Dated this 15th February 2023 Proxies A member of the company entitled to attend and vote at the above meeting may appoint a proxy or proxies to attend and vote on his behalf and such proxy need not be members of the company. The instrument appointing a proxy or proxies must be deposited at the registered office at least 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting. 322 Notices 322 Notices PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SUNGAI PETANI PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: KB-38-767-11/2022 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 3567/2021 ( bertarikh 17/02/2021) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah GRN 48688, 8105, Mukim Mukim Padang China, Daerah Kulim, Kedah Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA Public Bank Berhad (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) .. PLAINTIF DAN Yong Kwai Weng (No. Kad Pengenalan : 711230065223) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di SUNGAI PETANI mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 15 Mac 2022 dan 22 Disember 2022, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Khamis, 23 Februari 2023, Pada Jam 9:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan agar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanggungan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum juaIan lelongan dijaIankan. Sila layari https://eIeIong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : GRN 48688 No. Lot : 8105 Mukim/Daerah/Negeri : Mukim Padang China / Kulim / Kedah Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/No. : Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 6135.000000 kaki persegi : 570.000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Yong Kwai Weng Syarat Nyata : Rumah Sesebuah Tanah yang terkandung dalam hakmilik ini hendaklah digunakan sebagai tapak satu bangunan kediaman sahaja Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah “A double-storey individual design detached house” yang beralamat pos di No. 1240, Jalan Kulim Height 2/1, Kulim Golf & Country Resort, Kulim Hi-Tech Park, 09090 Kulim, Kedah. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 800,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: LAPAN RATUS RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : WONG-CHOOI & MOHD NOR Alamat : NO. 27, 1ST FLOOR JALAN MAJU JAYA PUSAT PERNIAGAAN MAJU JAYA, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG No. Telefon : 04-5398855 No. Fax : 04-5395855 No. Rujukan : WCMN(BM)/PBB-HL/2021-241/YKW(RS/j) IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF LADANG PARSHA SDN. BHD. REGISTRATION NO : 198301011837 (107231-T) NOTICE is hereby given by Ladang Parsha Sdn. Bhd. (“the Company”) pursuant to Section 117 (10) of the Companies Act, 2016 in respect of the following:- PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION AND REPAYMENT - SPECIAL RESOLUTION (a) The Company has on 10 February 2023 passed a Special Resolution approving the proposed reduction and repayment of its paid up share capital from RM3,000,000.00 comprising of 3,000,000 ordinary shares to RM2,400,000.00 comprising of 2,400,000 ordinary shares; (b) The aforesaid proposed reduction and repayment in the paid up share capital of the Company is effected by returning to the holders of the 3,000,000 ordinary shares that have been issued and paid up to the extent of RM0.20 per share, such capital being in excess of the needs of the Company AND the said capital repayment shall be funded by the Company surplus cash reserves; (c) The Solvency Statement made pursuant to Section 117(3) of the Act by all the Directors of the Company in relation to the reduction and repayment of the share capital shall be available at the Company’s Registered Office at O-26-A1 Gurney Tower Office, 18 Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, for inspection during business hours, by any creditor of the Company for a period of six weeks from the date of the Special Resolution; and (d) THAT pursuant to Section 118 (2) of the Act, any creditor of the Company may apply to the Court for the Special Resolution to be cancelled within six weeks from the date of the Special Resolution. Dated this 15th day of February 2023 Ewe Thuan Ho Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PERSISTENT CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201201002327 (975852-V)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the abovenamed Company duly convened and held on 7th February 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.” LAU HEE SANG Chairman Dated this 15th February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PERSISTENT CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201201002327 (975852-V)) (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 20th March 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. Tel: +60 3 2161 5222 Dated this 15th February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TEO SWEE KIAN SDN. BHD. Registration No.: 197901001954 (46231-D) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of TEO SWEE KIAN SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at No. 25, Jalan Kancil, Off Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur on February 8, 2023 the following Special Resolutions were duly passed :- 1) THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016 AND THAT Teo Mua Seng [NRIC No.: 551225-10-5841] be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator of the Company for the purposes of such winding up. 2) THAT the Liquidator will have all the powers set out in Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016. 3) THAT the Liquidator be hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as he will think fit to the contributories of the Company in accordance with its rights and interests therein. 4) THAT the Liquidator be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred in or sustained by him in the execution and discharges of his duty as Liquidator and in relation thereto. Dated this February 15, 2023. Teo Chai Sing Teo Mua Seng Teo Keng Seng Teo Ah Seng Teo Eng Seng Directors NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the abovenamed Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 14th day of March, 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, addresses of their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at No. 25, Jalan Kancil, Off Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are, by their Solicitors or personally, to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Teo Mua Seng Liquidator Dated this February 15, 2023 PROPERTY WORLD E(3) 0631 please be informed that our business operation had been ceased effectively 31st January 2023. 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DELIMA KEKAL SDN BHD (199401003378 (289056-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of DELIMA KEKAL SDN. BHD. (199401003378 (289056-M)) on 9 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Mohd Fauzi Bin Talib Director Dated this 15th day of February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF DELIMA KEKAL SDN BHD (199401003378 (289056-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, to send in their names and addresses on or before 15 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator DELIMA KEKAL SDN BHD (199401003378 (289056-M)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 15th day of February 2023 322 Notices
22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 SPORTS IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GELIGA KEKAL SDN BHD (199401041296 (326983-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of GELIGA KEKAL SDN. BHD. (199401041296 (326983-X)) on 9 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Azman Hanafi Bin Abdullah Director Dated this 15th day of February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GELIGA KEKAL SDN BHD (199401041296 (326983-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, to send in their names and addresses on or before 15 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator GELIGA KEKAL SDN BHD (199401041296 (326983-X)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 15th day of February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PCV MALAYSIA SDN BHD (199701022582 (438079-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of PCV MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. (199701022582 (438079-H)) on 9 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhammad Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 15th day of February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PCV MALAYSIA SDN BHD (199701022582 (438079-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 15 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator PCV MALAYSIA SDN BHD (199701022582 (438079-H)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 15th day of February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF RENTAK JITU PROJECT MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (199701009739 (425235-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of RENTAK JITU PROJECT MANAGEMENT SDN. BHD. (199701009739 (425235- H)) on 9 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Syed Mahfiz Bin Syed Ismail Director Dated this 15 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF RENTAK JITU PROJECT MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (199701009739 (425235-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 15 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator RENTAK JITU PROJECT MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (199701009739 (425235-H)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 15 February 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices A SURPRISE hire by Club Brugge in December, former England midfielder Scott Parker is preparing to coach in the Champions League for the first time as the Belgian side take on Benfica in the last 16. Parker, 42, had been out of work since being sacked by Bournemouth in August following a 9-0 defeat to Liverpool and his criticism of the Premier League club’s approach in the transfer market. “Stepping in as head coach halfway through the season m e a n s you want to see what you want to change quickly,” Parker said at his unveiling. “There is no doubt we can be successful with this team. It’s now up to me to stimulate this and keep going.” Despite qualifying from the Champions League group stage for the first time, the Belgian champions have struggled domestically this season and sit a distant fourth – 20 points behind leaders Genk. Brugge have won just once in seven games under Parker, who spent the entirety of his playing career in England before retiring in 2017 and promptly turning to coaching. After a season with Tottenham’s U-18s, he rejoined Fulham to serve as an assistant to former boss Slavisa Jokanovic and then Claudio Ranieri after the Serb was dismissed. Parker was thrust into a caretaker role once Ranieri was axed and Fulham were relegated from the top flight at the end of the 2018-19 season. Given the job fulltime, Parker brought the Cottagers back to the Premier League right away before the club suffered relegation once more. While Brugge upset the odds to make it through from a section including Atletico Madrid, Porto and Bayer Leverkusen, there is no question Benfica will be favoured to reach the quarterfinals. Parker is the first Englishman to manage a foreign club in the Champions League since Bobby Robson with PSV Eindhoven in 1998. He is still searching for the right combination at a club that is used to competing for the top prizes in Belgium and which finished runners-up in the European Cup in 1978. “We are still far away from the level we want to reach,” Parker said after his first and only win so far, a 2-1 victory at Zulte Waregem two weeks ago. In Parker, Brugge have landed upon a coach who aligns himself closely with the club’s “no sweat no glory” motto. “It’s the kind of mentality that suits me to a tee. One million per cent,” says Parker. “I wanted to get the utmost out of my career as a player, and it’s the kind of mentality that stuck to me.” Whether that is enough to restore Brugge to the summit in Belgium and prolong their improbable European run, only time will tell. – AFP Serena weighs up retirement U-turn SERENA WILLIAMS has given an honest view on her retirement and says there is “no excuse” for her not to be playing tennis at the highest level. The 23-time Grand Slam winner showed she can still compete with the world’s best at last year’s US Open and is still weighing up a U-turn on her retirement decision. Williams told E!: “I did play the other day, and it’s just like, ‘There’s no way I shouldn’t be playing professional tennis’. “Like, there’s literally no excuse. But I mean, I guess there is an excuse, right? It’s hard because when I’m playing I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m pretty good at this. I can continue to do this,‘ which not a lot of people can say.” After spending two decades competing at the highest level the American star is enjoying spending more time away from the court with her family, causing her a mental dilemma over whether to make a competitive return. She added: “I for sure feel more at peace now. It’s interesting. I think I feel torn because I’m still able to play at a very, very, very high level. With that being said, I always wanted to leave the game playing at a very high level. “I also wanted to walk away when I’m healthy and have a quality of life. But I’m inch by inch leaning away, inch by inch embracing it. “I was playing earlier when I first retired because it was hard to do it cold turkey. “But lately, I haven’t played so much. And I miss it. I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness. I gotta get out there’. But it’s hard for me to get out there.” – Express Newspapers LANDO NORRIS has admitted he would happily break FIA rules over driver protests as he called for a change of mind over the controversial rule change. The McLaren star blasted FIA bosses for “limiting” drivers and claimed F1’s stars were “grown up enough” to make their own calls. It comes after FIA chiefs have banned drivers from making personal political gestures ahead of races in a bid to keep the sport “neutral”. FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem has previously suggested drivers could be punished if they failed to abide by the rules. However, the plans have been met by opposition from many including Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. Norris said: “I don’t know what the penalty is but if it is a fine or something I will be happy to break it. “I feel like there has been quite a bit of pressure and enough said to maybe make a u-turn but I think F1 has made things clear of what they think is acceptable and what we should be able to do as drivers - that is what I stand by. “We are not in a school. We should not have to ask about everything and say can we do this, can we do that? I think we are grown up enough to try and make smart decisions.” Norris stressed drivers would no longer enjoy their media duties if the new rule went ahead. “I don’t think F1 or the rules should go in the direction of limiting what we do and say and influence as drivers. “We are only wanting to do things for the best, we are not going to want to use it in any bad way. “We are doing it because we have millions of fans, millions of viewers that we can influence and guide and use to help them personally. “We should be able to say and do what we want, that’s what defines us, that’s what makes us human.” – Express Newspapers We’re not in school: Norris Kiwis limp into ‘Bazball’ Test A DEPLETED New Zealand under new captain Tim Southee face the daunting prospect of trying to halt in-form England when a two-Test series begins with a day-night encounter in Mount Maunganui tomorrow. England have won nine of 10 Tests since New Zealander Brendon McCullum took charge as head coach, with the Black Caps the first to suffer under his attacking “Bazball” revolution last year. England will be favourites to inflict similar treatment on Southee’s side in the fast bowler’s maiden home series as skipper. Preparations for both sides have been disrupted by a cyclone which hit New Zealand and triggered a state of emergency on Tuesday, but the Test is expected to go ahead. Southee will have to lead an inexperienced attack without pace bowling partner Kyle Jamieson, ruled out with a stress fracture of the back and seamer Matt Henry, who is expecting the birth of his first child. Instead, the uncapped duo of Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn have been drafted into the squad ahead of the series-opener at the Bay Oval. “It does look like a bad bit of news,” coach Gary Stead said of Jamieson’s injury. “We’ve tried to be reasonably conservative with Kyle right through his rehab process, to make sure we gave him the best chance of coming back. “He was tracking beautifully and it came as a real surprise to us.” Alonso unhappy with limited testing time FERNANDO ALONSO has voiced his displeasure at the lack of testing time available to drivers ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. The two-time world champion was speaking at the launch of Aston Martinn’s 2023 car at Silverstone yesterday, with teammate Lance Stroll also present. Alonso, who joins Aston from Alpine following Sebastian Vettel’s retirement, does not have long to acclimatise to his new team, with next week’s three day testing window meaning the 41-year-old will have just one day-and-a-half to trial the new car. The first race of the 2023 season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, takes place a week later. “It is a little bit unfair,” he said. “This is the only sport in the world where you do one-and-a-half days practice and then you’re into a World Championship.” While Alonso insisted he was keeping his “feet on the ground” this season, he did not rule out that his ultimate goal in his final years in the sport were to claim a third World Championship. “I do believe there is a possibility (of another Championship),” he said. SHORTS Parker seeks Club Brugge b Brugge lift-off in Champions League Scott Parker Norris ‘No sweat, no glory’ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME
23 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 15, 2023 PREMIER LEAGUE title rivals Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta “spoke the same language” when they worked together at Manchester City, according to former club captain Vincent Kompany. Guardiola and Arteta will go head to head tomorrow (3.30am Malaysian time) when defending champions City head to the Emirates Stadium with a chance to move above Arsenal at the top on goal difference, albeit having played a game more. Guardiola won both matches against his former assistant last season, 5-0 in Manchester and 2-1 in north London, but Arsenal are a d i f f e r e n t p r o p o s i t i o n this term as t h e y s e e k their first Premier League title since 2004. Much of their improvement is down to Arteta, who began his coaching career as Guardiola’s City assistant in 2016 before becoming Arsenal boss in 2019. Arteta needed patience from the Arsenal board during some teething problems early in his reign, but the success he is now enjoying has come as no surprise to Kompany, who spent three seasons working with him at City towards the end of his playing career. “Like any good coaching staff is supposed to work he was definitely an extension of Pep, probably the one in the coaching staff that was closer to the players, and understanding fully what Pep wanted as a manager,” Kompany said. “You could see Mikel was in that transition moment from being a player to being a coach. He was hungry, he was very active, full of energy, and obviously he was in a good environment to develop and grow his own ideas. “I’m not surprised he’s been doing well with Arsenal and definitely he’s going to continue doing well, there’s no doubt about that. “He’s got the energy and especially the resilience to deal with setbacks and keep going, draw his own conclusions and improve. That’s why I think he’s doing so well w i t h Arsenal.” Kompany is now enjoying success of his own as a manager, with his Burnley side seven points clear at the top of the Championship – and 17 points clear in the automatic promotion spots – after a 3-0 victory over Preston at the weekend made it 10 league wins in a row. While he has been asked many times how Guardiola had influenced him as a coach, asked if he had learned anything from Arteta, Kompany said: “When I go into a coaching room, I might be the one transferring the ideas to the players but I might have got the idea from three or four of the staff members. “It might have come from Craig Bellamy or could have come from Mike Jackson, so they have a response as a staff that is very co-ordinated. “To say everything comes from Pep or everything comes from Mikel is difficult to say because they work as a team, but they spoke the same language for sure, so you learn from the coaching group in general.” – The Independent UEFA bears “primary responsibility for failures” which almost led to May’s chaotic Champions League final becoming a “mass fatality catastrophe”, according to an independent report into the scenes. Serious congestion problems outside the Stade de France in Paris saw thousands of Liverpool fans penned in against perimeter fences and stuck in a motorway underpass ahead of the game against Real Madrid. Those same supporters, who had already been targeted by local youths trying to steal tickets, were then tear-gassed by police trying to alleviate further problems after a decision was made to close turnstile gates but that only compounded the issue. UEFA commissioned a team led by Portuguese Dr Tiago Brandao Rodrigues to look into events and, after publication was delayed from the end of November, the report has now been published yesterday but only after being leaked earlier in the day. It made damning reading for European football’s governing body and the French authorities – while completely exonerating the behaviour of Liverpool fans for whom UEFA’s blame for arriving late and delaying kickoff was “manifestly inaccurate” and French officials claimed had thousands of forged tickets. “The panel has concluded that UEFA, as event owner, bears primary responsibility for failures which almost led to disaster,” the report said. “It is remarkable that no one lost their life. All the stakeholders interviewed by the panel have agreed that this situation was a near-miss: a term used when an event almost turns into a mass fatality catastrophe.” Liverpool had criticised the leaking of the report, on the evening of their 242nd Merseyside derby at home to Everton yesterday, as they believe the thousands of supporters affected by incidents on the night deserved the right to view the findings in an official capacity. The report suggested UEFA marginalised its own safety and security unit ahead of the event, which was switched to Paris late on after Russia invaded Ukraine and was stripped of hosting the final in St Petersburg. The French authorities have been criticised for a lack of foresight over what was required on the night. Meanwhile, UEFA confirmed it will announce a special refund scheme for fans after welcoming the findings of the review. – The Independent Sociedad close in on Madrid REAL SOCIEDAD cut the gap on second-place Real Madrid to three points with a 3-2 win at Espanyol in La Liga yesterday. Takefusa Kubo and Alexander Sorloth’s goals gave Real Sociedad a commanding lead at the RCDE Stadium as Imanol Alguacil’s side bounced back from three games without a win across all competitions. Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera headed a Kubo cross into his own net to further sink his side, before Sergi Darder netted a consolation goal from close range. Brian Olivan smashed in another for Espanyol with three minutes remaining, setting up a tense finale, before Cabrera was sent off in stoppage time. Inter fall further behind Napoli INTER MILAN allowed Napoli to pull 15 points clear at the top of Serie A after being held to a goalless draw at struggling Sampdoria yesterday. Simone Inzaghi’s side already had little hope of recapturing the league title conceded to local rivals AC Milan last season and the yawning gap between them and Napoli widened following an underwhelming display in Genoa. Napoli cruised past Cremonese 3-0 on Sunday and look with each passing week more likely to claim a first league crown since 1990. Second-placed Inter are three points ahead of Atalanta, Roma and Milan in the race for next season’s Champions League. When asked if the title was beyond his team, Inzaghi said “I keep saying we can only look at ourselves. We’re not satisfied with the result, in fact we’re very disappointed as we should be.” Qatar to bid for United ‘in its entirety’ QATAR will make a formal bid to buy Manchester United this week as the club’s takeover race enters a crucial period. US merchant bank Raine group has set a loose deadline of Friday, Feb 17, for interested parties to submit offers via email. According to the Telegraph, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will launch a bid to purchase United from the Glazer family by Friday’s deadline. The Florida-based owners have put United on the market for around £5b (RM26.5b) and are open to a full-scale sale or minority investment. There has been uncertainty over whether Qatari investors would be allowed to invest in United, given Qatar Sports Investments own Paris Saint-Germain. However, reports claim UEFA will give the gulf state the green light to complete the takeover, despite the potential conflict of interest in the Champions League. Leeds still in limbo LEEDS will not be appointing Alfred Schreuder as their new manager. Former Ajax boss Schreuder emerged as favourite to replace Jesse Marsch after watching Leeds’ 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Elland Road on Monday. But the 50-year-old Dutchman is no longer a candidate for the role and the Premier League club, who have met with several setbacks in their manager hunt, are now continuing their search. The Whites had hoped to appoint Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola last week, but the Spanish club blocked the move while Carlos Corberan and Arne Slot, ruled themselves out of the running. It is understood Leeds will meet with U-21s boss Michael Skubala and development coach Paco Gallardo on Monday to discuss extending their caretaker roles. /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Cut from the same cloth Kompany reveals Arteta, Guardiola comparison from time at Man City ‘UEFA to blame for Champions League final chaos’ █ IAN PARKER █ CARL MARKHAM RESULTS & STANDINGS ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Liverpool 2 (Salah 36, Gakpo 49) Everton 0. P W D L F A PTS Arsenal 21 16 3 2 46 18 51 Man City 22 15 3 4 56 22 48 Man Utd 23 14 4 5 38 28 46 Newcastle 22 10 11 1 35 13 41 Tottenham 23 12 3 8 42 35 39 Brighton 21 10 5 6 39 28 35 Fulham 23 10 5 8 34 30 35 Brentford 22 8 10 4 36 29 34 Liverpool 21 9 5 7 36 28 32 Chelsea 22 8 7 7 23 22 31 Aston Villa 22 8 4 10 26 34 28 Crystal Palace 22 6 7 9 20 30 25 Leicester 22 7 3 12 36 38 24 Nottm Forest 22 6 6 10 17 37 24 Wolves 22 6 5 11 17 31 23 West Ham 22 5 5 12 19 27 20 Leeds 22 4 7 11 28 38 19 Everton 22 4 6 12 16 30 18 Bournemouth 22 4 6 12 20 44 18 Southampton 22 4 3 15 18 40 15 LA LIGA: Espanyol 2 (Darder 74, Olivan 87) Real Sociedad 3 (Kubo 23, Sorloth 51, Cabrera 63-og). TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Barcelona 21 18 2 1 43 7 56 Real Madrid 20 14 3 3 40 17 45 Sociedad 21 13 3 5 31 21 42 Atletico 21 11 5 5 30 17 38 Real Betis 21 10 4 7 27 22 34 SERIE A: Hellas Verona 1 (Ngonge 32) Salernitana 0, Sampdoria 0 Inter Milan 0. TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Napoli 22 19 2 1 54 15 59 Inter Milan 22 14 2 6 41 26 44 Atalanta 22 12 5 5 41 24 41 Roma 22 12 5 5 29 19 41 AC Milan 22 12 5 5 38 30 41 SIDENETTING Pickford had ‘no idea what he was doing: Neville GARY NEVILLE pointed the finger at Jordan Pickford after the Everton goalkeeper was beaten by Mohamed Salah for Liverpool’s first-half opener in the Merseyside derby yesterday. The goal came just moments after James Tarkowski had gone within inches of scoring for the visitors at Anfield with a thumping header that struck the post and rebounded back into play. Liverpool wasted no time in racing down the other end of the pitch with a devastating counter-attack which saw the ball land at the feet of Salah, who fired home from the edge of the area to give the Reds the advantage before the break. Pickford appeared to be caught in two minds as he raced off his line and was unable to prevent Salah from scoring, with his decision to close down his opponent doing little to help apart from giving the Egyptian forward a near-open goal to aim at. Neville was quizzed on the incident at half-time and did not mince his words in blaming Pickford when asked if the Everton goalkeeper’s positioning was “interesting”, with the former Manchester United defender telling Sky Sports: “It’s not interesting, it’s just bad. I’ve no idea what he’s doing. “It’s almost as if he doesn’t think the ball is going to end up at Salah’s feet, and that it’s going to end up at the back post. He makes a real mess of it. It’s an open goal, he makes it really easy for Mo Salah.” It was a comical blunder from Pickford, who is already an unpopular figure at Anfield after injuring Virgil van Dijk for several months with a reckless challenge at Goodison Park two seasons ago. Jamie Carragher was also quick to question Pickford’s decision-making ability in his role as a co-commentator on Sky Sports after the goal went in, saying: “You have to question the goalkeeper. Where is he going? He’s in no-man’s land!” – Express Newspapers Guardiola (left) and Arteta.
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] J URGEN KLOPP admitted his relief after Liverpool finally won their first Premier League game of 2023 with a 2-0 derby victory over Everton yesterday. Mohamed Salah scored in the competition for the first time since Boxing Day and January signing Cody Gakpo notched his first goal for the club in the Anfield triumph. Liverpool’s success ended a run of four League games without a win and lifted them to ninth in the table while struggling Everton remained in the bottom three. Asked how he felt after the game, Liverpool manager Klopp said: “Relieved – that’s it, that’s the main feeling since the final whistle. “I’m happy with the performance. It was necessary that we played the game we wanted to play and not the game Everton wanted to play. “You cannot avoid it all the time but they didn’t have an extremely high number of set-pieces. “With the all aggression you have to show, you have to make sure you don’t overdo it because each set-piece is a massive threat and something they want to have. “I thought we did that really well. On top of that we were super-dominant, switched the sides, kept the ball and kept them running. “Both goals came from counter-attacks – that is allowed as well – and I loved both goals. “For both goals we had three options in the box. A lot of things were different tonight so it was our best game for a while. “We needed this game, we needed this performance. Our people absolutely deserved it. “I loved the atmosphere – even before we scored. It is an insane atmosphere people create here. “I saw a lot of really good performances tonight. Cody was really strong, I thought Darwin (Nunez)… the threat in behind and Mo (Salah) played completely different level,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “His level is physically really strong. Hendo (Jordon Henderson) was a one-man pressing machine and football-wise (we) worked really well together. Our standards showed up tonight.” Teenage sensation Stefan Bajcetic, who has now started the last three Premier League matches despite only turning 18 earlier this season, was awarded special praise by Klopp after he was given man of the match by former Reds defender Jamie Carragher. And Klopp said: “We are really happy with him, a top boy, really smart and calm. He played in a new position, at No. 8, and I asked him afterwards if he liked it and he said yes. It is a nice story.” Everton manager Sean Dyche felt his side started strongly but did not recover after being caught out for Salah’s 36th-minute opener, which came seconds after James Tarkowski hit the post at the other end. “I think they had the upper hand in the early stages without opening too much up,” Dyche said. “Our shape was good but then it changed in 15 or 16 seconds. We hit the post and didn’t react as quick. “We know Liverpool are good in the transition phase and we conceded a goal without needing to. “At half-time we said we had to use the ball better but then if you give away another goal so quickly it is very difficult, especially here. “We kept plugging away but there were too many sloppy passes and too many turnovers.” Dyche insisted that, as he had not got too excited after victory over Arsenal in his first game in charge, he was not downbeat about derby defeat in his second. He said: “The players have taken a lot on board so I am not going to be too critical. They have been working very hard, very diligently. “I know the importance of this game to Evertonians but, on paper, you’d take three points from these first two games. That’s a start point. “I don’t remember being too high after we beat the leaders. I was quite balanced about it and I’m quite balanced tonight.” – The Independent/ Express Newspapers You could see Mikel (Arteta) was in that transition moment from being a player to being a coach. He was hungry, he was very active, full of energy, and obviously he was in a good environment to develop and grow his own ideas. I’m not surprised he’s been doing well with Arsenal…” Former Man City captain Vincent Kompany QUOTE OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 15, 2023 Midfield told to step up as stuttering Blues take on Dortmund CHELSEA’S midfield must compensate for the lack of a recognised striker if Graham Potter is to stand a chance of turning the club’s fortunes around, according to Glenn Hoddle. Potter takes his side to face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie tomorrow (4am Malaysian time) on the back of a three-game winless Premier League run that has brought just a single goal. Saturday’s draw against West Ham at the London Stadium left the Blues lagging 10 points behind in the race to finish in the top four, with little uplift in performances or results since owner Todd Boehly completed his whirlwind £315 million (RM1.67b) January transfer spend. Kai Havertz continued in his role as a makeshift striker after the club failed to recruit an established goalscorer during January. The club is in desperate need of a positive result in Germany as supporters look for signs that the owners’ faith in Potter is justified, with a long run in Europe a possible tonic to domestic performances that, though showing flashes of promise, have failed to convince. “He’s under pressure at the moment,” former Chelsea player-manager Hoddle told the PA news agency. “But I think he’s got a set of owners that want him to survive, want him to get through this sticky time. “The Champions League, if they get through Dortmund, could be the tipping point for him going on a really good run, for getting the confidence in the squad. “If it goes well for Graham in Germany then it could be the foundation. It could be a stepping stone for him to get things really going. “The problem is they don’t look like a functioning team at the moment. They missed out on a striker, which was surprising. “The key to their success will be the likes of Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Kai Havertz all chipping in scoring. “They haven’t got a 20-plus goalscorer, so everyone’s got to come to the table to get Chelsea over the line in games.” Potter currently has 34 first-team players at his disposal following January’s recruitment and the extent of his options was illustrated by when he was forced to cut Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – the club’s only proven goalscorer at this level – from his Champions League selection. With a bloated squad beefed up by eight new faces during the transfer window, the manager is under pressure to figure out his best XI quickly, with the topfour seeming increasingly out of reach and success in Europe offering a possible back door into next season’s competition. Hoddle thinks Potter is equipped to take his side deep into the tournament but warned that the manager’s toughest job may yet come in maintaining harmony, not on the Stamford Bridge terraces, but within his own ranks. “Your team spirit is only as good as the players that are off the pitch,” said Hoddle. “Particularly if you’ve got personalities that just won’t look at the bigger picture. “You can only play 11. If you’ve got a few people who aren’t going to play ball, that is disruptive. “There’s no manager on earth that would be able to keep them all happy. You’ve got to understand that, but so have the owners. Thirty-four into 11 just doesn’t happen. “It’s going to be the toughest part of his management. You could get (Sir Alex) Ferguson, (Jose) Mourinho and (Bill) Nicholson at their best all rolled into one, they still wouldn’t be able to manage that properly. “But the owners see him as a longer project. They’re desperate for him to do well, desperate for him to turn this corner and start planning. “A new manager coming in tomorrow, I’m not sure they could say they’ll win the Champions League with a new manager, or we’ll get in the top four with a new manager. “There are reasons why they’re where they are and they’ll want to give Graham that time to turn things around.” – The Independent █ ROBERT O’CONNOR ‘We needed this!’ Klopp relieved after Reds secure first Premier League game of 2023 █ ANDY HAMPSON Picture: Getty UEFA Champions League 2022-23 LAST 16, 1ST LEG – FEB 16 CL form W D L Form Goals for / against Passes Corners Possession 10 / 5 10 / 4 DORTMUND v CHELSEA Westfalenstadion Head-to-head First meeting 20 33 2488 19 46.7% 69 Total shots / Shots on target 3328 27 60.8% 92 Team statistics (6 matches) Sources: UEFA All figures reported transfer fees *Malo Gusto (£30.7m) returned to Lyon until end of season © GRAPHIC NEWS Enzo Fernandez British record £107m signing for Chelsea from Benfica TOUGH DECISIONS: Chelsea spent over £250m on eight players in January, with only three able to make Champions League squad. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also misses out Enzo Fernandez Mykhailo Mudryk Joao Felix Players in £107m £62m £9.7m Benoit Badiashile Noni Madueke Andrey Santos David Fofana Players omitted* £35m £30.7m £18m £8m