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INSIDE page There will be no publication
tomorrow. We will be back
TELLING IT AS IT IS Groups 2
capitalising on on Thursday.
Hamas-Israeli feud Please visit thesundaily.my

for the latest news.

ON TUESDAY MAY 25, 2021 ALL SET ... Devotees Lillian
Sung (left) and Carol Lim
No. 7787 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my arranging candles at the
Mahindarama Buddhist Temple
in George Town yesterday, two
days ahead of Wesak, a festival
commemorating the birth,
enlightenment and passing of
Gautama Buddha.
– MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

Drastic steps essential
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI
[email protected] o Stakeholders want more to be done to speed of last weekend. He said longer operating hours at
up rate of vaccinations Just under a million people have vaccination centres should also be
PETALING JAYA: Widening been fully vaccinated, accounting for considered to help quicken the pace.
the range of Covid-19 2.9% of the total population. Subramaniam said allowing more
vaccines for use in Malaysia In comparison, many other general practitioners (GP) to help
is essential to curb the rapid countries are already close to with the vaccination process will also
spread of infections. Malaysian Medical Association delivery should also be one of the achieving their target to ensure herd be advantageous. Unfortunately, he
(MMA) president Datuk Dr main criteria in the selection of immunity. For instance, at least 25% said of the 2,500 GP who have
In addition, state governments M. Subramaniam pointed out that by suppliers. “Additionally, each order of the population has already been registered with ProtectHealth
and private hospitals should be looking to more producers, not only should be of a higher quantity and fully vaccinated in neighbouring Corporation to become vaccinators
allowed to independently procure the will the supply of vaccines increase the supplier must be able to deliver in Singapore. under the National Immunisation
vaccines as soon as possible. but the government may even be able the shortest time,” he said. However, Subramaniam believes Programme, only 37 have been given
to negotiate for better terms. that the pace will pick up as the the go-ahead.
The government should also He pointed out that the inflow of delivery system moves into top He said if all the GP who have
begin an around-the-clock Malaysia now uses the Sinovac, vaccines has not been able to keep up gear. registered came on board,
vaccination exercise. Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, but with the speed of vaccination. He noted that the opt-in Turn to collectively, they could
supplies have been slow in coming option for the AstraZeneca administer an additional 75,000
According medical experts and into the country. Figures obtained from Our World —
stakeholders, these measures are in Data by the Oxford Martin School
essential to stop the runaway increase Subramaniam told theSun that show that just 2.49 million doses of vaccine has been well received page 4 doses a day.
in infections. apart from efficacy and safety, fast vaccines have been administered as and should be continued. In addition, 12 private

2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

‘Capitalising on Hamas-Israeli feud’

█ BY HAKEM HASSAN o Extremist groups taking advantage of conflict “Such activities can lead to more authorities to pressure those involved
[email protected] to justify own agenda, says researcher plaudits being poured on specific to end the fighting.
PETALING JAYA: Militant and groups by impressionable quarters of
terrorist groups seem to have taken resurfacing is noteworthy but not in the fighting between Hamas and society.” Jason S. W. Loh, who leads
advantage of the ongoing Israel- strange. Israeli forces that began on May 10. A research on social, law and human
Hamas conflict in Gaza to achieve ceasefire was declared on Friday and However, it could also dampen the rights issues at independent think
their objectives. He told theSun that it appears has held since then as a peace plan is validity of the pro-Palestinian tank Emir Research, said the
local extremist groups are attempting being hammered out. campaign because terrorist appearance of the video or other
A 2014 video of Malaysian to capitalise on the ongoing conflict elements could put off those who are similar activities is an indication that
militants celebrating Eid in Syria to justify their agenda. Apart from the fighter who still sitting on the fence, he said, jihadists are trying to ensure that
resurfaced recently and is circulating recorded the video, all those involved adding that such activities are self- their own causes are not crowded out
widely on social media in Indonesia. “The conflict has inflamed have been killed. He is now serving serving. by the ongoing conflict.
people’s passions and the groups are time in prison.
Rather than a show of support for hoping to ride that wave to the top of Muhammad said extremist groups “Jihadism has been on the wane
Palestinians, those behind the video’s public attention.” Muhammad pointed out that in Malaysia are more interested in since the defeat of ISIS (Islamic State
reemergence are more interested in around Eid al-Fitr or the end of the establishing Islamist rule than of Iraq and Syria) in 2017.”
keeping their own causes alive. A total of 243 people, more than fasting month, there is usually a lot of bringing change in the Middle East.
100 of whom are women and terrorist activities worldwide. Such videos are dangerous,
Institute of Strategic and children, have reportedly been killed Rather than get lost in the unhealthy and inimical to Muslims
International Studies researcher narrative of such groups, people and society. They create confusion
Muhammad Sinatra said the video’s should focus on the conflict’s and promote Islamophobia, Loh
humanitarian aspect and lobby added.

Aid for Sabah flood victims

TENOM: Chief Minister Datuk committee, chaired by the district
Hajiji Noor gave his assurance that officer, assesses the damage, a
assistance will be provided to flood report will be submitted to the state
victims pending damage government, he said, adding that
assessment of properties and crops. victims will also get food aid.
The number of flood victims in
“I came to see the situation here the state remains at 4,999 from
and I can see a lot of houses affected 1,424 families as of noon yesterday,
and many people displaced,” he according to state Disaster
said at Dewan Sri Ontoros in Management Committee
Kemabong yesterday. Secretariat. – Bernama

After the district natural disaster

Collaborate with private
sector, Asean urged

KUALA LUMPUR: Asean needs to Asean Digital Integration
collaborate with the private sector Framework Action Plan 2025 to
for the sustainable progress of the build a secure and open high
Asean Economic Community quality digital infrastructure,
(AEC) to recover from the Covid-19 develop digital skills and formulate CARING MOVE ... Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (right) launching Tabung Kemanusiaan Selangor
pandemic, said its secretary- regulations in the region. Prihatin in Shah Alam yesterday. With him is state Islamic religion and consumer affairs and halal industry committee
general Datuk Lim Jock Hoi. He added Asean needed chairman Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni. – BERNAMAPIX
Japanese business continuity by
He said digitalisation and maximising cross-border
sustainability were critical in the productive activities as well as Solidarity through batik Palestinian flags
next phase of economic integration. taking advantage of supply chain
relocation to the Asean region.
These two prominent areas have “These are needed to restore KOTA BARU: Malaysians are flags since a week ago. the cost for the cloth, the rest, about
become strategic thrusts for Asean consumers’ confidence and showing solidarity with Palestinians Yuslinawati said initially, the flags RM5 to RM10, will be channelled into
to develop its 13 priority economic maintain market stability in the in many ways. In Kampung Salor, a funds for Palestine,” said Yuslinawati
deliverables under the Brunei region.” batik maker is selling batik were made only for fellow villagers. who has 25 years of experience in
chairmanship this year, he said He called on the Asean business Palestinian flags. However, after posts on Facebook batik making.
during a session at the five-day community to focus on sustainable and Instagram, orders began pouring
Asean-Japan Business Week virtual investments such as green Yuslinawati Othman, 42, her in. Prices for the flags range from “Besides Malaysians, we also
conference which began yesterday. infrastructure and other low carbon husband Wan Ahmad Wan Hassan, RM24 to RM90 depending on the receive orders from Brunei. Not just
investments. – Bernama 51, and cousin Wan Hafizul Wan size. flags, they also buy shawls carrying
Lim said Asean had put forward Johari, 32, have made almost 300 Palestine colours.” – Bernama
a strong agenda through the Asean “For each flag sold, we only take
Digital Masterplan 2025 and the

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TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021

PICTURE COURTESY OF POWIDEAS Agbeydnetssign Indie singer Amrita
Jun Ong and Kyle E of Soon is working on
POW Ideas make waves her new EP
with forward-thinking
interior concepts >>> Page 2
>>> Page 4&5
Italy’s Maneskin
takes Eurovision by
storm

>>> Page 3

ENTERTAINMENT Amrita has been a
full-time musician
2 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021 since January this
year. – PICTURES
Nashville meets COURTESY OF
Malaysia AMRITA SOON

o Amrita Soon’s journey into music takes her places
between singing, songwriting and even doodling

█ BY AZIZUL RAHMAN ISMAIL vegetarian.
In her teens, Amrita went to Nashville and
SHE is shy but loves to perform. She is
quiet but loves to tell stories. And she is a joined the Nashville Songwriters Association
singer and songwriter with a knack for (NSA).
doodling.
Amrita Soon has an established presence in “I realised that most of the music I listen to is
the indie music scene. either recorded there or the songwriters are
from there. The whole music industry is there.
The full-time singer and songwriter works That is when I found out about NSA. That is also
with talents in Malaysia and the US, while when I discovered that songwriting could be a
learning the ropes about music production. career.”

With all her achievements, it is surprising to She began to travel between Malaysia and
learn that her powerhouse career began only a the US. In Nashville, she discovered a town full
little over 10 years ago. of songwriters and musicians. There, Amrita
made friends and met future collaborators.
In her tween years, her father taught her how
to play the guitar on a second-hand instrument. She experienced a place made for singer-
songwriters like her, with writing rooms and
It was too big for her at the time. quiet performance venues. Her music was more
She and her sister were already playing the accepted there.
piano and the violin. Her mother is a pianist
herself. With travel restrictions in effect, Amrita still
But once she gave the guitar a try, she stays in contact with her friends in the US
was enamoured. and joins songwriting sessions with them.
She began to learn song structures by
copying chords and lyrics from Taylor In Malaysia, she works with her sister and
Swift, Miranda Lambert and Miley Cyrus. is sometimes joined by her brother to
It did not take long before Amrita started to make songs.
write her own songs.
Her first was Raindrops, inspired by the “I am picking up producing so I am
drops of rain in her garden. looking to record my next EP from home.”
“The CD of that song is out there,
somewhere. But I don’t have it any more,” She and her sister have been saving up
Amrita said with a laugh. to buy equipment, piece by piece, to be
Of course, she tried her luck in singing able to produce music at home. They
competitions during her tweens. even had to share and take turns on the
“Although I have never won a music microphone.
competition, I have won drawing awards.
“At 11, I won a MacBook as the In the meantime, Amrita continues
second prize for drawing. It had to write songs and put up videos of her
Garageband and that was how I music on her Instagram page. Her
got into mixing music.” videos are often filled with
By 14, Amrita had started to doodles and handwritten
perform `live.’
“I got kicked out for busking lyrics.
once,” she said. “I did those
“I saw a bunch of fish in an
aquarium at a mall. I wanted myself on
to buy and free them in a
lake. So I performed for a tablet. I used to do it on my Breakthrough star
three hours until the smartphone, frame by
guards at the mall frame. It may seem tedious, In 2013, Amrita was named Breakthrough
changed shifts. I was but to me, it’s fun. I still YouTube Star at DIGI’s WWWOW Awards.
told to stop. doodle and draw as cover art She released her first EP Clueless in 2014
“I did manage to for some of my music.” and it was awarded the Audience Choice
rescue a few of the fish and Overall Best Performance accolades at
with the money I got from She has been a full-time the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts
busking,” Amrita said with musician since January this Centre’s Short + Sweet 2016.
a smile. year.
It is no surprise that she is also a Her second album Familiar Strangers
Amrita and her sister was released in 2018. The title track charted
have started on the at number one on She Wolf Radio in the
production of an EP for US, and number nine on Hitz FM
two songs. Malaysia’s MET 10 in 2019.

“I’ve since moved to
learning a bit of Ableton
and Logic after leaning on
Garageband.”

Lil Buck is trying to change the world, one dance step at a time
FROM dancing in the streets of with dance.” issues. We. want to show people that accomplishment is still in the works. I
Memphis, Tennessee, to appearing in I have always enjoyed dancing. I dance is not just solely for want to inspire everyone back at
Chanel’s new film, there is only one entertainment. It can be used to home and show them that they exist
(dance) step. Charles Riley, best got into it because of my older sister, spark awareness and to help create through movement. It does not have
known as Lil Buck, is one of the six who has always loved to dance. I grew change around the world. to be just a hobby; dancing is
celebrities invited by Chanel to reflect to love it myself for the way it made something that you can actually do in
on fame for the centenary of N°5. ETX me feel. And especially the sense of That’s why we created the film The life. And we can show the world what
Studio met up with the 32-year-old freedom it gives me – the freedom to Color of Reality, which touches on we are all about in Memphis.
American dancer to talk about his be myself and to learn who I am police brutality. We also produced What is next for Lil Buck now?
career and his own vision of fame and through the movement. The more I another dance video, MAI, about the A lot. I am always evolving. I am
success. dance, the more I learn who I am as a mass incarceration system in always working on myself. As an
Did you believe that you could person. America. You can tell any story artist, I am working on a lot of
become a dancer when you were a You founded M.A.I. “to inspire and through movement – that’s the true different projects, including
kid? change the world while elevating power of dance. We can use it to raise television and movies. I really enjoy
When I was a kid, I didn’t believe it the artistic, educational, and social awareness and educate people in acting and I think that it is one of the
was possible to make a career out of impact of dance”. How can dance different ways. We can reach their biggest tools I can use to reach a lot of
dancing. And especially being from educate and raise awareness about heart and soul, not just their mind. people back at home and around the
Memphis, Tennessee. There was very pressing social issues such as racial Dance does not only make people world. I hope that if people see me on
little opportunity to become a violence and discrimination? think, it sticks with them. It makes TV, something will spark in them so
professional dancer there. I had no Well, dance has always been a them feel these issues through the that they will get off that couch and
idea that you could pursue a career powerful tool for social change. It is movement and makes them realise do something. If I can do it as a
like that. It was not until I was much one of the oldest forms of language. that some things have to change. dancer, they can do it as well. They
older, in my mid-teens, that I said Jon [Boogz] and I have been using can make their own dreams come
“Hey, I might be able to do something dance in a way where we can bring What is your biggest true. – ETX Studio Lil Buck rose to fame following a viral
awareness about important social accomplishment? biggest video.
I think that my

Maneskin takes top prize ENTERTAINMENT
o Italy’s raucous glam
rock takes Eurovision 3theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021
by storm
Maneskin members
█ BY STEPHANIE VAN DEN BERG appear on stage
after winning the
ITALY’S entry, glam rock band 2021 Eurovision
Maneskin, won the Eurovision Song Contest. –
song contest, as the world’s most REUTERSPIX
popular live music event was Barbara Pravi of
held in the Netherlands after being France performs at
cancelled last year due to the Eurovision. –
coronavirus pandemic. REUTERSPIX

The Italian’s raucous Zitti E Buoni Gjon’s Tears of there are no international persons
beat out Switzerland here. Because it’s really the once in
professional jury performs at the year that you meet up with
favourites Eurovision. – all your international friends,” Dutch
Switzerland REUTERSPIX fan Patrick, who did not give his
and France, last name, told Reuters outside the
sweeping the venue.
public vote
which counts Despite the precautions, several
for half the Covid-19 infections were reported
points. during rehearsals and the semi-finals.

Victoria de Iceland’s entry Dadi og
Angelis of Maneskin Gagnamagnid were not able to
told a press conference the perform live during the finals, after a
win was an important boost band member tested positive for
for Italy, one of the European Covid-19. The 2019 winner Duncan
countries worst hit by Covid-19. Laurence also tested positive. For
both performances the organisation
“This is a message of hope used pre-recorded back-up versions
after this hard year we’ve been of the songs.
through,” she said.
Most Eurovision fans outside the
Maneskin’s rock song is unlike the Netherlands watched from home,
kitschy pop Eurovision is known for, and many reached out to friends and
but their singer said their popularity online communities to celebrate the
showed the contest also looks at event.
musical quality.
The Netherlands is hosting the
“That prize shows that this is not 65th edition of the contest, which
(a) cheesy event. This is a musical draws a television audience of about
event,” Damiano David told 200 million, after Dutch singer-
journalists. songwriter Duncan Laurence won
the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv with the
Italy was the favourite with song Arcade. – Reuters
bookmakers and fans before the
contest. Eurovision blogger William
Lee Adams said its “punch in your
face” song seemed the perfect
anthem for European fans who have
been stuck in lockdown.

“After this past year where we’ve
been trapped at home I think a lot of
people want that feeling of being at a
party and that’s what they’re giving,”
he said.

A limited audience of 3,500
attended the concert venue in
Rotterdam to watch the
performances after undergoing
stringent testing for Covid-19.

Because of the travel restrictions
most fans present were Dutch and
they missed the usually international
ambiance of the festival.

“What I don’t really like is that

LIFESTYLE

4 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021

A collaboration Agebnytsdesign
with d.d.
Collective. – o Jun Ong and Kyle E of POW Ideas make waves with
PHOTO forward-thinking interior concepts
COURTESY OF
DAVID YEOW █ BY JOHN TAN Kyle who went on to pursue his studies in
Melbourne agreed to join Ong for their first
The pair aims to JUN Ong and Kyle E, co-founders of assignment together. It was only until its
empower local POW Ideas, seemed to have mastered completion, that the group was formed.
designers in the their flair for thought-provoking art “Although we did not set out to be interior
near future. – installations in a short amount of time. designers initially, we always had a strong
PHOTO In fact, the design duo has worked across a passion for art and design. We believe it
COURTESY OF wide range of projects since the firm’s comes in various forms and since we were
NADIRAH inception in 2015, combining aesthetics getting many opportunities, we decided to
ZAKARIYA with functionality. pursue it,” says Kyle.
Qi Odyssey, a Walk us through your creative process.
hybrid From the Miami-inspired pink-hued Ong: I think for us it starts out with the
reflexology and poolside of Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel brief, especially since we do not have a
tea house – Swimming Club to the eye-popping particular style or aesthetic that we
PHOTO Merchant’s Lane in Chinatown, the pair has imposed on any of our projects. Hence, it
COURTESY OF earned several prominent clients and a usually starts out with the brief and what
DAVID YEOW significant amount of attention on social the clients want and the context of the
media for their sophisticated concepts. project. Is it in a back lane or a house?

“Though it is a bonus to be featured on Once understanding all of these, we
Instagram, it is not our main priority. bring all of these together to fit into what
Instead, we spent our time focusing more the clients truly need. In fact, if you were to
on coming up with ideas and concepts for look at the range of projects, there is no
our projects,” says Ong who furthered his particular style and our clients like that. So,
studies in London. Before becoming the essentially it is about bringing out the
founders, Ong and Kyle were classmates in essence of each project.
the architectural programme at a local
private university.

Called the Gerai
Tai Tai, the
interactive
fortune-telling
installation was
selected to be
presented at the
Venice Art in
Italy – PHOTO
COURTESY OF
DAVID YEOW

Merchant Lane:
The project that

kick-started
everything for

the duo. –
PHOTO

COURTESY OF
DAVID YEOW

LIFESTYLE

5theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021

Leave it all
behind for a

life in a
3D-printed

home!

A new life awaits
in these incredible
3D-printed homes
SOME incredible 3D-printed clay domes joined together to offer
A new constructions have started 60 square meters of living space.
interpretation springing up here, there and The walls have been 3D-printed in
of a facial spa. everywhere in the world. While clay and the domes are crowned
– PHOTO pushing back the boundaries of with windows, letting in natural
COURTESY building, they also give rise to new, light. The house has been designed
OF DAVID original living spaces. As artistic as to make use of local materials and
YEOW they are futuristic, some of these to keep energy consumption low,
houses are now ready to welcome with just six kilowatts of energy
residents. And they might make used for 200 hours of printing.
you want to throw it all in and head The first 3D-printed
off into the sunset. Here’s a look at neighborhood in the Netherlands
some of the 3D-printed dwellings. In Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, a
A 3D-printed bio-plastic cabin in strange kind of house has sprung
Amsterdam up. Helmed by Project Milestone,
First stop Amsterdam, to the 3D this home, with its rounded and
Printed Urban Cabin. Designed by irregular form, is a bungalow with a
DUS Architects, this micro home – spacious living room and two
3D-printed with sustainable bio- bedrooms, nestled among
plastic – is now hosting guests for greenery. The environmental and
overnight stays. While this compact economic impact of the building
cabin with an impressive design is have been scaled back to a
sure to attract tourists, the minimum by using precisely the
architecture studio’s project aimed materials required to build this 94
to create a housing solution that square-meter home in 120 hours.
could be easily built in response to The project was announced back in
natural disasters. After use, most of June 2018 and now has its first
the cabin’s materials can be reused. tenants. There are plans to build
They can, in fact, be shredded then four other homes on the site,
used again. creating the world’s first 3D-printed
A 3D-printed clay dome in Italy neighborhood.
Mario Cucinella Architects joined A cactus-like creation in the
forces with the 3D-printing American desert
specialists WASP to create this In the heart of San Luis Valley,
unusual-looking home. This Colorado, amid the arid, desert
“mushroom” house comprises two landscape, a structure comprising
three cylindrical forms emerges
Do you keep up with the latest trends for Kyle: I think it would be Covid-19 and we like a mirage. It is, in fact, an
inspiration? have been managing it by being very experimental hut designed by the
Kyle: We do not like the word trend because careful in terms of money. And unlike American design studio, Emerging
we think it is fashionable as its ages. And it many other interior designers, we like Object. The space, designed for two
does not age well. So, to us, good designs to have a very robust contract – to people, has three cylindrical
are everlasting, not trendy. So, where we get prevent people from ditching the rooms: a living room for lounging, a
our inspiration really depends on the brief. project halfway. Especially in today’s day sleeping area and a water zone with
We are quite particular about what the and age, there are quite a few people a sunken tub. The top of the
project is about or where is it located. who do not know how to honour an cylinders can be fitted with an
agreement. inflatable balloon-like roof (pink) if
And usually, we like to find the quirks in it rains. The walls are made from a
everything. There is always something that Ong: With a smaller set-up like us, mixture of sand, silt, clay and water,
we like to harness on. Things that are not people have a tendency of taking advantage 3D-printed using a three-axis
particularly the main focus. So, there is of us. So, this is our way of making a stand SCARA (Selective Compliance
where we get our inspiration from. as we believe even the smallest ideas have Articulated Robot Arm) then left to
What is a project that you are most proud value to them regardless of their dry in the sun. – ETX Studio
of and why? background. Aside from this, we are also
Ong: I would say Merchant’s Lane because slowly getting used to working from home. 3D-printed
it is the genesis of our ideas. That is the Though it is not easy to work virtually, we urban cabin
project that got us rolling. At that point, we are slowly learning to adapt to these in
did not even think that we would even start circumstances. Amsterdam.
POW Ideas. We had our own jobs; our Any piece of advice for aspiring
projects and it was kind of an experiment. designers? 3D-printed
And that really started the ball rolling. It was Kyle: I think to not limit yourself to just clay dome in
not something we would do now but it was interior designing. I think this is a common
very verse – the colours, the adaptive use of practice among designers – to limit yourself Italy.
the ideas, the plants and the Malaysian to just your field and that is where it
culture aspect to it. becomes limiting. So, I think my advice
What has been the biggest challenge and would be aspire beyond that. There is a lot
how have you overcome it? of things that you can do with the skills that
you have.

FEATURE

6 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021

THE legendary sleeper train The Paris-Nice executive of French rail operator
that whisked travellers train had been SNCF’s passenger arm, said the
through France to the discontinued revival was mainly aimed at a “young
Mediterranean for close to a four years ago population that is paying attention
century has returned to the tracks as for cost to carbon emissions” as well as
part of a French government push to reasons. price.
revive night train travel.
Back on track Tickets for the sleepers between
Prime Minister Jean Castex was Paris and Nice this week were sold
among the passengers rocked to o TheParis-Nicesleeperhasbeenresurrectedtorevivenighttraintravel out.
sleep as the resurrected Paris-Nice Slow travel gains steam
express rattled across the country on Around Europe, overnight travel is
a 12-hour journey to the sea back in vogue, notably in Austria
overnight Thursday to Friday, with where state railway operator OeBB
six stops along the Riviera. has been blazing a trail for
international services.
The rehabilitation of the
successor to the Blue Train that beat It is now possible to hop on a train
the Orient Express for glamour in the in Vienna and wake up in
heyday of European rail travel in the Amsterdam, Brussels or Rome.
early 1900s marks a turning point in
the country that pioneered high- Another model for night trains is
speed TGV rail travel. Sweden, the home of the concept of
flygskam (flight shame) advocated
The sleeper, which will run daily by teen anti-global warming activist
between Paris and Nice in both Greta Thunberg who won’t take
directions, takes twice as long as the planes and makes much of travelling
TGV to complete the nearly 1,088- to conferences aboard night trains.
kilometre (675-mile) voyage.
French Transport Minister Jean-
But with Paris-Nice TGV tickets Baptiste Djebbari said in January
usually costing well over 100 euros that he hoped to have night trains
(US$122) one-way, the night train, running on a dozen routes by 2030,
which offers a place in a sleeping with the Paris-Nice link to be
couchette from 29 euros (US$35), followed with a revived service
aims to make cross-country rail between Paris and Tarbes, near
travel affordable for all. Spain.

The Paris-Nice train had been Further down the road, France
discontinued four years ago for cost aims to have overnight trains
reasons. running between provincial capitals
and other European cities.
At a time when France is
struggling to bring down its carbon The revolt of the rural “yellow
emissions, night trains are also more vest” demonstrators who took to the
“virtuous” than cars or planes, as streets over fuel taxes in late 2018
Castex’s office told AFP. shone a light on the plight of people
living in areas suffering from
Five-course dinners hoped in the future that trains would American and British travellers, who Citing the high costs of decades of underinvestment in
Passenger Eric Delasimone, a be better equipped. were treated to five-course haute- maintaining the service, the regional trains.
financial director travelling onboard, cuisine dinners en route, before government in 2017 terminated
said he felt in the night train “a “We are a little disappointed that slipping between the sheets in an night trains on all routes where A recurring complaint of the
charm that you do not have in the the carriages have not been oak-panelled sleeping car complete passengers had other alternatives, protesters was that they had no
TGV”. renovated,” said Billon. with personal attendant. leaving just two – between Paris and alternative but to use their cars.
Briancon in the Alps and Cerbere in
“You settle in and sleep with the The Blue Train, so-called after its By the 1930s, second- and third- the Pyrenees. But some rail operators are wary
noise of the rails; and imagine the blue sleeping cars with gold trim, class carriages had been added for about bringing back cramped
journey. It has a side that is poetic was launched in 1886 to take the working-class French travellers But last year, President couchettes, particularly in the era of
and very exotic.” international jet set to the French taking their first paid holidays. Emmanuel Macron’s administration the coronavirus.
Riviera from the northern port of had a change of heart, announcing
Travellers Nicolas Forien and Calais – where it set out with As planes began plying the Paris- plans to revive night trains as part of To limit transmission of the virus,
Alice Billon, who are part of an passengers arriving by ferry from Nice route, and the luxurious a 5.3 billion-euro programme of the couchettes on the Paris-Nice
association “Oui au train de nuit” Britain – and Paris. sleeping cars were swapped for drab investment in rail. service are currently limited to four
(Yes to night trains), said they were six-bunk couchettes, the train lost its people, sleeping top and tail. – ETX
delighted to be on the train but The main destination was the city mystique. Christophe Fanichet, the chief Studio
of Nice, a favourite haunt of wealthy

In Covid era, more people find escape in campers

FOR French retiree Jean-Michel been delayed. Production has also report.
Sibois, travelling will no longer be been disrupted by the closure of “Further, the increasing demand
the same in the age of Covid-19. some factories during
He is now among legions who confinements and a global shortage for road trips as a getaway from
have bought motorhomes to escape of semiconductors. quarantine would also boost
in their own travel bubbles. “It’s a battle every day to get a growth.”
“You don’t imagine travelling as vehicle out in time,” Gueret said. Millennial wanderers
before, on an airplane heading to a In the US, order books for the Traditionally seen as a retirement
faraway destination,” said Sibois, luxury campers made by Airstream vehicle, campers are now attracting
who recently spent 50,000 euros are full until 2022. younger customers.
(US$61,000) on his leisure vehicle. “As the pandemic played out, we
“We really wanted to be a little anticipated that more people would “Millennials, a market bigger
less confined, a little bit more at see Airstream as a viable option for than the baby boomers, are buying
peace,” he said, citing health and safe travel, but the demand far RVs earlier than previous
environmental concerns with exceeded our expectations,” said generations,” according to Thor
traditional travel. the company’s chief executive Bob Industries.
Sales of motorhomes have Wheeler.
soared across the world in the past “More than 90% of everything In the US, the average age of RV
year. we ship to our dealers already has a owners is 53 but new buyers were
A record number of leisure customer’s name on it,” Wheeler around 41 years old last year,
vehicles, which include said. according to US RV Industry
motorhomes and towable caravans, Airstream’s parent company, Association (RVIA).
were sold in Europe in 2020, rising Traditionally seen as a retirement vehicle, campers are now attracting younger Thor industries, posted record
12% to around 235,000 units, customers. turnover of US$2.7 billion in the Younger buyers spend around
US$67,000 on average on RVs, more
according to the European Caravan first quarter and expects demand to than older generations, according
Federation. them to take cheaper holidays while French city of Angers. saturate the market until the end of to RVIA spokeswoman Monika
Record sales were also recorded older customers feel safer in them “It’s total excitement. We have a the year. Geraci.
in the United States in March while during the pandemic. The global recreational vehicle
in Australia the number of lot of demand, many clients want market is expected to grow seven With new campers harder to
registered leisure vehicles has Julie Vignaux, whose company their vehicles before the summer,” percent per year until 2025 after find, some are turning to the used
reached 750,000. Nomadism rents luxury campers, said Pilote spokesman Antoine reaching US$42 billion in 2020, vehicle market or rentals. Others
Holidaymakers enjoy the said leisure vehicles can be “like a Gueret. according to US consultancy take matters into their own hands
flexibility that motorhomes offer, health bubble”. Arizton. and repurpose their vans.
allowing them to set up camp at ‘Total excitement’ The camper market has grown at “As these vehicles provide a
caravan parks or in the middle of Hundreds of workers pierce and cut a regular pace for many years “but reliable and personal way to travel, With her theatre school in
nature, according to a survey into Fiat and Renault vans to add the coronavirus has speeded up it is considered the safest travel Brussels closed because of the
conducted in France for US beds, kitchens, bathrooms and sky growth”, Gueret said. alternative during the coronavirus pandemic, Swiss student Elise Bijou
automaker Ford. roofs to the vehicles at a factory of pandemic, while maintaining social turned her van into a camper to
Younger buyers say it allows the Pilote company in the western The vehicles range in size from distance norms,” Arizton said in a travel from Belgium to Portugal.
vans to palaces on wheels that sell
for 200,000 euros. “By wandering I was able to live
through the Covid pandemic
Deliveries at dealerships have almost disconnected from the
restrictions,” she said. – ETX Studio

POSTGRAD

7theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021

WANTING to contribute to Sharmini with Prepared for the future
the budding tourism her parents Sharmini’s future endeavour is less
industry in her during the about self-profit and more about
homeland of Sri Lanka, MSU’s 15th social entrepreneurship.
Dr Dehiwalage Anne Sharmini Perera convocation
came to Management and Science in 2014. “I am more focused on
University (MSU) to strengthen her management coaching, mainly
knowledge about it. (below) helping young girls and women to
Sharmini develop themselves to make an
Taking on the PhD in Business impact on the economy and the
Management with a research Equipped for socialwantsto industry. I think confidence is key to
narrowed specifically on tourism success. Thanks to my parents who
management, Sharmini took home contribute to raised me to be confident, it has now
not just her qualifications, but a life- the budding helped me to face any challenges
changing pedagogy on tourism tourism confidently,” she said.
management, which she applied in industry in her
her business, Medical Tourism Lanka Among the accolades and awards
Pvt Ltd. entrepreneurshiphomeland,Sri Sharmini has accrued are the Woman
Leaders Award by the World Women
The company, of which she is Lanka. Leaders Congress in 2019, the Award
founder and director, focuses on for Top Achiever - Credit
medical tourism. o Dr Dehiwalage Anne Sharmini Perera found Management in 2005 at Dialog
greater knowledge at MSU Axiata, being rewarded by Telekom
“My business focuses on bringing Malaysia for Excellent Performance
patients from Seychelles and price. Treatments are economical. women, especially in balancing and Contribution towards the Credit
Maldives for western and ayurvedic We have the expertise in Sri Lanka. personal, family and work Management Division in 2007 at
treatments in Sri Lanka. We facilitate However, it is important to identify commitments. Dialog Axiata, the Certificate of
(their needs) from the point of them the opportunity. Covid-19 has taught “Warnana” for Excellent
leaving their homes coming to Sri us that it is all about wellness, and While choosing the topic for her Management Skills at Dialog Axiata,
Lanka for their medical treatments, medical tourism has been identified doctoral study might have been easy, and Certificate of “Warnana” for
observe their progress and provide as one of the most important Sharmini said picking the university Decision Making for conducting
advice or consultancy,” she concepts of that spectrum. of her choice was also effortless. training and facilitating training for
explained. billing operations at Dialog Axiata.
Sharmini said her business “What attracted me the most
On top of her business, Sharmini’s struggled due to the pandemic, as it about this university was the support To accommodate individuals such
other responsibilities include being was focused on the mobilisation of extended by the professors, and the as Sharmini, MSU houses the Faculty
Sri Lanka Technological Campus patients. culture that is instilled to encourage of Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of
Business Studies Faculty Head, Sri the candidates and their students to Business Management and
Lanka Technological Campus Office “We had a bit of restrictions in keep up to date knowledge and Professional Studies, Faculty of
of Mentoring and Coaching Lead, bringing the patients. But, the time of develop the right skills and attitudes Information Sciences and
and an International Authority for quietude helped us to look at how we that are expected by the community,” Engineering, International Medical
Professional Coaching and Mentors could redesign the business with the she said. School, School of Pharmacy, School
certified coach and mentor. assistance of specialists”. of Education and Social Sciences,
“Apart from that, MSU is QS- School of Hospitality and Creative
The doctoral research Sharmini She said the challenges in ranked and a globally well- Arts, School of Graduate Studies,
conducted was about heritage her career also extended to other recognised university.” Graduate School of Management and
tourism, where she conceptualised a the Centre for Fundamental Studies.
model to identify the relationship
between tourist motivation, As an applied, enterprise, holistic
satisfaction and loyalty in regard to and international university, MSU’s
heritage tourism. foundation, undergraduate, post-
graduate and flexible programmes
“My research areas were in are offered through an entry system
tourism development, human that facilitates admission of students
resource management and from all walks of life.
organisational behaviour,” Sharmini
said. For more information, call 03-5521
The right institution 6868, email [email protected], or
“Travellers are always seeking quality
medical assistance at an affordable visit www.msu.edu.my

MEDIA & MARKETING

8 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021

RESEARCHERS in Australia want to Researchers
transform single-use Covid masks into and companies
road material. are looking for
In the United States, the protective gear is ways to put
recycled into benches. And in France, they are masks to good
reborn as floor carpets for cars. use, though it
is not a very
Used to curb the spread of Covid-19, masks profitable
are exacerbating another pandemic: plastic venture at the
pollution. moment.

Around 129 billion disposable masks are
used every month around the world, according
to the American Chemical Society.
Made out of polypropylene plastic material,
elastic and metal, used masks are usually
thrown out in garbage bins, destined for
landfills, or incinerated.
They are also littering streets, rivers and
oceans, harming wildlife.
But researchers and companies are looking Looking ahead
for ways to put masks to good use, though it is
not a very profitable venture at the moment.
Garden chairs
In Britain, several hospitals have acquired a
compactor made by Cardiff-based Thermal
Compaction Group which melts protective
gowns and surgical masks into blue slabs. oPandemic mask mountain sets new recycling challenge

The material is then used to make garden
chairs or tables.
In France, Tri-o et Greenwishes, a recycling
company, picks up masks tossed in special bins
used by some 30 customers, including Parisian in mask bins by accident. Afterwards, the of masks so far and hopes to have processed 20 The masks are then sent to partner facilities
hospitals, TV network TF1 and building workers are sprayed down with disinfectant. tonnes by the end of the year. to be recycled into plastic granules that are sold
materials giant Saint-Gobain. The sorting area is sterilised with ultraviolet It’s a drop in the ocean of masks. to manufacturers that make other products such
“We had a lot of demand from our clients” to lamps. Masks are kept in quarantine for a week Some 40,000 tonnes of masks were binned in as benches, flooring surfaces or shipping pallets.
offer mask recycling services, said company before being handled. France last year, without a recycling option, TerraCycle chief executive Tom Szaky said
president Matthieu de Chanaleilles. Two companies based in northern France according to a January parliamentary report. recycling personal protective equipment is
The company charges fees starting at 250 then shred the masks, disinfect them and costlier than aluminium.
euros (US$300) per month to collect the trash. extract the polypropylene, which is transformed Long road “Why is, say for example, a dirty diaper, or
At its recycling plant, staff wearing protective into pebbles that are used to make floor carpets Making the venture profitable is a challenge. PPE not recyclable? It’s because it costs much
gear stand behind plexiglass to sort through or other plastic parts in a car. In Trenton, New Jersey, TerraCycle sells a more to collect and process and the results are
paper tissues, gloves and cups that are thrown Tri-o et Greenwishes has recycled one tonne “zero waste box” for disposable masks for US$88. worse. So no one would bother doing it because
there’s no money to be made,” Szaky told AFP.
“So Terracycle’s business says ‘Well, if
Steering the Malaysian economy forward someone’s willing to pay those actual costs, then
MORE than 100,000 local Micro, Small and we can perform such a service,’” he said.
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been
digitised since the first MCO in March 2020, In Australia, researchers at the Royal
through Shopee’s partnerships with various Melbourne Institute of Technology are
Ministries, Governmental Agencies, Agriculture and experimenting with other solutions after being
Associations and State governments. Food Industries inspired by the sight of masks littering the
Minister Datuk Seri streets.
The strategic partnerships were born out of Dr Ronald Kiandee
a common goal – to help with the recovery of (third from left) and Once disinfected and shredded, masks can
the business community, especially local representatives be mixed with processed building rubble to
MSMEs and petty traders, after they were from Shopee, FAMA, create a flexible and robust material to help
affected by the pandemic. NEKMAT and LKIM build roads, according to the scientists.
are working
Besides the special assistance to help new together to The researchers are now investigating their
sellers get started on their digitalisation empower use in construction cement. Three million
fishermen and masks are need to make one kilometre (half a
farmers through the mile) of road.

“The facemask have a good tensile strength;
journey, additional campaigns and benefits in they can provide tensile strength to the
the form of discount and cashback vouchers, digital economy. concrete, which is very important,” Mohammad
advertising credits and others were also Saberian, a post-doctoral research fellow at
curated to stimulate sales for existing local and Consumer Affairs, the PENJANA MSME Several State governments, too, stepped up RMIT University, told AFP.
MSMEs on the platform, especially those E-commerce Campaign and PENJANA Shop with campaigns like Johor e-Marketplace, “We’re currently looking for partners to use
impacted by loss of revenue and cash flow Malaysia Online Initiative through the Penang e-Mall, Selangor e-Bazar Raya and the face masks in real-world applications and to
problems. Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation S.M.A.R.T Niaga @ Perak amongst others to make kind of a pilot road,” Saberian said.
Among the collaborations that can be (MDEC), Jana Niaga with Majlis Amanah help local traders in their respective states. Since publishing the research earlier this
easily found in the Buy Malaysia In-App portal Rakyat (MARA), eFAMAPLACE with the The vouchers and assistance from these year, several industries have expressed interest,
which dons the Jalur Gemilang on the Shopee Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority collaborations have helped steer the and the team was now applying for funding to
homepage are Kempen Beli Barangan (FAMA), FELDA E-Mall with the Federal Land Malaysian economy forward by generating further investigate the findings, which could
Malaysia with the Ministry of Domestic Trade Development Authority (FELDA) and more. close to RM1 billion in sales collectively. take one to two years, he said. – ETX Studio

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RUKUN NEGARA: THE PRINCIPLES THE OBJECTIVES

BELIEF LOYALTY TO KING TO achieve greater unity TO maintain a TO create a just society in which
IN GOD AND COUNTRY among Malaysians democratic way of life the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared

THE SUPREMACY OF THE RULE COURTESY AND TO ensure a liberal approach to her rich TO build a progressive society which shall be
THE CONSTITUTION OF LAW MORALITY and diverse cultural traditions oriented to modern science and technology

COMMENT by Dato’Dr Amar-Singh

Stark reality of Covid-19 crisis
THIS article offers personal
insights into the Covid-19 on May 20. This had only worsened Sarawak. From January to April this three weeks from now in West live with). There is no safe
situation in the country. in the last 48 hours. year, they reported 161 Covid-19 Malaysia (maybe longer). number to meet at work,
One concern is that the deaths. However, from May 1 to However, in Sarawak and religious gatherings, socially, at
public in some states behave as Again, there was a perception May 21, they had 86 deaths – Sabah, they may see an extended your home and other places.
though the worsening outbreak is that this was a Klang Valley hence, 53% of their Covid deaths peak in late June or early July due Avoid celebrating any festivals
confined to the Klang Valley or problem (MOH DG showed a table this year (so far) occurred in the to the impending Gawai and with others outside of your
only to selected states. This is a of ICU Covid-19 usage for Klang past 21 days. The same is Kaamatan (Harvest) festivals – if home and avoid any travelling.
dangerous assumption as the Valley at 113% on May 22). happening throughout the nation. these celebrations allow 2. Work from home (if you can) as
situation is worsening in the whole Note that we had averaged a movement of individuals, it will much as possible. No number is
nation. The lack of adequate data However, we were also made mortality rate of 0.3-0.4%. But from make the current growing safe because of the extensive
hampers the public’s appropriate aware that nine out of 10 ICU beds May 1 to May 22, the mortality rate outbreak worse. community transmission.
response to the deepening crisis. nationally were occupied. rose to 0.7% (Sarawak’s mortality We must remember that this is 3. Online education for children.
Cases are rising rapidly all over rate for May 2021 was 0.88%). not the end of outbreaks, sadly As a paediatrician, I am
the country Some state health departments This reflects our over-run ICU, there may be more to come. Our devastated by the damage this
Figure 1 below shows how fast our made available data on ICU bed possibly more severe variants vaccination has been limited due pandemic has done to our
current outbreak is growing. While usage by Covid-19 patients. spreading and the huge size of our to supply issues. children, especially with the
we took one year (2020) to reach undetected pandemic. All states We have been informed that the loss of schooling. But in the
100,000 reported cases, it took only If you compare that, you can should make available Covid-19 bulk of vaccines will come in July current crisis, keeping children
22 days to achieve the same in May see that Malacca is the worst mortality rates by month, so the onwards (in the second half of the at home and continuing their
this year. We also know from the affected state. public can understand the crisis year). Until we can vaccinate education at home is the right
Health Ministry (MoH) that better and respond appropriately. 60-70% of the population, we will move. Many children (40%)
clusters are no longer the primary Sarawak is worse than Perak, Remember also that ICU be open to more dangerous waves have no digital devices. We
focus as unlinked community even though parts of Perak had admissions and deaths lag behind of Covid-19. need to work together to share
spread is huge (On May 11, the been placed under an enhanced the reported cases by two to three our pre-loved (old) devices with
MoH director-general (DG) stated movement control order. What are the implications of the community, as well as invest
that 80% of cases are from the these trends? in Chromebooks for them
community). All states should offer Covid-19 1. Quarantine centres are (cheaper than laptops).
ICU admission rates daily overflowing and we will have to 4. Focus on ventilation in
It is important to recognise that (remember that this will be resort to home quarantine to enclosed spaces. While we have
numbers reported daily do not give affected by deaths). cope. Existing quarantine been concerned with hand
the full picture as our testing is very Figure 2 centres are also far too disinfection (please continue),
limited, except perhaps for the congested and confined – many we need to strongly emphasise
state of Selangor. ICU beds are full (or exceeding shy away from testing as they do the need to improve the
100%) in the Klang Valley, Malacca, not want to be admitted under ventilation in all buildings –
In the past, we averaged Sarawak, Penang, Kelantan and these conditions. supermarkets, offices, shops,
40,000-70,000 total tests most days other states. Many private hospital weeks. The situation we are seeing classrooms, and others.
and only in the past few days ICU beds are also getting full. is the reality of what happened in 2. Our ICU beds are already 5. Improve the quality and fit
reached 100,000-110,000 tests per late April to early May 2021. This maxed out. Use of “repurposed” of your mask. Most individuals
day (114,027 tests on May 22, with MOH has “repurposed” other will worsen in the next few weeks and general bed for ventilation wear a 3-ply surgical mask but
5.54% positive). We probably pick beds to become ICU beds in all due to the movement during the will increase mortality. We can this leaks at the side and limits
up approximately 25% of cases in states. recent Raya period. expect more deaths for the next our protection. Look online for
the community. two to three weeks. In addition, good suggestions and videos on
Even coronary care unit beds Younger persons dying and there is a horrible reality on the improving this. Two quick
We have little access to testing are being converted into ICU beds. mutations spreading ground that doctors will methods to improve your
numbers for each state and that Some patients are beginning to be “The lack ofAnother changing trend have to triage ICU bed protection are to tighten your
would provide a better idea of what ventilated in general wards. access by age and prior ear loops or wear a cloth mask
is happening. As an example, if you is the increasing chronic illnesses. We over the surgical mask.
compare the numbers for Selangor It is critical to remember that adequatenumber of deaths may be frustrated 6. Get vaccinated. While many of
and Sarawak for May 21, you see a ventilation and medical care in a among younger about this but must us are desperately waiting for
large disparity and concerns. “repurposed” bed and general bed data ispersons. In recent remember that our our chance to get a vaccine,
is different from what an ICU health services have some who are eligible are
Much of the public is concerned offers. It is not just the ventilator months, 20-30% of been under-funded and hesitant. Please get any vaccine
with Selangor and think the that is important. There is the hamperingdeaths are under 60 that becomes available the
outbreak is centred there. But note medical gas delivery system, the under-developed for moment you have an
that the testing numbers for supportive equipment (monitors, years of age (36% under decades. This has also opportunity (including the
Selangor are huge compared with large number of perfusers, the public’s60 years, in Sarawak for AstraZeneca vaccine). We also
Sarawak, and the positivity rate for specialised bed and others). need to support old persons in
Sarawak is very high, indicating January to April). registration, IT access and
that testing is grossly inadequate Most importantly is the staffing. In addition, happened in countries transport to get vaccinated.
(many positive cases missed). If you want to manage critically ill appropriateindividuals with better health 7. Help others. A significant
persons, you need one-to-one ICU increasing numbers of systems like Italy. portion of our public are
Hence, Selangor gets a “bad” experienced nursing care round are 3. We will also see an struggling with daily needs and
outlook with many cases, merely the clock, a commodity that is very response to thefour or five (severe increased mortality in we need to support them.
because they test extensively. hard to find. Hence, opening “new” presenting clinical stage ill patients without Please share your resources
beds is difficult and “repurposed” Covid. On many and wealth.
Of all states in the country, beds and general beds do not offer deepeningworrying. This could be “normal” days, we 8. Maintain personal, physical,
Selangor perhaps has the most the same level of care. disease), which is emotional, mental, spiritual
accurate daily reported cases. fitness. Together, we will
Mortality rate is rising crisis indue to the increased overcome this adversity but we
We should worry about all the The number of Covid-19 patients have a long way to go still and
other states. dying is rising and the mortality spread of mutations need to keep from despair.
Figure 1 rate is increasing – see Figure 2. In the country(especially Maintain good routines to keep
just the first 18 days of May, we had South struggle to find an ICU well, not just physically but
ICU bed usage at critical levels 500 reported deaths, the same African variant) that bed for an ill person. emotionally and spiritually.
When reported case numbers are number we experienced in the full have been detected in Now, with so many ICU
not a good indicator, intensive care year of 2020. the Klang Valley, beds occupied by Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS is a
units (ICU) admission (and Kelantan, Perak, Sarawak and Covid-19 patients, those with Consultant Paediatrician.
deaths) offer us a better To give you a better other states. other health needs that require Comments:
understanding of what is understanding of this worsening Our genome testing is limited ICU care will be affected. All [email protected]
happening in each state. crisis, allow me to use data from but it is likely that a sizable states should make available
proportion of the massive outbreak non-Covid mortality rates by
On May 21, MoH showed data is due to variants. As it has been month (compared with the
that Covid-19 ICU bed occupancy recognised, these variants of pre-Covid era).
had increased from less than 200 concern spread easier, are harder
beds in March to close to 900 beds to detect/test and cause more Key to avoid getting infected
severe illness. This may explain the Once infected, we run the risk of
higher numbers in ICU bed usage severe disease and “Long Covid”
and younger persons dying. (more than 10% suffer from
debilitating and incapacitating
When will the outbreak peak? symptoms that can persist for
We all want an end to the current months, some with permanent
large wave but have to realise that organ damage)
it has yet to peak. If we work
together, the current upsurge in 1. Limit unnecessary contact with
cases could possibly peak in two to others (except the family you

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ TUESDAY
MAY 25, 2021
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

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24/05/2021 Fax: 03-7784 4424

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% RM m RM m RM m

44.4 Institutions 1543.1 1549.8 -6.7

37.6 Retail 1331.8 1281.5 50.3

18.0 Foreign 604.2 647.8 -43.6 46.18 12.12
HANG SENG KOSPI
100.0 3479.1 3479.1 0 9.65 5.72 10.73 46.78 36.23 3,144.30 15.68
KLCI STI 28,412.26 SCI NIKKEI TSEC S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,571.82 3,123.61 3,497.28 28,364.61 16,338.29
Source: Bursa Malaysia 7,045.93

KL MARKET SUMMARY Increased risk of earnings
May 24, 2021 disappointment

INDICES CHANGE
FBMEMAS 11,453.05 +117.02
FBMKLCI 1,571.82 +9.65
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 606.53 +5.48
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 190.89 +3.59
CONSTRUCTION 168.90 +0.90
FINANCIAL SERVICES 14,876.21 +108.21
ENERGY 855.74 +9.82
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 709.37 +23.81 that downside risks remain particularly, the
HEALTH CARE 3,146.89 +9.81 o Severity of impact on company results and possibility of further MCO extension
TRANSPORTATION 810.78 +17.04 Malaysia’s GDP growth depends on how long the beyond June 7, 2021 as well as slow progress
PROPERTY 728.51 +10.72 tighter MCO 3.0 SOPs last, say research houses in external demand.
PLANTATION 6,931.53 +32.01
FBMSHA 12,741.73 +133.70 “Should the MCO 3.0 be extended by
FBMACE 7,834.61 +209.74 another 14 days or by end-June 2021, we
TECHNOLOGY 79.11 +3.60 predict a greater adverse impact to the
PETALING JAYA: The stricter rules and maintained its Malaysian gross domestic second quarter GDP, probably expanding
TURNOVER VALUE tightened standard operating procedures product (GDP) growth forecast range of 6.0- by only 11.6% and 9.8% y-o-y respectively,”
6.753 BIL RM3.479 BIL (SOPs) under the updated movement 6.5% for 2021 and 5.0-5.5% for 2022. it said.
control order 3.0 (MCO 3.0) will likely
5 MOST ACTIVES increase the risk of earnings “Our initial forecast already took into With MCO 3.0, which started on May 3
May 24, 2021 disappointment as manufacturing account the implementation of a for some states, TA Securities assumes a
companies’ productivity could be reduced nationwide MCO 3.0 whilst remaining potential loss of RM600 million a day, higher
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) due to the enhanced work-from-home cautious regarding the rising number of than the Finance Ministry’s estimates of
PRIVA 1,002,098,000 26.0 +8.5 requirement and lower footfalls at retail local Covid-19 cases,” it said in a report. RM300-400 million, which could drag the
UCREST 286,335,800 43.5 +8.0 outlets attributable to shorter operating economy lower in Q2’21, with real GDP
SAUDEE-OR 190,397,000 0.5 -7.5 hours and time limit for shoppers, said The research house still expects second- growth at 14.5% y-o-y compared to a
FOCUS 187,835,000 6.0 -0.5 CGS-CIMB. half 2021 growth to be higher at 6.4% (first previous forecast of 14.9% y-o-y.
SAUDEE 182,100,600 25.0 +4.5 half: 6.2%) supported by Malaysia’s ongoing
However, it noted that the severity of the vaccination drive, targeted policy support “Nonetheless, the rebound in the second
5 TOP GAINERS earnings impact will largely depend on how from the government, and a boost in quarter would still be much stronger than
May 24, 2021 long the tighter MCO 3.0 SOPs last. exports growth amid higher crude oil prices the slight contraction of -0.5% y-o-y in Q1’21
and strong external demand for Covid-19- as a result of low base factor following 17.2%
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM “Anyhow, we expect this news to related items and semiconductors. y-o-y drop in the second quarter last year.”
MPI 187,200 37.16 1.80 dampen near-term sentiment and will be
NESTLE 112,800 135.80 0.90 negative for recovery play stocks (banks, It elaborated that the tighter SOPs will Despite the unfavourable pandemic
UWC 5,070,800 5.48 0.53 automotive, property, construction and likely push its forecast to the lower end of development in the country, TA Securities
CHOOBEE 6,407,500 2.13 0.49 tourism-related plays) on concerns of the range; however, by avoiding full closure predicted no more stimulus plans in the near
VITROX 50,900 15.26 0.48 earnings risks in the near term, prompting of economic sectors, the current recovery term. However, the question over Malaysia’s
investors to switch to defensive names momentum should be sustained. remaining fiscal space before the need to
5 TOP LOSERS (utilities, telcos, glove makers and raise the statutory debt ceiling remains.
May 24, 2021 plantations) until Covid-19 cases subside or Similarly, TA Securities forecast 2021’s
there is a significant pick-up in vaccination full-year GDP growth to come in at 5.5% It calculated the 1.5% of GDP gap
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM rate,” said the research house yesterday. year-on-year (y-o-y) compared with a 5.6% between 58.5% and the 60% statutory debt
F&N 179,000 25.82 0.40 contraction reported for the previous year, ceiling works out to be roughly RM22.8
HSI-CIK 2,000 0.66 0.30 With that it maintained its FBM KLCI assuming Q3’21 and Q4’21 real GDP billion based on a simple back of the
GENP 996,500 8.30 0.26 target of 1,699 points and its top three stock increases 4.0% and 5.4% y-o-y, respectively. envelope calculation by using Bank Negara
HSI-CIL 20,000 1.10 0.26 picks Inari Amertron Bhd, Public Bank Bhd It pointed out the projection is in line with Malaysia’s figure that Malaysia’s nominal
HSI-CIJ 47,800 0.395 0.255 and Telekom Malaysia Bhd. the Finance Ministry’s updated preliminary GDP of RM1.39 trillion for 2020 and RM1.53
GDP growth forecast range of 5.0% to 6.5%. trillion for 2021.
Meanwhile, Kenanga Research has
Nonetheless, the research house warned “Should such a situation be warranted, we
expect participation from the private sector.”

EXCHANGE RATES MAY 24, 2021 Astro lauds High Court’s landmark ruling
on copyright infringement

Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy PETALING JAYA: The Intellectual Property High first by the Intellectual Property High Court,
Court in Kuala Lumpur has declared that the sale, is positively received by the authorities and
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD offer for sale, distribution and/or supply of TV industry players in their battle against
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2020 4.0770 4.0670 boxes or illicit streaming devices (ISDs) that can digital piracy. It lauded the High Court’s
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.2630 3.1340 3.1180 provide unauthorised access to copyrighted judgement as a bold step in the right
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1520 3.0610 3.0530 works constitutes copyright infringement under direction against piracy in Malaysia.
1 EURO 3.4760 3.3840 3.3720 the Copyright Act 1987, according to Astro
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 5.1250 4.9600 4.9400 Malaysia Holdings Bhd. Laila Saat, director, regulatory of
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0210 2.9120 2.8960 Astro, said the declaration by the
1 STERLING POUND 3.1520 3.0610 3.0530 The action in the Intellectual Property High High Court sets a precedent for
1 SWISS FRANC 5.9500 5.7640 5.7440 Court was brought by Measat Broadcast future civil claims on copyright
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.6660 4.5600 4.5450 Networks Sdn Bhd, the service provider for Astro, infringement against ISD
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 115.7300 109.7500 109.5500 against a seller of ISDs preloaded with sellers in the market,
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0380 4.7300 4.5300 applications which act as gateways to websites or including those on
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 65.4000 62.8000 content servers streaming pirated content. e-commerce
100 INDIAN RUPEE 54.7000 51.9800 N/A platforms.
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.8600 5.5000 51.7800 Astro said the judgment, considered to be the
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0303 0.0274 5.3000
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.8600 3.7400 0.0224 MyEG inks MoU to bring in Covid-19 rapid breath test system
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.1000 3.7300
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.8000 N/A PETALING JAYA: MY EG Services Bhd suitable for mass screening in high-traffic systems in Malaysia.
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.8900 2.6100 N/A (MyEG) has entered into a memorandum of locations. The breath test has undergone clinical
100 SAUDI RIYAL 116.6700 8.3800 2.4100 understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s
100THAI BAHT 113.2900 110.7500 8.1800 Breathonix Pte Ltd to be the With the MoU, MyEG will apply for trials in three locations and has received
13.9900 107.5500 110.5500 exclusive distributor of the regulatory approvals and provisional authorisation from Singapore’s
12.4100 107.3500 latter’s rapid breath test certifications for the breath Health Sciences Authority.
12.0100 system used for the screening test to be made commercially
of Covid-19. available in Malaysia. Currently, the Singapore-based
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama Upon approval, MyEG will company is working with the Singapore
Breathonix’s breath test be appointed as Breathonix’s Health Ministry for trial deployment at Tuas
system is a non-invasive, accurate and Checkpoint, where the breath test system
affordable solution that can generate results exclusive distribution partner to will be used alongside the current
within a minute, making it particularly undertake the commercial sale and compulsory antigen rapid test to screen
marketing of its technology and associated incoming travellers.

11theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021
* SUNBIZ

Crowdo is Pertama Digital’s first BRIEFS AXIATA’S BOOST INVESTS
digital bank consortium partner IN INDONESIA’S KIMO

oLatter is leading a group to apply for a productive financing to MSMEs engine, the neobank was launched PETALING JAYA: Axiata Digital’s
that are overwhelmingly operated in 2017 and had received a full fintech holding arm Boost
licence from Bank Negara Malaysia by Indonesians with no credit licence by Indonesia’s financial Holdings Sdn Bhd has acquired
history,” he said in a statement, services authority Otoritas Jasa 68.75% equity in Indonesia’s PT
PETALING JAYA: Pertama Digital digital banking initiative as its adding that the partnership would Keuangan to provide digital Creative Mobile Adventure,
Bhd yesterday announced SME- means to contribute to the allow it to serve thousands of lending services to small and which operates a telco supply
focused neobank Crowdo Holdings country’s post-pandemic recovery businesses from day one. medium enterprises (SMEs). chain model financing
Pte Ltd as its first consortium via financial inclusion and ethical business under the brand
partner in its application for a financial services to the most “This is a key part of our strategy It currently serves SMEs from Kimo. The acquisition of the
digital bank licence from Bank vulnerable in society. to boost economic participation over 30 different industries and peer-to-peer licensee that
Negara Malaysia (BNM). amongst our financially achieved a 60% lower non- operates a lending platform in
“Crowdo brings years of underserved as quickly as possible, performing loan ratio versus the Indonesia is a key growth
Pertama Digital director of priceless insights and validated while aligning completely with the banking sector. engine for Boost Holdings to
strategy Saify Akhtar sees the turnkey solutions from delivering framework set by BNM.” widen its reach to the
Currently, the two parties are in underserved micro and small
Powered by an artificial the process of signing the enterprises regionally. In a
intelligence (AI)-credit scoring consortium documentation. statement, Boost Holdings
CEO Sheyantha Abeykoon said
the acquisition is part of its
regional digital financial
service rollout plans. “Kimo
shares our aspiration to
support the growth of micro
enterprises through simple
and convenient solutions
powered by technology.”

Mah Sing obtains licences for glove production, export PIMPINAN EHSAN BUYS
RE FIRM FOR RM373M
PETALING JAYA: Mah Sing Group Mah Sing
Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Mah founder & PETALING JAYA: Pimpinan
Sing Healthcare Sdn Bhd has group Ehsan Bhd (PEB), whose stock
received its business licence and managing was suspended for trading
other relevant licences/permits director Tan Sri yesterday, is acquiring
including the export licence from the Leong Hoy renewable energy company
Malaysian Rubber Board and two US Kum (right) reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd
Food and Drugs Administration receives a box for RM373 million. PEB
(FDA) licences. of Mah Sing yesterday entered into a
Healthcare’s conditional share sale
In a statement, the group said gloves from agreement with reNIKOLA, its
operation has commenced at its production owners Boumhidi Abdelali and
glove manufacturing factory in Kapar, personnel. Tengku Zaiton Sultan Abu
Klang and the first shipment of gloves Bakar for the entire stake in
is expected to be delivered in reNIKOLA Holdings. Executive
May/June 2021. director Lim Beng Guan said
the proposed acquisition
The glove maker has obtained two provides PEB an immediate
US FDA Establishment Licenses for entry point into the renewable
Polymer Nitrile Patient Examination energy industry given the
Glove and Latex Patient Examination expansive track record and
Glove, which all glove manufacturers large-scale solar assets. “
have to register to sell gloves in the
US. interests from its buyers and capacity of the 12 units of new and will increase the capacity up to FOREIGN INVESTORS
distributors, which are mainly high speed glove dipping machines another 3.68 billion pieces of gloves NET BUYERS ON BURSA
The group is also progressing well serving markets such as the US, could go up to producing 3.68 billion per annum, doubling the initial
in obtaining the FDA 510(k) Canada, Middle East, Europe, UK, pieces of gloves per annum. The production capacity. PETALING JAYA: Foreign
Premarket Notification and the Japan, China, Korea, Singapore, machines were producing at a speed Moving forward, Mah Sing aims to investors turned net buyers of
Conformitè Europëenne (CE) Russia, and Latin America. of 38,000 pieces of gloves per be one of the top five glove producers Malaysian equities last week,
Marking for export to the US and production line per hour under Phase in Malaysia in the future. The glove which saw inflow amounting
European markets, respectively. It said the execution of the glove 1 of its glove manufacturing business. manufacturing venture to RM32.4 million, marking the
venture is on schedule as there would complements the group’s existing first inflow registered after nine
“This new milestone places the be six production lines on track to be “If demand continues to outstrip property division as the property consecutive net outflows.
group among the first few new glove operational in Q2’21, followed by supply, Mah Sing would expand (to) market is cyclical and focus more on Foreign investors were net
entrants in Malaysia to commence another six production lines in Q3’21. Phase 2 – which consists of another the domestic market. buyers every day except for
glove production to meet immediate 12 glove production lines. Phase 2 Monday and Wednesday.
market demand,“ it said. The maximum production Largest foreign inflow was
recorded on Thursday at
The group has secured sufficient RM58.9 million and the
raw materials to meet orders and smallest inflow was on Tuesday
at RM27.7 million. Meanwhile,
BLand posts RM1.24b revenue in third quarter the largest outflow was
recorded on Monday at
RM74.3 million.

PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Land Bhd HR Owen. For the nine months period, ALLIANCE BANK
(BLand) posted a revenue of BLand reported a revenue of RM4.17 EXTENDS RELIEF
RM1.24 billion for its third quarter For the quarter it reported a billion, a 9.9% decrease from RM4.63 ASSISTANCE SCHEMES
ended March 31, 2021, an 18.5% pretax loss of RM17.21 million billion reported in the same period
decline from RM1.52 billion against pretax profit of RM232.68 of the previous year. Its pretax profit
reported in the same quarter of the million registered previously, as the for the period stood at RM30.28 PETALING JAYA: Alliance Bank
previous year, attributed to a lower million, a 90.7% decline from Malaysia Bhd will extend its
contribution from its hotels and corresponding quarter of the RM325.39 million. Payment Relief Assistance (PRA)
resorts business due to border previous year included a higher
closures and domestic travel share of profit from its associated Moving forward, the group said packages to help individuals
restriction, property development the implementation of the MCO 3.0 and businesses facing cashflow
business as well as slower recovery company Berjaya Kyoto is expected to dampen its recovery constraints due to the Covid-19
from its gaming business segment Development (S) Pte Ltd, arising rate. from the government-imposed pandemic. Individuals who
operated by Sports Toto Malaysia from the disposal of the trust restrictions to the group’s operations have lost their jobs or whose
Sdn Bhd, which was mitigated from beneficial interest on the hotel With the constantly evolving and financial performance. incomes have been affected by
a higher car sales from its subsidiary pandemic, BLand stated that it is the pandemic may apply for the
component of the Four Seasons challenging to ascertain the full Its directors expect its bank’s PRA. The bank also
Hotel & Hotel Residences Kyoto, extent and duration of the impact performance for the remaining
Japan which amounted to RM224 quarter of the financial year ending extends similar support to
June 30, 2021 to remain challenging. businesses experiencing
million. reduced business revenue.

PCCS Group secures distributorship of Shenqi’s coronary balloon catheter

PETALING JAYA: PCCS Group Bhd’s balloon, within the Asia Pacific, in the wholesale of medical, interventional procedures. Shenqi’s medical and healthcare sector and
wholly owned subsidiary La Prima excluding China and Japan, for two professional, scientific and precision star product in China is its drug-coated towards a long-term strategic
Medicare Pte Ltd (LPM) has entered years. equipment. coronary balloon catheter, which has cooperation with Shenqi.
into an exclusive distribution obtained the National Medical
agreement with China’s medical Under the agreement, Shenqi is Founded in 2014, Shenqi is Products Administration registration “We are serious about growing the
equipment developer Shanghai granting Singapore-based LPM the primarily engaged in the development certificate in December 2019. medical business for PCCS. We are in
Shenqi Medical Technology Co Ltd for exclusive rights to distribute, sub- of minimally invasive surgery products the process of getting Shenqi’s
LPM to distribute Shenqi’s medical distribute, sell, advertise, promote and and devices. Its products are primarily PCCS managing director David products registered in some Southeast
products, specifically the drug-coated market Shenqi’s specified products. La designed for cardiovascular Chan Wee Kiang said the agreement Asian countries,” Chan said in a
Prima Medicare is principally engaged interventional and peripheral vascular marked the first step of PCCS in the statement yesterday.

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021BRIEFS Thailand’s jobless rate hits
SUNBIZ 12-year high in first quarter

INDONESIA CONSIDERING o New Covid-19 wave pushes rate to 1.96%, tourism Danucha Pichayanan, head of the National
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM recovery will be delayed with 7 million workers affected Economic and Social Development Council
TAX APPROACH FOR FIRMS (NESDC), told a briefing.
BANGKOK: Thailand’s unemployment rate hit The unemployment rate was 1.96% in the
JAKARTA: Indonesia is considering a 12-year high in the first quarter of 2021 due to January-March quarter, representing 758,000 Unemployment slowed in the second half of
introducing an alternative minimum the renewed impact of coronavirus outbreaks, workers without jobs, up from 1.86% in the 2020, when earlier outbreaks were contained
tax in a bid to prevent tax avoidance as the country reimposed measures to contain previous quarter, state agency data showed. before re-emerging this year.
by companies, Finance Minister Sri a third wave of infections, the state planning
Mulyani Indrawati told parliament agency said yesterday. The rate was the highest since 2.08% The outbreak will delay a recovery in
yesterday. “The tax reforms are recorded in the first quarter of 2009 during the tourism, affecting more than 7 million tourism
designed to create fairness and The Southeast Asian country’s latest, more global financial crisis. workers, Danucha said.
equality for companies. Especially for severe outbreak has seen overall cases nearly
those that so far have been able to quadruple since early April, and deaths “The unemployment rate increased However, the number of employed workers
conduct avoidance. We will conduct increase sixfold. drastically and is expected to rise again, reached 37.6 million in the March quarter, up
an alternative minimum tax reflecting the ongoing impact of Covid-19,” 0.4% from a year ago due to higher employment
approach to secure compliance,“ she in the agricultural sector, which has absorbed
said. Indrawati also said she planned People queue to receive their Covid-19 vaccine at the Central Vaccination Centre, inside Bang Sue some of the workers laid off in other sectors
to introduce a new band in individual Grand Station, in Bangkok yesterday. The unemployment rate increased drastically and is expected to since 2020.
income tax to charge 35% for a rise again, reflecting the ongoing impact of Covid-19. – REUTERS
portion of income on “high wealth The official definition of being unemployed
individuals” making more than 5 in Thailand is quite narrow, including only those
billion rupiah (RM1.44 million) a year. who do not work a single hour in a surveyed
There will be no change in rates for week and excluding those with a business or
the majority of tax payers, she said – owning farms, while analysts note it does not
Reuters catch the significant unofficial economy.

POST-COVID AIRLINE Meanwhile, a central bank official said
INDUSTRY WILL BE Thailand’s benchmark interest rate may stay at
SMALLER: IATA HEAD a record low of 0.5% for one or two years until
the economy has seen a clear recovery.
DUBAI: The head of global airline
body International Air Transport Inflation may rise temporarily but stagflation
Association (IATA) expects the is not expected, Don Nakornthab, senior
industry to emerge from the director at the Bank of Thailand (BOT), told an
coronavirus crisis smaller and more economic forum.
cautious, doubting airlines will try to
expand through acquisitions. “It will Inflation in the second quarter may exceed
be a smaller industry. We are not the BOT’s target range of 1% to 3%, but that will
going to recover all the capacity,“ be temporary due to a low base last year, he
IATA Director General Willie Walsh said.
said in a pre-recorded online
interview broadcast yesterday. “It will “Stagflation is very least likely. A more
be a more cautious industry. I don’t concern is inflation will not rise,” Don said.
expect to see M&A (merger and
acquisition) activity, principally The BOT has left its policy rate unchanged
because people will be guarded since mid-2020. It will next review policy and
about the cash they have.” – Reuters economic outlook on June 23.

China’s Huayou invests “The policy rate is at record low and will
in US$2b Indonesia probably stay at this level for a while. In a year or
nickel, cobalt project two, there may not be an increase,” Don said.

SHANGHAI: China’s Zhejiang Huayou The BOT has said the policy rate level was not
Cobalt Co said yesterday it would an issue and the problem was the distribution of
partner electric vehicle battery maker liquidity to needed areas. – Reuters
EVE Energy and others in a US$2.08
billion (RM8.6 billion) nickel and cobalt Cryptocurrency miners suspend some China operations
project in Indonesia.
SHANGHAI: Cryptocurrency miners, including Crypto miners use increasingly powerful, a two-month low. Yet it too has fallen by almost
The company is also splashing out HashCow and BTC.TOP, have halted all or part specially designed computer equipment, or half from peak hit earlier this month.
US$210 million on a stake in Chinese of their China operations after Beijing rigs, to verify virtual coin transactions in a
battery materials producer Tianjin B&M intensified a crackdown on bitcoin mining and process which produces newly minted crypto Investor protection and money laundering are
Science and Technology Co (B&M) as it trading, hammering digital currencies amid currencies such as bitcoin. particular concerns of global financial regulators
makes investments across the heightened global regulatory scrutiny. who are grappling with whether and how they
rechargeable battery supply chain. “Crypto mining consumes a lot of energy, should regulate the cryptocurrency industry.
A State Council committee led by Vice which runs counter to China’s carbon neutrality
Huayou will hold 20% of the Premier Liu He announced the crackdown late goals,” said Chen Jiahe, chief investment officer The latest shakeout in digital currencies also
Indonesian venture, tentatively called PT on Friday as part of efforts to fend off financial of Beijing-based family office Novem Arcae stems from tighter scrutiny in the United States.
Huayu Nickel Cobalt. It is the cobalt risks. It was the first time China’s cabinet has Technologies. Last Thursday, US Federal Reserve chairman
producer’s third battery nickel smelting targeted virtual currency mining, a sizeable Jerome Powell said they pose risks to financial
project in Indonesia. business in the world’s second-biggest The crackdown is also part of China’s stability, and indicating that greater regulation
economy that some estimates say accounts for stepped-up drive to curb speculative crypto of the increasingly popular electronic currency
The latest site will be at Weda Bay on as much as 70% of the global crypto supply. trading, he added. may be warranted.
Halmahera island where Huayou
already partners Tsingshan Holding Cryptocurrency exchange Huobi yesterday However, cryptocurrencies fought back “Huobi always strives to abide by the evolving
Group in a nickel sulphate project. It suspended both crypto-mining and some trading yesterday, retaking ground lost during the bout policies and regulations of each jurisdiction,”
aims to produce 120,000 tonnes of nickel services to new clients from mainland China, of weekend selling. Huobi said in a statement to Reuters.
and 15,000 tonnes of cobalt annually on adding it will instead focus on overseas businesses.
a metal content basis, Huayou said in a Bitcoin jumped more than 10% to US$38,538 BTC.TOP founder Jiang Zhuoer said in a
Shanghai Stock Exchange filing. BTC.TOP, a crypto mining pool, also (RM159,643), erasing losses of 7.5% from a day micro blog post via Weibo that its mining
announced the suspension of its China earlier but still down by more than 40% from business will no longer be open to mainland
EVE will have a 17% stake, while the business citing regulatory risks, while crypto last month's record high. China, while HashCow said it would suspend
other partners are Yongrui Holdings with miner HashCow said it would halt buying new new businesses in China in a notice to clients.
31%, Glaucous International Pte Ltd with bitcoin mining rigs. Second-largest cryptocurrency ether BTC.TOP and HashCow could not be
30% and Lindo Investment Pte Ltd at 2%. jumped more than 17% to as high as US$2,464 immediately reached for comment. – Reuters
after slumping more than 8% on Sunday to near
Yongrui is wholly owned by Yongqing
Technology Co, a subsidiary of Tsinghan,
the biggest nickel producer in Indonesia,
– Reuters

Bitcoin not for us, it’s too volatile and lacks transparency: HSBC CEO

LONDON: HSBC has no plans to prominent advocate Elon Musk “For similar reasons we’re not HSBC had banned customers in its “I view bitcoin as more of an asset
launch a cryptocurrency trading desk tempered his support. rushing into stablecoins,” he said, online share trading platform from class than a payments vehicle, with
or offer the digital coins as an referring to the digital currencies that buying shares in bitcoin-backed very difficult questions about how to
investment to customers, because HSBC’s stance also contrasts with seek to avoid the volatility associated MicroStrategy, saying in a message to value it on the balance sheet of
they are too volatile and lack rival banks such as Goldman Sachs, with typical cryptocurrencies by clients that it would not facilitate the clients because it is so volatile,” he
transparency, its chief executive Noel which Reuters in March reported had pegging their value to assets such as buying or exchange of products said.
Quinn told Reuters. restarted its cryptocurrency trading the US dollar. related to virtual currencies.
desk. “Then you get to stablecoins
Europe’s biggest bank’s stance on Pressure on the digital currency Quinn said his sceptical stance on which do have some reserve backing
cryptocurrencies comes as the “Given the volatility we are not intensified after the billionaire Tesla cryptocurrencies partly arose from behind them to address the stored
world’s biggest and best-known, into Bitcoin as an asset class, if our chief executive and cryptocurrency the difficulty of assessing the value concerns, but it depends on
Bitcoin, has tumbled nearly 50% from clients want to be there then of course backer Musk reversed his stance on transparency of who owns them, as who the sponsoring organisation is
the year’s high, after China cracked they are, but we are not promoting it Tesla accepting bitcoin as payment. well as problems with their ready plus the structure and accessibility of
down on mining the currency and as an asset class within our wealth convertibility into fiat money. the reserve.” – Reuters
management business,” Quinn said. Reuters reported in April that

PIN HIGH 13theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021
Par-fives nail McIlroy * SPORTS

RORY MCILROY said yesterday that he Fabulous at 50
322 Notices 322 Notices needed to rectify his driving woes to regain Mickelson defies age to win PGA Championship
his mojo after a frustrating performance at
IN THE MATTER OF the PGA Championship. The Northern PHIL MICKELSON blocked out the said his triumph had yet to sink in.
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 Irishman was playing catch-up after an distractions and kept his mind quiet “It’s been an incredible day, and I’ve not
opening 75 and a combination of in front of a raucous gallery to win the
AND inconsistent driving and mediocre putting PGA Championship by two strokes let myself kind of think about the results until
IN THE MATTER OF prevented him from ever making a run at now, now that it’s over,” Mickelson said after
CHEERFUL ZONE SDN. BHD. the leaders. He was particularly poor on the yesterday and become golf’s oldest major finishing at 6-under 282.
Company No. 200001031358 par-fives, usually his bread and butter, winner at the age of 50. “I’ve tried to stay more in the present and
playing them just about as poorly as anyone Mickelson battled through strong winds, at the shot at hand and not jump ahead and
(533965-P) in the field, two-over par in total. “I just shrugged off a few poor shots and kept calm race. I’ve tried to shut my mind to a lot of stuff
(In Members’ Voluntary haven’t driven the ball as well as I know that amid suffocating pressure to record a 1-over going around. I wasn’t watching TV. I wasn’t
I can for a long time and that’s really the 73 at the Ocean Course, holding his nerve getting on my phone. I was just trying to quiet
Winding Up) foundation of my game, I guess, and once with Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen things down.”
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to I’m driving it well everything becomes so breathing down his neck. Mickelson led by five shots with six holes
section 459 of the Companies Act 2016, much easier,” he said after shooting 72 to In collecting the sixth major of his career, to play, though the advantage was cut to two
that a Final Meeting of the members of finish on five-over 293. Probably haven’t and first since the 2013 British Open, after bogeys at the 13th and 14th and a birdie
the Company will be held at the office driven the ball like myself since 2019, so I Mickelson surpassed Julius Boros as the at the 16th by Oosthuizen, who was playing in
of the Liquidator, No. 43 (First Floor), need to figure it out.” oldest major winner. Boros was 48 when he the penultimate pairing.
Jalan Sarikei, Off Jalan Pahang, 53000 won the 1968 PGA Championship. With victory in sight, an undeterred
Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 25 June Crowd frenzy irks Koepka “This is just an incredible feeling because I Mickelson showed great resolve and even
2021 at 11.00 a.m. for the following just believed that it was possible but yet flashed a thumbs-up to the crowd as he went
purposes:- BROOKS KOEPKA reacted angrily after everything was saying it wasn’t,” said on to reclaim a three-shot cushion with a
being buffeted by spectators when officials Mickelson, who is now the only player to have birdie at the 16th before a bogey-par finish.
AGENDA lost control of the gallery at the final hole of claimed PGA Tour victories 30 years apart. Mickelson was under no illusions that at
1. To receive an account from the the PGA Championship yesterday. After “And I hope that others find that this point in his career, when
Koepka and champion Phil Mickelson had inspiration. It might take a little extra work, a most players are long
Liquidator showing the manner in played their shots to the final green, little bit harder effort to maintain physically since done and dusted
which the winding up has been hundreds if not thousands of spectators or maintain the skills but, gosh, is it worth at the top level, wins
conducted and to receive any swarmed the fairway in scenes reminiscent it.” are incredibly
explanation thereon. of British Opens of a previous era. Mickelson Mickelson, who will difficult to come by.
2. To resolve under section 518(3) was shepherded through the heaving get the chance to “It’s very possible
(b) of the Companies Act 2016 that masses by a few police and marshals, and complete the career that this is the
after the expiration of three (3) IN THE MATTER OF soon emerged into a protected area near Grand Slam of all four last tournament
months from the date of the final THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 the green, but it was some time before modern majors at I ever win, if I’m
meeting, the books and papers of the Koepka emerged to sanctuary. Koepka, who the US Open being realistic,”
Company be destroyed. AND is recovering from a dislocated kneecap said next month, he said.
3. To approve and accept the IN THE MATTER OF “It would have been cool if I didn’t have a “But it’s also very
resignation of Mdm. Choo Yoke CASHSYSTEMS ASIA TECHNOLOGY knee injury and got dinged a few times in possible that I may have
Shiem as the Liquidator in the knee in that crowd because no-one had a little bit of a
accordance to section 513(3) of the SDN. BHD. really gave a sh*t, personally. If I was fine, breakthrough in some of my
Companies Act 2016. (IN LIQUIDATION) yeah, it would have been cool. It’s cool for focus and maybe I go on a
Dated this 25th day of May, 2021 [REGISTRATION NO.: Phil but getting dinged a few times isn’t little bit of a run.”
CHOO YOKE SHIEM (F) 200101006491 (542247-H)] exactly my idea of fun.” Oosthuizen (73)
Liquidator and Koepka (74)
Kuala Lumpur SECTION 525 Lefty’s backup club to the rescue finished in a
NOTES NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS share of second
1. A member entitled to attend and NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PHIL MICKELSON had to replace a place while
vote at the meeting is entitled to creditors of Cashsystems Asia Technology damaged one-iron barely 20 minutes before European
appoint a proxy or an attorney to Sdn. Bhd. (In Liquidation) (“the the PGA Championship final round Ryder Cup
attend and vote instead of him. Company”) having a claim present or yesterday but the setback did nothing to captain
A proxy may but need not be a future, certain or contingent, that:- unsettle the 50-year-old American. Padraig
member of company. If you have not submitted your claim yet, Mickelson later explained the face of his Harrington
2. The instrument appointing a proxy you are required to submit an affidavit club had cracked on the range. “You can’t (69), Ireland’s
shall be in writing under the hand verifying debt together with all documents swing it as hard as I hit it and not expect Shane Lowry
of the appointor or his attorney to substantiate your claim to the them to crack,” Mickelson joked. “Fortunately (69),
duly authorised in writing, or if the Liquidator of the Company at the I had a four-wood that’s a very comparable Englishman
appointor is a corporation, either following address not later than 5.00 pm., club to that one-iron distance-wise and I Paul Casey
under seal or under the hand of its Monday, 28th day of June 2021: was able to use that club effectively. There (71) and
officer or attorney duly authorised. Address : The Liquidator was a few times that I hit it and I hit that Harry Higgs
3. The instrument appointing a club very well. It’s just one of those things Phil Mickelson celebrates with the Wanamaker (70) were a
proxy must be deposited at the Cashsystems Asia Technology that happens and you just have to be Trophy after winning the 2021 PGA further two
Liquidator’s office, No. 43 (First Sdn. Bhd. prepared for it, which is why I bring backup Championship, held at the Ocean Course of
Floor), Jalan Sarikei, Off Jalan (In Liquidation) clubs out here.” Kiawah Island Golf Resort yesterday. – AFPPIX shots back in
Pahang, 53000 Kuala Lumpur not c/o Messrs Rodgers Reidy & fourth place. –
less than 48 hours before the time Co. (NF:2243) Reuters
for holding the Meeting or Adjourned K-3A-09, No. 2, Jalan Solaris
Meeting. Solaris Mont’ Kiara Actions speak louder than words: Max
50480 Kuala Lumpur
IN THE MATTER OF THE Tel. No. : (03) 6204 0928 MAX VERSTAPPEN won his maiden Monaco to prove. “I hope we can continue like this for the
COMPANIES ACT, 2016 Fax. No. : (03) 6204 0428 Grand Prix yesterday and took a thinly-veiled “I’m not necessarily in the same boat there rest of the season. And there is still a long way
Failure to submit your abovementioned swipe at world champion Lewis Hamilton, to go.”
AND affidavit to the Liquidator by the stipulated telling his title rival: “Actions speak louder than and I’m more long-term, ‘it’s a marathon not a
IN THE MATTER OF KAYLOO date can result in your claim being words”. sprint’ sort of mentality, which is ultimately His victory, however, was not one for the
excluded from the benefit of any why I have the stats that I have.” purists as the tight Monaco street circuit once
HOLDINGS SDN. BHD. distributions made before the debt or The Dutch Red Bull driver coasted to again made over-taking impossible turning
(197801004215 (41219-U)) claims are proved and from objecting to victory from the pole position he inherited Verstappen now has two wins to his name the eagerly-awaited event, which was shelved
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY the distributions. from Charles Leclerc when the Ferrari driver this season and leads the championship by due to the pandemic in 2020, into a flat
By Order of the Liquidator was unable to start the race. four points from the Mercedes’ Hamilton. procession.
WINDING-UP) LIM TIAN HUAT
At a General Meeting of the Company Dated this 25 May 2021 “First of all, I want to say that actions always It is the first time in his career he has led a “Obviously it always seems under control,
conducted virtually via Zoom and held Note: speak louder than words. I think that’s a good world championship. but staying focused for so many laps, it’s the
on 25 May 2021 the following resolutions 1. Please do not submit an affidavit if you lesson after this weekend,” said Verstappen most difficult,” said Verstappen.
were passed as special resolutions:- have submitted once before. who has now taken over the lead of the world “You have to do your talking on the track,
i) That the Company be wound up 2. If you have submitted an affidavit but championship from Hamilton. and that’s what I love,” he said. “It’s easy to relax a bit and it’s easy to make
have not received any response from a mistake, so you have to remember: stay
voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) the Liquidator, please contact them at The British star had said on the eve of the “As a team we have made the fewest focused, keep your thoughts fixed on the
(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and the above address. race that “perhaps Max feels he has a lot mistakes so far and that is why we are leading road.” – AFP
that Lim Li Kung of 25-1, Jalan USJ 3. Creditors who have not responded to (one point ahead of Mercedes in the
10/1E, 47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor be the Liquidator’s request for further constructors).
appointed liquidator for the purpose of documents and/or particulars relating
the winding up. to their claims are reminded to submit
ii) That the liquidator be indemnified by the further documents and/or
the Company against all costs, charges, particulars without delay or risk
losses, expenses and liabilities incurred having their claims rejected.
in or sustained by him in the execution
and discharge of his duties as liquidator
and in relation thereto.
WYMING LOO
Director
Date: 25 May 2021

IN THE MATTER OF THE
COMPANIES ACT, 2016

AND
IN THE MATTER OF KAYLOO

HOLDINGS SDN. BHD.
(197801004215 (41219-U))
(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 25 June 2021 to send in their
names and addresses with particulars of
their debts or claims and their names and
addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the
undersigned liquidator at 25-1, Jalan USJ
10/1E, 47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor and,
if so required by notice in writing from the
said liquidator, are by their solicitors or
personally, to come in and prove the said
debts or claims at such time and place
as shall be specified in such notice, or in
default thereof, they will be excluded from
the benefit of any distribution made before
such debts or claims are proved.
LIM LI KUNG
Liquidator
Date: 25 May 2021

322 Notices Hamilton blames team for Monaco defeat

PUBLIC NOTICE LEWIS HAMILTON and “I don’t really feel like any highlights for a better enough job.
Mercedes lost their Formula pain,” said the Briton, winner of understanding of where I lost “We underperformed as a
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the strata title to the property known One championship leads at the a record 98 races. “Of course it’s potentially three places.
as Unit No. 15, Level No. 03 designated as SR-03-15, Sri Relau Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday not a great weekend but I’m Otherwise I’ll focus on team all weekend from the get-
Complex, Pulau Pinang bearing assessment address No. 1-3-15, but the sport’s most successful not dwelling on it. something else.” go,” he said.
Persiaran Bukit Jambul 1, Kompleks Sri Relau, 11900 Pulau Pinang driver said he was calm and
(“the Property”) has been issued and is in the process of being ready to come back stronger. “I’m sure for Max it was a Hamilton lost out with a He added, however, that
transferred to Chong Cheng Keat and Chong Cheang Seng. pretty chilled afternoon. For me pitstop strategy that backfired lessons learned from the errors
Any person or persons, banks and financial institutions, authority or The seven times world personally, I’ve switched off. The and said Mercedes, who also and the bad days were part of
authorities having any objection, claim, right, title, interest, charge, champion told reporters it had weekend is done. I probably had Valtteri Bottas retire in the what the team’s success –
lien, litigation, mortgage or dispute in respect of the Transfer of been a boring race and he was won’t re-watch this race. pits when a wheel could not be winning the last seven drivers’
the Property should give notice of the same in writing supported glad it was over. removed, had not done a good and constructors’ titles – was
by documentary evidence to Choy & Associates as stated below “I’ll probably watch the built on. – Reuters
within seven (7) days from the date of publication of this notice
failing which the Transfer of the Property shall be completed without
further notice.

Choy & Associates
3rd Floor, Wisma Penang Garden

42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah
10050 Georgetown, Penang

Tel: 04-2282550

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021
SPORTS

Simeone never stopped believing in Atletico title pursuit
ATLETICO MADRID coach Diego Simeone said
he never stopped believing they would win the December until the end, pipping their bitter injuries and it was very tough, but after that Rubiales handed the trophy to Atletico captain
La Liga title, even in the midst of a stuttering city rivals Real Madrid to the crown by two day I could sense we were close,” he said. Koke, while city mayor Jose Luis Martinez-
run of results in April, after his side lifted the points on the final day. Almeida and regional president Isabel Diaz
trophy on Sunday. “With four games to go I knew it wasn’t Ayuso praised Simeone and his side for their
Many people expected them to surrender going to slip away from us, even though others achievement.
Atletico clinched their 11th title and their their lead when they took only seven points were still struggling to believe.”
first since 2014 with a 2-1 comeback win at from five games in April to let Real, Barcelona “Diego, winning trophies isn’t so hard, the
Real Valladolid on Saturday but were not and Sevilla into a nail-biting race to the finish. No fans were allowed at the trophy most difficult thing is changing history and
presented with the silverware until the presentation due to coronavirus restrictions that’s what you’ve done,” said Martinez-
presentation at their Wanda Metropolitano But Simeone said he believed more than although the club encouraged supporters to Almeida of the Argentine coach, who took over
stadium. ever that his side were going to do it after a 1-1 toast the title by waving Atletico flags from Atletico in December 2011 when they were
draw at Real Betis. their cars and beeping their horns along the near La Liga’s relegation zone and has led the
Atletico stayed at the summit from streets of the Spanish capital. team to win eight trophies. – Reuters
“Everything clicked after the game with
SIDENETTING Betis. We had players out with coronavirus and Spanish football federation president Luis
Sevilla end season on a high
Big boys
SEVILLA finished with a 1-0 win over Alaves sneak in
yesterday as Papu Gomez scored a 92nd- Juventus, AC Milan qualify for
minute winner in the final match of the La Champions League, Napoli miss out
Liga season. Papu’s dipping shot from 30 yards JUVENTUS qualified for the
found its way into the corner to seal victory Champions League on the final Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata
for Sevilla, who had already sealed fourth day of the season on Sunday with flanked by Federico Chiesa and Dejan
place in the table. Julen Lopetegui’s side end a 4-1 win at Bologna and were Kulusevski.
the season just two points behind Barcelona
in third, after briefly joining the title race a few “It was a shared choice, Ronaldo
weeks ago. Champions League qualification joined by AC Milan who beat Atalanta was tired after the fatigue on
had long-been secured, with Real Sociedad 15 2-0. Wednesday,” said Pirlo.
points behind Sevilla in fifth. Alaves might Napoli had to settle for a Europa “He made himself available to the
have snatched a surprise win had Manu League spot, finishing fifth, one point team but I chose to have another
Garcia’s finish from Luis Rioja’s cross not struck behind Juventus, after a 1-1 draw at player named Morata play, who is not
the post in the second half. home against Hellas Verona. the latest arrival. I have a quality team,
A pair of Franck Kessie penalities at with many choices available.”
CR7 in league of his own the end of either half ensured AC A Morata brace along with goals
Milan finished the season second – 12 from Chiesa and Adrien Rabiot
CRISTIANO RONALDO made more history points behind city rivals Inter Milan – prevented Juventus missing out on the
yesterday becoming the first player to finish and return to the Champions League elite European competition for the
the season as top scorer in three major for the first time since the 2013-2014 first time since 2012.
leagues – England, Spain, and Italy. The 36- season. In Naples, Amir Rrahmani scored
year-old scored 29 goals this campaign, five “We deserved the Champions for Napoli after an hour against his
more than second-placed Belgian Romelu League as well as second place,” said former club, which would have been
Lukaku for champions Inter Milan. The Milan coach Stefano Pioli whose side enough to secure a berth at the top
Portuguese striker was top scorer in England had missed the chance to seal table but Davide Faraoni pulled one
with Manchester United in 2008, and three their berth the previous back for the visitors nine minutes.
times in Spain with Real Madird, 2011, 2014 weekend against Gennaro Gattuso’s side were
and 2015. But it is the first time in three Cagliari. denied a return to elite European
seasons the former five-time Ballon d’Or “We went action after also missing out last
winner has scored the most goals. Ronaldo season.
scored 21 goals in his first season after joining Earlier Inter Milan were presented
in 2018 and 31 last campaign when he with their first trophy in 11 years
finished behind Lazio’s Ciro Immobile’s 36. In after a 5-1 win over Udinese
all competitions, he has now scored 101 goals in their final
for Juventus. through the game in the
whole championship at the San Siro.
Napoli confirms Gattuso exit top, unfortunately we had Antonio
thrown away the match point Conte’s side had sealed their 19th
NAPOLI president Aurelio De Laurentiis last Sunday. Scudetto with four games to spare and
yesterday confirmed that coach Gennaro “I’m really excited, were able to play their final game of
Gattuso will leave the club after failing to happy, I have to thank the the season with 1,000 celebrating
qualify for the Champions League. The club because they made us supporters.
southerners finished fifth, one point behind Juventus’ Paulo work in a spectacular way.” Outside more than 4,000 had
fourth-placed Juventus, after a 1-1 draw at Dybala (front) Atalanta had already gathered from early in the morning
home against Hellas Verona. A win would celebrates qualifying ensured a third consecutive with fireworks and flares, greeting the
have guaranteed a top four finish, but Napoli for the Champions season of Champions League team bus with chants and cheers.
miss out on a second season of Champions League with football but missed out on a Ashley Young struck after eight
League football. “Dear Rino, I am happy to teammate Giorgio first second-place Serie A minutes with Christian Eriksen,
have spent almost two seasons with you,” De Chiellini after their finish days after losing out in Lautaro Martinez, Ivan Perisic and
Laurentiis wrote on Twitter. “Thanking you for Serie match against the Coppa Italia final to Romelu Lukaku also all on target.
your work, I wish you success wherever you Bologna at Stadio Juventus. “There is great emotion, joy,
go. A hug to your wife and children too. Renato Dall’Ara Cristiano Ronaldo happiness,” said Inter skipper Samir
Aurelio De Laurentiis.”The relationship yesterday. was left on the bench Handanovic.
between the pair had been tense with the – REUTERSPIX by Juventus coach “We have waited a long time for
club having imposed a media boycott for Andrea Pirlo who this day, now we can enjoy it and this
months. Former AC Milan coach Gattuso took opted for an must be a starting point. The Scudetto
over after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked in attacking line-up of is the dream of all children.”– AFP
December 2019.
Lille title win will be tough act to follow
Suarez to stay at Atletico
IN THE final analysis it is tempting to put the have not been as good but Lille have been Yet Galtier has brilliantly incorporated
LUIS SUAREZ said he will remain at Atletico outcome of the French title race down to Paris great,” said winger Jonathan Bamba. replacements and hugely enhanced a
Madrid next season after the Uruguay forward Saint-Germain’s shortcomings, but nothing reputation that was already glowing following
helped them to their first league title in seven should be taken away from Lille’s remarkable Lille’s success is partly down to circumstance, his record in eight years at Saint-Etienne.
years. Atletico piped city rivals Real Madrid to achievement in winning Ligue 1 for the first and partly down to two inspirational figures.
the title on Saturday after Suarez fired them to time in a decade. But the one-time Portsmouth assistant
a 2-1 comeback win at Real Valladolid. The 34- The coach, Christophe Galtier, took over a manager’s success would not have been
year-old, who joined Diego Simeone’s side on PSG, despite boasting the two most sinking ship from Marcelo Bielsa midway possible without Luis Campos, the Portuguese
a two-year contract in September after leaving expensive signings ever in Neymar and Kylian through the 2017-18 season. super-scout who built the Monaco team that
Barcelona, ended the season as Atletico’s top Mbappe, did suffer eight defeats, their most in a denied PSG the title in 2017.
scorer with 21 goals. ESPN has reported his single campaign since 2010-11. Lille just avoided relegation and then
deal included a clause that would have finished second to PSG in his first full season. Lille’s budget is smaller than that of Lyon,
allowed him to leave on a free transfer in the Yet somebody still needed to take advantage They were fourth when last season was ended Marseille and Monaco as well as PSG.
summer. “Yes, I’m sure (I’ll stay),” Suarez told of the Qatar-owned club’s slip-ups and Lille did early because of the coronavirus pandemic, and
Spanish network Movistar Plus on Sunday that emphatically. They also took four points off now they are champions. The Parisians will almost certainly be back
during Atletico’s title presentation at their PSG, including beating them in Paris. next year but Lille, champions for the fourth
Wanda Metropolitano stadium. “Atletico Galtier’s success is all the more remarkable time in their history, will be able to say the
welcomed me from the minute I arrived… “We have only lost three games. Maybe PSG given that the club has regularly sold its best success was fun while it lasted. – AFP
how they treated me. “I asked the club if there players.
was room for me on the museum wall to
make history at Atletico.”

15theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 25, 2021
* SPORTS

RESULTS & STANDINGS Rodgers reassures Foxes he is staying

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal 2 (Pepe LEICESTER boss Brendan Rodgers insisted he strikes in the final few minutes. know when l look back over the season and
49, 60) Brighton 0, Aston Villa 2 (Traore 43, El will not be leaving this summer after seeing Despite their late heartache it has still been reflect on what players have given I will have
Ghazi 52-pen) Chelsea 1 (Chilwell 70), Fulham 0 his side’s season end in Champions League great pride in what they have achieved.
Newcastle 2 (Willock 23, Schaer 88-pen), Leeds 3 heartbreak. a fantastic season for the Foxes and Rodgers,
(Rodrigo 17, Phillips 42, Bamford 79-pen) West amid links to the vacant Spurs position, has “We have just missed out at the very end
Brom 1 (Robson-Kanu 90), Leicester 2 (Vardy 18- The Foxes were primed to add a top-four assured fans he will still be in his role next but we created history and we keep making
pen, 52-pen) Tottenham 4 (Kane 41, Schmeichel finish to their historic FA Cup win as they led season. steps forward. We have been playing football
76-og, Bale 87, 90+6), Liverpool 2 (Mane 36, 74) Tottenham 2-1 with 14 minutes to go, with for two years.
Crystal Palace 0, Manchester City 5 (De Bruyne Jamie Vardy’s two penalties – either side of “They have no worries about myself – I
11, Jesus 14, Foden 53, Aguero 71, 76) Everton 0, Harry Kane’s leveller – having put the hosts in absolutely love it here at Leicester City,” he “When we started we were probably a
Sheffield United 1 (McGoldrick 24) Burnley 0, the ascendancy at the King Power Stadium. said. mid-table team but now we are challenging
West Ham 3 (Fornals 30, 33, Rice 86) Southamp- the elite teams in the division and we can
ton 0, Wolves 1 (Semedo 39) Manchester Utd 2 Having dropped out of the top four on “I feel emotional now that we have just fight for trophies and we have won one.
(Elanga 13, Mata 45+4-pen). Tuesday after defeat to Chelsea, it looked like missed out but that motivates me even more
they were going to get back in when it to be here and to try to help the club and “Huge effort and we have to take medicine
P W D L F A Pts mattered the most until Kasper Schmeichel’s push them up towards that level. but we will be ready to come back, push, fight
Man City 38 27 5 6 83 32 86 own goal was followed by two Gareth Bale again and have another push.” – The
Man United 38 21 11 6 73 44 74 “I’m bitterly disappointed, it hurts at the Independent
minute and probably will for a few days but I

Liverpool 38 20 9 9 68 42 69 Lucky Blues SIDENETTING
Chelsea 38 19 10 9 58 36 67 Arteta demands
Leicester 38 20 6 12 68 50 66 improvement
West Ham 38 19 8 11 62 47 65
Tottenham 38 18 8 12 68 45 62
Arsenal 38 18 7 13 55 39 61
Leeds 38 18 5 15 62 54 59 Bitter rivals Spurs open Champions MIKEL ARTETA warned his Arsenal
Everton 38 17 8 13 47 48 59 League door for Chelsea flops yesterday they need to be
Aston Villa 38 16 7 15 55 46 55 “much better” next season as they
Newcastle 38 12 9 17 46 62 45 THOMAS TUCHEL admitted Chelsea were “lucky” to qualify for face a first campaign without
Wolves 38 12 9 17 36 52 45 the Champions League after a favour from bitter rivals European football in 25 years.
Crystal Palace 38 12 8 18 41 66 44 Tottenham meant the Blues’ 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa did Arteta’s side finished a dismal
Southampton 38 12 7 19 47 68 43 not prove fatal yesterday. season with a 2-0 win against
Brighton 38 9 14 15 40 46 41 Tuchel’s side were on the brink of missing out on a top four finish in Brighton thanks to Nicolas Pepe’s
Burnley 38 10 9 19 33 55 39 the Premier League in the closing stages of a dramatic conclusion to the second half double at the Emirates
Fulham 38 5 13 20 27 53 28 season. They trailed at Villa Park as Bertrand Traore’s opener and Anwar Stadium. It was not enough to
West Brom 38 5 11 22 35 76 26 secure European qualification as
Sheff United 38 7 2 29 20 63 23 El Ghazi’s penalty rocked the Blues. they settled for a second successive
* Top four qualify for Champions League, 5th & 6th- Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell reduced the deficit with 20 eighth place finish in the Premier
placed qualify for Europa League, 7th qualifies for minutes left. But, with top four rivals Liverpool and Leicester League. “When I was with the team
Europa Conference League. both winning as the clock ticked down, Chelsea were a few months ago and with them
heading for disaster. now, regardless of the results, we
LA LIGA: Granada 0 Getafe 0, Sevilla 1 (Gomez However, Leicester conceded three times in the final are in a much better place and will
90+2) Alaves 0. minutes of a 4-2 defeat against Tottenham at the King be in a much better place and can
Power Stadium, ensuring Chelsea would finish in hopefully take the club where we
TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts fourth place – one point above the fifth placed Foxes. want,” Arteta said. “It is frustrating
Atletico 38 26 8 4 67 25 86 Blues boss Tuchel admitted Chelsea’s lack of cutting because last season with 61 points
Real Madrid 38 25 9 4 67 28 84 edge in the first half and two sloppy goals gifted to we (would have finished) fifth, now
Barcelona 38 24 7 7 85 38 79 Villa left him relieved to get a helping hand from we are eighth and that is the step
Sevilla 38 24 5 9 53 33 77 Tottenham. that we have to identify. The level
Sociedad 38 17 11 10 59 38 62 “We are lucky Tottenham did the job for us. We has gone so high so the only way to
Real Betis 38 17 10 11 50 50 61 came to win and to put any doubts to the side and do it is to be much better next
Villarreal 38 15 13 10 60 44 58 it was not possible,” Tuchel said. season and much more consistent
Celta Vigo 38 14 11 13 55 57 53 “I knew three or four minutes before our and this is the challenge ahead of
Granada 38 13 7 18 47 65 46 game was over (that they had made the top us.”
Bilbao 38 11 13 14 46 42 46 four) because the game at Leicester was over
* Top four (Champions League); 5th & 6th (Europa a bit earlier and it was clear we were Bale ‘knows’ where
League); 7th (Europa Conference League). through. future lies
“We did not prepare for the occasion
SERIE A: Inter Milan 5 (Young 8, Eriksen 44, today, we prepared for the match. It’s GARETH BALE said yesterday he
Martinez 55-pen, Perisic 64, Lukaku 71) Udinese 1 normally hard to create chances knows where his future lies after
(Pereyra 79-pen), Sassuolo 2 (Kyriakopoulos 10, against Aston Villa but we created a lot. finishing his loan spell at
Berardi 78-pen) Lazio 0, Spezia 2 (Verde 6, “We are still a young team and we try Tottenham, but the Real Madrid
Pobega 38) Roma 2 (El Shaarawy 52, Mkhi- to evolve and make them better. We forward claims his decision would
taryan 85), Torino 1 (Bremer 29) Benevento 1 needed many clean sheets to overcome “cause chaos” if he revealed it now.
(Tello 72), Napoli 1 (Rrahmani 60) Hellas Verona this lack of composure and precision. The Wales attacker is due to return
1 (Faraoni 69), Bologna 1 (Orsolini 85) Juventus “Today we conceded out of nothing and to Madrid next term, but the
4 (Chiesa 6, Morata 29, 47, Rabiot 45), made it hard to come back.” Spanish club are reportedly keen to
Atalanta 0 AC Milan 2 (Kessie 43-pen, 90+3- sell him after he fell out with boss
pen). Despite a rocky run of three defeats in their last four games in Zinedine Zidane. Bale has 12
all competitions, Tuchel is confident the boost of finishing in months remaining on his current
TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts the top four will be a major lift ahead of Saturday’s Champions deal in Spain, with Tottenham
Inter Milan 38 28 7 3 89 35 91 League final against Manchester City. potentially open to another reunion
AC Milan 38 24 7 7 74 41 79 next season. The 31-year-old said he
Atalanta 38 23 9 6 90 47 78 “A loss never feels good but tomorrow I will take a lot of would not announce his future until
Juventus 38 23 9 6 77 38 78 satisfaction. We reached the objective and congratulations to after the delayed Euro 2020, which
Napoli 38 24 5 9 86 41 77 everyone. We are still a young team, players fighting for their finishes in July. “It will happen after
Lazio 38 21 5 12 61 55 68 first trophies and now we arrive in Porto with full the Euros,” Bale told Sky Sports. “I
Roma 38 18 8 12 68 58 62 know what I’m doing, but it’ll just
Sassuolo 38 17 11 10 64 56 62 confidence.” cause chaos if I say anything,” he
Sampdoria 38 15 7 16 52 54 52 While Tuchel was all smiles after Chelsea’s narrow added. Bale was also asked how
Hellas Verona 38 11 12 15 46 48 45 long after the Euros it will take for
* Top four ( ChampionsLeague); 5th & 6th (Europa escape, he left Villa Park sweating on the fitness of Edouard him to reveal his decision.
League). Mendy. “Whenever I decide… I’m not
thinking about anything else other
LIGUE 1: Saint-Etienne 0 Dijon 1, Metz 1 Thomas Tuchel Chelsea keeper Mendy faces a race to be fit for the than Wales.”
Marseille 1, Nantes 1 Montpellier 2, Lyon 2 Champions League final after he was injured in a failed
Nice 3, Lens 0 Monaco 0, Strasbourg 1 Lorient attempt to stop Traore’s first half goal.
1, Brest 0 Paris SG 2, Rennes 2 Nimes 0, Reims
1 Bordeaux 2, Angers 1 Lille 2. “He fell on the frame of the net and has big pain in his
ribs, we need to wait and we will have an update
tomorrow. We have a week to prepare and we will see if
it’s possible,” Tuchel said. – AFP

TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts Pep in teary-eyed tribute to ‘irreplaceable’ Aguero
Lille 38 24 11 3 64 23 83
Paris SG 38 26 4 8 86 28 82
Monaco 38 24 6 8 76 42 78 MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola could emotion get to him when speaking to Sky Sports City had a poor start to the season, with many
Lyon 38 22 10 6 81 43 76 not hold back the tears as he paid tribute to after City lifted the trophy. writing off their title chances around November
Marseille 38 16 12 10 54 47 60 departing striker Sergio Aguero. time and Guardiola said the 3-1 win over Chelsea
Rennes 38 16 10 12 52 40 58 “We love him so much. He’s a very special at Stamford Bridge in January was the key
Lens 38 15 12 11 55 54 57 Argentina international Aguero will leave City person for all of us,” Guardiola said. “He’s so nice, moment.
Montpellier 38 14 12 12 60 62 54 at the end of his contract this summer. On his he’s so nice.”
Nice 38 15 7 16 50 53 52 final appearance at the Etihad, the forward “I think when we won at Stamford Bridge we
Metz 38 12 11 15 44 48 47 scored twice as a substitute in a 5-0 win over Guardiola then singled out Aguero and his realised that suffering in the last month, the
* Top three (Champions League); 4th & 5th (Europa Everton. former teammate David Silva as two players who performance we played there with just 14 players
League); 6th (Europa ConferenceLeague). have made the club what they are today. we realised we are still here, we can still do this.
Aguero will depart City as the club’s all-time We are still here.
CHAMPIONS RELEGATED record goalscorer. This season saw him win his “Yeah he helped me a lot… We cannot
fifth Premier League title in a 10-year stay in replace him. We cannot. There are many players “I think December until March we won all the
Manchester. that grab your heart, David Silva, helped this club games in all competitions. This is when we
be what it is. He (Aguero) showed his quality in became champions.” – Express Newspapers
And Guardiola could not help but let his 20 minutes (against Everton).”

EURO 2020 18
Watch out for

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TUESDAY • MAY 25, 2021 or go to www.thesundaily.my

Title contenders
Who will challenge for Man City’s Premier League crown next season?

MANCHESTER CITY cruised to their leadership in equal measure, a stark contrast to in 30 years. spiral out of control.
third Premier League title in four the gifted but temperamental Paul Pogba. But a strong run of eight wins in their last 10 However, the decision to hire Thomas Tuchel
seasons, but Pep Guardiola’s side are
likely to face a tough defence of the Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood league games earned a third-place finish, as Lampard’s replacement proved inspired and
crown next season. were potent in patches and keeping Edinson providing optimism for next term. the German has fourth-placed Chelsea nicely
Cavani was a wise move, but Kane has also been positioned to push on next season.
Liverpool and Manchester United look capable linked with a move to Old Trafford with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Trent
of pushing the champions, while Chelsea should Solskjaer needing a world-class striker in his Alexander-Arnold must improve on patchy Aided by Mason Mount’s superb form, Tuchel
be in the mix after Thomas Tuchel’s impressive prime to really worry City. individual campaigns, with Mohamed Salah’s has taken Chelsea to the Champions League final
impact on the Champions League finalists. future also up for debate after his flirtation with for the first time since 2012, with Real Madrid and
Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish are also Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid unable to solve the tactical tweaks
Here’s looks at how the four leading title reportedly targets to add extra creativity and that made the Blues solid in defence and deadly
contenders will shape up: goals from the wide areas. While Liverpool have work to do if they are to on the counter-attack.
regain their position as the Premier League’s
Manchester City But bigger questions remain in defence with preeminent force, the return of Van Dijk, Having healed the fractures in a squad divided
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof not always Henderson and Joe Gomez next season will be a by Lampard’s methods, Tuchel has already
After the midway point of the season, City convincing at centreback, while Dean significant boost to their title hopes. masterminded two victories over City and one
were virtually untouchable as they surged clear Henderson and David De Gea battle to be No. 1 against Liverpool.
with a record 21-game winning streak in all goalkeeper. Chelsea
competitions by an English top-flight side. To truly turn Chelsea into a force, the former
Revitalised by the addition of Portugese Liverpool When Frank Lampard was Paris Saint Germain boss must solve the
international centreback Ruben Dias and the sacked in January, Chelsea problems posed by the erratic form
emergence of England playmaker Phil Foden, Hamstrung by a seemingly endless injury list were languishing in of expensive signings Timo
City silenced the critics who questioned Pep that deprived them of key leaders Virgil van Dijk ninth place as a Werner, Kai Havertz and
Guardiola after the Spaniard suffered the worst and Jordan Henderson for most of the season, troubled season Hakim Ziyech.
start to a season in his managerial career. Liverpool finished outside the top two for the threatened to AFP
first time in three years. Manchester City’s
Regaining the title from Liverpool, while also Fernandinho
winning the League Cup and reaching their first Jurgen Klopp’s often tetchy demeanour (center) lifts the
Champions League final, suggests City are in reflected the stress of an arduous English Premier
position for a period of sustained dominance. campaign as Liverpool failed League trophy
They have few weaknesses but the close- to build on last during the award
season departure of Sergio Aguero, the club’s season’s first ceremony after the
record goalscorer, leaves a void that needs English match against
filling. title Everton yesterday.
– AFPPIX
England striker Harry Kane could
be top of Guardiola’s shopping list
after confirming he wants to leave
Tottenham, but his mooted
£150 million (RM825m) price
tag may convince him to
look at the younger and
cheaper Borussia
Dortmund goal machine
Erling Haaland.

Manchester United

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
survived some rocky spells to establish
his side as genuine title contenders
heading into next season.

Solskjaer led United to a second
place finish – 12 points behind City –
and the Norwegian has a chance to
win the first trophy of his reign in the
Europa League final against Villarreal
on Thursday (3am Malaysian time).

Portugal star Bruno Fernandes
has been the catalyst, providing on-
field inspiration and dressing room

Klopp delighted to finish third after problematic season

LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp hailed a third- last three months of the campaign. Prior to Burnley’s win at Anfield in January, transfer market.
place finish in the Premier League as a “massive “It’s outstanding. This season from the outside Liverpool had gone 68 home Premier League And there is a big hole to fill as it was
achievement” after an injury-ravaged defence of games without defeat.
their league title. you cannot understand,” said Klopp. “We are confirmed Georginio Wijnaldum will leave the
Liverpool. You have to win, to become champions, “To have the opportunity to have the last club when his contract ends in July.
In front of the largest attendance at Anfield for whatever, but it is not always possible. game in front of 10,000 people meant the world
14 months, Sadio Mane scored twice as the Reds to us,” added Klopp. Wijnaldum was handed a standing ovation
beat Crystal Palace 2-0 yesterday to secure the “In the harder moments you can learn the when he was replaced late on.
riches of Champions League football for a fifth most, show the most and we stuck together the “The 10,000 did a really good job today. When
straight season. whole time. we came out it felt like it was sold out. Everything “It’s very emotional for me because I’ll lose a
is better when people are in the stadium. We are friend and that’s how it is, but it is normal in
After ending a 30-year wait to win the title last “We were constantly sorting problems. It was better when there are people in the stadium football these kind of things happen,” said Klopp.
season, Liverpool looked set to miss out on the so nice we could use the last six weeks to turn this because they support us.
top four when six successive home defeats for the season around.” “Nobody can take our memories from us. If
first time in the club’s history left Klopp’s men “They give us a boost, they help us. That we goodbye would not be tough then the time you
languishing in eighth in March. Fans were shut out when Liverpool ended did it without them makes the achievement even had together was not worth it. It’s really tough
their three decade wait to win the title and are still bigger, but I don’t want to try it a second time.” because we had a great time together.
Long-term injuries deprived the German of waiting for the chance of a much-delayed parade
many of his key players with talismanic through the city to celebrate due to coronavirus Avoiding the financial hit of missing out on the “I’m fighting against tears right now,” said
centreback Virgil van Dijk sidelined since October, restrictions. Champions League on top of the economic Wijnaldum.
while captain Jordan Henderson has missed the consequences of the pandemic, should afford
The lack of atmosphere has been blamed for Klopp more money to reinforce his squad in the “I didn’t sign somewhere else. I will have to
the sudden drop off in Liverpool’s home form. look at my story and how everything went. The
fans deserve to know the story behind it.” – AFP

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