Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 FRIDAY MAY 17, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8524 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Changing Changing of guard f guard Health clinic teeming with ‘epidemic of niceness’ Patients and visitors have nothing but respect and admiration for team of humble, dedicated medical staff at govt facility in Klang. Report on hpage 4 QR code immigration clearance gets thumbs up Report on hpage 6 Move will improve efficiency of tourism industry, streamline entry process and enhance overall security: Expert Supporters hold up posters in support of Wong at a community event after the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday. – REUTERSPIC Report on hpage 2 New Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the second person not from republic’s founding family to lead the city-state in nearly six decades, is expected to continue his predecessor Lee Hsien Loong’s legacy in strengthening Singapore-Malaysia ties and Asean as a whole: Analysts UiTM student group initiates ‘wear black’ protest Report on hpage 3 Universiti Teknologi Mara Student Representative Council seeks support to bolster its online campaign against proposal to open cardiothoracic surgery postgraduate programme to non-Bumiputera.
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 2 S’pore, M’sia to see stronger engagement under new PM KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore witnessed its first transfer of power in 20 years as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong steps down, handing over leadership to his deputy Lawrence Wong yesterday. Political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun said the new PM, known for his guitar-playing and social media presence, is expected to enhance engagement with the public in both Singapore and Malaysia. “The engagement with Malaysian leaders would continue to be cordial,” said the Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser. Wong, 51, a former civil servant who entered politics in 2011, is the second person not from Singapore’s founding family to lead the city-state in nearly six decades. He succeeded Lee, 72, who has served as prime minister since 2004. Oh, a senior fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said significant policy oBoth countries viewed as pillars of Southeast Asia prosperity, especially in positioning between US and China King’s coronation to be held on July 20: Fahmi PUTRAJAYA: The coronation of the 17th King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim will be held at Istana Negara on July 20, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said yesterday after chairing a special committee meeting for the event. “As we know, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim took the oath of office on Jan 31. “Therefore, the government, with His Majesty’s consent, will organise several events in conjunction with the coronation of His Majesty the King,” he said during a press conference. Earlier, protocol chief in the ceremonial and international conference secretariat division of the Prime Minister’s Department Rozainor Ramli announced Fahmi’s appointment as chairman of the Special Committee for the King’s Coronation Events. Fahmi also announced that the official birthday of the King falls on June 3 and the date has been declared a public holiday. “However, His Majesty has consented to the postponement of the birthday celebrations from June to September. “This is to prioritise the King’s coronation and other events in conjunction with the coronation ceremony in July,” he said. – Bernama BRIGHT MINDS ... Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang with participants at the 35th International Invention, Innovation, Technology Competition and Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Anwar on visit to enhance ties with Uzbekistan TASHKENT: The official visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Uzbekistan from today until Sunday will enhance bilateral relations in various fields between the two countries. Malaysian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias said Malaysia and Uzbekistan have enjoyed close relations since they established ties in 1992. He said the last visit of a Malaysian prime minister to Uzbekistan was made by Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2008. “Both countries share many things in international forums. The strength of the relationship between the two countries is more towards education and tourism,” he told Malaysian journalists on Wednesday. He added that with Batik Air flights to Uzbekistan, the relationship between the two countries in terms of tourism and business has been further enhanced. “Many Uzbek tourists want to go to Malaysia because of the attractive tourist spots such as beaches and tropical forests. Business activities are also increasing from year to year,” said Ilham Tuah. Wisma Putra, is a statement, said Anwar’s visit is at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan. The prime minister will travel to Samarkand tomorrow, where he is expected to address the High-Level Uzbekistan-Malaysian Business Forum held at the Silk Road Samarkand Tourism Complex. The forum, hosted by Uzbekistan, will also be attended by Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov. Last year, Malaysia’s trade with Uzbekistan totalled RM451.1 million, with exports amounting to RM449 million and imports accounting for RM1.99 million. – Bernama Petrol, diesel prices unchanged until May 22 KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices for RON97 and RON95 petrol as well as diesel will remain unchanged at RM3.47, RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively for the May 16 to 22 period. The Finance Ministry, in a statement, said the prices were fixed based on the weekly retail prices of petroleum products using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula. “To protect consumers from the impact of the actual oil price hike in the global market, the government is maintaining the retail price of RON95 at the ceiling price of RM2.05 per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre although the actual market price for both products has exceeded the ceiling price fixed,” it said. The ministry said the government will continue to monitor the trend of world crude oil prices and take appropriate measures to ensure the welfare and well-being of the people continue to be protected. – Bernama changes are not expected. “I think the key point, as Lawrence himself stressed, is that there will be continuity and stability both within Singapore and in its external relations,” he said. On bilateral issues such as water supply agreements, maritime boundaries and airspace management with Malaysia, Oh said negotiations will continue at technical and bureaucratic levels before leaders from both sides approve them. As for Malaysia-Singapore relations within Asean, he said both countries will continue to play a leading role in Southeast Asia’s positioning between the US and China, Bernama reported. National Council of Professors fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan also agreed that Wong will continue Lee’s legacy in strengthening Singapore-Malaysia bilateral relations and Asean as a whole. He said Wong’s recent statement that Malaysia and Singapore are the pillars of Southeast Asia’s prosperity indicates that he views Malaysia as a partner rather than a competitor in both economic and geopolitical terms. Azmi, who is also a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, said like Lee, Wong takes a pragmatic approach particularly in dealing with the power dynamics between China and the US. However, he added that Wong must establish his own leadership style, independent of the Lee family’s influence, before the general election, expected by November 2025. “During (former prime minister) Goh Chok Tong’s tenure, Lee Hsien Loong from the Lee Kuan Yew family was waiting (in the wings). But with Lawrence Wong, there is no Lee family member waiting. This means Wong can lead in his own way,” said Azmi. For over a decade, Malaysia and Singapore have been each other’s second-largest global trading partner and the largest among Asean countries. In 2023, total trade between the two nations was valued at RM363.13 billion. Singapore and Malaysia will celebrate 60 years of bilateral relations next year. Kyrgyz govt requests adviser from Malaysia BISHKEK: The Kyrgyz Republic expressed its desire for Malaysia to appoint an adviser to the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said this request was made by his Kyrgyz counterpart, chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Zhaparov at a meeting at the Ala Archa State Residence on Wednesday. “He (Akylbek Zhaparov) requested that if possible, we appoint someone who could serve as an adviser to the government (Kyrgyz Republic). This shows their level of respect and recognition for the Malaysian government. “Meaning, when they want to negotiate issues such as privatisation, hydro projects, highways or gold mining, for example, they would ask us to give advice and share our experiences,” he said this at a press conference in his two-day official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic begining Wednesday. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said this request from the Kyrgyz Republic will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting. He viewed the potential appointment of the adviser as not only part of the conduct of bilateral relations but also providing opportunities for investors from Malaysia as there are numerous areas of cooperation for the two countries to explore. On tourism, Anwar said this sector has great potential to be strengthened between Malaysia and the Kyrgyz Republic, as both countries have unique attractions of their own. “The Kyrgyz Republic has mountainous areas, while its people are very interested in forest and beach areas in our country,” he said. Asked about his official visit to Central Asian countries, Anwar said the Central Asian region has great potential for cooperation to be explored. Commenting on cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic, which began in 1992, Anwar said it is time for this cooperation to be strengthened as it benefits the country. – Bernama
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 3 ‘No proposal to admit non-Bumiputera into UiTM’ PETALING JAYA: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Student Representative Council yesterday called on students to wear black in protest against a proposal to admit non-Bumiputera students to its cardiothoracic surgery postgraduate programme. The council urged students to share photos of their attire with the #MahasiswaUiTMBantah hashtag on social media platforms to bolster the online campaign initiated on the same day. This protest comes after a health news portal reported on April 25 that the UiTM-IJN Parallel Pathway Programme Board member Prof Dr Raja Amin Raja Mokhtar said UiTM agreed to provide a pathway for nonBumiputera trainees to pursue advanced education in cardiothoracic surgery at the university. In response, the Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, in a statement on Wednesday, clarified there had been no discussions regarding the proposal to open UiTM’s cardiothoracic surgery postgraduate programme to non-Bumiputera students. Zambry said the need to address fundamental issues before considering such a proposal highlighted the government’s commitment to finding the best solution. He stressed the Health Ministry will lead efforts to resolve the issue, and the ministry has not discussed the matter and has not been officially informed about the proposal. “This issue has evidently been intentionally polemicised and manipulated by certain parties attempting to disrupt the policies and original objectives of establishing UiTM, thereby causing confusion and generating disagreements among various stakeholders. “The Higher Education Ministry firmly adheres to Article 1A of Act 173 – UiTM was established in accordance with and subject to the provisions of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.” While agreeing with Zambry, the Malaysian academic movement Gerak deputy chair Sharifah Munirah Alatas said it is unfortunate this issue has been polemicised. “The student council’s overreaction is unwarranted. Allowing non-Bumiputera students into UiTM’s cardiothoracic surgery programme would be temporary. “It is meant to address the urgent shortage of specialists until the situation improves.” Sharifah Munirah said this should take precedence over the issue of non-Bumiputera admission into UiTM not being discussed in any meetings at the ministry or Cabinet level. Sharifah Munirah, who is also a higher education reform columnist, urged Zambry to prioritise addressing the shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons. In response, UiTM in a statement said it would continue to maintain its existing student intake policy. Its vice chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib, said there have been no discussions or proposals regarding policy changes in any meetings. Shahrin emphasised that the university will steadfastly adhere to its founding principles and will continue to adhere to Section 1A of Act 173, which states that UiTM was established according to the provisions of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution. “We will continue to pursue the mission and vision of this institution to empower Bumiputera,” he said in a statement yesterday. oIssue intentionally polemicised by certain parties, says minister Comply with weather guidelines, schools urged KUANTAN: The Education Ministry is constantly on the alert for weather changes, including the southwest monsoon, which is expected to start this month and last until September. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the state education departments and schools have been reminded to comply with the set guidelines. “At our level, we are always prepared. The guidelines must be adhered to and schools are given full autonomy to monitor the weather conditions in their respective states,” she said after attending an award ceremony in conjunction with the national-level 2024 Teacher’s Day celebration on Wednesday. More than 100 educators were recognised during the ceremony. Fadhlina said the ministry will improve the guidelines from time to time with the cooperation of the Health Ministry and other relevant ministries. On Tuesday, the media reported that the country is expected to face negative impact, such as health issues, water supply disruption, forest or bushfires and haze with the onset of the southwest monsoon. On digital education, Fadhlina said all infrastructure is being improved with the collaboration of Digital Ministry and Communications Ministry. As of May 1, a total of 352,265 teachers have been screened to assess the level of digital competence, and of the total, 82,495 are at the basic level, 263,659 at intermediate level and 6,111 at advanced level. Continuous training will be implemented to improve the teachers’ digital competency, she said. Commenting on the ongoing construction of the new building of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Ladang Jeram, Fadhlina said the ministry is committed to solving the issue. “It involves land ownership and other agencies, and the ministry and the state education department are working together with the school management board to resolve this issue,” she said. The issue involving the school, which is also known as “container school”, was raised by Sabai assemblyman V. Arumugam at a recent state assembly sitting, requesting prompt action from relevant parties to resolve the problem. – Bernama Identify trees suitable for urban areas, dept told PUTRAJAYA: The National Landscape Department has been instructed to identify tree species suitable for planting in urban areas and not hazardous to the public, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming “We discussed the issue during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting and that the department need to take the relevant steps soon, Nga said after the pre-launch ceremony of National Landscape Day 2024 on Wednesday. The media reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had ordered the planting of 100 trees for every unnecessary tree felled in Kuala Lumpur. An incident on May 7 on Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, resulted in one death and one injured after a falling tree struck them following heavy rain and strong winds. Nga said for the first time the King would grace the National Landscape Day. Nga said His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has consented to officiate at the opening of the National Landscape Day 2024 on May 25 at Taman Tasik Shah Alam in Selangor. Nga added that the event, from May 24 to June 2, would serve as a platform for landscape industry players to promote and market their products. – Bernama █ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN newsdesk@thesundaily No plans to make dashcams mandatory: Loke KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans to make the installation of dashcams (dashboard cameras) mandatory in all vehicles in the country, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said although the ministry had received several suggestions regarding the matter, it needs to consider various aspects, including the cost that the people will have to incur if they are made mandatory. “However, we encourage the installation of dashcams especially in vehicles from the manufacturers. “If they (vehicle manufacturers) can instal them (dashcams) in their new cars, we will strongly encourage it, but so far we have not made it mandatory,” he said after an engagement session with editors here yesterday. Loke also encouraged bus operators to instal the device to enable recordings to be used as evidence in the event of a road crash. “Dashcams (installation) can be used as proof of who is at fault and who should be responsible if there is a collision,” he said. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the King and Queen of Malaysia yesterday wished Happy Teachers’ Day to all teachers and educators serving in the country. According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page, Their Majesties said the sacrifices and contributions of teachers and educators should always be remembered by everyone. “This is because their role is crucial in the development of the nation and society. “Thank you to the teachers who have taught us; your knowledge and service will always be remembered,” Their Majesties said in the social media posting yesterday. – Bernama Royal appreciation for teachers Their Majesties said the role of teachers is crucial to the development of the nation and society. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 4 Clinic thriving with ‘epidemic of niceness’ KLANG: Speak of government hospitals and one imagines long queues and harassed doctors who are quick to treat and dismiss patients as soon as possible. But one health clinic that has won the admiration of patients and visitors is the Sungai Bertek Health Clinic in Jalan Tepi Sungai, Klang. Housewife Rafidah Mohd Hanif, 64, who has diabetes and hypertension said the doctors are always humble and patient. “They are not proud just because they are doctors. They are humble, patient and treat us with lots of respect. The clinic has ‘an epidemic of niceness,”’ she said, adding that the service is also quick as she usually leaves within 90 minutes of her arrival. Taxi driver Devindran Suppiah, 42, who has had two heart attacks and is seeking treatment at the clinic for diabetes, hypertension and smoking cessation, said his health has improved tremendously under the care of the doctors. “My only complaint is I see a different doctor at each appointment. This cannot be helped as we are called based on our number. But any doctor I see has my full medical records, so it is not a serious matter. Today, my diabetes and hypertension are under control and I am on the way to quitting cigarettes too. The doctors here go above the call of duty to provide medical attention and they are so humble and kind.” Medical officer Dr Nagaletchumy Thangarasu, who represented the Family Medicine Specialist in charge of the clinic, Dr Rafidah Mahmud, who was away when theSun visited, said the clinic was established in 2017. Apart from treating chronic diseases, services at the clinic include the National Health Screening Initiative, Quit Smoking Clinic, Family Medicine Specialist Services, Dietician Counselling (on scheduled visits) and outpatient treatment. It also manages TB patients. “Our clinic is classified under Category 7, which means it was built to handle less than 50 patients daily. But today, we have 40 staff, including 12 doctors, six nurses and five Nagaletchumy (third from right) with her team of doctors at the Sungai Bertek Health Clinic in Klang, Selangor. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN oPatients gushing with praise for doctors who treat them with humility, kindness and respect █ BY JOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] New cars for N. Sembilan MB, members of administration SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government has purchased 16 new cars for the official use of the menteri besar and some members of the state administration as the existing cars have been in use for five years. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the purchase of Toyota Camry cars worth about RM206,000 each, was to replace the Honda Accord vehicles they had been using since 2019. “It is now in process and some of the cars have arrived,” he said, adding that the state government could not afford the high cost of maintenance for the previous cars. “As for the old cars, members of the state executive council can apply to get them and there is a fee involved,” he told reporters after a weekly executive council meeting on Wednesday. He said the new cars will be also used by the state secretary, legislative assembly speaker, state finance officer, state legal adviser and the Negeri Sembilan mufti. Meanwhile, Aminuddin also asked land owners to trim trees on their properties, especially those on the side of main roads that are at risk of toppling. He also reminded industry players in the state to ensure their appointed contractors manage or dispose industrial waste in designated areas and not resort to illegal dumping. “The state government will not tolerate or compromise in this regard.” He was responding to a complaint by residents of Kampung Jimah Lama in Seremban, who asked the authorities to take action after a private piece of land in the village was turned into an illegal waste disposal site. – Bernama Malaysian fruits make debut in Namibia KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural Malaysian Fruits and Food Promotion held at the High Commission of Malaysia in Windhoek, Namibia on Wednesday marked the debut of Malaysian fruits into the Namibian market. The event showcased mangga harum manis, jackfruit, Nanas MD2, jambu Lohan and pomelo for over 200 guests, that included businessmen, retailers, diplomats and locals. Acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Namibia Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya said in a statement the initiative would enable more Namibians to become distributors of Malaysian fruits and food products. “The initial introduction of our fruits, although in small quantities, represents a significant step towards entering the Namibian market and potentially other African markets.” Mohamad Rameez said discussions are being held with the agricultural authority of Namibia and interested distributors to bring in other fruits, such as durian. The event was organised with the assistance of the Malaysian Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) and attracted prominent local distributors such as Sapar, Shoprite and Pick and Pay Namibia. The event also celebrated Malaysian cuisine as the Perwakilan Ladies of Namibia assisted in preparing traditional dishes with the fruits provided by Fama. The guests were treated to a variety of dishes, including bubur manis, pengat nangka, tomato salad, pomelo, mangoes and nasi impit, pajeri nenas and petis buah jambu, complemented by Malaysian staples such as rendang ayam and mee goreng. – Bernama Power feeder pillars to be used for streetlights SUNGAI BULOH: The installation of new low-voltage feeder pillars to supply electricity to street lights along a 4km stretch of Jalan Kepong-Kuala Selangor is set to commence in June and is expected to be completed within 16 weeks. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said RM500,000 has been allocated for the feeder pillars, which will be installed in well-lit public areas to prevent acts of vandalism, such as cable theft and damage. “I have been informed there have been four incidents of vandalism and theft in the past two years. “We will instal and reinforce additional locked metal boxes because despite the fences, it was easy for the vandals to cut through and gain access.” Nanta said police will also increase surveillance in the area and consider the installation of CCTV cameras. He expressed hope that the community would also play its part by reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities to safeguard public property for the benefit and well-being of everyone. – Bernama China tourists boost visitor arrival figures in Malacca MALACCA: Tourists from China continue to contribute to the boom in visitor arrivals to Malacca, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said Visit Malacca Year 2024 has seen a total of 116,055 Chinese tourists who visited the state from January to April. “The state government is expecting at least one million Chinese tourists to visit Malacca after the Free Visa Policy is implemented. “Apart from many interesting tourist attractions in the state such as Jonker Walk, Bukit Cina, Stadthuys, Sam Poh Temple, Baba Nyonya Museum and Cheng Ho Museum, Malacca also offers itself as a food paradise.” Ab Rauf said the state government agreed to create a Malacca-China Friendship Park at Bukit Cina, bringing back the nostalgia of the friendship between the two countries that was established 600 years ago. Earlier, he attended an interview with Bernama TV and China Global Television Network at his office in Seri Negeri. Malaysia officially established diplomatic relations with China on May 31, 1974, becoming the first Asean country to extend the hand of friendship to Beijing. – Bernama pharmacists, and treat between 380 and 400 patients daily. “Yes, it can be tough on some days, but the manpower is adequate, so we can handle the workload. We are happy our patients think we are kind and humble. But this is normal because we are here to serve and not lord over them.” Medical officer Dr Nur Izzati Ismail said staff at the clinic are like family. “The doctors and nurses here have a good rapport and we treat our patients like family. I guess this shows in the way we deal with them.” Medical officer Dr Quay Yen Sue said doctors at the clinic also have their fair share of difficult patients. “We remind ourselves that they are sick and may not be in the right frame of mind when they see us. So if patients are rude, we just win them over by speaking kindly. Within minutes, they calm down and leave in a better disposition.” Nagaletchumy said the efficiency of the clinic lies in its appointment system, although it accepts walk-in patients. It also practises “on-time treatment”. “Upon arriving here, patients have their vital signs checked and if the nurse finds a serious abnormality, the patient jumps the queue and is given immediate attention. As most of our patients are older, they may not be aware of their health condition or take their medicines on time, so all our doctors include counselling as an added element and take a little longer with each patient.” And what do the patients here want for the clinic moving forward, considering it has earned an excellent name for the health ministry? “I hope the health ministry will construct another building here for our comfort as the waiting area is too cramped. “Privacy is also an issue as there are three doctors and other patients in one consultation room. This makes it difficult for us to talk about very private matters,” said a patient.
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 | 5
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 6 PETALING JAYA: Universiti Teknologi Mara tourism economics professor Dr Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah said the government decision to adopt a QR code immigration clearance system is commendable as it would improve efficiency in the tourism industry, streamline the entry process and tighten security. He said the system would meet traveller expectations of efficient services and position Malaysia as a forward-thinking and visitor-friendly destination. “Such advancements could enhance the global reputation of the KL International Airport (KLIA) and make it an attractive entry point for international travellers. “Tourism operators and businesses would also benefit from heightened efficiency and convenience.” He was commenting on the Immigration Department pilot project to implement the system to reduce congestion at entry points. Although it is still in its testing stages, director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the department’s priority is to implement a system that ensures efficiency and safety. As the busiest land crossing between Malaysia and Singapore, Johor would be the first state to have the system at all entry points, followed by other border crossings such as those between Thailand and Malaysia, and ferry ports. “By learning from the experiences and outcomes at the Johor-Singapore border, policymakers could make informed decisions when implementing similar measures elsewhere,” said Ruslin. Mohd Hafiz said the introduction of the Visit Japan QR code system in Japan enabled a smoother entry process, which benefitted local businesses through increased tourist spending and customer satisfaction. He said the system is part of a broader trend towards digitalisation in the tourism industry, which includes emerging technologies such as mobile boarding passes, e-visas and biometric passport controls. Such systems could automate and expedite the collection and verification of traveller information, reducing manual errors and speeding up processing times. “One significant advantage of this initiative is the readiness of Malaysian infrastructure to support such a system. But, it is important to have robust WiFi connectivity at KLIA and other border offices so that tourists can use the system. “Based on my experiences travelling abroad, implementation of the system should be decided based on a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, consultations with inbound tour operators and a government roadmap to implement and monitor it.” Mohd Hafiz said the Hong Kong e-Channel system is an excellent model that Malaysia should adopt on how QR code technology could streamline the immigration process. He said it enables registered travellers to use a QR code to quickly pass through automated gates, minimising human interaction and reducing the likelihood of errors. “With the use of Big Data, implementing QR codes would enhance the accuracy and reliability of traveller data management and benefit Tourism Malaysia’s tracking efforts.” However, he added that the integration of the system with biometrics presents significant data privacy risks, such as identity theft or misuse of personal information, particularly among older adults or less tech-savvy individuals who may struggle with QR code technology. “Malaysia’s biggest problem is maintenance. The initial costs could be substantial and addressing emerging security threats, technical bugs and technological advancements would incur ongoing costs. “So, extensive public awareness campaigns are important and should include the deployment of online guides and in-airport signage to assist travellers in understanding the new procedures.” Three killed after lorry overturns KOTA BHARU: Three Orang Asli men were killed on Wednesday after the lorry they were in overturned and plunged into a ravine in Lojing, Gua Musang. A Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said the victims were in their 40s. The department received an emergency call at 10.40am and arrived at 12.41pm. “A total of 10 firefighters from the Gua Musang station rushed to the scene. The work to bring out the victims was completed this afternoon and they were declared dead at the scene by health officers.” Their remains were taken to the Gua Musang Hospital for post-mortems. – Bernama Immigration clearance QR code move lauded oNew system would improve efficiency, reduce manual errors and enable smoother entry: Tourism expert Four held over robbery and abduction attempt KULAI: Police conducted three raids in Johor Bahru and Kulim in Kedah on Monday and nabbed four men believed to have been involved in robbing and attempting to abduct a woman. Kulai district police chief Supt Tan Seng Lee said acting on information, Johor contingent police headquarters Serious Crimes Investigation Unit personnel and the Kulai district police headquarters Criminal Investigation Division conducted the raids between 10.50am and 4.50pm. He said the suspects, aged between 21 and 40, admitted to planning to rob the victim. “Investigations are ongoing to determine if they were involved in other criminal activities within or outside the district. “We seized a car, a remote control device, four mobile phones and a tablet in the raids,” he said, adding that the suspects have drug abuse-related records. “They tested positive for methamphetamine in initial urine screening tests,“ he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 365/511 and Section 323 of the Penal Code and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. He said the suspects have been remanded for seven days, beginning on Tuesday. The media previously reported that a woman was nearly abducted after being punched, dragged on the road and forced into a car by four unknown men in front of her home in Taman Lagenda Putra on May 5. – Bernama Cops probe petrol station ‘picnic case’ KUALA LUMPUR: Police have opened an investigation paper related to a group found having a “picnic” session and cooking with a gas stove at a petrol station in Genting Highlands, Pahang. Bentong district police chief Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar said a report was received regarding a 50-second video of the incident. “An investigation found the video was uploaded on May 13 and widely spread on X, causing concern and annoyance to the public.” He said the case is being investigated under Section 268 and Section 336 of the Penal Code. He also requested witnesses to come forward and help with the investigation. “Police received information and complaints that the petrol station is often where vehicle owners gather and engage in activities that disturb public order and passing motorists.” – Bernama █ BYQIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI [email protected] ORDERLY CHECKS ... Foreign workers wait their turn for documentation inspection during a Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board integrated enforcement operation that was conducted at construction sites around Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Enforcement officers nabbed over bribes ALOR SETAR: Three law enforcement officers were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Kedah on suspicion of soliciting and accepting bribes amounting to RM36,000 to protect illegal massage parlour workers around the state last year. A source said the men are from different government agencies and were arrested between 8pm and 12am on Wednesday, when they came to provide their statements at the MACC office in Sungai Petani. “They are believed to have committed the offences in January and received monthly payments of up to RM6,000 to protect the workers, who did not have valid work permits. Investigations are being intensified and we do not rule out the possibility that there are others involved.” The source added that the middle-aged suspects were remanded for four days from Wednesday to enable investigations to be carried out under Section 16(a)(B) of the MACC Act 2009. Kedah MACC director Ahmad Nizam Ismail confirmed the arrests. – Bernama
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 7 Leaders eager to work with new S’pore PM SINGAPORE: World leaders have extended their congratulatory messages to Singapore’s new prime minister, Lawrence Wong. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed eagerness to work closely with Wong to enhance the strategic partnership between their countries. “Warmest congratulations on assuming office as prime minister of Singapore. I look forward to working closely with you to further advance our strategic partnership,” Modi wrote on X. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also congratulated Wong. Li highlighted the strong cooperation between China and Singapore, noting that over the past 30-plus years since establishing diplomatic ties, the two nations have oBest chapters of our story lie ahead, says Wong deepened political trust and achieved significant results in various fields. “This cooperation has not only propelled their respective development but also set a benchmark for regional cooperation,” Li said. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida extended his congratulatory message and conveyed his intention to work together to further strengthen bilateral relations with a view to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Singapore diplomatic relations in 2026. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States looks forward to working with Wong “to further strengthen the USSingapore strategic partnership and uphold international norms and standards in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world”. Wong, 51, was sworn-in as prime minister on Wednesday, replacing Lee Hsien Loong, with the new leader warning that the city-state faced a riskier, more conflict-ridden world. Wong, formerly deputy prime minister, said in his maiden speech: “We will lead in our own way. We will continue to think boldly and think far. The best chapters of our Singapore story lie ahead.” Members of Wong’s Cabinet were also sworn in, including his predecessor Lee, 72, who was appointed to the advisory role of senior minister. Wong also said Singaporeans “face a world of conflict and rivalry”, with geopolitical tensions, protectionism and nationalism possibly stretching for years. “We must brace ourselves for these realities and adapt to a messier, riskier and more violent world.” The US-educated economist is widely seen as a social media-savvy stalwart. Wong, the fourth prime minister in Singapore’s history, must lead the PAP to the next general elections, which are not due until November 2025. The PAP’s squeaky clean image was stained recently by scandals that saw two lawmakers resign and a minister charged with graft. – Bernama/AFP @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Boat convoy steers clear of disputed reef MANILA: A convoy of boats carrying Philippine civilians bearing supplies for Filipino fishermen has abandoned plans to sail closer to a Chinaheld reef, organisers said yesterday. The convoy set sail on Wednesday to distribute fuel and food to fishermen and assert Philippine rights in the disputed South China Sea. The trip comes two weeks after China Coast Guard vessels used water cannons against two Philippine government boats near Scarborough Shoal. Atin Ito (This Is Ours) coalition spokesman Emman Hizon declared “Mission accomplished”, telling reporters yesterday that an “advance team” had already distributed fuel and other assistance to Filipino fishermen a day earlier about 46-56km from the disputed shoal. “Atin Ito will now proceed to conduct the final leg of supply distribution in the current area, as there are no more Filipino fishermen in BdM,” he said, using the acronym for the shoal, also known to Filipinos as Bajo de Masinloc. Hizon said in a message to reporters that the group had received reports that fishing boats in the area were “sent away by various Chinese vessels”. The Chinese Foreign Ministry had warned the convoy against any attempt to infringe on Beijing’s “indisputable sovereignty” over Scarborough Shoal. An aerial reconnaissance flight saw 19 Chinese vessels, including a warship and eight coast guard vessels, patrolling around the shoal on Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard said. The Filipino aid convoy, comprising four wooden-hulled fishing boats and a coast guard escort, was about 108km southeast of Scarborough Shoal early Wednesday. It was being tracked by a China Coast Guard vessel, the Philippine Coast Guard said. “Despite China’s massive blockade, we managed to breach their illegal blockade, reaching Bajo de Masinloc to support our fishermen with essential supplies,” said Rafaela David, the head of the coalition. Scarborough Shoal has been a potential flashpoint since Beijing seized it in 2012. – AFP B R I E F SSUMATRA FLOODS DEATH TOLL RISES TO 67 JAKARTA: The number of people killed by weekend flash floods and mud slides in West Sumatra province has risen to 67 with 20 still missing. Five of the 25 previously missing were found dead, the national disaster management agency BNPB said. More than 4,000 people have been evacuated. At least 521 houses, 31,985ha of land including rice fields, 19 bridges and most main roads were damaged. The government plans to relocate the survivors whose houses are unlivable and those living in disaster-prone areas. BNPB and the provincial government are gathering data on how many survivors need to be relocated and are searching for safe sites to build the new houses. It is unclear when the relocation will start. – Reuters MICROSOFT ASKS CHINA STAFF TO RELOCATE BEIJING: Microsoft is asking about 700 to 800 people in its China-based cloud-computing and artificial-intelligence operations to consider transferring outside the country, the Wall Street Journal reported. The employees, mostly engineers with Chinese nationality, were earlier in the week offered an option to transfer to countries including the US, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The move comes amid spiralling US-China relations as the Biden administration cracks down on various sectors of Chinese imports, including electric vehicle batteries, computer chips and medical products. A Microsoft spokesperson said providing internal opportunities is part of its business and confirmed it had shared a transfer opportunity with employees. – Reuters Top Asean officials meet Myanmar head YANGON: Myanmar State Administration Council chairman Min Aung Hlaing has held talks with top Asean officials on the military government’s participation in the regional bloc, from which it has been isolated since the 2021 coup. Asean has led so far fruitless diplomatic efforts to solve the conflict unleashed by the military’s putsch, which has displaced 2.7 million people. Myanmar is still a member of Asean but its generals have been excluded from top-level bloc meetings over their refusal to engage in a peace plan and with their opponents. Min Aung Hlaing, who is also army chief, met Asean special envoy Alounkeo Kittikhoun and secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn on Wednesday in the capital Naypyidaw, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar. They “exchanged views on the issues of Myanmar’s cooperation in Asean,” the stateowned newspaper reported. They also “discussed the best cooperation of Myanmar in Asean, the conditions of Myanmar’s participation in Asean meetings” and the government’s plan to hold elections. The Myanmar crisis has divided Asean. Indonesian, Malaysia and the Philippines have called for tougher action against the government, while Thailand has held bilateral talks with the generals as well as detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Last year, officials from Indonesia held talks with a shadow “National Unity Government” that is dominated by lawmakers ousted in the coup and which the government has designated a “terrorist” organisation. In January, the government sent a senior bureaucrat to an Asean foreign ministers meet in Laos – the first time the country attended a high-level meeting of the bloc in more than two years. – AFP SPICK AND SPAN ... A worker cleans a Buddha statue at the Maha Vihara Mojopahit temple in Mojokerto city, East Java in preparation for Wesak. – AFPPIC
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 8 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Thailand frees endangered turtles PHUKET: Off the shore of Thailand’s resort island of Phuket, marine conservationists have released 11 baby leatherback sea turtles into the Indian Ocean, hoping they can thrive in the wild and return in two decades to reproduce. The release of the year-old turtles, each about the size of a rugby ball, follows an intense conservation effort to boost the leatherback’s survival chances after the discovery in 2018 that the endangered species had returned to lay eggs in southern Thailand. The stronger turtles have successfully made their way into the ocean, while others died after hatching, so a programme was launched to nurse the weak baby leatherbacks, according to Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. Thailand is one of five countries, including Sri Lanka and Canada, that have been able to nurse this species of baby turtle up to their first year. A typical leatherback will lay eggs after 20 to 25 years. They were released in April by conservationists and have satellite tags to monitor their progress, part of an international initiative by the non-profit conservation organisation Upwell Turtles. “It’s necessary for us to study the travel routes of the baby turtles to understand where they are going so that we can implement measures to protect the leatherback turtle while they are hatching from their nests,” said Pinsak. Despite having an evolutionary history of more than 150 million years and surviving the extinction of the dinosaurs, the species is now critically endangered in the Pacific region. This type of turtle has an estimated population in the Pacific of fewer than 2,300 adult females, according to the World Wildlife Fund. After their release, the turtles still face dangers from fishing gear, eating plastic waste, and exposure to toxins. “I’m happy to know whether our effort in nurturing the leatherback sea turtles for a year proves fruitful or not,” said senior fishery biologist, Hirun Kanghae. – Reuters B R I E F SFRENCH COURT SEIZES CHINESE TYCOON’S PROPERTY PARIS: A French court ruled on Wednesday to confiscate nine Bordeaux wine country manors acquired by a magnate convicted of laundering Chinese government funds. Naijie Qu, 63, head of the Haichang Group based in the port city of Dalian, was also sentenced to a suspended three-year jail term and fined €1 million (RM5.09 million). The fine was €400,000 more than requested by prosecutors, who had asked for a fouryear suspended jail term. French police seized the estates in 2018 after finding evidence of tax fraud and use of forged documents. China’s National Audit Office has said that Haichang had been granted public money by state authorities to buy foreign technology, but had instead bought vineyards in France. – AFP PORTUGAL EXCLUDES COLONIAL REPARATIONS LISBON: Portugal does not intend to pay reparations for its colonial past but does not exclude apologising for some historical acts, its foreign minister said. “There will be no specific process or programme of actions aimed at compensating other states for the Portuguese colonial past,” Paulo Rangel told parliament. “But when it is right to apologise, we will do so.” The question of reparations was raised in April by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, several days before the 50th anniversary of a coup by army leaders that reinstalled democracy and ended 13 years of colonial wars. The change opened the way to the independence of countries such as Angola and Mozambique. “We are responsibles for what we did there. We must pay the costs,” the president said. – AFP Assange supporters slam UK court process LONDON: Supporters of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday criticised British legal proceedings about his potential extradition to the United States, but said they remained hopeful ahead of a key hearing next week. The High Court in London has asked the US government to provide further “assurances” on Assange’s treatment if he was sent there to face charges over WikiLeaks’ 2010 release of secret military and diplomatic files. Its judges are due to hold a hearing on Monday and a decision on whether or not to grant Assange a final appeal before the UK courts could be made the same day or at a later date. If his request fails, he risks being quickly extradited, but his supporters insisted yesterday that they would then refer his case to the European Court of Human Rights. “That is an exceptional measure. It’s not a guaranteed right of appeal,” said Assange’s lawyer, Jennifer Robinson. Washington has spent years trying to extradite the 52-year-old Australian citizen to stand trial for the release of hundreds of thousands of classified documents relating to the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among them was a video showing US Apache helicopters killing civilians, including two Reuters journalists, in Iraq in July 2007. They were leaked by former US soldier Chelsea Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for violating the US Espionage Act. She was released in 2017 after thenpresident Barack Obama commuted her sentence. Assange faces up to 175 years in prison if convicted under the same act in the United States. But Kristinn Hrafnsson, WikiLeaks’ editor-inchief, told reporters: “It is abundantly clear of course that the process in the court in the United Kingdom is corrupt. The case is rigged against Julian. “I know these are harsh words and words that we usually have for courts in nonEuropean countries, not Western countries. But I’ve come to the opinion that that is absolutely the case.” Assange has suffered a string of court losses in the long-running legal saga, which his supporters see as a battle for media freedom. UK judges in March asked Washington to allay concerns that Assange’s trial would be prejudiced because he is not a US citizen and that he could face the death penalty if convicted. Assange’s wife, Stella Assange, said last month that the United States had issued “a non-assurance in relation to the First Amendment”, which protects freedom of speech, and “a standard assurance in relation to the death penalty”. Her husband’s supporters have dismissed America’s response. She told reporters on Wednesday that she hopes Julian Assange will be present at Monday’s hearing but added that she did not think the judges will rule in his favour. “I don’t expect a rational outcome from the courts, I’m afraid to say,” she said. – AFP Xi, Putin hail ties as ‘stabilising’ force BEIJING: Leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin framed their nations’ ties as a stabilising force in a chaotic world as they met yesterday in Beijing, where the Russian president is seeking greater Chinese support for his war effort in Ukraine and isolated economy. It is Putin’s first trip abroad since his March re-election and the second in just over six months to China, an economic lifeline for Russia after the West hit it with unprecedented sanctions over its military offensive in Ukraine. Putin was greeted by Xi at a grand welcoming ceremony outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, footage by state broadcaster CCTV showed. The national anthems of both countries and martial tunes played as the two leaders met, kicking off a two-day visit by Putin that is expected to see the countries deepen a Xi and Putin reviewing a guard of honour in Beijing yesterday. – REUTERSPIC o‘China, Russia uphold principles of justice’ relationship they have declared has “no limits”. In a meeting, Xi then told his “old friend” Putin that China-Russia relations were “conducive to peace”. “China is ready to work with Russia to ... uphold fairness and justice in the world,” Xi said. “The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it.” Putin, in turn, told Xi the two countries’ relations were “stabilising factors in the international arena”. “Relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and not directed against anyone,” Putin said. “Together, we uphold the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and is based on international law.” The Russian leader’s arrival came hours after he hailed his country’s troops for advancing on “all fronts” on the battlefield in Ukraine, following a major new ground assault. Xi, who returned last week from a threenation tour of Europe, has rebuffed Western criticism of his country’s ties with Moscow, enjoying cheap Russian energy imports and access to vast natural resources, including steady gas shipments via the Siberia pipeline. “This is Putin’s first trip after his inauguration, and it is intended to show that Sino-Russian relations are moving up another level,” said independent Russian political analyst Konstantin Kalachev. “Not to mention the visibly sincere personal friendship between the two leaders.” But their economic partnership has come under close scrutiny from the West. China claims to be a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, which it has never condemned and in which it has sought to frame itself as a mediator. Putin, in an interview published in Xinhua ahead of his visit, hailed Beijing’s “genuine desire” to help resolve the Ukraine crisis. The two leaders are set to sign a joint declaration following the talks, the Kremlin said, and attend a banquet marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. – AFP
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 9 Five Israeli soldiers killed by friendly fire TEL AVIV: Israel’s military said yesterday that five soldiers had been killed by friendly fire in Gaza’s north, where intense fighting has resumed more than seven months into its war against Hamas gunmen. The troops were killed on Wednesday in the area of Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, the military said in a statement. The latest fatalities take to 278 the number of Israeli troops killed in the Gaza military campaign since the start of the ground offensive on Oct 27. “Five soldiers of the 202nd Paratrooper Battalion were killed last night in a mass casualty incident as a result of fire by our forces,” it said, adding that 12 other troops were wounded. Two tanks in the area, which has seen particularly fierce fighting in recent days, opened fire on a house used by the Israeli battalion’s deputy commander, the military said. “The shooting consisted of two tank shells,” it said. “From the initial investigation ... it appears that the tank fighters, from the ultra-Orthodox paratrooper company Hetz, identified a gun barrel coming out of one of the windows in the building, and directed each other to shoot at the building,” the statement said. On Dec 12, the military said that more than a tenth of its troops killed in Gaza at that time died as a result of Israeli fire, while some other deaths were caused by accidents. Fighting has raged in recent days in the northern Gaza Strip, with an army spokesman saying there were “attempts by Hamas to rebuild its military capabilities” months after Israel had declared the Palestinian group’s command structure in the area dismantled. Fierce battles and heavy Israeli bombardments have been reported in north Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp and the central Nuseirat camp since the army launched a “targeted” operation focusing on the southern city of Rafah in early May. – AFP B R I E F SCONGRESSWOMAN PUSHES FOR RECOGNITION OF ‘NAKBA’ WASHINGTON: US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib introduced a resolution on Wednesday to recognise the Palestinian Nakba, the term referring to the mass expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland during the creation of Israel in 1948. “The Nakba never ended. Today we are witnessing the Israeli apartheid government carry out genocide in Gaza, a campaign to erase Palestinians from existence,” Tlaib said. Over 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes and over 35,000 have been killed, Tlaib said, adding children are starving to death and the entire population of Gaza is on the brink of famine. Mass graves with over 390 bodies were recently discovered at Nasser and Al Shifa hospitals. Tlaib’s resolution, which commemorates the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, which means “catastrophe” in Arabic, also calls on Congress to reinstate support for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. The resolution is co-sponsored by Congress members Ilhan Omar, Cori Bush and Andre Carson. – Bernama KREMLIN CONDEMNS SLOVAK PM SHOOTING MOSCOW: The Kremlin condemned the assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and wished him a speedy recovery. “We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms,” said spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “We consider it absolutely unacceptable. We wish him a speedy recovery.” The shooting in the central Slovak town of Handlova, which media said was carried out by a 71-year-old man, stunned the small central European nation and drew international condemnation. President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday made the rare move of sending a telegram to Slovak President Zuzana Caputova over the shooting. “I was indignant to learn about the attempt on the life of the chairman of the government of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico. There can be no justification for this monstrous crime.” – Reuters Top court hears S. Africa call to stop Israel offensive THE HAGUE: South Africa asked the top UN court yesterday to order an immediate halt to Israel’s incursion in Rafah, describing it as a “genocidal” operation threatening the “very survival of Palestinians”. Top lawyers for Pretoria kicked off two days of hearings at the Peace Palace, home of the International Court of Justice, imploring judges to order a ceasefire throughout Gaza. Israel will respond today. It has previously highlighted its “unwavering” commitment to upholding international law and described South Africa’s case as “wholly unfounded” and “morally repugnant”. In a ruling that made headlines around the world, the ICJ in January ordered Israel to do everything in its power to prevent genocidal acts and enable humanitarian aid to Gaza. But the court stopped short of ordering a oLawyers implore judges to order Gaza ceasefire ceasefire and South Africa’s argument is that the situation on the ground, notably the Rafah operation, requires fresh ICJ action. “As the overwhelming evidence demonstrates, the very manner in which Israel is pursuing its military operations in Rafah, and elsewhere in Gaza, is itself genocidal,” South Africa said in its submission. “It must be ordered to stop.” The orders of the ICJ, which rules in disputes between states, are legally binding but it has little means to enforce them. It has ordered Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine, to no avail. South Africa is asking the ICJ for three emergency orders – “provisional measures” in court jargon – while it rules on the wider accusation that Israel is breaking the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. First, it wants the court to order Israel to “immediately withdraw and cease its military offensive” in Rafah. Second, Israel should take “all effective measures” to allow “unimpeded access” to Hamas to decide on post-war rule with factions DOHA: Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday said the movement will be involved in deciding post-war rule in Gaza along with other Palestinian factions. “We say that the Hamas movement is here to stay ... and it will be the movement and all national (Palestinian) factions who will decide the post-war rule in Gaza,” Haniyeh said in a televised address. He also said the fate of truce talks was uncertain because of Israel’s “insistence on occupying the Rafah crossing and on its expansion of the aggression” in the Palestinian territory. Haniyeh’s address marked the 76th anniversary of the “Nakba”, when around 760,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes during the 1948 creation of Israel. Haniyeh reiterated the movement’s position concerning truce talks that have again hit an impasse. “Any agreement must ensure a permanent ceasefire, comprehensive withdrawal (of Israeli forces) from all sectors of the Gaza Strip, a real deal for exchange of prisoners, the return of displaced persons, reconstruction and lifting the siege” of Gaza, Haniyeh said. His comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said any discussion on who rules Gaza after the war was just “empty talk” as long as Hamas remains in the territory. “Until it is clear that Hamas does not militarily control Gaza, no entity will be willing to take civilian management of Gaza for fear of its wellbeing,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “The first condition for preparing the ground for another entity is to destroy Hamas, and to do so without making excuses,” he said. However, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said it had to be Palestinian entities ruling Gaza after Hamas had been defeated. “I call on Netanyahu to declare that Israel will not establish civilian control over the Gaza strip,” Gallant said, calling for a “governing alternative to Hamas”. Gallant said Israel’s military action in Gaza needed to be followed by political action. “The day after Hamas will only be achieved with Palestinian entities taking control of Gaza,” he said. “This is in interest of the state of Israel.” – AFP Palestinians return to their home at Zeitoun neighborhood after Israeli forces withdrew following a raid in Gaza City on Wednesday. – REUTERSPIC Gaza for humanitarian aid workers, as well as journalists and investigators. Lastly, Pretoria asked the court to ensure Israel reports back on its measures taken to adhere to the orders. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said on Wednesday that 600,000 people have fled Rafah since military operations intensified, amid battles and heavy Israeli bombardment. “As the hub for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, if Rafah falls, so too does Gaza,” said South Africa in its submission. “In attacking Rafah, Israel is attacking the ‘last refuge’ in Gaza, and the only remaining area of the Strip which has not yet been substantially destroyed by Israel,” the document said. Pretoria stressed its view that the only way for the court orders to be implemented was a “permanent ceasefire in Gaza”. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that Israel cannot defeat Hamas without sending ground troops into Rafah in search of remaining fighters. – AFP
10 FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Managing conflict, prioritising unity Q: After a difficult divorce, I remarried several years ago. At first, my son got along okay with my new husband, but once my boy reached puberty, conflict flared into open hostility between them. I feel caught in the middle. Please help. Focus on the Family Malaysia: We all know that adolescence often brings tension between a child and parents. However, when you toss in the divided loyalties and confused roles that tend to happen in step-families, the process becomes more complicated. Instead of framing this as an “either-or” situation, we suggest you approach it as a “both-and”. In other words, do not take sides. Avoid thinking in terms of “choosing” between your husband and your son, but try to rise above the conflict and help them each see things from the other’s perspective. In the meantime, there is another important principle to keep in mind. As in every step-family situation, you and your husband need to make your marriage a priority. If you allow parenting conflicts to pull you apart, it will not just hurt your relationship with one another, but it is also the worst thing you can do for your child. Commit yourselves as parents to act as a unified team. Sit down with your son and let him know exactly what you expect of him. Discuss the rules he will be expected to follow and agree on the consequences he will face if he breaks those rules. Remember that as the biological parent, you should be taking the lead when it comes to discipline. If you are always assuming the role of “good cop”, you are forcing your husband to play the “bad cop”. That arrangement can drive a wedge between him and your son. If you have further questions, our counsellors at Focus on the Family Malaysia will be happy to assist. Q: My husband and I are reaching the end of our rope trying to deal with his mother, who is a hypochondriac. Most doctors have refused to see her. She has driven my husband’s family bonkers for years, and now this is starting to impact our relationship. When we try to ignore her behaviour, she gets upset and calls continuously. I want my husband to confront her but he is afraid to rock the boat. What can we do? Focus on the Family Malaysia: We feel for you – the frustrations and challenges you are facing are real. Unfortunately, hypochondriasis is more than just an annoying behaviour – it is a legitimate anxiety disorder that requires professional treatment. With this in mind, we encourage your husband and his family to explore this option. You obviously cannot guarantee changes in your mother-in-law’s behaviour but you do need to address the challenges it presents to your marriage. It is critical that you and your husband approach this as a team and not just something he needs to fix. Begin by determining what you both need and want. For you, it is a limit on unhealthy communication with your mother-in-law. Your husband probably has the same desire but also wants to preserve the relationship with his mum. It is possible that his mother may have instilled feelings of guilt at a young age about him “not being supportive”, so he needs to be able to address that in a healthy manner. Once you have both identified your core needs, strategise and implement a solution that accommodates them. As difficult as it may be, establishing some firm boundaries with her should be a part of your plan. Our counsellors will be happy to help. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. For more information, visit family.org.my. Join Dr Bob and Jenni Paul at the Taking Your Marriage to Great Marriage Conference on Saturday, June 1 as they explore the essence of marriage, emotions and teamwork in decision-making. Register at family.org.my/greatmarriage. Comments: [email protected] Transforming the teaching profession for future learners THE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Global Report on Teachers highlights that “teachers are central to unlocking every learner’s potential and achieving Sustainable Development Goal Four, which includes equitable and quality education for all”, that I believe garners widespread agreement. With such a claim, teachers hold a profound responsibility not only to impart knowledge but also to nurture the holistic development of their students. They wear different hats and serve as guides, mentors and facilitators in shaping young minds and instilling in students the skills, values and attitudes needed to thrive in a rapidly changing and challenging world. While the teaching profession stands at the heart of shaping future generations, it grapples with several challenges that impede its effectiveness and prestige. One major issue is the high workload and limited resources teachers often face, leading to burnout and decreased morale. Malaysian teachers are bogged down with unnecessary administrative and external work that requires a lot of time in preparation, which at times can take up their teaching hours. This matter has been voiced out but little action has been taken to reduce these unnecessary workloads. Many programmes and instructions from the Education State Office and Education District Offices need to be monitored by the Education Ministry. In practice, some of the instructions provided to schools are incongruent or misconstrued with the initiatives set by the Education Ministry. It is good to have other additional programmes in schools to expose students to some of the values instilled in the programmes but schools should be given the Transforming the teaching profession requires concerted efforts to address its challenges, uphold its value and cultivate positive perceptions. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/SUNPIC autonomy to choose the most relevant based on their specific context. Eliminating unnecessary programmes, such as the “Best Toilets Competition”, is essential for optimising resources and time allocation. The initiatives aimed at improving facilities and teaching about cleanliness are commendable but it is crucial to prioritise investments and activities that directly contribute to the core mission and objectives of our education. The second issue is related to the lack of recognition and competitive compensation for educators. Offering acknowledgement for teachers’ efforts is important for cultivating dignity, professional ethos and drive. Such recognition holds substantial potential in enhancing the societal status of educators. To address these issues and uphold the teaching profession, several strategies can be implemented. Firstly, investing in professional development opportunities that offer continuous training and support will help teachers stay updated with modern pedagogical approaches, techniques and technologies. This in turn will enhance their pedagogical practices in the classrooms. Secondly, providing adequate resources and supportive working environments can alleviate stress and improve job satisfaction among educators. For example, consider the current state of teachers’ rooms. Are they conducive environments that offer a comfortable workplace for educators? Those schools with good Parent Teacher Association support will invest not only in providing good support for the students but also in creating good offices for the teachers. However, schools with limited support have to endure working in challenging conditions, such as hot, cramped rooms with poor ventilation. Therefore, in promoting the “Sekolah Sejahtera” initiative, we should not ignore the teachers and their working conditions. Moreover, enhancing the status and perception of teaching as a career is essential in transforming the teaching profession. This can be achieved through public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of educators in shaping society and the economy. Celebrating exemplary teachers and showcasing their impact can inspire others to pursue teaching as a fulfilling profession. Emphasising the value of education and the transformative role teachers play can instil respect and admiration for the profession. In this era of technology, where teachers are expected to be digitally literate, there should also be an effort by the ministry, state or district offices to highlight and showcase teachers’ efforts and educational practices via various media platforms. This serves to uplift and highlight the noble aspects of the teaching profession. However, this should not be made a competition between schools, but be based on genuine practices with the intention to motivate other educators to adopt and adapt any promising methodologies shared. Such an approach can ultimately foster positive perceptions of society towards teachers and the teaching profession. Teachers should be able to think, decide and choose suitable materials, appropriate pedagogical approaches and assessment methods. Granting teacher autonomy provides the opportunity to cultivate innovation and reflective practices, allowing teachers to tailor their instructions to meet the diverse needs of students. Autonomy also promotes a sense of ownership and, hence, can increase job satisfaction among teachers. This kind of empowerment will lead to a collaborative environment, where peer learning and leadership opportunities thrive. Schools that support autonomy typically have a positive culture and prioritise student-centred approaches that lead to alignment with professional standards and ultimately improving educational outcomes for teachers and students. This is evident in the Teacher-Led Learning Circle for Formative Assessment project, which was coordinated by the National Union of the Teaching Profession in collaboration with Education International, where it was observed that teachers who gained support from school administrators on teaching and assessment ideas tended to be more creative and motivated towards improving teaching and learning. In conclusion, transforming the teaching profession requires concerted efforts to address its challenges, uphold its value and cultivate positive perceptions. By investing in teachers, promoting their status and fostering a culture of appreciation, we can ensure that the teaching profession thrives and continues to shape a brighter future for generations to come. Happy Teachers’ Day. The writer is the deputy dean of research at the Faculty of Education at Universiti Malaya and the Education International-appointed country researcher for the T3LFA project. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Assoc Prof Dr Zuwati Hasim UNDER ONE ROOF
Toasting Toasting national national beverages everages WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Discover cuttingedge world of Gaming and Tech TUESDAY Ultimate guide to Travel and Leisure WEDNESDAY Latest in Fashion and Beauty sense THURSDAY Inside the world of Social Media Influencers FRIDAY Culinary delights and Beverage trends FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME INSIDE Drinks that capture the essence of a country Drinks that capture the essence of a country –P12 – 123RFPIC INSIDE p 21 INSIDE Banana boosters p 22 Pet-friendly Lai Bazaar p 23 The Chosen One premiere
LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 12 E Sipping across cultures VERY sip of a beverage carries within it the essence of a culture, a history and a tradition. From the cobblestone streets of Europe to the bustling markets of Asia, beverages have woven themselves into the fabric of societies worldwide, each sip telling a story of heritage and innovation. Here is a compilation of 10 famous drinks from around the globe, celebrating the diverse flavours and cultural significance of each drink that has come to symbolise the land of its origins. Japan: Sake Japan’s iconic rice wine sake has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. Crafted from fermented rice, sake has a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, with a subtle umami undertone. Often enjoyed during ceremonial occasions or paired with traditional Japanese cuisine, sake represents craftsmanship and tradition in every sip. India: Lassi In the vibrant streets of India, lassi reigns supreme as a beloved refreshment. This creamy yoghurtbased drink is flavoured with spices like cardamom or fruit like mango, offering a cool respite from the heat of the Indian subcontinent. Whether enjoyed plain or with a dash of rose water, lassi embodies the rich culinary heritage of India. Italy: Espresso Italy’s contribution to the world of coffee is exceptional, with espresso being the cornerstone of Italian coffee culture. Served in small, potent shots, espresso delivers a bold caffeine kick with a rich, velvety crema. This intense brew fuels the Italian passion for life. Turkey: Turkish tea Turkish tea or çay holds a special place in Turkish hospitality and Sake is usually served chilled or warmed in traditional ceramic cups. – ALL PICS BY PEXELS o10 famous drinks around the world that define its country of origins █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Lassi is often flavoured with fruits. social gatherings. Served piping hot in delicate tulip-shaped glasses, Turkish tea is strong and black, often accompanied by sugar cubes or traditional Turkish sweets. More than just a beverage, sharing a pot of çay fosters camaraderie and connection among friends and family. Mexico: Margarita Mexico’s iconic cocktail, the margarita, is a great balance of tangy lime, smooth tequila and a hint of orange liqueur. Served over ice with a salted rim, this refreshing concoction is a fiesta in a glass, perfect for celebrating life’s joys. Thailand: Thai iced tea Thailand’s vibrant street food scene is incomplete without the addition of Thai iced tea, known locally as cha yen. This indulgent beverage features strongly brewed black tea sweetened with condensed milk and infused with spices like star anise or cardamom. Served over ice, Thai iced tea is a delightful blend of creamy sweetness and aromatic spices, offering a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Brazil: Caipirinha Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha, is a spirited blend of fresh lime, sugar and cachaça, a Brazilian sugarcane spirit. Served over crushed ice, this zesty concoction is a tantalising fusion of sweet, sour and subtly earthy flavors. United Kingdom: Pimm’s Cup The Pimm’s Cup reigns as the typical British refreshment during hot weather. This refreshing cocktail features Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur infused with botanicals and Espresso is best enjoyed after meals to aid digestion. Turkish tea is often accompanied by sweets or pastries. Margarita should be garnished with lime wedges for added zing. Thai iced tea is brewed strong and sweetened with condensed milk. Caipirinha is best enjoyed with friends at lively gatherings. Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing choice for outdoor garden parties. Vietnamese egg coffee can be served hot or cold, depending on preference. Teh tarik is often paired with traditional Malaysian snacks like roti canai or kaya toast. fruits, mixed with lemonade and garnished with fresh cucumber, strawberries and mint. Sipped leisurely at garden parties, the Pimm’s Cup captures the essence of summertime in the UK. Vietnam: Vietnamese egg coffee Vietnam’s innovative take on coffee, the Vietnamese egg coffee, is a decadent blend of strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk and a frothy egg yolk topping. Served hot or cold, this indulgent concoction is a harmonious marriage of rich, bold coffee flavours and creamy sweetness. Vietnamese egg coffee offers a unique culinary experience that delights the senses, which also reflects its unique blend of local flavours with its colonial heritage. Malaysia: Teh tarik Malaysia’s national drink teh tarik is a fragrant blend of tea and condensed milk, meticulously poured and “pulled” to create a frothy, caramelcoloured concoction. Translated as “pulled tea”, teh tarik is as much a performance art as it is a beverage, with skilled vendors theatrically pouring the tea from one cup to another to achieve the perfect frothy texture. Teh tarik embodies the warmth of Malaysian hospitality as well as its melting pot culture. As we raise our glasses and toast to the richness of global culinary heritage, let us remember that beyond the ingredients and brewing techniques lies a deeper connection. These 10 famous beverages serve as ambassadors of their respective cultures, inviting us to savour the diversity that makes our world so vibrant and fascinating.
FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME CCUS regulatory framework Bill to be tabled in November KUALA LUMPUR: Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli will table the Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Progressive Regulatory Framework Bill in Parliament during the November session this year. “This framework will be presented to the Cabinet meeting next week. Given the substantial capital considerations, such a framework is needed to reassure the economics of these investments,” Rafizi said in his keynote address at the OGSE100 CEOs Forum From left: Petronas production and operations management head Handan Ramli, Economy Ministry deputy secretary general (sectoral) Datuk Dr Yatimah Sarjiman, MPRC chairman Datuk Dr Ahmad Suhaili Idrus, Rafizi, Bursa Malaysia CEO Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift and MPRC CEO Mohd Yazid Ja’afar at the forum yesterday. oRafizi: Govt wants to seize opportunity to position Malaysia as global leader in carbon capture utilisation and storage █ BY AIMIE SHAZRIE [email protected] US SPACs give attractive returns to Malaysian firms: ARC Group KUALA LUMPUR: The United States presents a compelling market for Malaysian firms interested in SPACs or special purpose acquisition companies due to attractive returns, said ARC Group. President Sergio Camarero said the group is mandated by various companies, including those in logistics, healthcare, and financial services to acquire local Malaysian companies as a way to invest and enter the market. “While SPAC activity in Malaysia’s exchange has been lacklustre, Malaysian companies that have ventured into the US market have achieved success,“ he told Bernama. There were 15 Malaysian-sponsored SPAC initial public offerings on Nasdaq between 2021 and 2023. These companies included CannaGlobal Acquisition Corp (with a SPAC size of US$230 million or about RM1.08 billion) – making it the largest Malaysian SPAC), Data Knights Acquisition Corp (US$115 million), Energem Corp (US$115 million), Liberty Resources Acquisition Corp (US$115 million), and PHP Ventures Acquisition Corp (US$57.5 million). Camarero said Malaysian companies have received the same interest as US companies because investors are looking at emerging markets to find more attractive returns. Therefore, he added, local companies should seize the opportunity to access US capital markets. Camarero also highlighted the potential benefits for Malaysian companies amid the growing divide between the US and China. “With the geopolitical trade war between the US and China, more US companies and investors are looking for alternative markets and Malaysia is well positioned,“ he said. ARC Group is an award-winning global financial institution that provides capital market, merger and acquisition (M&A) and financial consulting services. Malaysia is currently the secondlargest market for the group, accounting for 30% of its business. The framework for the listing of SPACs in Malaysia was first introduced in 2009 to promote private equity activities, spur corporate transformation, and encourage M&A. In 2021, the Securities Commission Malaysia revised the equity guidelines in the enhanced SPAC framework to facilitate greater access to fundraising. Mavcom revokes air service licence of My Jet Xpress Airlines KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) has revoked My Jet Xpress Airlines Sdn Bhd’s (My Jet) air service licence (ASL) effective May 2. It is a direct result of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia’s (CAAM) revoking My Jet’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) No. 40. The revocation of the ASL by the commission is in accordance with Subsection 43(3) of the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 (Act 771), which states that if an air service licensee no longer holds a valid AOC from CAAM, then the ASL issued to them shall be deemed revoked from the date the air service licensee ceases to hold an AOC. With the revocation, My Jet shall not undertake to carry by air or use any aircraft for the carriage of passengers, mail or cargo for hire or reward over local or international routes. – Bernama IJM’s UK arm, partner to develop eight central London sites PETALING JAYA: Innova, a partnership between RMS (England) 2 Ltd (a United Kingdom subsidiary of IJM Land Bhd, the property division of IJM Corp Bhd) and Network Rail Property, will develop eight strategic sites across four London boroughs – Brent, Camden, Islington and Westminster. The sites in central London and its inner suburbs are positioned above or adjacent to railway infrastructure. They collectively hold the potential to deliver up to 3.55 million square feet (sq ft) of development, encompassing a mix of housing, life sciences, student accommodation, and various commercial uses such as offices and logistics. About 1,600 new homes could be created, with an estimated gross development value exceeding £3 billion (RM17.8 billion). IJM entered into the Innova partnership with Network Rail Property last year with the objective of developing mixed-use schemes on brownfield land. Building on the success of the Royal Mint Gardens project, where IJM Land delivered a 150-metre deck above the Docklands Light Railway lines at Tower Hill, IJM Land is now embarking on the final phase of the 650,000 sq ft over-rail mixed-use project, which has already delivered 36% affordable housing. Innova is set to replicate this success with eight new sites following in the footsteps of Royal Mint Gardens. Detailed infrastructure and enabling design works are underway. Consultation and engagement with key stakeholders and planning authorities on the regeneration schemes will occur throughout 2024, with enabling works and over-site construction scheduled to begin after planning approvals. In a press statement, Network Rail Group property director Robin Dobson said: “This is another milestone in our continued investment into delivering infrastructure-led regeneration projects in the capital. These are complex sites, and working together, we are bringing forward locations that have previously appeared undevelopable. With the blend of IJM Land’s and Network Rail Property’s experience, we have ambitious regeneration plans for multiple sites in this partnership.” IJM Corp group CEO and managing director Lee Chun Fai said, “We are fully committed to this partnership and are embracing the opportunity to work closely with Network Rail and stakeholders across London. Our experience in delivering challenging rail interface projects positions us well to maximise the potential of these sites. “As urban centres worldwide increasingly prioritise transit-oriented development, our projects not only respond to the demand for more integrated and accessible urban spaces with a priority on housing but also contribute significantly to economic revitalisation and sustainability.” organised by Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corp (MPRC) yesterday. “CCUS is an important industry, not only for oil and gas workers but also for oil and gas countries. The aim is to get the regulatory framework of the CCUS industry approved,” he added. Rafizi said Malaysia can be positioned not just as a regional leader but a global leader in CCUS and the government is doing everything to ensure that the opportunity is seized. “With all the equipment and talent, Malaysia is a country that can offer to trap gas. Hence, a successful bid for CCUS will put the country in a forefront position in the world, in the CCUS industry. The plan is to ensure that all facilities will be operating in the next four years, which is 2028,” said the minister. “The establishment of the framework will enable investors to start coming to Malaysia, as the value of the industry is expected to reach RM100 billion in 20 years, meaning investments alone will involve tens of billions of ringgit.” Rafizi said the prevailing view is that CCUS will contribute about 15% to reductions in emissions. “With this being one of the levers under the National Energy Transition Roadmap, and there being a generational window to establish Malaysia as a regional CCUS hub, the government understands the need to move with urgency,” he remarked. Meanwhile, Rafizi said Malaysia’s oil production is expected to experience a decline of 30% in the next five years, while energy consumption is projected to almost double by 2050. “We can no longer rely on our past dominance in oil and gas to continue to power and meet Malaysia’s future demand.” By putting forth a more encompassing narrative for oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE), and the important role it plays in the future, the nation can transition the industry upwards, Rafizi said. “Much has changed since its inception in 2021, and so a revision is needed to reflect our new priorities and to align with recent blueprints. That is why the Ministry of Economy, through Malaysian Petroleum Resources Corporation, is conducting the Mid-Term Review of the National OGSE Blueprint later this year,” he added.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 14 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s inflation in 2023 recorded a slower increase of 2.5% (2022: 3.3%) with the price index at 130.4 points as against 127.2 points in the previous year, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Inflation for the main groups showed an increase except for communication (-3%). The highest increase was recorded by restaurants & hotels at 5.6%. This was followed by food & beverages (4.8%); miscellaneous goods & services (2.4%); furnishings, household equipment & routine household maintenance (2.3%); health (2.2%); education (1.9%); housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuels (1.7%); recreation services & culture (1.5%); transport (1.1%); alcoholic beverages & tobacco (0.6%); and clothing & footwear (0.3%). In a statement yesterday, Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said, “The slower increase of inflation in 2023 was in tandem with the decline in most global commodity prices, the easing of supply disruptions, price controls and the provision of subsidies for selected goods. Despite a decrease in energy commodity prices in 2023 (-29.9%) compared to 2022 (60.0%), the price of this commodity is still higher compared to prepandemic levels.” He added that the increase in fuel costs and dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) has prompted the government to adjust electricity tariffs under the implementation of the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through mechanism for users in Peninsular Malaysia for the period of July 1, 2023, to Dec 31, 2023. Domestic users with electricity consumption units exceeding 1,500kWh will be imposed a surcharge of 10 sen/kWh, he said. Other initiatives provided by the government can be directly seen through the Payung Rahmah initiative which includes Menu Rahmah, Jualan Rahmah, Bakul Rahmah, Pakej Rahmah and Menu Siswa Rahmah. These initiatives target the lowincome group and the hardcore poor. Other than that, the government has spent almost RM8 billion on Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, which has benefited 8.7 million Malaysians. The initiatives contributed to easing the burden of the lower-income group in dealing with the rising cost of living. Mohd Uzir said the food & beverages group which is the largest component of household spending in Malaysia with a contribution of 29.5% of total Consumer Price Index weight started to ease to 4.8% compared with 5.8% in the preceding year. The slower increase of this group is largely due to a slower rise in the food at home component which went up 3.5% compared with 5.3% recorded in 2022. Food away from home increased of 6.7% compared with the previous year (6.6%). Inflation of restaurants & hotels recorded an increase of 5.6% in 2023 against 5% in 2022. The subgroup for expenditure in restaurants & cafés increased by 5.5% compared with 5.3% in 2022. In addition, the subgroup of accommodation services recorded a significant increase of 5.5% in 2023 compared with 3.7% in 2022. Inflation of hotels increased to 5.8% as against 4.1% recorded in 2022. However, inflation of transport recorded a slower increase of 1.1% in 2023 compared with 2022 (4.7%), mainly due to the subgroup of operation of personal transport equipment which moderated to 0.8% compared with 5.8% in 2022. The average price of unleaded petrol RON97 declined to RM3.39 per litre from RM3.97 per litre in 2022, in tandem with the drop in the average price of world Brent crude oil. The average prices of unleaded petrol RON95 and diesel remained at RM2.05 per litre and RM2.15 per litre respectively. Malaysia’s inflation in 2023 slows to 2.5% oMain groups show rises, except for communication subsector Petronas makes third discovery at well in Suriname’s offshore Block 52 PETALING JAYA: Petronas Suriname E&P BV, a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), has made a third hydrocarbon discovery at the Fusaea-1 exploration well in Suriname’s Block 52, located about 170km offshore and 9km east from Roystonea-1. The well was spudded in February 2024 and successfully drilled to a total depth of 5,227m with zero loss time injury, encountering several oil and gas-bearing Campanian sandstone reservoir packages. Further evaluation is being undertaken to determine the full extent of the discovery and its potential for an integrated development with the recent Roystonea-1 and Sloanea-1 discoveries. Petronas executive vicepresident and CEO of upstream Datuk Adif Zulfikfli stated, “The favourable results attained from the Fusaea-1 exploration well have solidified Petronas’ standing in Suriname for material hydrocarbon resource, following the Sloanea-1 and Roystonea-1 discoveries.” Petronas vice-president of exploration Mohd Redhani Abdul Rahman said the success of Fusaea1 is a testament to the advancements in their geological comprehension of this region, bolstered by recent breakthroughs in Roystonea-1 and Sloanea-1. “These discoveries have significantly expanded the prospectivity and integrated oil and gas development potential within Block 52. In pursuit of sustainable and high-value material resources, Petronas remains committed to its exploration activities in selected focus regions as part of its portfolio rationalisation efforts,” he added. Block 52, which covers 4,749 sq km, is located north of the coast of Paramaribo, Suriname’s capital city, within the prospective Suriname-Guyana Basin. Petronas Suriname E&P is the operator of Block 52 with a 50% participating interest together with ExxonMobil. In addition to Block 52, Petronas Suriname E&P operates Block 48 and Block 63 with 100% participating interest and 30% non-operating interest in Block 64. Johor: RM31b foreign direct investment last year JOHOR BAHRU: Johor recorded RM31 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) last year with the majority driven by the services sector. State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the services sector contributed RM21.56 billion to FDI while the manufacturing sector contributed RM9.43 billion. “The main sources of foreign investment (for the services sector) are Singapore, China and South Korea,” he said when answering an oral question from Hahasrin Hashim (BN-Panti) about new investments from within and outside the country in Johor from 2023 to date at the State Legislative Assembly here yesterday. For the manufacturing sector, the main sources of foreign investment were Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. Lee said the state managed to record RM12.05 billion in direct domestic investment last year with the service sector contributing RM6.86 billion and the manufacturing sector RM5.18 billion. For the manufacturing sector, he said, the main sub-sectors for 2023 were electrical and electronics, machinery and equipment as well as chemicals and chemical products. Lee said a total of 751 investment projects were approved last year which created 19,053 job opportunities. He added that the state government expects a better performance this year compared with 2023. – Bernama SNS Network gets SC approval for transfer to Main Market KUALA LUMPUR: SNS Network Technology Bhd has secured approval from Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) for its transfer to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. SNS is an information and communications technology systems and solutions provider, The approval is given in accordance with Section 214(1) of the Capital Markets and Services Act, 2007, and the Bumiputera equity requirement for public-listed companies. Managing director Ko Yun Hung said the transfer is expected to enhance the group’s profile and reputation and will accord SNS Group with greater recognition and acceptance among investors, in particular, institutions. SNS Network, which was listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on Sept 2, 2022, has fulfilled the profit test requirements for listing on the Main Market by achieving an aggregate net profit of at least RM20 million in the past three years as well as a net profit of at least RM6 million in the most recent financial year. The company’s transfer to the Main Market is subject to further approval from Bursa Malaysia. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the transfer to the Main Market will be completed in the third quarter of 2024. – Bernama
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 15 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ IBPO and Time to strengthen data security in fusion finance KUALA LUMPUR: Fusion financial company IBPO Group Bhd (IBPO), and Time dotCom Bhd (Time), a telecommunications provider, have joined forces to bolster the fusion financial landscape with robust data security measures through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The collaboration signifies a strategic integration of hosting IBPO’s innovative fusion financial system and ANIKA, the first AI-powered virtual financial consultant chatbot in Malaysia, on Time’s secured network environment. The ANIKA chatbot enables customers to easily check their bank loan eligibility, potential monthly savings, and financial health scores, as well as receive personalised financial solutions based on their individual needs. Both IBPO and Time are committed to upholding the highest standards of data security, along with implementing strict protocols to safeguard customers’ information, privacy and financial data. “Now, with Time dotCom as our partner, we can implement stricter and more stringent data security measures within our fusion finance business. This includes adding an extra layer of protection to our fusion financial system and our recent development of ANIKA, the first AI-powered virtual financial consultant chatbot in Malaysia,” said IBPO contact centre head Feruz Satar. Meanwhile, IBPO founder and group managing director Andy Lim said, “Enhancing security measures is always our top priority, especially since we are in the financial-technology sector where we deal with highly sensitive information, including personal and financial data. At IBPO, we strive to do everything we can to ensure this data is protected from identity theft, fraud, and other financial risks.” Time enterprise sector head Tan Hooi Siang said that joining forces with IBPO marks a significant stride towards fortifying the fusion finance landscape. At Time, he added they focus on building a secure foundation for innovation, leveraging their expertise in cloud hosting and cybersecurity. “This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering robust and secure solutions tailored to IBPO’s pioneering technologies,“ he said. Ekuinas invests RM37m from Dana Asas in Mizou KUALA LUMPUR: In driving its mandate to accelerate the growth of mid-market bumiputra companies with high growth potential, Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas) has invested RM37 million in Mizou Holdings Sdn Bhd, a home-grown Bumiputera company involved in research and development (R&D), sales, distribution and support services of specialised agricultural machinery designed for the upstream palm oil sector. This marks Ekuinas’ second investment under its RM100 million Dana Asas fund which focuses on high-growth mid-market Bumiputera companies. Ekuinas CEO Datuk Syed Yasir Arafat Syed Abd Kadir said, “Mizou provides oInvestment aimed to speed up growth for midmarket Bumiputera firms with high growth potential innovative solutions for the niche upstream palm oil industry with the opportunity to expand in other agri verticals. We value deeply the founders’ vision, capability and determination to improve the productivity of the upstream palm oil plantation value chain and are proud to be part of this process together with them. “We also recognise the mechanisation tailwind in the industry that captures strong and growing demand from the local and regional players as these machinery enhance productivity and reduce cost of production for its customers. “Mizou’s successful commercialisation of their tractors and buy-in from key plantation players reflects both product and business viability and we anticipate bright prospects ahead.” Meanwhile, Mizou managing director Shamshuri Abdul Majid said, “We appreciate Ekuinas’ trust in Mizou’s value and vision. The investment will enable us to solidify our position as a specialised player offering palm oil plantation machinery for all terrains. Given the evolving needs of the palm oil sector, we look forward to tapping on the ongoing shift towards mechanised equipment by local and regional plantation players.” Since its inception in 2001, Mizou has so far developed and commercialised 11 different variants of specialised tractors designed for FFB infield collection. These tractors are specifically designed to navigate the different palm oil plantation terrains including peat soil, terraced and hilly areas as well as flat and undulating land. Other than mechanised tractors for FFB infield collection, Mizou also offers tractors equipped with fertiliser spreaders and sprayer implements. Mizou is in the process of developing new models of specialised tractors and applications that serve other parts of the palm oil upstream value chain such as estate maintenance and harvesting. Mizou’s customer base includes bluechip domestic palm oil plantation players. The company has also successfully made inroads into Indonesia through a strategic partnership for the distribution of its machinery. KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia-listed company, Straits Energy Resources Bhd’s indirect subsidiary, Straits CommNet Solutions Sdn Bhd (SCS) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Digital One Solutions Limited (D1) to explore a potential joint venture in the regional cloud computing industry. Under the MoA, SCS and D1 are scheduled to hold talks to collaborate and form a joint venture company to participate in cloud technology and computing business opportunities in Malaysia and across the region. SCS CEO Sunny Ho Khin Choy said: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of this MoA with D1, a premier cloud services and software company driving enterprise digital transformation with the world’s leading cloud Straits Energy, Digital One Solutions agree to explore regional cloud computing venture platforms including Huawei Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Byteplus, Google Cloud and Azure. D1 is led by a highly experienced team of cloud computing experts from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Their proven capabilities in leveraging cloud technology for digital innovation and driving business process transformation will complement our strengths in the telecommunications and network services business.” By working with leading players such as D1, he added they are strategically positioned to capitalise on the increased demand for cloud computing resources in Malaysia and the region as this will also complement SCS’ existing business, which is focused on accelerating digitalisation and network connectivity in Malaysia and throughout Southeast Asia. “We will work closely with D1 on the details of our collaboration and aim to finalise a definitive agreement soon,” said Ho. Based in Hong Kong, D1 specialises in supporting enterprises with digital transformation, cloud migration, cloud managed services, cloud security solutions, cloud Well-Architected and DevOps. In addition, D1 provides end-to-end, 24x7 support for clients migrating to different leading cloud platforms, ensuring these businesses are constantly up and running. SCS is mainly involved in the telecommunication and digital technology sectors, driving digital transformation for various industries through Smart Technologies and the Internet of Things, as well as the integration of advanced technology solutions, operations and services.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 16 Honda doubles investment in EVs TOKYO: Honda announced plans yesterday to double investment in electric vehicles to ¥10 trillion (RM304 billion) by 2030 as the Japanese auto giant seeks to go fully electric. The company is aggressively pursuing a target set three years ago of achieving 100% EV sales by 2040. Last month, it announced the largest auto investment in Canada’s history with a new US$11 billion (RM51 billion) EV battery and vehicle assembly plant. The company also has a partnership in EVs with Sony, and is exploring collaboration with rival Nissan as they face a “once-in-a-century” upheaval in the car industry. Analysts have said the move is aimed at catching up with Chinese EV competitors as Beijing-backed automakers such as BYD speed ahead of global rivals. “Honda is planning to invest approximately ¥10 trillion in resources ... through 2030, when the period of full-fledged popularisation of EVs is expected to start,” a statement said. The automaker had previously allocated ¥5 trillion to EV tech in the medium-term. Honda wants to “establish a competitive business structure with an aim to reduce overall production cost by approximately 35%”, it said yesterday. And “as of 2030, Honda will reduce the cost of the battery to be procured in North America by more than 20% compared to the cost of current batteries”. By 2030, the company is aiming for electric vehicles and fuel-cell EVs to account for 40% of global sales. The world’s auto giants are increasingly prioritising electric and hybrid vehicles, with demand growing for less polluting models as concern about climate change grows. At the same time, however, there has been a slowdown in the EV market on the back of consumer concern about high prices, reliability, range and a lack of charging points. China overtook Japan as the world’s biggest vehicle exporter in 2023, helped by its dominance in electric cars. – AFP Thai govt worries about financial access BANGKOK: Thailand is more worried about financial access than interest rates, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said yesterday after meeting with the central bank governor in a bid to find a way to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies after a public spat. The meeting between Pichai and Bank of Thailand (BOT) Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput ran for nearly two hours and comes amid a long-running public disagreement between the government and the central bank over interest rate settings. The central bank will review its inflation rate target of 1% to 3% and it was free to decide on key rates, Pichai said. He also discussed economic restructuring with the BOT governor, and said the two would speak more often. For months, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pushed for an interest rate cut, saying it would help the economy. The central bank has not bowed to the pressure, holding its key rate at a more than decade-high of 2.50%. The next rate review is on June 12. Pichai, who was appointed finance minister last month, has downplayed the clash, saying last week there would be no attempt to replace the central bank’s governor or weaken its independence. The government’s controversial policy of giving away 500 billion baht (RM65 billion) to households to stimulate local spending and other fiscal policies were not discussed, Pichai said. – Reuters Travel out of China not yet recovered: SIA SINGAPORE: Air travel demand from China is not back to pre-pandemic levels for Singapore Airlines (SIA), but a visa-free scheme for Chinese citizens to the Asian hub has helped fill seats and the airline will add more China capacity this year, its CEO said yesterday. Global aviation capacity returned to pre-pandemic levels this year, but recovery has been slower in Asia’s aviation industry due to still-sluggish international demand in China, the world’s second-largest economy. “Travel into China has been strong, travel out of China has not yet recovered fully,” oAirline posts record profit for second straight year, raises dividend Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong told media. He said the visa-free scheme between China and Singapore which began in February has provided “some lift to load factors” for Chinese flights. The airlines group was progressively restoring China capacity and would increase seats to Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou this year, Phong added. The flag carrier suspended April flights to China’s Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xiamen, citing a lack of regulatory approvals. These are now in place and flights will operate until July, when permissions must be re-sought, Phong said. SIA posted a record annual profit for the second year in a row on Wednesday, raising its dividend. However, the Singapore flag carrier’s net profit fell around 4.5% year-on-year for the March quarter, with profit growth sliding in the preceding two quarters. The company also expects passenger yields – a measure of average fare paid per mile, per passenger – to continue to moderate as airlines expand capacity, and flagged geopolitical woes and supply chain pressure. SIA’s shares were down 1.6% for the day at 12.30pm. Singapore Airlines is set to take a 25.1% stake in Air India as a result of the Indian airline’s merger with Vistara, its joint venture with Singapore Airlines. Phong said he was hoping to hear about regulatory approvals this year. The airline has a current fleet of 200 aircraft, which it expects to rise to 209 this fiscal year. Phong said Singapore Airlines still expects a delivery of the Boeing 777-9 – a model yet to be certified by US regulators – next year. – Reuters Philippine central bank signals August rate cut MANILA: The Philippine central bank, buoyed by fresh inflation and growth numbers, yesterday signalled it could cut interest rates as early as August after it kept its key policy rate steady for a fifth straight meeting. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said its policy-making monetary board voted to keep its reverse repurchase rate unchanged at 6.50%, which was correctly predicted by all 23 economists in a Reuters poll. “We are somewhat less hawkish than before,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona told a press conference, adding that it was possible rates could be cut in August. The central bank lowered its risk-adjusted inflation forecast for this year to 3.8% from 4% previously, but slightly raised its projection for next to 3.7% from 3.5%, saying risks to the outlook continued to lean to the upside. Both forecasts were within the central bank’s 2%-4% forecast for both years. – Reuters Japan economy shrinks more than expected TOKYO: Japan’s economy suffered a worse-than-expected contraction in the first quarter, official data showed yesterday, in further bad news for its unpopular government. Gross domestic product in the world’s number four economy shrank by 0.5% against market expectations of a drop of only 0.3%. Exports dived 5%, after growing 2.8% the previous quarter, while imports fell 3.4%. Compared with the first quarter of last year, GDP fell an annualised 2% compared with a forecasted drop of 1.2%, according to Bloomberg News. The economy was hit by a major earthquake on Jan 1 on the Noto peninsula and by halts in production at auto giant Toyota’s Daihatsu subsidiary. Japan has been flirting with recession since last year, with zero growth – revised yesterday from an expansion of 0.1% – between October and December. In the previous quarter, from July to September, GDP suffered a major contraction of 0.9%, also revised yesterday from an earlier reading of –0.8%. The latest data will add to pressure on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his government, which for months has seen poor poll ratings. Germany replaced Japan as the number three economy last year – in large part because of the weak yen – and is projected to be overtaken by India too. For decades, Japan has battled stagnant growth and deflation as well as a rapidly ageing population. Inflation, however, has picked up, allowing the Bank of Japan in March to call time on its maverick monetary policy and raise interest rates for the first time in 17 years. Rates elsewhere remain higher, however, and the wide differential has added to pressure on the yen, which in recent weeks has hit three-decade lows against the dollar. A weaker yen is good for Japanese exporters and foreign visitors, but it makes imports and foreign travel for outbound tourists more expensive. “The Bank of Japan can’t ignore these GDP numbers,” Bloomberg quoted Nobuyasu Atago, chief economist at Rakuten Securities Economic Research Institute, as saying. “This is not at all the kind of situation where they can raise interest rates again right away. “I don’t think they can move in July. “They will have to wait for second quarter GDP data to come out in August.” – AFP Skyscrapers are seen in Tokyo’s business district. – AFPPIC
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 17 Uber announces initiatives to grow bottom line NEW YORK: Uber announced plans on Wednesday to expand its shuttle service across the United States, including to sports stadiums, along with several other initiatives meant to grow the ride-hailing giant’s bottom line. Uber Shuttle, first tested five years ago in Cairo and then extended to India, is already available for US companies to provide transportation for their employees. The service will be expanded this summer to allow individuals to sign up for spots in a shuttle heading to and from US stadiums and other venues, the company announced at a New York presentation on product updates. Partnerships have been signed with Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, as well as venues in Chicago, the North Carolina financial hub of Charlotte and Pennsylvania’s Pittsburgh, said Uber Shuttle chief Anthony Le Roux. A pilot project will also be launched at US airports to shuttle passengers to and from cities’ downtown areas. Uber representatives also announced several other initiatives on Wednesday, a week after the San Francisco-based company reported mixed first quarter results, including revenue growth of 15% and an unexpected net loss. Users will soon be able pre-book rides with Uber Share – when a vehicle picks up several unassociated passengers – which cost on average 25% less than normal trips. The company is also releasing a student version of its Uber One subscription programme, priced at US$4.99 (RM23.40) instead of US$9.99, which gives users discounts on rides, food orders and at some partner locations. Apart from the United States, the student Uber One subscription will be rolled out in six other countries: Canada, Mexico, France, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The Uber Eats delivery programme will also be updated to allow users to create shareable lists of recommendations for restaurants and menu choices. Uber also highlighted a partnership with semi-wholesale retailer Costco that will give perks to customers in the United States, Canada, Japan and Mexico. – AFP Google AI search revamp puts publishers in quandary SAN FRANCISCO: Google’s use of artificial intelligence to sum up answers to search queries has publishers wondering if traffic to their websites will wither. The internet titan announced on Tuesday it is introducing AI-generated answers to online queries in the United States, in one of the biggest changes to its world-leading search engine in 25 years. The change will soon spread to other countries, arguably reducing the importance of links and web pages for more than a billion people. And bloggers, news outlets and others who benefit from people clicking on their links via Google’s search results could see audiences dwindle if people are sated by what its “AI Overview” serves up. “It’s going to create a negative impact on brands and publishers who rely on organic search traffic for sure,” Marketing AI Institute CEO Paul Roetzer said of such a scenario. “We just have no idea how much, and we don’t really know what you can do about it.” AI blurbs generated by Google’s Gemini technology will offer succinct summaries of what it found on the internet with only a few links to the online sources that supplied the information. Research firm Gartner predicts traffic to the web from search engines will fall 25% by 2026 because of increased reliance on AI in general. Roetzer noted that Google has not provided much information about how the change might affect advertisers or publishers, essentially asking them to have faith. “It’s just going to be a grand experiment happening in real time that will move people’s businesses one way or the other, depending on how it plays out,” Roetzer told AFP. For now, marketers and publishers have little oContent creators, news outlets wonder if traffic to their websites will wither choice but to keep doing what they are doing, and diversify where they appear online to get noticed in places other than Google searches, he added. But online audiences have already been splintering as people spend time on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and other venues – so opportunities exist to connect with people there, Roetzer added. Aware of the negative reactions from publishers and content creators, Google executives insisted on Tuesday that the new formula would encourage users to click on a wider variety of websites, not the other way around. “We’re committed to ensuring a vibrant ecosystem,” promised Hema Budaraju, a Google search director, at a press roundtable. In the new version, “sites receive more traffic” than before, she said. Roetzer said news outlets and other media creators rich with fresh information could strike deals with Google to make money from licensing the data used in AI models. “There’s a chance that AI in a weird way saves journalism, because these (artificial intelligence) model companies need real-time data,” Roetzer said. “What if these AI companies just fund journalism because they need it?” City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism professor Jeff Jarvis said he did not blame Google for trying to improve an online search experience that had become “a mess”. He was leery of AI being used in search, however, because “it has no sense of fact”. Jarvis also advocated news outlets make deals with AI titans to provide credible current information, saying “there’s an opportunity here for our industry”. “If you have unique and credible authoritative information, you might benefit,” he told AFP. The advertising industry, meanwhile, could take a hit of billions of dollars, according to Jeff Ragovin, chief executive of Semasio. His company specialises in using semantics for the better targeting of ads. MUMBAI: Britain’s food watchdog has applied extra control measures on all spice imports from India, it said on Wednesday, becoming the first to ramp up scrutiny of all Indian spices after contamination allegations against two brands sparked concerns among global food regulators. Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends produced by MDH and one by Everest, saying they contained high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide ethylene oxide. Singapore also ordered a recall of the Everest mix, and New Zealand, the United States, India and Australia have since said they are looking into issues related to the two brands. MDH and Everest – two of India’s most popular brands – have said their products are safe for consumption. In the most stringent crackdown so far impacting all Indian spices, the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) said that in light of the concerns it has “applied extra control measures for pesticide residues in spices from India which includes ethylene oxide”. The agency did not elaborate on the exact steps it is taking. “The use of ethylene oxide is not allowed here and maximum residue levels are in place for herbs and spices,” FSA deputy director of food policy James Cooper said in a statement. “If there is any unsafe food or food on the market, the FSA will take rapid action to ensure consumers are protected.” India’s Spices Board, which regulates exports, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. India is the biggest exporter, consumer and producer of spices in the world. In 2022, Britain imported US$128 million worth of spices, with India accounting for almost US$23 million, data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity website shows. MDH and Everest export their products to many regions including the US, Europe, South East Asia, Middle East and Australia. – Reuters A bicyclist riding along a path at Google’s Bay View campus in Mountain View, California. – AFPPIC “For businesses dependent on search rankings, the uncertainty surrounding AI Overview is alarming,” Ragovin said. Still, Google relies on ads for its revenue, so it is not likely to undermine that part of its business to win the AI race against Microsoft and OpenAI, said Media Growth Partners consultant David Clinch. “They have to bake advertising into it,” Clinch insisted. “Otherwise, they’re creating AI just to kill themselves.” Google pushed back at the suggestion that ChatGPT-style AI interactions could impact its business, saying it has found that people use Search more, and are more satisfied with their results when using Overview. – AFP Britain tightens scrutiny of all Indian spice imports
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 18 ‘Commercial property is Europe’s weak link’ FRANKFURT: Commercial property has become the weak link of the euro zone’s financial system, with losses there threatening to hurt banks, insurers and funds, a European Central Bank (ECB) report showed yesterday. Commercial real estate (CRE) companies have been hit by a triple whammy of higher borrowing costs, falling demand for office space in the post-pandemic age, and more expensive building materials. Their problems are now starting to spread to their backers in the form of rising default rates on loans and looming losses on investments, the ECB said in its twice-yearly Financial Stability Review (FSR). The central bank for the 20 countries that share the euro said commercial property prices were down 8.7% year-on-year at the end of 2023 and may have further to fall. “Prices could decline further, given structurally lower demand for some CRE assets post-pandemic,” the ECB said. “The outlook for the office market is particularly bleak.” The sector was a sour note in an otherwise more positive FSR, in which the ECB noted the risk of a recession had declined despite lingering geopolitical risks. The central bank said around half of the euro zone’s large real estate companies were making losses and their ability to make interest payments from earnings had declined substantially. While commercial property only accounted for a small portion of all loans, the ECB said “a handful of banks” had already suffered “a significant deterioration in their CRE portfolios”, particularly in the United States. Falling property valuations were likely to force banks to raise provisions and “may, in some cases, lead to erosion of capital”, the ECB added. In a similar vein, the ECB noted the reported net asset value of Real Estate Investment Funds (REIF) had remained stable despite the significant drop in property prices, suggesting losses had yet to be booked. “Such losses might trigger redemption requests for REIFs, putting stress on their cash buffers,” the ECB said. Insurers, in turn, may face losses on their investments in REIFs, which they had boosted during the previous era of low interest rates and booming property markets. “Consequently, interconnectedness in commercial real estate exposures across the financial system warrants continued monitoring,” the ECB said. – Reuters oLosses there threaten to hurt banks, insurers and funds, says ECB Consumer groups accuse Temu of manipulating shoppers BRUSSELS: European consumer groups yesterday accused Chinese shopping app Temu of using “manipulative techniques” to force users to spend more and other violations of a landmark EU tech law. One of the fastest-growing apps, Temu only entered the EU market in April last year and says it has on average around 75 million monthly active users in the 27-country bloc. Europe’s BEUC umbrella consumer rights group filed a complaint with the European Commission while 17 member organisations in Europe including in France, Germany and Spain have done the same with national authorities. The groups accuse Temu of “failing to protect consumers and for using manipulative practices which are illegal”, known as dark patterns, and demanded an investigation. They believe Temu is distorting or impairing consumers’ ability to make “free and informed decisions” while shopping online, in violation of the EU’s mammoth online content law known as the Digital Services Act (DSA). Under the DSA, all digital platforms must remove illegal content quickly, be more transparent about how they use users’ data and ensure the safety of shoppers online. The platform fails to provide enough information about traders on Temu, “frequently leaving consumers in the dark about who they are purchasing products from”, BEUC said. And there is not enough information about how its “opaque” recommendation system works, it added, which is mandatory under the DSA. Temu, owned by China’s PDD Holdings, has already come under pressure in Europe. German consumer groups warned Temu earlier this year about similar issues, which led to the platform announcing it would no longer display notices telling consumers to “Hurry up! Over 126 people have this item in their shopping cart”. It has faced fierce scrutiny elsewhere, including in Asia and the United States. South Korean regulators last month began investigating Temu on suspicion of false advertising and unfair practices. The EU is expected to add Temu to its list of “very large” digital platforms under the DSA, which will force the company to comply with stricter rules, including providing regular information about how it is mitigating risks. Brussels has already added Chinese-founded online retailer Shein to that list, which also includes AliExpress, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube among a total of 23 platforms. – AFP A closed Esprit shop in the Belgian city of Ghent. – AFPPIC France’s Ubisoft bounces back to profit PARIS: French video game producer Ubisoft, developer of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, said on Wednesday it had bounced back into profit in its 2023-2024 fiscal year as it released additional titles. After losing €494.2 million (RM2.5 billion) the previous year as releases were delayed, Ubisoft earned a net profit of €157.8 million in its fiscal year to the end of March 2024. Revenues rose 26.8% to €2.3 billion and hit a record €858.4 million in the January-March quarter thanks to the release of the latest instalments in the Prince of Persia and Skull and Bones franchises. “Our FY 2024 results confirm that Ubisoft is back on track on its profitable growth trajectory,” chief executive Yves Guillemot said in a statement. “We are committed to continuing our turnaround in FY25 thanks to a very promising line-up that includes Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Rainbow Six Mobile, Star Wars Outlaws, The Division Resurgence and XDefiant.” Ubisoft announced Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released on Nov 15. The company said it had already made around €150 million in cost savings and aimed to raise that to €200 million by the end of this fiscal year. – AFP Esprit files for bankruptcy of European businesses FRANKFURT: Fashion group Esprit said on Wednesday it has filed for bankruptcy of its European businesses, seeking to restructure the operations after they were hit by rising costs. The Hong Kong-listed group initiated the bankruptcy proceedings in Germany, saying it hoped the move would enable the affected subsidiaries to overhaul their finances. “The company continues to explore new funding opportunities. Various potential investors have expressed their interest in strategic partnership,” it said. The insolvency proceedings, filed at a court in Duesseldorf, concern the Esprit Europe subsidiary and six other German companies in the group. Subsidiaries in Switzerland and Belgium had already filed for bankruptcy in March and April. “In recent years, the subsidiaries have been battling extremely high costs due to inflation, interest rates and energy prices, the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the consequences of international conflicts,” the group said in a statement. The situation was worsened by “legacy costs”, such as high rents and a “bloated” workforce, it said. Similar problems – and growing competition from online merchants and low-cost fast fashion retailers – have hit a string of fashion groups in recent times. This is the second time in four years that Esprit, founded in 1968 in the United States and present in 40 countries, has filed for bankruptcy. – AFP
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) AJI 16.12 -0.44 2710 AIRPORT 10.04 -0.36 293195 KOSSAN 2.48 -0.26 240495 DLADY 32.74 -0.22 22 HARTA 3.65 -0.17 377,518 AHEALTH 2.93 -0.14 8,583 ICAP 3.3 -0.14 4,484 SBAGAN 6.36 -0.1 511 OFI 2.05 -0.07 6,309 SUPERMX 1.01 -0.07 989,125 KUCHAI 2.19 -0.06 1573 PTT 1.87 -0.06 16,688 SAMCHEM 0.615 -0.06 61,988 TOPGLOV 1.2 -0.06 2,975,225 AME 1.69 -0.05 14283 OCNCASH 0.37 -0.05 38,069 ORIENT 6.78 -0.05 3,427 PERTAMA 2.28 -0.05 80,198 ARK 0.48 -0.045 241 COMFORT 0.515 -0.045 203,157 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME TOPGLOV 1.2 -0.06 -4.76 2,975,225 REVENUE 0.23 -0.015 -6.12 2,802,657 MQTECH 0.015 -0.005 -25 1,609,549 CAREPLS 0.35 -0.03 -7.89 1,061,489 SINKUNG 0.145 0.005 3.57 1,036,181 MYEG 1.03 - - 1,019,839 SUPERMX 1.01 -0.07 -6.48 989,125 FITTERS 0.05 0.005 11.11 657,911 SNS 0.505 0.06 13.48 657,191 NOTION 0.82 0.215 35.54 639,430 MBSB 0.84 0.025 3.07 538,472 PA 0.395 0.015 3.95 529,821 SAPNRG 0.045 - - 470,101 MMAG 0.305 -0.005 -1.61 468,756 TWL 0.03 0.005 20 461,248 PMHLDG 0.36 0.03 9.09 412,609 AEON 1.34 0.14 11.67 406,081 HARTA 3.65 -0.17 -4.45 377,518 SENDAI 0.695 0.06 9.45 367,194 DATAPRP 0.15 0.01 7.14 359,501 SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format. MARKET ROUND-UP: MAY 16 [ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. INDEX CHANGE FBMEMAS 12,235.70 +51.05 FBMKLCI 1,611.11 +7.88 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 606.10 +5.30 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 193.47 +1.07 CONSTRUCTION 230.66 +1.82 FINANCIAL SERVICES 17,593.60 +83.96 ENERGY 986.84 +0.91 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 600.54 +0.87 HEALTH CARE 2,260.62 -84.10 TRANSPORTATION 1,095.55 -2.58 PROPERTY 1,076.94 +8.41 PLANTATION 7,408.94 +24.07 FBMSHA 12,451.50 +60.82 FBMACE 5,296.78 +11.09 TECHNOLOGY 70.14 +1.25 TURNOVER: 6.049 bil VALUE: RM4.354 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 39,908.00 +349.89 +0.88 S&P 500 (US) 5,308.15 +61.47 +1.17 NASDAQ (US) 16,742.39 +231.21 +1.40 NYSE (US) 18,378.49 +157.68 +0.87 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 5,083.60 -17.30 -0.34 FTSE 100 (UK) 8,406.98 -38.82 -0.46 DAX (GER) 18,827.30 -42.06 -0.22 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 38,920.26 +534.53 +1.39 TOPIX (JPN) 2,737.54 +6.66 +0.24 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 19,376.53 +302.82 +1.59 CSI 300 (CHN) 3,640.36 +14.30 +0.39 SH SE COM (CHN) 3,122.40 +2.50 +0.08 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2,753.00 +22.66 +0.83 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 178.49 +0.31 +0.17 ASX 200 (AUS) 7,881.29 +127.59 +1.65 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 8,150.06 +129.15 +1.61 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 72,770.88 -216.15 -0.30 FBM KLCI 1,611.11 +7.88 +0.49 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3,306.01 +16.59 +0.50 WTI (US$/BBL.) 78.56 -0.07 -0.09 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 82.67 -0.08 -0.10 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2,391.60 -3.30 -0.14 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 29.75 +0.02 +0.07 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 1,070.40 +2.05 +0.19 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 492.80 +0.35 +0.07 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 10,219.00 105.00 1.04 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 462.50 0.00 0.00 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 671.25 +5.50 +0.83 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 43.56 +0.01 +0.02 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 7,705.00 -138.00 -1.76 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 170.90 +3.40 +2.03 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, May 16 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) EAH 0.005 -50 4,510 KGROUP 0.005 -50 3,335 XOX 0.01 -33.33 9,641 MQTECH 0.015 -25 1,609,549 ZENTECH 0.015 -25 71,300 NEXGRAM 0.02 -20 335,653 LAMBO 0.025 -16.67 1,000 MERIDIAN 0.05 -16.67 18,926 REACH 0.025 -16.67 7,265 TAWIN 0.03 -14.29 255,893 XOXNET 0.03 -14.29 3,435 AT 0.18 -12.2 126621 OCNCASH 0.37 -11.9 38,069 KNM 0.075 -11.76 102,811 HLT 0.2 -11.11 223,949 MTOUCHE 0.04 -11.11 1015 PERMAJU 0.04 -11.11 2446 VELOCITY 0.045 -10 4973 VINVEST 0.045 -10 4,483 DCHCARE 0.28 -9.68 140,255 Top 20 Losers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) MPI 33.5 0.98 2,342 F&N 33.16 0.68 4,015 UTDPLT 26.2 0.58 2,942 HEIM 24.76 0.56 4098 NESTLE 129.5 0.5 465 CARLSBG 20.1 0.48 4,513 PANAMY 19.7 0.44 237 ALLIANZ 22.08 0.4 430 KSENG 6.33 0.35 6026 PENTA 4.78 0.33 44,312 GCB 3.39 0.29 100,189 TOMEI 2.03 0.29 45,381 TENAGA 12.66 0.26 62449 VSTECS 3.6 0.25 87,585 NOTION 0.82 0.215 639,430 PPB 15.48 0.18 8,769 MCEMENT 5.26 0.16 21,744 BURSA 8.23 0.15 28,492 DKSH 5.01 0.15 2,065 AEON 1.34 0.14 406,081 Top 20 Gainers (By RM) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) BORNOIL 0.01 100 52,283 NOTION 0.82 35.54 639,430 MTRONIC 0.02 33.33 3,444 TECHNAX 0.26 30 63,238 FINTEC 0.225 21.62 62621 WMG 0.385 20.31 83371 TWL 0.03 20 461,248 PGB 0.14 16.67 5091 TOMEI 2.03 16.67 45,381 PRIVA 0.11 15.79 163267 HHRG 0.23 15 33794 TOYOVEN 0.935 14.72 17,501 FINTEC-PA 0.12 14.29 22 SNS 0.505 13.48 657191 AVI 0.045 12.5 19,161 SMTRACK 0.045 12.5 19,323 AEON 1.34 11.67 406,081 FITTERS 0.05 11.11 657,911 TECHBASE-LA 0.05 11.11 1,320 WAJA 0.05 11.11 2,253 Top 20 Gainers (By %) FBM KLCI at highest level since March 2022 on US rate cut hopes BURSA Malaysia ended slightly off its intraday high yesterday on renewed hopes of a possible two interest rate cuts in the US this year. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI bagged 7.88 points to 1,611.11 compared to yesterday’s close of 1,603.23, marking its highest level since March 2022. The barometer index opened 1.15 points better at 1,604.38 and hit a high of 1,611.57 in the afternoon session. Gainers outnumbered losers 720 to 492, with 456 counters unchanged, 700 untraded and 10 others suspended. Turnover, however, decreased to 6.04 billion units worth RM4.35 billion from 6.2 billion units worth RM4.69 billion on Wednesday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng told Bernama that bargain hunting also contributed to yesterday’s uptrend, following a few sessions of consolidation mode. “We remain positive about the recovery of global market sentiment. “Furthermore, we anticipate this bullish momentum to drive the benchmark index towards the next resistance level of 1,615 as the bulls regain strength,“ he told Bernama. Among the heavyweights, Tenaga Nasional rose 26 sen to RM12.66, while Public Bank, Maybank and YTL Power bagged four sen each to RM4.19, RM9.92 and RM5.18 respectively. Petronas Chemicals gained nine sen to RM6.90 and PPB climbed 18 sen to RM15.48. As for the actives, Top Glove slid six sen to RM1.20, Revenue shed 1.5 sen to 23 sen, MQ Technology was half-a-sen lower at 1.5 sen, Careplus eased three sen to 35 sen, while Sin-Kung perked up half-a-sen to 14.5 sen. 1,611.11pts May 16, 2024 Participation 23.64 46.36 30.00 100.00 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 985.14 1928.40 1441.14 4354.68 Sold RM m 1073.61 2109.09 1171.97 4354.68 Net RM m -88.47 -180.69 269.16 0.00 % 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) 16/5/2024
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 20 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors. [Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. AXIATA has entered into a non-binding MoU with Sinar Mas group to explore the merger of XL Axiata and Smartfren. The merged entity may potentially benefit from improved economies of scale, operational synergies, reduced competition, and capex savings from an enlarged spectrum. The proposed merger is at early stage of evaluation where both AXIATA and Sinar Mas group intend to remain as joint controlling shareholders of the merged entity (MergeCo). Key activities during this exploratory phase include: (i) validation of merger rationale and value creation, (ii) due diligence, (iii) preparation of a joint business plan, and (iv) agreement on key terms. Additionally, further progress will be subject to signing of definitive agreements, and obtaining required approvals. There is no certainty that ongoing discussions will result in completion of the merger. Currently, XL and Smartfren are ranked 3rd and 4th in terms of mobile market share in Indonesia with 58m and 37m subscribers, respectively. Post-merger, MergerCo will be ranked 3rd with 94m subs after Telkomsel (153m) and Indosat (100m). Smartfren’s primary target market comprises millennials, Gen-Z and young professionals. On top of all the benefits mentioned above, we believe that MergeCo will also gain from: (i) easing competitive pressure, and (ii) 5G capex savings from enlarged spectrum holdings. Nevertheless, we are neutral at this juncture, as we await more clarity, including details on mode of settlement (e.g. shares, cash), effective spectrum holdings, financial impact etc. We continue to like AXIATA for: (i) its plans to deleverage and strengthen its balance sheet, (ii) growth prospects for digital telcos and tower assets at emerging markets, and (iii) strong asset monetisation prospects for Edotco and its digital businesses. We maintain our forecasts, TP of RM3 and OUTPERFORM call. APEXH reported a slight increase of 1% YoY in revenue to RM248.2 million in Q1’24, primarily driven by higher sales of its core pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare products. However, the Group observed a slowdown in demand for pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products, and medical devices across key markets, including Malaysia and Singapore. Despite early signs of market demand moderation, the Group managed to maintain consistent performance in Q1’24. ApexH’s distribution segment recorded an increase of 0.7% YoY to RM222.4 million, while the manufacturing segment improved 3.1% YoY to RM25.8 million in Q1’24. ApexH’s Q1’24 net profit declined 12.7% YoY while PBT margin dropped by 1.5ppts to 10.6% in Q1’24, mainly attributed the reduced profit contribution from its associate company, SAG, following a reduction in ApexH’s effective interest in SAG from 40% to 16%. After stripping off the nonoperating items, ApexH’s Q1’24 core net profit dropped 17.1% to RM21 million. We are also positive on the recent acquisition of warehouse facilities in Singapore which enables Apex Pharma Marketing Pte Ltd to enhance operational efficiency. All told, we maintain our FY24-26 earnings forecast (minor adjustment due to book-keeping changes) and reiterate our NEUTRAL call on ApexH, with an unchanged TP of RM2.87 based on 19x 5-year historical mean on FY25 EPS. AEON’S Q1’24 net profit of RM57.5 million surpassed expectations at 49% and 45% of our full-year forecast and the fullyear consensus estimate, respectively. The key variance against our forecast came largely from stronger-than-expected festive sales. No dividend was declared during the quarter as expected. YoY, its Q1’24 turnover increased by 5.5%, fuelled by a 4% rise in retail sales. This uptick was largely due to increased festive spending, particularly in food and clothing. Its property management services revenue also grew by 13%, supported by a rise in occupancy rates (93.6% vs. 91.6%) and favourable rental renewals. Its EBIT improved by a sharper 40% mainly due to increased contributions from the higher-margin soft-line segment (i.e. textile, footwear) and enhanced margins in the property management division, following improved occupancy rates and effective rental renewals. QoQ, its turnover rose by 13%, driven by a 14% increase in retail top line performance, attributable again to festive spending, and a 7% improvement in the property management division due to better occupancy rates and rental strategies. Its EBIT surged by 51%, primarily due to more effective cost absorption alongside significant top-line expansion. Outlook. We remain cautious over its near-term outlook given subdued consumer spending on sustained elevated inflation and consumers’ anxiety over the impending fuel subsidy rationalisation. On a brighter note, a 13% salary increase for civil servants from Dec 2024 should at least partially restore spending power of consumers. We raise our FY24-25 earnings forecasts by 6% each, lift our TP by 20% to RM1.21 (from RM1.01) and upgrade our call to MARKET PERFORM from UNDERPERFORM. FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7440 4.6110 4.6010 1 Australian Dollar 3.2020 3.0770 3.0610 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5340 3.4320 3.4240 1 Canadian Dollar 3.4880 3.3950 3.3830 1 Euro 5.1770 5.0120 4.9920 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9250 2.8180 2.8020 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5340 3.4320 3.4240 1 Sterling Pound 6.0330 5.8470 5.8270 1 Swiss Franc 5.2610 5.1410 5.1260 100 UAE Dirham 130.7600 124.0300 123.8300 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.1390 3.8540 3.6540 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.2000 63.4300 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.1300 65.4800 65.2800 100 Hongkong Dollar 61.4600 58.4200 58.2200 100 Indian Rupee 5.7800 5.4300 5.2300 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0306 0.0278 0.0228 100 Japanese Yen 3.0880 2.9900 2.9800 100 New Taiwan Dollar N/A N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 45.7500 42.1100 41.9100 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7400 1.6300 1.4300 100 Philippine Peso 8.3800 7.9000 7.7000 100 Qatar Riyal 131.6900 125.0100 124.8100 100 Saudi Riyal 128.0000 121.5200 121.3200 100 South Africa Rand 26.9600 24.3600 24.1600 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.6100 1.4800 1.2800 100 Swedish Krona 45.9900 41.9100 41.7100 100 Thai Baht 13.6800 12.1400 11.7400 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit rallies against dollar on US inflation data THE ringgit has staged a commendable performance against the greenback at the close as it rallied to RM4.68 yesterday – a level last seen two months ago as the recent US inflation data has boosted hopes for an interest rate cut in the US. At 6pm, the ringgit rose to 4.6810/6850 versus the greenback from Wednesday’s close of 4.7050/7075. The US Consumer Price Index last night showed that inflation has softened to 3.4% in April year-on-year from 3.5% in March. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the latest data continued to show a disinflationary trend. “The latest US CPI print indicates that the expectation for the US rate cut looks achievable amidst the weakening labour marker report in early May where the US Nonfarm Payrolls came in lower than expected in April to 175,000 against market expectation of 243,000,” he told Bernama. The ringgit traded mostly higher at the close against a basket of major currencies. It depreciated versus the Japanese yen to 3.0264/0292 from Wednesday’s close of 3.0189/0207 but gained against the euro to 5.0882/0926 from 5.0941/0968 yesterday, and was higher vis-a-vis the British pound to 5.9299/9350 from 5.9391/9423 previously. The local note traded mixed against Asean currencies. It strengthened against the Singapore dollar to 3.4813/4846 from 3.4873/4894 at Wednesday’s close and gained against the Philippine peso to 8.14/8.15 from 8.17/8.19 previously. However it fell versus the Thai baht to 12.9503/9671 from 12.8735/8867 yesterday and inched down vis-a-vis the Indonesian rupiah to 293.9/294.3 from 293.5/293.8 previously. Embrace innovation, Islamic wealth management sector told KUALA LUMPUR: The Islamic wealth management industry is poised to continue evolving in response to changing market needs and emerging trends, said Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) executive chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin. Awang Adek said the industry must embrace innovation while adhering to the highest standards of corporate governance and professionalism guided by Islamic values to remain competitive and relevant in today’s environment. “Practitioners of Islamic wealth management can harness the power of technology to optimise their services. “By embracing digital solutions, practitioners can stay ahead of the curve and deliver greater value to their clients,” he said in his keynote address at the 11th Malaysian Financial Planning Council conference on syariah wealth management and financial planning yesterday. Awang Adek highlighted that mobile apps and online portals developed by financial technology firms can provide clients with comprehensive access to real investment portfolios, real-time market insights and personalised financial advice. He also noted that the SC had spearheaded efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework and facilitate innovation to promote the growth of Islamic wealth management in Malaysia. This includes the Islamic Wealth Management Blueprint introduced in 2017, which outlines three strategic thrusts: strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global hub for Islamic finance, establishing the country as a regional centre for syariahcompliant sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) and developing it as an international provider of Islamic wealth management services. – Bernama AEON Co (M) Bhd Market Perform. Target price: RM1.21 APEX Healthcare Bhd Neutral. Target price: RM2.87 Axiata Group Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM3.00 Source: Kenanga Research Source: PublicInvest Research Source: Kenanga Research May 16, 2024: RM1.34 May 16, 2024: RM2.93 May 16, 2024: RM2.84
LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 21 Banana bonanza BANANAS are delicious and nutritious fruits but also an ingredient that can be used in various recipes. From breakfast to dessert, bananas can be used for a variety of dishes, bringing their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Here are five banana recipes that will enliven any kitchen and enrich the dining table. Banana pancakes Banana pancakes are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, adding natural sweetness and a hint of banana flavour to the breakfast favourite. Ingredients 1 ripe banana 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 1 egg 2 tablespoons butter, melted Optional toppings: sliced bananas, maple syrup, chopped nuts Instructions 1. In a bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. 2. Add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt to the mashed banana and mix well. 3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; lumps are okay. 5. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. 6. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. 7. Coo k until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side. 8. Serve warm with sliced bananas, maple syrup and chopped nuts if desired. Banana smoothie Banana smoothie is a creamy and refreshing beverage that is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Ingredients 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional) Banana pancakes are the easiest to make. – PEXELSPIC oFive delectable recipes to delight your taste buds █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN A classic banana split is a combination of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. – PEXELSPIC The honey caramelises onto the banana the more you bake them. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @THERESTAURANTSFOOD 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup ice cubes Instructions 1. Peel the banana and cut it into chunks. 2. In a blender, combine banana chunks, Greek yoghurt, milk, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract and ice cubes. 3. Blend until smooth and creamy. 4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately. Banana bread Banana bread is a classic baked treat that is moist, flavourful and perfect for any time of day. Ingredients 2 ripe bananas 1/3 cup melted butter or oil 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda Pinch of salt 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. 2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. 3. Stir in melted butter or oil, sugar, beaten egg and vanilla extract. 4. Add baking soda and salt, mix well. 5. Gradually add flour, stirring until just combined. Do not over-mix. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. 7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. 8. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Banana split Banana split is a classic dessert featuring bananas, ice cream and a variety of delicious toppings. Ingredients 1 ripe banana 3 scoops of your favourite ice cream flavours Chocolate syrup Strawberry syrup Vanilla syrup Pineapple topping Whipped cream Cherries Instructions 1. Peel the banana and slice it in half lengthwise. 2. Place the banana halves in a serving dish or banana split boat. 3. Add scoops of ice cream on top of the banana halves. 4. Drizzle chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup and pineapple topping over the ice cream. 5. Top with whipped cream and a cherry. Grilled banana with honey and cinnamon Grilled banana with honey and cinnamon is a simple yet flavourful dessert that is perfect for barbecues or outdoor gatherings. Ingredients Ripe bananas Honey Ground cinnamon Instructions 1. Peel the bananas and cut them into thick slices. 2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. 3. Place the banana slices on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear. 4. Remove the grilled banana slices from the grill and arrange them on a serving plate. 5. Drizzle honey over the grilled bananas and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. 6. Serve immediately. Next time you are in the kitchen, do not forget to harness the power of bananas to create delicious and satisfying meals for yourself and your loved ones. The best time to have a banana smoothie is in the morning. – PEXELSPIC Banana cake is a quick bake that can be frozen. – PEXELSPIC
LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 22 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Your weekend horoscope SCORPIO Oct 23 – Nov 21 E m b r a c e transformation and self-awareness. Reflect on the importance of mindfulness and letting go. Release any emotional attachments that no longer serve you, creating space for growth and healing. Practice compassion towards yourself and others, fostering deeper understanding. Trust in the transformative power of mindfulness and inner peace to guide your journey. SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 – Dec 21 Focus on inner wisdom and m i n d f u l n e s s . Reflect on right view and right intention. Embrace the journey of selfdiscovery, seeking truth and clarity in your path. Practice loving-kindness and compassion, spreading positivity and joy. Trust in the wisdom of mindful living to illuminate your journey and deepen your connections with others. CAPRICORN Dec 22 – Jan 19 Embrace patience and simplicity. Reflect on right action and effort, ensuring your actions are guided by compassion and integrity. Focus on the present moment, finding joy in the simplicity of life. Practice mindfulness and gratitude, fostering inner peace. Trust in the strength that comes from living mindfully and harmoniously with your values. AQUARIUS Jan 20 – Feb 18 Seek inner peace and wisdom. Reflect on right thought and mindfulness. Embrace the journey of self-awareness, cultivating a deeper understanding of your mind and heart. Practice compassion and kindness towards yourself and others, fostering a sense of unity and harmony. Trust in the transformative power of mindfulness to guide your actions and relationships. PISCES Feb 19 – March 20 Focus on compassion and s e l f - r e f l e c t i o n . Embrace the value of inner peace, nurturing your emotional well-being through mindfulness. Extend your compassion to those around you, creating a supportive and harmonious environment. Trust in the healing power of empathy and mindfulness to guide your relationships and bring tranquility to your heart. ARIES March 20 – April 19 E m b r a c e mindfulness and compassion. Reflect on the impermanence of life’s challenges and cultivate inner peace through meditation. Channel your dynamic energy towards acts of generosity. By practicing patience and humility, you will find balance and deeper connections. Trust in the power of inner tranquility to guide your actions. GEMINI May 21 – June 20 Seek wisdom and clarity through i n t r o s p e c t i o n . Embrace mindful communication and understanding. Reflect on your thoughts and words, ensuring they bring peace and harmony. Practice loving-kindness towards yourself and others, fostering deeper connections. Trust in the transformative power of mindfulness and compassion to elevate your interactions. TAURUS April 20 – May 20 Focus on gratitude and simplicity. Reflect on the value of contentment and mindfulness, finding joy in the present moment. Embrace the practice of letting go and release any attachments to material desires. Practice compassion and kindness, fostering a sense of harmony within yourself and with others. Trust in the serenity that comes from living mindfully. CANCER June 21 – July 22 Focus on compassion and selfawareness. Reflect on the importance of loving-kindness and equanimity. Embrace the value of inner peace, nurturing your emotional wellbeing. Extend your compassion to those around you, creating a supportive and harmonious environment. Trust in the healing power of empathy and mindfulness to guide your relationships. LEO July 23 – Aug 22 Embrace humility and self-reflection. Reflect on the impermanence of life’s achievements and practice gratitude for the present moment. Channel your energy into acts of service and generosity, embodying compassion and selflessness. Trust in the strength that comes from humility and the joy of helping others. Let your inner light shine through mindful actions. VIRGO Aug 23 – Sept 22 Focus on mindfulness and balance. Reflect on right effort and m i n d f u l n e s s , ensuring your actions align with your values. Embrace the simplicity of living in the present moment, releasing any need for perfection. Practice compassion towards yourself and others, fostering inner peace. Trust in the wisdom of mindful living to bring clarity and harmony. LIBRA Sept 23 – Oct 22 Seek harmony and inner peace. Reflect on values of loving-kindness and right intention to create a serene and harmonious environment. Practice mindful communication and compassion, deepening your connections with loved ones. Trust in the power of inner peace and balance to guide your actions and relationships. Fun furry time Tropicana Metropark’s Lai Bazaar 1.0. CALLING all pet lovers and owners to the first Lai Bazaar held at its Urban Park in Tropicana Metropark, Subang Jaya this weekend. Organised by Tropicana Corp Bhd, the event promises a tail-wagging good time with plenty of pet products available for fur baby needs, a wide variety of F&B stalls catering to both pets and their owners, as well as opportunities to bond with fellow pet enthusiasts. For those without a furry friend, a pet adoption area is available if your call to adopt arises. There will also be a camping area, a live band, and a wide-open space for all four-legged and two-legged companions to stretch their legs. A furkid run is scheduled to take place from 8am to 10am on Saturday and Sunday. Tropicana managing director of marketing and sales Ixora Ang said it has created a sustainable and prosperous township, evolving Tropicana Metropark into a vibrant community hub in Subang Jaya. “Tropicana Metropark has played host to many successful social events and various fun bazaars and was also home to the largest Pingmin market, where the two-day event pulled in more than 17,000 visitors. Now, we are pleased to plan yet another exciting event for the Subang community with Lai Bazaar 1.0. Placing focus on being pet-centric and adding value to the community, the bazaar aligns with Tropicana’s mantra of redefining the art of living, sharing, and caring,” added Ang. While having a pawsome time, drop by the Tropicana Metropark Property Gallery and visit the SouthPlace 2 show unit for a glimpse into your future home as you enjoy a weekend full of fun, laughter and unforgettable moments with your pets. TAIWANESE pop diva Rainie Yang’s “Like A Star” World Tour will captivate fans on July 27, 2024 at the Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur. After over four years, Yang returns to Malaysia with her “Like A Star” themed tour and is ready to dazzle fans with her hits as well as on stage charisma. Since debuting in 2000, Yang has released 12 studio albums and two compilation albums, achieving notable success in the Mandarin music scene. From her early hit A Thousand Wishes (Yi Qian Ling Yi Ge Yuan Wang) to Like A Star, her discography spans a wide range of themes and emotions. Yang starred in popular Taiwanese dramas such as Devil Beside You (Er Mo Zai Shen Bian), Hi My Sweetheart (Hai Pai Tian Xin), and While We Were Drunk (Zui Hou Jue Ding Ai Shang Ni). With a career spanning 23 years, her voice has graced many movie soundtracks, including Ambiguous (Ai Mei), Rainie Love (Yu Ai), We Are All Silly (Wo Men Dou Sha) and Only One. Tickets for the concert are priced from RM88 to RM948 and will be available for sale starting Monday. The concert is organised by BT Mediaspace and co-hosted by Space Entertainment. Rainie Yang to perform live in KL oPet-friendly affair at Tropicana Metropark’s Lai Bazaar 1.0
LYFE LYFE FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 23 The Chosen One arriving at Berjaya Times Square THE film The Chosen One is set to make its entrance onto Malaysian screens, and it is bringing along a star-studded affair to Berjaya Times Square tomorrow. Directed by Lim Suat Yen, this cinematic marvel includes a cast of actors from Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, including Zong Zijie (Singapore), Yao Kuo (Taiwan), Angel Lim (Malaysia) and Gurmit Singh (Singapore), who will be making their appearances at the fan-meet and premiere in Kuala Lumpur. Backed by Singaporean media company NoonTalk Media and coproduced by Malaysian film production company Current Pictures and Singapore’s Oak3 Films, with the support of the National Film The movie includes a cast of actors from Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. oFan meet-up and movie premiere tomorrow Jay Chou Carnival World Tour returns to Malaysia KING of Mandopop Jay Chou is set to captivate thousands of fans in Malaysia with a live concert. The “Carnival 2024” World Tour will take place on October 26 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, with tickets going on sale at 11am on June 4. Since the announcement of Chou’s “Carnival 2024” World Tour, concert venues have sold out consecutively, showcasing his influence in the global music scene. Now, he is returning to Malaysia to share a memorable music night with his fans. The Jay Chou Carnival World Tour will feature a carnival theme with well-designed visual effects that will allow fans to embark on a journey of auditory and visual fantasy. The megastar will perform a variety of styles, including classic hits as well as recent works, while showcasing his exquisite instrumental skills on the piano and guzheng. The most thrilling part will be the song request segment, where fans will have the opportunity to interact and request songs up close with Chou. Chou has a huge influence on the global music scene. In 2022, he ranked ninth on the IFPI Global Top 10 Artiste List and also won the top spot in IFPI Global Top 10 Album Sales List. His album Greatest Works of Art even set the record for a Chinese-language album on this list. The record is the pride and representative of the Chinese music scene. In addition to Chou’s achievements in the music field, he is also accomplished in the film industry. From solo performance to directing, his film works have been acclaimed, showing the unique charm of his multidisciplinary talents. Ticket prices for the concert range from RM388 to RM1,138. Jay Chou Carnival World Tour 2024 – Malaysia is organised by Horizon Production & Sky Contents and presented by TMGM. Concert tickets will go on sale June 4. Malaysian actress Angel Lim plays vlogger Sora Gurmit stars as Master Bai Yun audiences with its rich local flavours and an ensemble cast that transcends borders. Notably, comedian and actor Gurmit, renowned for his portrayal of Phua Chu Kang, takes on the riveting role of Master Bai Yun, adding his signature flair to proceedings. The Chosen One is a tale teeming with mystery and intrigue. Follow the journey of Ah Jie with mysterious sper power. As he grapples with the weight of his power, striving to evade its usage of it at every turn. However, Ah Jie’s refusal to aid a friend piques the curiosity of intrepid paranormal vlogger Sora (Angel Lim), and it sets a chain of events in motion. Unravelling the enigma behind Ah Jie’s reluctance unveils a gripping tale intertwined with the mysterious Ah Jiao (Yao Kuo), whose existence holds the key to Ah Jie’s tumultuous past. The premiere is set to launch at mmCineplexes Plus, Berjaya Times Square. Fans can catch a glimpse of the cast when they make an appearance at the Ground Central, Berjaya Times Square tomorrow at 7pm. The Chosen One arrives in cinemas across Malaysia and Singapore on May 30, 2024. Development Corp Malaysia, The Chosen One casts a spotlight on Malaysia’s cultural tapestry. Shot against the backdrop of Penang, the movie promises to enchant
SCAN ME powered by Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / [email protected] Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 Toughas nails as nails THE year is 1997 and this writer was still two years away from getting a driving license. However, my father would occasionally let me drive and one day he allowed me get behind the wheel of his then brand-new Isuzu Invader. We were driving off-road near some old mining pools in Kampar, where I spent some time growing up. I am not sure how and why, but I drove too close to the pool and the sand underneath gave way and the car slid into the water. Partially submerged, we paddled out of the car. Back then, the front hubs needed to be locked for the four-wheel-drive system to work. But the hubs were already well under water so there was no way we could drive out of that situation. With my father getting increasingly nervous at seeing his brand-new car sink further in, and me sweating from imagining the belting I was going to get that night, a hero appeared in the form of a tractor. The driver had chains too. My father’s new Isuzu was pulled out in just a few minutes. The next challenge was to see if it would start, but the engine cranked at the first try and we were on our way in no time, with a soaking wet interior though. But that was a small price to pay for what could have been a very expensive afternoon, and besides, the interior dried up the following day and everything was great again. And that is the beauty of Isuzu pick-up trucks, they are built tough and can seemingly survive just about anything. Fast forward 27 years and Isuzu Malaysia has just introduced the cousin of the old Invader – the new D-Max X-Terrain. Ironically, we drove it on reclaimed land in Melaka where the sand was as soft as those around the mining pool which almost claimed the Invader many moons ago. The new Isuzu is the refreshed model for the X-Terrain that was introduced about two years ago to much fanfare. It has been credited for reviving the adulation of Isuzu pick-up trucks after a few years of stagnation. With the pick-up truck segment becoming increasingly lifestyle oriented with more used on the road rather than for their original purpose offroad, pick-up truck manufacturers had to change their approach, and fast. We first saw this with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak that despite plenty of tech designed for off-road use, was purpose made for life in the urban jungle. It was a sales success for Ford, and other truck makers wanted a piece of the urban truck pie. It won’t be far-fetched to say that Isuzu was a tad late to the game, arriving much later than the models from Nissan and Toyota. Isuzu had long ago built a reputation as some of the toughest and reliable work horses, but they were never anything more than that. People bought Isuzus because they were dependable work machines, it was never something people lusted over. But that changed with the introduction of the X-Terrain. It was Isuzu’s answer to the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, the Nissan Navara Pro4X and the Toyota Hilux Rouge. Fiercely focused on the new age buyer that spends more time in cities and traffic jams than life off the beaten path, the X-Terrain got the recipe right from the get-go. It had the wild and bright colour options typical of trucks of this segment, it had the dramatic body kit that looked like it belonged in a rally and the interior was something we had never seen. Inside, the X-Terrain was an elegant blend of premium features and technology. The tanned leather seats were arguably the most comfortable in the segment and looked good too. It even had a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a shockingly good entertainment system with speakers mounted on the roof! The X-Terrain elevated Isuzu’s brand from one that contractors preferred, to one that got you the girls. Two years after the introduction of the original X-Terrain, Isuzu Malaysia has taken the wraps off the latest model, one that has been massaged, improved and packed with better features. From the outside, the new model is distinguished with the new LED headlights that look sleeker with daytime running lights that hug and curve around the top of the frame rather than the bottom as before. These are matched by new LED brake lights with a new design. The grille and front bumper too has been redesigned and has a new air curtain integrated to the sides of the bumper. This has small slits that open outwards Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain more refined than ever, but still solidly built █ BY KESHY DHILLON The 3.0L, turbo diesel engine produces 190PS and 450Nm of torque. The seats have been updated and now have anti-vibration technology. The front of the X-Terrain has been updated with a new grille and bumper. The brake lights too have been updated and are now of a new design.
MOTORING MOTORING FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 25 towards the front wheel wells and allows air to blow through. This makes it easier for the truck to cut through air, effectively making it more fuel efficient as well as reduces air turbulence that can be noisy. Other updates include a new welcome light and new tailgate panel with integrated locking mechanism. You can be forgiven for assuming the interior looks the same, but the devil is in the details. The infotainment screen for one is now larger, growing from nine-inches in the old model to 10-inches in the new one. The driver gets a new seveninch digital meter panel as well, replacing the old analogue unit. The bigger screen together with the digital dash, and silver accented airconditioning controls lends an air of sophistication to the interior. This is also augmented by the new Miura design elements around the door panels and across the dash. There is also a new scuff plate with LED lighting that greets you when you open the door. But more importantly, the seats are new and continue with the black-leather theme we first saw with later models of the previous generation X-Terrain. This is an important update because the seats also have anti-vibration elastics that absorb anything before it reaches the occupant, effectively making it more comfortable, especially for longer journeys. The interior of the X-Terrain has always been a purposeful one with an upmarket feel to it. This has been retained in the new model, in fact, the driving character too feels better than before though nothing has been done to the powertrain. As before, a 3.0-litre, turbocharged, fourcylinder diesel engine powers the X-Terrain, with drive sent to the wheels through a robust six-speed automatic transmission. Power is rated at 190PS and 450Nm of torque, which is lower than some of its competitors. But what it loses in numbers, the truck makes up for with feel. On the move, the double wishbone suspension with coil springs handles the front of the car while the rear has the usual leaf springs with gas shock absorbers. Rather than hopping and skipping over road inundations, the suspension does a great job at soaking everything. The interior too feels more refined than the previous model. It feels quieter at highway speeds, allowing occupants to have a conversation without raising their voices, even at well past the legal speed limit. Safety and off-roading technology have also been updated. The new X-Terrain features something called Rough Terrain mode that ensures the truck can get out of a difficult situation by itself. In the previous model, the traction control system sent power to either the front or rear axles to manage grip and power delivery. The new mode allows power to be sent to individual wheels. So, in the event that three wheels are stuck, power can be sent to an individual wheel to dig itself out. We tested out the system in Melaka and the truck would simply beach itself when in two-wheeldrive or four-wheel-drive mode. But individual tyres could easily claw away at the sand and pull the two-tonne truck out when Rough Terrain mode was activated. On the safety front, the new Isuzu has a feature called Rear Cross Traffic Brake. This is on top of the eight Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) the truck already had. This lets the truck brake automatically when reversing and the driver does not see an oncoming obstacle such as a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian. It is common for manufacturers to introduce mid-life updates, or as we Malaysians like to call it, facelifts. But rarely is a facelift so extensive as we see with the new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain. Is the Isuzu the better buy now compared to the competition? At just under RM158,00, the new Isuzu is cheaper than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and is similarly priced to the Hilux Rouge and Nissan Navara. The interior may look the same but the infotainment system is now larger. The digital meter panel is new as well. The 10” infotainment system now has wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The wireless charge pad is handy. The top button activates the Rough Terrain Mode that can send power to individual wheels. The headlights of the new X-Terrain are now sleeker. SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 3.0L, turbocharged, fourcylinder, diesel Power: 190PS @ 3600Nm Torque: 450Nm @ 1600rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic with sequential shift Suspension: Independent double wishbone, coil springs and stabilisers with gas shock absorbers (front)/Semi-elliptical leaf springs with gas shock absorbers (rear) Price (as tested): RM157,938.40 New design, interior features, tough. Some interior parts feel hollow. Refined steering wheel for the X-Terrain model. Buttons on steering wheel with individual activate functions.
MOTORING MOTORING FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 26 Mercedes’ latest C-Class variant Popular model seamlessly combines electric power with traditional fuel for enhanced efficiency MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA has unveiled the latest variant of the popular C-Class: the Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-in Hybrid. Assembled at the production plant in Pekan, this model seamlessly combines electric power with traditional fuel for enhanced efficiency. Under the hood, the car features a 2.0-litre engine delivering 204hp at 6,100 rpm, coupled with a torque of 320Nm from 2,000 to 4,000rpm. In addition, an electric motor with a rated output of 127hp and a torque of 440Nm supplements the combustion engine, resulting in a maximum rated power system output of 313hp and a peak torque of 550Nm. With an electric range of up to 117km (WLTP), the C 350e prioritises sustainable mobility. The car’s high-voltage (HV) battery, with an energy content of 25.4kWh, supports various journeys and features an internal cooling system for optimal performance. Accelerating from 0 to 100kph in just 6.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 245kph, the C 350e offers agility and versatility. Externally, the C-Class boasts AMG Line styling with a distinctive Mercedes-Benz pattern grille and 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels. The Night Package adds sporty design elements in high-gloss black, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Inside, the AMG Line interior features metal structure trim elements, a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, and Artico manmade leather upholstery. The cabin is equipped with a high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen, an 11.9-inch touchscreen central display, and the latest generation of MBUX multimedia system for a digital and intelligent driving experience. Safety features include a 360° camera, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Guard 360° Vehicle protection. The driving experience is enhanced with an energy recovery function, route-based operating strategy, and selectable driving modes. Mercedes-Benz Financial offers the Agility+ Plan tailored to the C 350e, providing benefits such as lower monthly instalments, flexible endof-agreement options, and a guaranteed future value. Additionally, customers enjoy an additional 6 times service packages and up to RM3,800 Star Protect (Motor Insurance) support. The Mercedes-Benz C 350e is priced at RM338,888 (including 10% ST) for Peninsular Malaysia, inclusive of a 6-year/100,000km highvoltage battery warranty. Rolls-Royce introduces new Cullinan Series II ROLLS-ROYCE has unveiled the Cullinan Series II, building on the success of its predecessor since its initial launch in 2018. While the Cullinan has been known for its off-road capabilities, the Series II iteration aims to cater to an increasingly urban demographic, incorporating elements of self-driving technology and appealing to a younger clientele. The exterior design of the Cullinan Series II reflects a modern urban aesthetic, with a focus on clean lines and verticality. The illuminated pantheon grille, a first for the Cullinan, adds to its commanding presence on the road. In profile, the Series II boasts subtle changes to the surfacing, including a new feature line leading from the taillight to the rear wheel, creating a sense of movement. The addition of upsized 23-inch wheels further enhances the SUV’s stance. A new paint finish called Emperador Truffle, inspired by brown marble, adds a contemporary touch to the exterior. Inside, the Cullinan Series II features a pillar-to-pillar glass-panel fascia in the upper portion of the dashboard, housing digital displays and incorporating advanced technology like the SPIRIT operating system. Connectivity has been enhanced throughout the vehicle, with features such as the Whispers app for remote vehicle management and rear seat infotainment with streaming capabilities. Additionally, the Cullinan Series II introduces Bluetooth headphone pairing for the rear seat entertainment system. For those seeking a more dynamic interpretation of the Cullinan, the Black Badge Cullinan Series II is available at launch. It features a distinct front-end treatment with a darkened grille, blacked-out exterior elements, dark ambience, with darkened metal finishes and a unique Clock Cabinet featuring an up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Under the hood, both the standard Cullinan and Black Badge Cullinan Series II are powered by the same twinturbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine, delivering 600PS and 900Nm of torque. However, Rolls-Royce has indicated that the days of the V12 engine are numbered, with a commitment to transitioning to electric power by 2030. BMW M4 CS tops at 302kph MW M4 CS tops at 302kph THE new BMW M4 CS arrives as a compelling addition to the M lineup, offering a balance of power, agility, and lightweight construction. With a focus on enhancing performance and driving dynamics, the M4 CS slots between the Competition and CSL variants, delivering a thrilling driving experience. Powered by a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine tuned to produce 543hp and 650Nm of torque, the M4 CS delivers exhilarating acceleration and impressive speed. Paired with BMW’s M xDrive allwheel-drive system and an eightspeed Steptronic automatic transmission, the M4 CS can sprint from 0 to 100kph in just 3.2 seconds, with a top speed limited to 302kph. Weight reduction is a key focus for the M4 CS, with carbon fibrereinforced plastic utilised for various body panels, interior components, and even the exhaust system. This results in a lighter overall weight compared to the M4 Competition, contributing to improved performance and handling. The chassis and suspension tuning specific to the CS further enhance the cornering capability, making the M4 CS a formidable performer on both road and track. BMW provides track or ultra-track tyres at no additional cost. They are mounted to a pair of M alloy wheels in black or gold that measure 19-inches in the front and 20-inches in the rear. Visually, the M4 CS features distinctive styling cues, including unique exterior colours such as Riviera Blue or Frozen Isle of Man Green, complemented by exposed carbon fibre accents and yellow running lights. The interior boasts a black colour scheme with red trim, crafted from high-quality leather and Alcantara materials. CS branding is prominent throughout the cabin, while the frameless kidney grille with red trim adds to the sporty aesthetic. While the M4 CS commands a premium price tag starting at RM591,645, it offers enthusiasts a high-performance coupe that delivers on both style and substance. With production set to begin in July and deliveries expected later this year, the M4 CS promises to be a sought-after addition to the M lineup for driving enthusiasts seeking uncompromising performance and driving thrills. WHEN we hear the name James Bond, Aston Martin definitely comes to mind. Now, even though we may not know who the next actor is to fill the shoes of Daniel Craig as Agent 007, we do know which is the latest Aston Martin to be launched here in Malaysia. The revamped Aston Martin Vantage was unveiled in February of this year and has made its way to the Malaysian market. To afford this, your pockets must be as deep as Bond’s. Starting from RM2.37 million with duties & taxes and before options & customisations, this elevated Vantage could be yours. Retail price includes a three-year factory warranty, which customers can opt to extend to enjoy up to 20 years of coverage. This complements the Aston Martin ownership experience with vehicle lifetime protection for total peace of mind, subject to terms and conditions. The new Vantage boasts a Mercedes-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine at its core, now tuned to produce an impressive 665PS, a substantial increase of 153PS from its predecessor and 800Nm of torque. Paired with the trusted 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, power is sent to the rear wheels via an electronic limited-slip differential. With a shortened final drive ratio of 3.083:1, the new Vantage achieves swifter acceleration while maintaining an impressive top speed of 325kph and a blistering 0-100kph sprint time of just 3.4 seconds. Inside, the Vantage cockpit exudes sleek elegance, with clean lines and a spacious feel. Comfortable and supportive seats enhance the driving experience, while standard features include an 11-speaker audio system. Owners can interact with their Vantage through the Aston Martin app, offering vehicle monitoring, location tracking, and community engagement features. The app, free for the first three years, enhances the ownership experience. For further customisations that extend beyond the extensive catalogue of optional accessories, Qby Aston Martin offers bespoke personalisation services limited only by the imagination. Revamped Aston Martin Vantage now in Malaysia
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BIO-FERTILISERS SDN. BHD. (200701012862 (770867-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At the General Meeting of the members of Bio-Fertilisers Sdn. Bhd. (In Members’ Voluntary WindingUp) duly convened and held at the Registered Office of the Company, No. 47A, Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan on Friday, 10 May 2024, the following resolutions were duly passed:- THAT the Company will be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding-up AND THAT Ms Ng Yuet Seam of 47A Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets AND THAT the Liquidator be hereby indemnified by the Company against all losses, damages, causes of action, claims, demands whatsoever, whether at law or in equity, including legal fees, incurred or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duty as liquidator and in relation thereto. By Order of the Board NG YUET SEAM (MAICSA 7005639) CHEN PEAK HOOI (MAICSA 7035780) Secretaries 17 May 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 16 June 2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and names and addresses of their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at 47A, Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by its solicitors, to come in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. NG YUET SEAM Liquidator 17 May 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ICONIC BENCHMARK SDN. BHD. (Company No. 201001024385 (908171-A)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At a General Meeting of the Members of the abovenamed Company, duly convened and held at #01-25, Jalan Austin Perdana 2/22, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor on 15 May 2024 , the following Special Resolution was duly passed:- “That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr Ng Yee Shuenn of c/o #01-25, Jalan Austin Perdana 2/22, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, be and is hereby appointed as Liquidator for the purpose of such winding up with all powers given by Section 456 of the Companies Act, 2016. And 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 discharge of his duties as Liquidator and in relation thereto.” NG YEE SHUENN Director Dated this 17 May 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF ICONIC BENCHMARK SDN. BHD. (Company No. 201001024385 (908171-A)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovenamed Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required within 30 days of this notice to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned liquidator at #01-25, Jalan Austin Perdana 2/22, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are, by their solicitors or personally, required to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. NG YEE SHUENN Liquidator Dated this 17 May 2024 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72-45-03/2024 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN KOMPLEKS WILAYAH [BRN : 1330] ... PLAINTIF DAN MUN HAO YOONG (No. K/P: 840630-14-5565) ... DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI - BENTUK IKLAN Kepada : MUN HAO YOONG A-11-3A, Endah Puri Condominium 15, Jalan 3/149E Taman Sri Endah Bandar Baru Sri Petaling 57000 Kuala Lumpur AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur Guaman No. WA-A72-45- 03/2024 oleh Perbadanan Pengurusan Kompleks Wilayah yang beralamat penyampaian di Lot LG 13, Lower Ground Floor, Kompleks Wilayah No. 2, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, 50100 Kuala Lumpur untuk jumlah RM23,940-33 setakat 21/03/2024; dengan faedah pada kadar 10% setahun dikenakan ke atas jumlah RM22,293-92 dari tarikh 22/03/2024 sehingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya dan kos tindakan ini. Dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ dalam tindakan ini kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan ini kamu hendaklah dalam tempoh (21) hari dari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini, tidak termasuk hari pengiklanan, memasukkan kehadiran di Pendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamu ingkar memasukkan kehadiran, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 14 Mei 2024. Tandatangan …………………………… WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA Peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini difailkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi Plaintif yang beralamat di 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [No. Telefon: 03-22018378] [Rujukan Fail: L3 16198] [Emel: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72-43-03/2024 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN KOMPLEKS WILAYAH [BRN : 1330] ... PLAINTIF DAN SANTA NAIDU A/P SELVARAJ (No. K/P: 711014-08-6230) ... DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI - BENTUK IKLAN Kepada : SANTA NAIDU D/O SELVARAJ BRP 2/1B, Ascot Hill Bukit Rahman Putra 47000 Sungai Buloh AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur Guaman No. WA-A72-43- 03/2024 oleh Perbadanan Pengurusan Kompleks Wilayah yang beralamat penyampaian di Lot LG 13, Lower Ground Floor, Kompleks Wilayah No. 2, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, 50100 Kuala Lumpur untuk jumlah RM23,246-81 setakat 21/03/2024; dengan faedah pada kadar 10% setahun dikenakan ke atas jumlah RM21,670-34 dari tarikh 22/03/2024 sehingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya dan kos tindakan ini. Dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ dalam tindakan ini kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan ini kamu hendaklah dalam tempoh (22) hari dari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini, tidak termasuk hari pengiklanan, memasukkan kehadiran di Pendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamu ingkar memasukkan kehadiran,penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 14 Mei 2024. Tandatangan …………………………… WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA Peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini difailkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi Plaintif yang beralamat di 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [No. Telefon: 03-22018378] [Rujukan Fail: L3 16196] [Emel: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]] DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA WRIT SAMAN NO.: JA-A72NCvC-109-02/2024 ANTARA LIM YI SHIUAN (NO. K/P: 840508-04-5050) …PLAINTIF DAN GUI JIN SOON (NO. K/P: 941201-01-7197) [Berniaga atas nama dan gaya sebagai JSD Interior Design dengan nombor pendaftaran 202103359144 / IP0565912-M] …DEFENDAN NOTIS IKLAN AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Writ Saman Terpinda telah difailkan oleh Plaintif terhadap kamu, GUI JIN SOON (NO. K/P: 941201-01-7197) [Berniaga atas nama dan gaya sebagai JSD Interior Design dengan nombor pendaftaran 202103359144 / IP0565912-M] di Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru dalam Writ Saman No.: JAA72NCvC-109-02/2024 dan Mahkamah Majistret telah memerintahkan supaya Writ Saman Terpinda bertarikh 8/2/2024 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 1/2/2024 disampaikan dengan cara penyampaian ganti melalui notis iklan di surat khabar ‘the Sun’. DAN SELANJUTNYA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa kes ini telah ditetapkan pada 28/5/2024 pada pukul 9.00 pagi di hadapan Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru, Tuan Fikri Muhammad bin Ismail secara e-review dan kehadiran kamu adalah diwajibkan. Sekiranya kamu gagal hadir, Mahkamah boleh memberikan arahan, keputusan dan / atau perintah dengan ingkar kehadiran kamu. SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN BAHAWA kamu dikehendaki memfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran di Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru dalam masa 14 hari dan menyerahkan Memorandum Kehadiran kepada peguamcara Plaintif di Tetuan C H Wong di 23-01, Jalan Permas 10/1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor. Bertarikh pada 2 haribulan April 2024. t.t ………………….. Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Johor Bahru NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI (PENGIKLANAN) ini adalah difailkan oleh Tetuan C H Wong, yang mempunyai alamat di 23-01, Jalan Permas 10/1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor. (Ref: L-079/23/W) IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YOON SIN TRADING SDN. BHD. 200301017339 (619759-P) (Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound-up, are required on or before the 17th day of June 2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and of any security held by them, and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally required to write in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Kuala Lumpur Dated this 17th day of May 2024 Yap Siew Cheng Liquidator Note: This notice is purely formal. All known creditors have been or will be paid in full. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF YOON SIN TRADING SDN. BHD. 200301017339 (619759-P) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of YOON SIN TRADING SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur on the 10th day of May 2024 the following special resolutions were duly passed:- That the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Yap Siew Cheng of Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of the Company. That the said Liquidator be authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind amongst the contributors of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. That the Liquidator be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred in or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duties as Liquidator and in relation thereto. Dato’ Pang Yoon Shin Director FOCAL PARK SDN BHD (358698-H) NOTIS LELONG AWAM KENDERAAN UNTUK DILELONG SEPERTI SEDIA ADA TEMPAT & TARIKH LELONG : East Coast Region (Kota Bharu, Kuantan & Temerloh) 22-05-2024 (Rabu) Pukul 11:00pagi TARIKH MELIHAT : SEBELUM TIGA HARI LELONG (Pukul 9:00pagi - 4:00petang) PERTANYAAN (Tel) : Kota Bharu 07-7747972, Kuantan 017-4973133, Temerloh 012-428 7538 FPAC - PELELONG BERLESEN : a) En Mohd Fawzi Bin Ibrahim (32954) & Mr Mazenan Bin Haji Mohamed (01/2024) Alamat : Lot 5198, Petak 41 Jalan 20, Kawasan Perindustrian Pengkalan Chepa, Fasa 2, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bahru. : Lot 10869, Lot 10870 & Lot 10871 Jln Tanah Putih, Tanah Putih 25100 Kuantan : PT5101 & 5102, Kampung Megat Segama, 28000 Temerloh SILA LAYARI LAMAN WEB KAMI : http://www.focalpark.com.my Lot Reg No. Jenis & Model Tahun AM1 VAV8510 FORD RANGER 2.2 XLT (A) FX4 2017 AM2 RU3632 PROTON SAGA 1.3 (A) 2018 AM3 WVU2541 PROTON SAGA 1.3 FLX 2011 AM4 DCC8943 PERODUA ALZA 1.5 2012 (Perhatian: Kenderaan-kenderaan diatas yang tidak dibida dalam perlelongan akan dilelong semula pada 29-05-2024) 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES (WINDING UP) RULES, 1972 AND No. 67 (Rule 112) NOTICE OF CREDITORS’ MEETING GREEN RESIDENCES SDN. BHD. (In Liquidation) (Registration No. 200601021539 (741292-D)) TAKE NOTICE that the Second Meeting of the Creditors in the above matter will be held entirely on a fully virtual basis vide Zoom Platform at MOORES ROWLAND CONSULTING (PG) SDN. BHD., 33B, Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang on Friday, 31st day of May, 2024 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes:- 1. To provide status updates on the meeting with contributories. 2. To provide status updates on the meeting with potential white knight. 3. Briefing on the key terms of Section 366 of the Companies Act 2016 (Scheme of Arrangement). 4. To discuss the benefits of the Scheme of Arrangement. 5. Any other matters. Khor Yong Yong Liquidator Dated this 17th day of May, 2024. Forms of general and special proxies are enclosed herewith. Proxies to be used at the meeting must be lodged not later than 12.00 p.m. on the 30th day of May, 2024. NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF HOTEL EMERALD SDN. BERHAD [Company Registration No : 197301003268 (16717-H)] (Incorporated in Malaysia) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by Hotel Emerald Sdn. Berhad (“the Company”) pursuant to Section 117(10) of the Companies Act 2016 in respect of the following:- SPECIAL RESOLUTION : REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 (“CA 2016”) 1. THAT the Directors having made a full inquiry into the affairs of the Company and that, having done so, have formed the opinion that the Company is able to pay its debts, identified on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 30 April 2024, as being the debts as they fall due; 2. THAT the Company has on 13 May 2024 passed a Special Resolution approving the proposed reduction of its paid up share capital to 102,000 Ordinary Shares of RM1.00 each by reducing the 340,000 Ordinary Shares of RM1.00 each pursuant to Section 117 of the CA 2016; 3. THAT the Solvency Statement by Directors made pursuant to Section 117(3) of the CA 2016 is available for inspection by any creditor of the Company at the registered office of the Company at 9-2, Suite #1, Jalan Desa, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur for a period of six (6) weeks from the date of the Special Resolution; and 4. THAT any creditor of the Company may apply to the Court for the Special Resolution to be cancelled within six (6) weeks from the date of the Special Resolution pursuant to Section 118(2) of the CA 2016. Dated this 17th May 2024 Poon Mei Chee Director Kuala Lumpur 322 Notices If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [email protected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TIMBUNAN BAKTI CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. [199701005864 (421360-A)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) At a General Meeting of the Members of Timbunan Bakti Construction Sdn. Bhd. [199701005864 (421360-A)] held at Suite 2-2-12, Menara KLH, Off 2 ½ Mile, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala Lumpur on 15th May 2024 at 10.00 a.m. the following Special Resolutions were duly passed:- (i) THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) (b) of the Companies Act 2016. (ii) THAT Mr. Yap Chee Keong (NRIC No.: 560113- 10-5331) of Suite 2-2-12, Menara KLH, Off 2 ½ Mile, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. (iii) THAT authority be given to the Directors to fix the Liquidator’s fee. (iv) THAT the said Liquidator be indemnified by the contributors against all the costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred or sustained by him in the execution and discharge of his duties in relation thereto (v) THAT the Liquidator be and is hereby authorised to divide all or such part of the surplus assets of the Company as he thinks fit in specie or in kind amongst the members of the Company. CHIN CHU PIN Director Kuala Lumpur, W. P. Kuala Lumpur Dated: 17th May 2024 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TIMBUNAN BAKTI CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. [199701005864 (421360-A)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 16th June 2024 to send their names and addresses with particulars of their debts or claims and the name and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said Company; and if so required in writing from the said, are by their solicitors or personally 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 proven. Kuala Lumpur, W. P. Kuala Lumpur Dated: 17th May 2024 YAP CHEE KEONG Liquidator Suite 2-212, Menara KLH, Off 2 ½ Mile, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala Lumpur. 322 Notices 322 Notices SCAN ME FRIDAY MAY 17, 2024 TEL: 03-7784 6688 FAX: 03-7785 2625 EMAIL: [email protected]
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 28 MAX VERSTAPPEN will aim to recover and put his friend Lando Norris back in his place among the chasing pack this weekend as Formula One returns to Europe for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The three-time world champion, who leads this year’s title race for Red Bull, knows however that after suffering two defeats in six seasonopening races he may be vulnerable and McLaren’s Norris will be armed with upgrades as he seeks to add to his popular maiden triumph in Miami. Most if not all teams will bring revised cars for the seventh race of the season with Ferrari and Mercedes both hoping to reduce Verstappen’s advantage at the cramped and atmospheric circuit set in the rolling vineyards of Ferrari’s Italian heartland. Three decades after the blackest F1 weekend in modern times, when Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna were killed on successive days at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, the sport will also pay tributes and remember that bleak May weekend. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly will wear a race helmet repainted in yellow to remember Senna while retired fourtime champion Sebastian Vettel is set to drive the Brazilian’s 1993 McLaren MP4/8 car at the track on Sunday morning. Verstappen, however, will keep it all simple as he seeks to repeat Red Bull’s success at Imola in 2022 when he led teammate Sergio Perez home in a convincing one-two triumph. The race was called off last year due to flooding, but in kinder weather it is expected to launch a run of six races in eight weeks as the 24-race championship enters a key period. “Imola is an iconic track to race at and we are excited to be back after last year’s race was cancelled,” said Verstappen, who leads the title race with 136 points ahead of Perez on 103. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has 98 points with Norris on 83 level with Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari. Red Bull may be wary of the threat from several rival teams after a difficult opening period of the year beset by controversies including the recent confirmation that technical chief Adrian Newey is to leave. Mercedes’ boss Toto Wolff however stressed that despite a major upgrade package his team, who are without a podium finish this season, are not yet ready to threaten the leaders. “We’re a quarter of the way through the season,” he said. “The first six races have not been straightforward for us, but we do have a clear understanding of where we need to improve. “It will be several races before we see this bear fruit, but everyone is working hard to bring the improvements as soon as is possible.” – AFP IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF CPTC MARKETING SDN. BHD. (200501024420 (406552-X)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At the General Meeting of the members of CPTC Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) duly convened and held at the Registered Office of the Company, No. 9B, Persiaran Greentown 5, Greentown Business Centre, 30450 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan on Friday, 10 May 2024, the following resolutions were duly passed:- THAT the Company will be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding-up AND THAT Ms Ng Yuet Seam of 47A Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets AND THAT the Liquidator be hereby indemnified by the Company against all losses, damages, causes of action, claims, demands whatsoever, whether at law or in equity, including legal fees, incurred or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duty as liquidator and in relation thereto. By Order of the Board LEE CHEE KEEN (MACS 00227) Secretary 17 May 2024 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 16 June 2024 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and names and addresses of their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at 47A, Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by its solicitors, to come in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. NG YUET SEAM Liquidator 17 May 2024 DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO: WA-B52NCvC-518-11/2023 ANTARA SPECIALISED DRILLING EQUIPMENT SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 1224206-X) …PLAINTIF DAN 1) MALAYAN WATER SDN BHD (dahulunya dikenali sebagai EARTH EXPLORATION DRILLING SDN BHD) (No. Syarikat: 1110243-U) 2) MOHD KHAIROL ANUAR BIN MUHAMAD (NO. K/P: 850810-06-5561) …DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS Dalam perkara Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 26 Oktober, 2023 dan Perintah Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 1 April, 2024 Kepada: MOHD KHAIROL ANUAR BIN MUHAMAD 2-9-11, Blok Lotus, Putra Intan Kondominium, 43800 Dengkil, Selangor ATAS PERMOHONAN Plaintif DAN SETELAH MEMBACA Notis Permohonan bertarikh 22 Januari 2024 dan Afidavit-afidavit yang kesemuanya difailkan disini dan setelah mendengar Azwan Bin Abdul Wahab peguamcara Plaintif. MAKA ADALAH PADA HARI INI DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa:- 1. Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan yang bertarikh pada 26 Oktober, 2023 (selepas ini dirujuk sebagai “Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan”) tesebut disampaikan kepada Defendan KeDua dinamakan di atas secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ Saman dan Penyataan Tuntutan tersebut ini di papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dan di alamat terakhir Defendan di diketahui di 2-9-11, Blok Lotus, Putra Intan Kondominium , 43800 Dengkil, Selangor. 2. Melalui notis penyampaian ganti dalam bentuk iklan disiarkan dalam surat khabar tempatan; 3. Segala penyampaian yang tersebut di atas adalah menjadi satu penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup terhadap Defendan selepas tujuh (7) hari dari tarikh penyampaian dan pengiklanan; dan 4. Kos permohonan ini hendaklah menjadi kos dalam kausa. AMBIL PERHATIAN SELANJUTNYA bahawa tindakan di atas akan dijalankan atas talian secara e-Review pada 24 Mei, 2024 pada jam 9 pagi di mana kamu dikehendaki hadir atas talian secara e-Review dan sekiranya kamu gagal hadir pada tarikh e-Review yang dibuat secara atas talian Mahkamah akan memasukkan Penghakiman Ingkar terhadap kamu dalam ketidakhadiran kamu. Bertarikh pada 1 April , 2024 t.t ………………… Penolong Pendaftar Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur NOTIS ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Omar Azwan & Partners peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di LR-4D1, Menara D, Tingkat 5, Persiaran MPAJ, Jalan Pandan Utama, Pandan Kapital, Pandan Indah, 55100 Ampang, Selangor. Tel: 013-2193360 email: [email protected] 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM NEGERI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (BAHAGIAN DAGANG) PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: WA-28NCC-365-04/2024 Dalam perkara di bawah Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara di bawah Seksyen 465 (1) (e) dan Seksyen 466 (1) (a) Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara di bawah Kaedah-kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA Orix Credit Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat : 67108-U) ... Pempetisyen DAN Iqzan Holding Berhad (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Ire-Tex Corporation Berhad) [No. Syarikat: 200201008458 (576121-A)] ... Responden IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat oleh Mahkamah Tinggi, telah pada 22/04/2024 dikemukakan oleh Orix Credit Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat : 67108-U) yang beralamat di 8th Floor, Menara Penang Garden, 42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur pada 23/07/2024 jam 9.30 pagi. DAN mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang berniat untuk menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa bicaraan dan sesalinan 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 8th Floor, Menara Penang Garden, 42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah WongChooi & Mohd. Nor, Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 27, 1st Floor, Jalan Maju Jaya, Pusat Perniagaan Maju Jaya, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. ...............t.t.................. Peguamcara Pempetisyen PERINGATAN - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada Tetuan Wong-Chooi & Mohd. Nor yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum jam 12.00 tengahari pada 22/07/2024. [RUJUKAN NO.: WCMN(BM)/ OCMSB/2023-605/IHB (YKY/sk)] Max seeks to restore order … as F1 remembers Senna at Imola SKIPPER Sam Curran starred with bat and ball in his last match of this IPL season as Punjab Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets for a consolation win yestersday. Chasing a tricky 145 on a sluggish pitch, Punjab depended on Curran’s unbeaten 63 to achieve their target with seven balls to spare in Rajasthan’s adopted home ground in Guwahati. Left-handed Curran put on a key 63-run stand with Jitesh Sharma, who made 22, and despite losing his partner in the 16th over steered the team home to lift them from the bottom of the 10-team table. Curran, who took over as Punjab captain midway this season after an injury to regular skipper Shikhar Dhawan, and teammate Jonny Bairstow will depart for England overnight in preparation for the T20 World Cup in June. “Me and Jonny are leaving tomorrow,” player of the match Curran said. “Obviously nice. Have thoroughly enjoyed the season, have enjoyed captaining. Atmosphere around the group has been really good. Excited about the World Cup.” Most of the England players in IPL including Rajasthan’s Jos Buttler have already left home ahead of four T20 matches against Pakistan as a tune-up for the World Cup in the West Indies and the United States. Impact substitute Ashutosh Sharma smashed 17 and the winning run to hand Rajasthan their fourth successive defeat in this edition of the T20 tournament. “To be very honest, we have to sit back and accept that we are going through some failures,” Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson said. “You have to find out what’s not working well as a team. When you are getting to the business end, we need someone to raise their finger up and say ‘I am going to win the game for the team’. We have the players who can do that.” The loss for Rajasthan hurt their chances of a top-two finish in the league stage a day after they confirmed their playoff spot. Rajasthan, who stay in second place with one game in hand, and table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders are the only two teams to have booked their playoff berth. – AFP ALEXANDER ZVEREV reached his 18th Masters semifinal in Rome on yesterday but only after a worrying fall which sparked memories of the horror injury he suffered at the French Open two years ago. The world No. 5 from Germany defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 to set up a last-four duel with Alejandro Tabilo, the Chilean journeyman who had stunned Novak Djokovic earlier in the tournament. Zverev’s moment of concern came in just the third game on centre court at the Foro Italico when he fell on the clay and landed on his front. The 2017 champion cut his left wrist and a finger in the tumble and required treatment from the tournament physio before he continued the match. He was able to dust himself down to defeat Fritz in 90 minutes, firing 20 winners with six aces and not facing a single break point. “Taylor has been one of the best players on clay this year. To have a win like that is great for me, especially after the fall,” Zverev said. “I still have a little bit of pain, so once the adrenaline settles I’m going to check out tomorrow what it is. But definitely happy with the win.” Chile’s Tabilo will play his firstever Masters 1000 semifinal at the age of 26, after seeing off unseeded Zhang Zhizhen of China 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 26 minutes. Women’s second seed Aryna Sabalenka needed just an hour and 13 minutes to see off Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 on her way to the semis, improving her record against her Latvian opponent to three wins and no defeats. Sabalenka will next take on Miami Open winner Danielle Collins who eased past Victoria Azarenka 6- 4, 6-3. “With this amazing atmosphere and with this amazing support… that’s why I’m super motivated here and that’s why I always say that this is the dream tournament for me to win,” said Sabalenka. – AFP Zverev beats injury, Collins sets up Sabalenka clash SHORTS Bolt backs WiIndies’ hattrick bid EIGHT-TIME Olympic champion and cricket fan Usain Bolt is backing his home team West Indies to become the first nation to win a hattrick of T20 World Cup titles when the tournament kicks off next month. The glory years of West Indian cricket are long gone as the team that won the first two editions of the 50-over World Cup did not even qualify for last year’s tournament in India. However, with West Indies winning a Test in Australia for the first time in 27 years in January, Bolt is confident that the Caribbeans have finally left all their struggles behind. The world’s fastest man believes his team can add to their 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup triumphs considering they will be hosting this year’s tournament with the United States, and with the final taking place in Barbados on June 29. “I’m always going to go with my home team,” Bolt said yesterday. “Because we have some big hitters, if we get it right, then definitely West Indies (can win).” Cricket’s newest stadium launched in New York THE newly-built Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, near New York, was launched yesterday with the sport’s world body “excited” to conquer new territories through the T20 World Cup in June. The 34,000-capacity stadium, with infrastructure from the Las Vegas Formula 1 circuit and drop-in pitches prepared in Florida, will host the hotly-anticipated India-Pakistan clash on June 9, among its eight scheduled World Cup games. The showpiece 20-over event will be cohosted by the West Indies and the United States starting June 1 with New York, Florida and Dallas as venues. The International Cricket Council (ICC) remains happy with the focus on the IndiaPakistan clash and the Nassau project as part of bringing the game to the US. “Yeah, absolutely! We can run that game anywhere and the interest in the fixture would be immense,” Chris Tetley, the ICC’s head of events, told reporters. “We are really excited to bring the T20 World Cup cricket to the US and the opportunity that it presents to the sport and from what I can see there is an audience really waiting for us to come.” Curran signs off in style for Punjab Sam Curran. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 29 WITH storylines ranging from Scottie Scheffler’s return to the course to Rory McIlroy’s quest to end his major drought to Tiger Woods’ latest attempt to recapture the magic, golf’s greatest questions and most compelling figures have converged at the PGA Championship. Usually considered the sport’s least popular major, the PGA Championship has plenty going for it this week when the competition gets underway today morning at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Scheffler is the prohibitive favourite to win even as he comes back from a multi-week break to attend the birth of his first child, a son named Bennett. When the golfing world last saw Scheffler, he was winning everything in sight, including the Masters and the RBC Heritage in back-to-back weeks. Scheffler has obtained two green jackets but has yet to win any other major. If he prevails this week at Valhalla, the calendar Grand Slam wouldn’t be pie in the sky. “I may win a lot of major championships. I may be stuck at two the rest of my career. It doesn’t really concern me in the moment,” Scheffler said. “I’m just trying to prepare as best as possible for this week.” On the opposite end of the spectrum is McIlroy, the Northern Irishman who is filing for divorce and hasn’t won a major in 10 years. He’s arrived at the site of his last major triumph, the 2014 PGA, riding the wave of the consecutive wins at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and last week’s Wells Fargo Championship, where he led the field in driving and ranked top-10 in every relevant stat. If Scheffler and McIlroy are the dueling favourites, Brooks Koepka should be right on their tails. Not only is Koepka the defending champion after a victory at Oak Hill last May, he has won three of the past six editions of the event. “I’m just looking forward to a major championship,” the member of LIV Golf said. “That gets my excitement going. Something I look forward to all year. “So yeah, look, I always enjoy competing against these guys, and anytime you get the best, it’s always good, and you just want them to play their best, too. You want to go out and win it.” Woods, 48, is sure to attract his own crowds this week as he plays the PGA for the second time since 2020 after a made cut at the Masters. He withdrew after making the cut at the 2022 PGA and did not play in 2023 as he needed postMasters ankle surgery. “My body’s OK. It is what it is,” Woods said. “I wish my game was a little bit sharper. Again, I don’t have a lot of competitive reps, so I am having to rely on my practice sessions and getting stuff done either at home or here onsite.” – Field Level Media Education remains an important pillar of Malaysian society; it equips students with the skills needed to become productive and useful members of society. We invite you to showcase the best of education and the difference your institution has brought to the education landscape. Education matters so join us in 2024! Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Xander aims for strong showing IT looked like Xander Schauffele all but had his eighth PGA Tour win in hand last week. And then he had to play the final 11 holes at the Wells Fargo Championship. The 30-year-old Schauffele saw a two-shot lead turn into a five-shot loss as Rory McIlroy pulled even with birdies at No. 8 and 9 and then stormed past him to a victory. “Last week was a bit of a buzz saw,” Schauffele said. “I felt like if someone would have told me I’d shoot (1-under) at Quail Hollow on Sunday and lose – it’s just a testament to how good Rory played. “When someone like him is firing on all cylinders, he’s a tough man to beat, and he proved that on Sunday.” In golf, Schauffele said you have to have a shortterm memory. The seven-time PGA Tour champion has put it behind him and is now ready to contend at the 106th PGA Championship, which starts today at Valhalla Golf Club. “I’m playing really good golf,” Schauffele said. “At the end of the day, when I go to sleep, I remind myself that I’m playing at a really high level. I’ve put myself in position. “Seven years ago I won twice quickly, I had high expectations, then I didn’t win for a year or two, then I won two or three times in a year. It’s just kind of how it goes sometimes.” Aberg planning major encore AFTER a runner-up finish in his major debut at the Masters, Ludvig Aberg has left himself a tough act to follow but the Swedish sensation said yesterday he is feeling no pressure coming into this week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. Having coolly handled the Augusta spotlight and already experienced the Ryder Cup pressure cooker, the 24-year-old has displayed nerves of steel almost from the moment he turned professional last June, shooting from outside the top 3,000 at the start of 2023 to world No. 6. “I’m still doing a lot of firsts when I’m playing these tournaments,” said Aberg, already a winner on both the PGA and DP World Tours. “Obviously this week is my first PGA Championship and only my second major. “I’m feeling all these things that first-timers do and it’s the same thing for me, so I try to focus on the golf. “At the end of the day, this is what I’ve been wanting to do since I was a little boy and I love doing it.” No Ryder rush but LIV deal vital TIGER WOODS will be given plenty of time to decide whether he wants to captain the US team at the 2025 Ryder Cup, PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said yestersday. Woods said on Tuesday he remains in talks with Waugh about the chance to guide next year’s US squad against holders Europe at Bethpage Black. But Woods was uncertain he has time for the job given his training, playing and negotiator role in talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), backers of the rival LIV Golf League. “He doesn’t do anything that he’s not fully committed to, and we totally respect that,” Waugh said. “He has got a lot on his plate right now. He’s very active on the tour side of things. We want to give him and the committee space to decide how it plays out. “We think there’s plenty of time and putting an artificial date on it is not something we need to do.” Waugh, however, does want to see some alacrity in the PGA-PIF talks to try and finalise a deal from a framework agreement unveiled last June 6. “I hope there’s urgency because I do think it’s doing damage to the tour, to the game,” Waugh said. “It’s messy and it seems to get messier every week,“ Waugh said. “I’m a very optimistic type and I’m sort of hoping it’s darkest before dawn, but I think the best thing for the game is a deal.” All to play for at Valhalla No shortage of storylines, intrigue at PGA Championship Rory McIlroy. – USATODAYPIX PIN HIGH
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 30 Juve clinch Italian Cup DUSAN VLAHOVIC shot Juventus to the Italian Cup with the only goal in yesterday’s final against Atalanta who were denied a first trophy in six decades. Serbia striker Vlahovic’s fourth-minute strike was enough for Juve to claim the cup for the 15th time in a largely uninspiring final in Rome. Massimiliano Allegri’s side had won just three matches since the end of January coming into the final but frustrated Atalanta from the moment Vlahovic, who also had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half, netted the only goal of the game. Yesterday’s win ended a three-year trophy drought for Juventus, Italy’s most successful and widely-supported club who have been overshadowed by the Milan clubs and Napoli in recent seasons. Poor performances this season have led to speculation that Allegri, who was sent off late on, will be sacked in the summer, and he hinted that his second spell as Juve coach is set to come to an end. “If I’m gone next season, because I’ve already been sacked in the media, we’re in the Champions League and have won a trophy,” said Allegri to Mediaset. “We’ve done everything we were supposed to do, get into the Champions League and reach a final, the boys did really well to win it.” EPL clubs to vote on dropping VAR PREMIER LEAGUE clubs will vote on whether to drop video assistant referees (VAR) from next season after Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a resolution yesterday, citing the “negative consequences that damage the relationship between fans and football”. VAR was introduced in 2019 to assist on-field officials with key match decisions, but the technology has been at the centre of controversy with complaints ranging from its extensive analysis to delays that can take several minutes. “After five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate about its future,” the Wolverhampton statement said. “Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is contrary to the spirit of our game and should therefore be removed from the 2024/25 season onwards.” A Premier League spokesperson confirmed they will facilitate a discussion on VAR with clubs at next month’s annual general meeting. However, he added that while clubs are entitled to put forward proposals, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside the referees’ body PGMOL, to continuing to improve the system for the benefit of the game and its fans. Griezmann fires Atletico into Europe ANTOINE GRIEZMANN secured Champions League qualification for Atletico Madrid with a hattrick in a 3-0 triumph at Getafe yesterday in La Liga. Diego Simeone’s side ensured they will finish in the top four and therefore reach Europe’s top competition for the 12th consecutive season. Inspired by France international Griezmann, the Rojiblancos romped to victory in the Madrid suburbs at Getafe’s Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Atletico, fourth, trail Girona by two points and now lead fifth-place Athletic Bilbao by 11 as the Basque side fell to a 2-1 defeat at struggling Celta Vigo. Despite a strong start and becoming the only side in Spain to beat new champions Real Madrid this season, Atletico’s season began to crumble. Athletic ousted them in the Copa del Rey semifinals and Borussia Dortmund knocked them out in the Champions League quarters. Atletico knew a victory would guarantee them a return to the competition next season and the superb Griezmann did not give Getafe, 10th, a chance. “It’s been a lot of years getting into the Champions League, which is something to value, but with the team we have and the talent we have, and the coach we have, it’s something we have to do,” Griezmann told Movistar. Singing the Blues Poch admits James’ red card ‘painful’ after win at Brighton MAURICIO POCHETTINO admitted Reece James’ late red card was “painful” after Chelsea moved to the verge of European qualification with a gripping 2-1 Premier League win at Brighton. Blues captain James was dismissed for the second time in an injury-plagued season for kicking out at Seagulls striker Joao Pedro in the 88th minute at the Amex Stadium. The England defender, who came on in the 69th minute for only his second appearance since December following hamstring surgery, faces a four-match ban and cannot play again before Gareth Southgate names his preliminary Euro 2024 squad. Goals from Cole Palmer and substitute Christopher Nkunku lifted Chelsea to sixth position – three points below fifth-placed Tottenham and three above Newcastle and Manchester United – going into the final day at home to Bournemouth. “It’s difficult to give my opinion because I didn’t have time to see the action,” Blues boss Pochettino said of James’ costly retaliation. “Maybe it’s the frustration of him. “But, yes, painful. Painful because it was a fantastic night of football and he’s our captain and a really important player. “I’m disappointed because now he’s going to miss the next game and maybe a few games in next season.” Brighton substitute Danny Welbeck claimed an added-time consolation after Palmer registered his 22nd Premier League goal of the season with a delightful first-half looping header and Nkunku slotted home in the 64th minute. Albion skipper Lewis Dunk is now a doubt for the forthcoming European Championship in Germany, having been forced off by a knee injury at halftime of an incident-packed contest. Asked if the centreback was OK, Seagulls head coach Roberto De Zerbi replied: “No, because the substitution was for an injury. “I hope for him it can be not a big problem. I don’t know if he can be available for Sunday (against Manchester United) but more important for him the possibility to be available for the Euros.” De Zerbi felt his side were denied a blatant penalty and criticised the performance of referee Michael Salisbury, while empathising with James, who was also red carded in Chelsea’s 4-1 thrashing at Newcastle in November. “We have to speak of the level of the referees like the level of the coaches,” said the Italian. “Behind the VAR, there are people and we have to analyse the level of the referees. “I didn’t like the referee today. But not for the penalty because nothing changed for us if we win or lose this game (in terms of League position). I didn’t like the personality, the control of the game. “I’m sorry for the red card of James because I think it was a normal reaction. “If you have played in your life football it can happen this reaction but the penalty of Adingra was clear, it was clear from my bench. On TV, it’s more clear.” – The Independent Let’s finish this, says bullish Haaland ERLING HAALAND urged his Manchester City teammates to “relax” ahead of Sunday’s final day after they moved within touching distance of history with a 2-0 win at Tottenham. City returned to the Premier League summit with victory in their game in hand on Tuesday night after Haaland’s second-half brace ensured they moved two points clear of second-placed Arsenal. It means a win against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium would result in City clinching a fourth consecutive League title – a feat which has never previously been achieved in the top tier of English football. “Yeah, fantastic mentality,” Haaland told City+. “Focus on game by game and now relax. We came here to try to win and we won. “Focus on the next game and try not to think too much. Let’s get all together and finish this.” Much of the pre-match narrative had surrounded how sections of Spurs’ fan-base were happy to lose given what a positive result against Pep Guardiola’s team would mean for the title bid of north London rivals Arsenal. However, Ange Postecoglou’s team made a strong start and arguably edged an even first half, which was played out in front of a subdued home crowd. Haaland broke the deadlock six minutes into the second period when he tapped home after Kevin De Bruyne got in behind the Tottenham defence, but the hosts rallied and went close to a late leveller when Son Heungmin raced clear with four minutes left. “They’re a fantastic team,” Haaland said of Spurs. “You know everyone knows that they want to play all the time and all praise to them. “It was really difficult, but yeah, we came here to try and win and we won. That’s my only thing and I’m happy. “I think we were a bit nervous. I think that’s normal, there’s a lot of emotions for everyone. “Everyone knows the situation, but it’s about not thinking too much. Try to focus on your things to do and try to win.” – The Independent KEVIN DE BRUYNE insisted the Premier League title race is “not done yet” despite Manchester City moving into pole position for a record fourth successive crown. City sit atop the table heading into the final weekend of the season, boasting a two-point lead over Arsenal, after Erling Haaland’s double secured a 2-0 win at Europe-chasing Tottenham on Tuesday. The notion is City have cleared the biggest obstacle standing in their way of glory as they welcome a West Ham side that have won just four of their 18 League games in 2024 to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. De Bruyne, though, warned City have twice experienced similar situations recently and almost slipped up – falling behind in end-of-season matches at Brighton in 2018/19 and against Aston Villa 12 months ago. On both occasions, City prevailed to claim the top-flight prize and they are in a must-win situation again as Arsenal’s superior goal difference could prove decisive if they beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium. “We were happy obviously (to beat Tottenham) because it gets us in the place that we want to be for Sunday but I don’t feel like there was any extra celebrations,” he told Sky Sports. “Obviously, you’re happy you win the game but we know it’s not done yet. “I know everybody’s talking how it should be easy but we’ve had that before against Brighton and Villa and it’s never easy. There’s always the pressure of being in that situation.” De Bruyne, who was withdrawn after 69 minutes, gave a reassuring update over his condition. “I think I’m alright,” he said. “The place in the Achilles is really sore. It felt a little bit like a knife in the moment I had the impact but it’s an impact so it’s not bad, I’ll be alright.” The Belgian was not the only casualty for the visitors as goalkeeper Ederson had to make way due to injury, with understudy Stefan Ortega making several crucial saves in the last 20 minutes. “Whenever he’s played for the team, he’s been really good. He’s had a lot more opportunities this year because there’s been a couple of injuries for Eddy unfortunately. “It keeps everybody and Eddy on his toes because he knows there’s a good number two next to him.” – The Independent Title race is not done yet: De Bruyne █ BY ED ELLIOT █ BY GEORGE SESSIONS SHORTS Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey (right) fights for the ball with Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella during their Premier League match. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 31 THE coaching director of Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), Rexy Mainaky expects 2022 men’s doubles world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to start to feel the heat once they check into the Games Village for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris from July 26-Aug 11. With badminton scheduled to be held from July 27 to Aug 5 at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, Rexy said that once they see athletes from other countries starting to win gold medals at the world’s biggest multi-sports Games, that’s when the pressure will hit them. “Right now, Aaron-Wooi Yik are not really feeling the pressure, but they will surely feel it at the athletes’ village, where all the world-class athletes will be based. “When they are there and they see other athletes have won the gold medal, they will start to think ‘when will it be our turn’ and that will make them anxious to get started. The tension doesn’t come from the outside, but it’s there (at the Games Village) that they will start to feel the heat,” he said after a training session yesterday. As such, Rexy, who won the 1996 Atlanta Olympics men’s doubles gold medal with Ricky Subagja, is confident that Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) psychologist Frederick Tan has a crucial role to play in helping the world number four pair handle the pressure in Paris. Last December, 2024 Paris Olympics chef de mission Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin named AaronWooi Yik and track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang as Malaysia’s best bets to win the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. Azizulhasni, nicknamed The Pocket Rocketman, had recently stated his determination to deliver Malaysia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal when he makes his fifth and final Olympic appearance at Paris 2024. Meanwhile, Rexy, who is happy with the performance of Aaron-Wooi Yik thus far, reminded the 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medallists not to be too excited and to continue focusing on improving their performance ahead of Paris 2024. – Bernama Feel the heat Sabah players must be clinical, says Kim Swee SABAH FC head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee is keeping his fingers crossed that his men will be more clinical with their finishing when they take on Kelantan Darul Naim FC in the Super League at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu today (9pm). Having seen his team waste numerous chances in their 0-0 season-opening draw against Penang FC at the Likas Stadium last Sunday, Kim Swee said they have worked hard to sharpen their blunt strike force. “What is important s for every player to remain focused during the match. “The match is crucial for us to achieve the target set by the management, so we must make sure we return home with a positive result,” he said in a statement yesterday. As for their preparations for the away game against Kelantan, Kim Swee said the east coast side only lost 1-0 to Sri Pahang FC last week and, as such, he expects a tough time today. – Bernama NATIONAL tower run ace Soh Wai Ching dreams of killing two birds with one stone as he bids to “conquer” the Merdeka 118 in December. Apart from completing the climb up the 118-storey tower, which is the second tallest building and structure in the world, Wai Ching said he also hopes to break two Guinness World Records – greatest vertical height stair climbing in one hour (male) and fastest vertical mile stair climbing (male). Based on the Guinness World Records, Spaniard Christian Roberto Lopez Rodriguez accomplished the greatest vertical height stair climbing in one hour at a distance of 1.457km at a building in Albacete, Spain in 2022 while Ryoji Watanabe of Japan emerged as the fastest man to complete the vertical mile stair climb in one hour, six minutes and 58 seconds at the Tokyo Skytree Tower in 2020. “I was told that the height from the ground floor to the 118th floor is 510m, so I need to climb it three times to break the record set by the Spaniard. “Then, I need to complete several more runs to clock under Watanabe’s time of 1:06.58s for the second world record,” he told Bernama after appearing as a guest on the Bernama Radio’s Bicara Lelaki programme yesterday. He plans to visit Merdeka 118 in July to make sure of the total number of steps he will need to make to complete the run and, hopefully, start training there in October. The 29-year-old said a worldrenowned hotel that is set to operate at Merdeka 118 is also interested in sponsoring him and arranging for a meeting with Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), the owner of the building, to get permission to carry out his mission at the end of the year. Meanwhile, Wai Ching is confident he can retain his position as the world’s topranked tower runner this year as he is way ahead in terms of points accumulated. As of March, Wai Ching has accumulated 971 points. His nearest challengers are Watanabe (771 points), and Italian Fabio Ruga (626 points). Wai Ching is preparing for two local competitions this weekend before flying off to compete in Poland and Germany next week. – Bernama Wai Ching aims to kill two birds with one stone ai Ching aims to kill two birds with one stone ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Brighton 1 (Welbeck 90+7) Chelsea 2 (Palmer 34, Nkunku 64), Manchester United 3 (Mainoo 31, Diallo 57, Hojlund 84) Newcastle 2 (Gordon 49, Hall 90+2). P W D L F A Pts Man City 37 27 7 3 93 33 88 Arsenal 37 27 5 5 89 28 86 Liverpool 37 23 10 4 84 41 79 Aston Villa 37 20 8 9 76 56 68 Tottenham 37 19 6 12 71 61 63 Chelsea 37 17 9 11 75 62 60 Newcastle 37 17 6 14 81 60 57 Man Utd 37 17 6 14 55 58 57 West Ham 37 14 10 13 59 71 52 Brighton 37 12 12 13 55 60 48 Bournemouth 37 13 9 15 53 65 48 Crystal Palace 37 12 10 15 52 58 46 Wolves 37 13 7 17 50 63 46 Fulham 37 12 8 17 51 59 44 Everton 37 13 9 15 39 49 40 Brentford 37 10 9 18 54 61 39 Nottm Forest 37 8 9 20 47 66 29 Luton 37 6 8 23 50 81 26 Burnley 37 5 9 23 40 76 24 Sheff Utd 37 3 7 27 35 101 16 LA LIGA: Rayo Vallecano 2 (Lejeune 23, De Frutos 80) Granada 1 (Boye 89), Sevilla 0 Cadiz 1 (Guardiola 90+6), Celta Vigo 2 (Swedberg 68, Alvarez 71) Athletic Bilbao 1 (Berenguer 23), Getafe 0 Atletico Madrid 3 (Griezmann 27, 42, 51). P W D L F A Pts Real Madrid 36 29 6 1 83 22 93 Barcelona 35 23 7 5 72 43 76 Girona 36 23 6 7 75 45 75 Atletico 36 23 4 9 67 39 73 Bilbao 36 17 11 8 58 37 62 Real Betis 35 14 13 8 46 41 55 Sociedad 35 14 12 9 48 37 54 Villarreal 36 14 9 13 60 60 51 Valencia 35 13 9 13 37 39 48 Getafe 36 10 13 13 41 51 43 Alaves 36 11 9 16 34 45 42 Sevilla 36 10 11 15 47 50 41 Osasuna 36 11 8 17 40 54 41 Vallecano 36 8 14 14 29 44 38 Celta Vigo 36 9 10 17 42 54 37 Las Palmas 35 10 7 18 30 44 37 Real Mallorca 36 7 15 14 29 41 36 Cadiz 36 6 14 16 25 49 32 Granada 36 4 9 23 37 70 21 Almeria 35 2 11 22 35 70 17 FRENCH LIGUE 1: Nice 1 Paris SaintGermain 2, Reims 1 Marseille 0. P W D L F A Pts Paris SG 33 21 10 2 79 33 73 Monaco 33 19 7 7 64 42 64 Lille 33 16 10 7 50 32 58 Brest 33 16 10 7 50 34 58 Nice 33 15 9 9 38 27 54 Lens 33 14 8 11 43 35 50 Lyon 33 15 5 13 47 54 50 Marseille 33 12 11 10 50 40 47 Rennes 33 12 10 11 52 44 46 Reims 33 12 8 13 40 46 44 Toulouse 33 11 10 12 42 43 43 Montpellier 33 10 11 12 41 46 40 Strasbourg 33 10 9 14 37 48 39 Nantes 33 9 6 18 30 51 33 Le Havre 33 7 11 15 33 43 32 Metz 33 8 5 20 35 56 29 Lorient 33 6 8 19 38 66 26 Clermont 33 5 10 18 26 55 25 CHAMPIONS RELEGATED RESULTS & STANDINGS KDNFC focused on Sabah KELANTAN Darul Naim FC (KDNFC) Park Jaehong will focus on sharpening his strike force ahead of their Super League match against Sabah FC at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium today. “In our first game against Sri Pahang FC, we had many chances but our strikers let us down with their poor finishing. “We have paid a lot of attention to this problem (toothless attack) in our training sessions after losing 1-0 to Sri Pahang last week,” he said in a statement yesterday. – Bernama World No. 1 tower runner Soh Wai Ching. – BERNAMAPIX Trophy delight Trophy delight for Cardiff or Cardiff CARDIFF CITY Football Club, the Welsh-based side owned by Tan Sri Vincent Tan has enjoyed success and progression on several fronts during the 2023/24 season. With the first team having made encouraging progress to finish twelfth in the EFL Championship, there was title-winning triumph for the Bluebirds’ women’s team and U-15 academy boys side this season. Cardiff City FC Women completed a first-ever “treble”, lifting the League title for the second consecutive year, complemented by both domestic cups. They will now go on to feature for a second consecutive season in the UEFA Champions League as Wales’ sole representatives. “We couldn’t be prouder of our Women’s team and their achievements again this season,” said Tan. “Success is addictive and contagious; I hope that the team’s accomplishment inspires the younger female age groups we have at Cardiff City and I look forward to watching us play again in the Champions League later this year.” Meanwhile, there was further good news from the Bluebirds’ Academy setup as their U-15 Boys side lifted the EFL Floodlit Cup in front of a home crowd at Cardiff City Stadium. City saw off Burton Albion by two goals to one, completing a fantastic season of Cup football at age level for a side that saw off multiple opponents on their route to victory. With investment in a new training facility for the club’s academy already bearing fruit, it appears that the future is bright for the men and women’s game in the Welsh Capital. Women’s team completes first-ever treble as Boys U-15 shine Cardiff City FC Women completed a first-ever ‘treble’. Cardiff City FC’s U-15 Boys celebrate after wining the EFL Floodlit Cup.
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 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: [email protected] SCAN ME FRIDAY | MAY 17, 2024 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper Max seeks to restore order -Story on page 29 -Story on page 28 All to play for at Valhalla ‘If they want me If they want me I will stay I will stay’ Ten Hag keen to keep Fernandes at Man Utd as Inter Milan, Bayern Munich show interest MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes insists he will stay at Old Trafford – if the club wants him. And Erik Ten Hag is adamant the club have no intention of letting Fernandes leave. The Portugal international’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent days, with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan among the clubs linked with the influential 29-year-old. Yet speaking after playing a prominent role in the Red Devils’ 3-2 victory over Newcastle – which maintained their hopes of European football into the final round of Premier League fixtures – Fernandes said he was keen to remain in Manchester. Fernandes, who returned from a twomatch lay-off in yesterday’s encounter, told Sky Sports: “I will be here until… I said the club needs to want me. “I feel that the club wants me to be a part of the future, so, as I said always, I don’t want to be a player that the club doesn’t want to have. “If for some reason they don’t want to have me, I will go, but if they want me I will stay.” And at his post-match press conference, manager Ten Hag said: “No, absolutely the club wants to keep Bruno. There’s no question, I think. “I have to see the interview but, as far as I know, he loves Manchester United. He loves the fans from Manchester United and he loves to play for Manchester United. That is all I know. “He gives always his best. He’s an example, even with injuries he’s playing. He loves football, but he wants to win. “I’m very pleased with his performances across the season, because for him, it’s not easy when so many players are injured around him and every time, he has to carry the team.” The club’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney, working at the game as a TV pundit, said it was important Fernandes stayed but was less enthusiastic on other members of the squad. He said on Sky Sports: “You have to build the team around Bruno. He’s the one player with quality and he has got fight in him. “I think the young players (should also stay) and then all the other players, get rid of them. I think you keep the young players and Bruno and I think it has to be a massive clear-out.” It has been a frustrating season for Ten Hag’s side, who are eighth and will need to better Newcastle’s result in their last game to claim a place in the Europa Conference League. The Old Trafford club, who travel to Brighton on Sunday while Newcastle are at Brentford, could however still earn a Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup final. Ten Hag, who thanked fans for their support after the game and promised to “give everything” to win the cup, said: “I don’t talk about pride – we are all disappointed with the season – but still, we can win something and we have to go for this.” In terms of the game, Manchester United edged a lively contest with secondhalf goals from Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund after Anthony Gordon cancelled out Kobbie Mainoo’s opener. Lewis Hall pulled one back in stoppage time but it came too late to spark a fightback, leaving Newcastle to rue some missed chances and a penalty decision that went against them. The visitors felt they should have had a spot-kick after Sofyan Amrabat caught Gordon down his Achilles. Manager Eddie Howe said: “It’s an absolute stonewall penalty. I don’t know how VAR has not got involved in that, that’s its job. “But I think the thing that cost us the game was how we defended the goals. “Each one, I think we’ll look back and hang our heads, really, because we should have done better. “When you score two away from home, you expect something from the match.” – The Independent █ BY ANDY HAMPSON -Story on page 31 Trophy delight for Cardiff Man United’s Bruno Fernandes (left) with manager Erik ten Hag after being substituted during the English Premier League match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. – REUTERSPIX