The Sun Daily 310322

TELLING IT AS IT IS INSIDE page Potential
page Minimum wage
4 brain damage
3 rule for micro-
from Covid-19:
entrepreneurs Expert
on hold

ON THURSDAY MARCH 31, 2022 ALL SET TO ENTERTAIN ... Workers of

No. 7997 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my Kampung Agong give this prop piano a makeover
as the tourist attraction in Bakar Kapor, a 50-minute
drive from the Penang Bridge, gets ready to receive
foreign tourists again following the opening of the
country’s borders tomorrow. – BERNAMAPIX

Ramadan fare
█ BY SIVAA TANGAI RAJU
[email protected] oTraders expect brisker sales this
year with thousands of stalls
PETALING JAYA: The Ramadan expected in KL and Selangor
bazaar will be a big draw when
the fasting month begins this “It’s still not safe (out there) but the remember that they have to
weekend with 5,000 stalls good thing is, it’s not as deadly as before practise the SOP.
expected to be set up in Kuala Lumpur because most of us are vaccinated and “The problem here is the
and 9,720 in Selangor. have had booster shots. vaccination rate is increasing but
children are not fully
Traders are looking forward to brisker “But for those in the high-risk group immunised. When parents go to
sales this year than in 2021 after the such as senior citizens, children and the bazaar, they risk getting
Covid-19 pandemic put a damper on their unvaccinated people, better don’t go,” he infected and there is a high
takings. No bazaar was allowed to operate said. chance of them transmitting the
in 2020. virus to their children at home.
Prof Dr Sandy Loh of University of “Take a shower or at least
Customers are expected to head to the Nottingham Malaysia agreed with wash your hands and legs before
stalls in droves, and health experts are Hanafiah. She advised families to send a interacting with family members,
advising people to exercise more caution representative to the bazaar rather than especially children, after visiting
as the number of recorded daily cases is going in a group. She pointed out that the the stalls,” she said.
still high. bazaar will also attract non-Muslims as it Trader Ifarna
operates only once a year. Kamaruddin, 35, hopes
Occupational health, emergency and to recoup some of the Turn to
public health expert Dr Hanafiah “The government has done what it can losses she suffered last
Bashirun urged those in the high-risk do such as setting standard operating year due to a surge in —
category not to patronise the bazaar but procedures (SOP) and MySejahtera
rely on others to buy their treats or get tracking. page 3
them online.
“Now everything depends on the infections then.
“Mask is a must, and if can, wear behaviour of the public. People need to
double mask for extra protection. Bear in
mind that you can become a carrier. You
still need to go back home where your
children or parents live. You need to
protect not just yourself but others as well.

2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Nafas’ plans on Qing Ming cemetery visits
right track: Minister on after two years

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Farmers
Organisation’s (Nafas) plans are on the right
track through its clear 10-year mission and
vision ahead of 2030, said Agriculture and
Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr
Ronald Kiandee.
He said the plans, including the o Chinese community get to pay respects to ancestors, Taoists to pay respects to their ancestors.
development of the paddy and rice industry cleangraves,offerprayers, thankstofewer Tan said there will be no specific standard
as well as creation of new wealth resources, pandemic-related restrictions
had to be carried out carefully to ensure the operating procedures (SOP) for the Qing Ming
continuity of activities and the Festival as the National Unity Ministry had not
strengthening of farmers’ organisations at given any advice on it.
every level.
“All these need to be done to improve the “As most of our population has received two
socio-economic status of the farming █ BY MUHAMMAD YUSRY Teh had gone to her ancestors’ burial ground doses of vaccine jabs plus a booster shot, it is
community and make it independent, [email protected] on Tuesday to do the cleaning as she plans to safe for crowds to perform rituals at cemeteries,
prosperous and progressive. PETALING JAYA: The Chinese community in perform rituals with her family at home on the especially since they are open spaces.”
“It is my hope that the goals, mission and the country will finally get to visit cemeteries to day of the festival to avoid crowds.
vision of Nafas continue to be strengthened pay respects to the departed, clean graves and Tan, however, reminded those visiting graves
and get the support of all parties in line with offer prayers during the Qing Ming Festival on “There were a few things that needed to be to observe the current SOP enforced by the
the government’s aim of ensuring the April 5, thanks to fewer restrictions being fixed and cleaned at the graves. For instance, the government.
country’s food security at all times, while enforced, two years after the pandemic began. grass at one of the graves had grown taller than
protecting farmers, breeders and me, while a mini sinkhole which had developed, Nirvana Malaysia has sent notices to those
fishermen,” he said at the launch of Nafas Teh Swee Ling, who lives in Bukit Gantung, had to be filled. who wish to visit the memorial centre and
Golden Jubilee yesterday. Penang, said she had not visited her ancestors’ gravesites, saying that each appointment is
Ronald added that the ministry graves for the past two years to observe Qing “I have advised our relatives in Johor and limited to two vehicles and 10 visitors.
supported the organisation’s idea for the Ming due to movement restrictions. other states not to visit us on that day, because I
development, production and have a 60-year-old mother in the house. She is Visiting time at the site is limited to one hour
commercialisation of Nafas hybrid paddy She said this time around she got the vulnerable, given the current Covid-19 at burial plots and 30 minutes at the
seeds, jointly implemented with relevant opportunity to inspect the condition of the situation.” columbarium. Visitors are also discouraged
government agencies and partner graves and give them a much-needed sprucing from bringing family members above 70 years
companies. up. The Federation of Taoist Associations and those below 12.
Malaysia president Daozhang Tan Hoe Chieow
said the festival is an important tradition for “Wear masks, practise social distancing at all
times and wash hands frequently. All visitors are
to abide by the latest SOP set by the
government,” the notice said.

Ronald said Nafas is an important part of
the history of the nation’s agricultural
industry, and the organisation plays a vital
role in improving the living standards and
socio-economic status of its nearly one
million members.
“As stated by Nafas chairman Datuk
Zamri Yaakob, the profits of the
organisation are returned to its members,
proving that it has never neglected the
welfare of its members, comprising 279 area
farmers’ organisations.
“I am confident that with the continued
support and commitment of the ministry,
Nafas and industry players, we will be able
to elevate the agro-food sector in line with
the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia.” – Bernama

Keluarga Malaysia A woman visiting her ancestor’s grave at Kwong Tong cemetery in Kuala Lumpur. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN
Sales extended
‘Social protection system reform needed urgently’
PUTRAJAYA: The Keluarga Malaysia Sales
Programme, initially scheduled to end KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should reform nor can this happen overnight, but it needs numbers from the EPF data “are really
today, has been extended to June following its social protection system urgently to to begin now,” she told a virtual media worrying”.
good response from the public, said ensure that people will not face serious conference held in conjunction with the
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs financial hardship in the future, said Bank publication of BNM’s annual report. She said it is imperative to have a policy
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Tan Sri that could be a proportionate response to the
Linggi. Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus. Nor Shamsiah was commenting yesterday situation that the country is currently in.
on the government’s nod for a special EPF
He said his ministry had obtained Prime She made the call after Employees withdrawal of RM10,000 recently. “Measures like this (EPF withdrawal)
Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Provident Fund (EPF) data showed that should be used sparingly, very sparingly, and
approval to extend the programme around 6.1 million members have less than She added that as the economy is showing only in the most extreme of situations.”
following positive feedback from the public, RM10,000 retirement savings in their signs of recovery, people should slowly start
who wanted it to be continued. accounts. Among them, 3.6 million have less to rebuild their financial buffers. Nor Shamsiah added that the nation’s
than RM1,000. current household debt-to-gross domestic
“The format will be adjusted according BNM deputy governor Jessica Chew said product ratio stands at 89%, higher than that
to location, population and the presence “The pandemic has been a reminder to us that while the central bank recognised that of its regional peers like Singapore (69.7%),
and capabilities of strategic partners,” said again, that we must urgently reform our the withdrawals would help many who are Indonesia (17.2%) and the Philippines
Nanta in a statement yesterday. social protection system. It will not be easy, struggling to get back on their feet as a result (9.9%). “We are carefully monitoring the high
of the pandemic and recent floods, the debt levels,” she said. – Bernama
Ismail Sabri launched the programme
on Dec 2 to give Malaysians the opportunity
to get daily necessities at lower prices.

Household requirements such as
chicken, seafood, vegetables, cooking oil,
sugar, flour and rice are offered at prices up
to 20% cheaper than local market prices.

Nanta said sales were held in all 222
parliamentary constituencies, and recorded
2.02 million visitors, with a combined sales
value of RM38 million, Bernama reported.

He added that it had the support of 202
strategic partners, including the Agriculture
and Food Industry Ministry, Finance
Ministry as well as retail industry players.

Qatar, Malaysia to strengthen bilateral cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR: Qatar and that there were many similarities developments in the region and the established cooperation between established in 1974, and there has
Malaysia will continue to shared by Qatar and Malaysia. world at large. the two countries, chart a path been a significant surge recently in
strengthen bilateral relations at the towards economic collaboration the trade value between the two
highest level to achieve mutual He said he had on Tuesday Ismail Sabri was in Doha, Qatar and post-pandemic recovery efforts countries, with the first two months
goals and interests, said the Emir discussed with Prime Minister for a three-day official visit, his first as well as exchange views on of this year registering an increase
of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob after being sworn in as the ninth international issues of mutual of 30.9% to RM610 million,
Thani. about opportunities to strengthen prime minister on Aug 21 last year. interest. compared with RM470 million for
bilateral cooperation between the the same period in 2021. – Bernama
Sheikh Tamim said, in a tweet, two countries as well as The agenda of his visit, among Doha-Kuala Lumpur ties were
others, was to strengthen long-

3theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Three main criteria that define party hopping by MP

KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Parliament is expelled from the political party. be applicable to independent MP who dismissal (as a member of Parliament) and the
Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) This is for the purpose of ensuring that MP announced to join any political party after their matter will be announced by the Dewan Rakyat
Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar abide by the constitution, as well as party rules victory. as required under Clause 1 Article 54 of the
yesterday clarified to the Senate the three main and regulations. Federal Constitution,” he added.
criteria, as contained in the administrative draft He said this is because the action by the MP
of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, that “The party that sacked the MP concerned is considered a breach of the trust given by the Wan Junaidi said with the enforcement of
define party hopping by an MP. will face the risk of losing the seat and an people because during the election, the people the anti-hopping law, party hopping can be
election will have to be held again,” he said in voted for him/her because he/she was an prevented with the requirement for re-election
He said the first criterion is when an MP response to a question from Senator Datuk John independent candidate, instead of the other to ensure the mandate is returned to the people
announces leaving the political party he/she Ambrose. contenders. in the event of defections by MP.
contested under in an election, to be an
independent member or join another political Ambrose wanted to know the action taken “If a member of Parliament is free to join any However, he said, in a situation involving the
party. and plans that had been drawn up for the party, an election must be held again and the dissolution of a political party, its MP will not be
implementation of the anti-hopping law. individual is not disqualified from contesting considered party hopping when joining
“The second is when a member of on behalf of the new party within 60 days of his another party. – Bernama
Wan Junaidi said anti-hopping law will also

Minimum wage rule for Religious schools can
micro-entrepreneurs on hold apply for maintenance
allocation: Perak MB
oHowever, those who can pay RM1,500 new base July,” he said.
salary encouraged to do so: Nor Omar Earlier, Noh in his speech said based on IPOH: Applications to maintain or upgrade any
sekolah rendah agama rakyat (Srar) with poor
KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of who can afford to pay the minimum salary of the 2020 Economic Report for the school infrastructure can be submitted to the
the RM1,500 minimum wage rule for micro- RM1,500 are encouraged to do so. Cooperative Sector published by the state and federal governments for
entrepreneurs is still under discussion, says Malaysian Cooperative Commission, as of consideration, the Perak state legislative
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and On March 19, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dec 31, 2020, the turnover for the sector was assembly sitting was told yesterday.
Cooperatives Tan Sri Noh Omar. Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the RM41.5 billion.
minimum wage rate of RM1,500 per month Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad
He said this was following an appeal by would be implemented nationwide from He said the financial services sector was said the applications will be evaluated by the
entrepreneurs for its implementation to be May 1. the largest contributor to the overall revenue respective district offices for approval.
reviewed. of the cooperative movement at 83.2%,
Noh said in an effort to strengthen the followed by the property development sector “There is an annual allocation set aside by
“We will discuss the matter and we know cooperative movement, a university, namely and the construction industry (10.8%) and the federal and state governments for (school)
that many sectors that went bankrupt during Universiti Keusahawanan dan Koperasi will the wholesale and retail sector (4%). maintenance,” he said in response to a
the pandemic were from the micro- be set up in Cyberjaya. supplementary question from Datuk Zainun
entrepreneur group which conduct their “Bank Rakyat and Co-opbank Pertama are Mat Noor (BN-Chenderoh) during the oral
businesses from stalls. “Besides that, we are making efforts to the largest contributors to the financial question and answer session.
separate Bank Rakyat’s affairs from its other services sector at 70.7%, followed by credit
“If the RM1,500 minimum wage rule is activities such as tourism and real estate financing activities (15.8%) and Ar-Rahnu Zainun wanted to know the state
enforced, they (micro-entrepreneurs) are development, as Bank Negara Malaysia no (13%),” he said. government’s plan to develop Srar which
worried that if they cannot afford to pay the longer allows Bank Rakyat (BR) to be requires continuous attention both at the state
amount, then workers can report to the involved in activities other than banking. On the special edition gold series in and federal government levels.
Labour Department,” he told reporters after conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the
the launch of a special edition gold series to “In view of this, we will create BR2, cooperative movement issued by RMS Gold, Saarani said the state government is always
commemorate the 100 Years of the however further details related to BR2 and a subsidiary of Bank Rakyat, he said it was a in touch with these schools to obtain
Cooperative Movement celebration, here the establishment of this university will be sign of support to cooperatives and their information on their current needs.
yesterday. announced by the prime minister in customers who have supported the sector.
conjunction with the launch of the 100 Years He added that apart from providing school
However, Noh said micro-entrepreneurs of the Cooperative Movement celebration in There is a total of 2,000 units of the special infrastructure development assistance, the state
edition gold series in the form of wafers government also organised various courses,
weighing 1g and 5g available at RM340 workshops and training for teachers and
RM1,600 respectively, while it is RM1,300 for students as parts of its human capital
the 4.25g gold dinar. –Bernama development efforts.

Traders look GETTING READY... Village community management council A total of RM7.27 million was allocated to
forward to enforcement officers making final preparation at the Jalan Tenggiri Srar last year involving an allocation of RM5.55
bigger crowds Ramadan bazaar, Seberang Jaya yesterday. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN million for per capita assistance for school
management purposes, assistance for
“I have been setting up upgrading and maintenance of buildings or
my stall since I got married infrastructure (RM1.64 million) as well as
in 2017 but it was not internet assistance for teachers to conduct
lucrative last year because home-based teaching and learning
many people didn’t turn up. (RM76,700), said Saarani. – Bernama
“I hope it
would be Asean, Canada to
From better this bolster partnership
year. All we
front need to do is JAKARTA: The 10th Meeting of the Asean-
page Canada Joint Cooperation Committee on
Monday had acknowledged the need to
follow the SOP strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade and
and do not misuse this investment.
opportunity. We are also
preparing MySejahtera QR Officials remain committed to strengthening
code and sanitisers for the agenda on women, peace and security,
patrons,” she said. cybersecurity, public health emergencies and
Another stall operator, preparedness, digital economy, and sustainable
Muhammad Farhan, who development and environment. Other areas
worked as a customer include connectivity, innovation, and smart
service executive until cities, and human capital development through
losing his job last year, said education and people-to-people exchanges.
he put up a stand at a bazaar
to support his family last Both sides are looking forward to the
year. commemorative activities to be implemented
“Two months before last to mark the 45th anniversary of Asean-Canada
Raya, I was retrenched. I Dialogue Relations this year, according to Asean
was helpless and then my Secretariat in a statement.
wife proposed that I set up a
stall at the bazaar and that Officials from both sides also underscored
was how we survived that the significance of collaborative efforts
period. Today, I have a job undertaken to address the Covid-19 pandemic.
but I’m still going to set up
my booth for this Ramadan Asean appreciated Canada’s support for
to show my gratitude,” said contributing C$3.5 million (RM11.82 million)
the 45-year-old trader. over five years to the Covid-19 Asean Response
Fund and the provision of respirator masks to
Asean in 2021.

The videoconference meeting was co-
chaired by Azhan Mohammed Yasin, deputy
permanent representative of Malaysia to Asean,
and Vicky Singmin, chargé d’affaires of Mission
of Canada to Asean.

The meeting noted significant progress
made in implementing the Plan of Action 2021-
2025, which will continue to support Asean’s
efforts in promoting peace, security and
prosperity in the region. - Bernama

4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Terengganu children vaccination rate second lowest

KUALA TERENGGANU: Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said only the country. According to the Health Ministry total of 178,700 children aged
Terengganu has recorded the 12.2% (21,822) of children in the “So, please vaccinate your records, the five states with the between five and 11 in Terengganu
second-lowest vaccination rate state received their first dose as of lowest children vaccination are eligible to receive the vaccine.
under the National Covid-19 Tuesday. children because as parents you are percentage are Kelantan (9.8%),
Immunisation Programme for obligated to protect them.” Terengganu (12.2%), Sabah (23.3%), “Out of the 309,842 individuals
Children since it was introduced in “I urge parents to allow their Kedah (23.5%) and Perlis (25.3%). who received the Sinovac vaccine,
February. children to get vaccinated because Ahmad Shamsuri was speaking only 172,581 have taken their
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr the vaccination percentage in after officiating at the launch of Meanwhile, state Health Director booster shots as of Tuesday,”
Terengganu is the second lowest in Tahun Semarak Dakwah Negeri Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong said a he added. – Bernama
Terengganu here yesterday.

█ BY SURAYA ALI Potential brain Over 2.8 million
[email protected] damage warning adolescents
SHAH ALAM: With 20.3% of Malaysians yet to fully vaccinated
be fully vaccinated, a virologist has warned of o Notfullyvaccinatedindividualsatriskofcognitive
potential brain damage affecting those who are impairment from Covid -19, says expert KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 15,711,005
not protected against Covid-19. individuals or 66.8% of the adult population
high risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as and anxiety, loss (change) of smell/taste, feeling received the Covid-19 booster dose as of
University of Nottingham-Malaysia Prof Dr Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis or sick (fatigue) all the time. Tuesday.
Sandy Loh Hwei San, who is also a molecular general cognitive decline (confusion, memory
biologist, said the human brain has a loss, cannot focus), or psychiatric conditions A recovered Covid-19 patient told theSun Based on the CovidNOW website, a total of
blood-brain barrier to protect against invasion such as depression, after recovery. she has been experiencing unexplained 22,951,201 or 97.5% of the adult population
by foreign bodies, including the coronavirus. episodes of memory loss especially when were fully vaccinated against Covid-19, while
Whether such brain damage can be driving to work. 23,227,197 or 98.7% received at least one dose
“However, some viruses can cross the barrier reversed, even partially, or whether these of the vaccine.
and infect the brain. These known virus effects on the brain will persist in the long-term, Sarah Wong, 28, said she experienced
examples are human immunodeficiency virus necessitates further investigaton and several symptoms described by Low but For adolescents aged 12 to 17, a total of
type 1, herpes simplex, influenza, mumps, longer-term patient follow-up. declined to get further medical attention. 2,850,360 or 91.6% completed their
measles, and more,” she told theSun. vaccination, while 2,947,122 or 94.7% received
“But the good thing is that brain cells “I think it will pass. I don’t know, but so far I at least one dose of the vaccine.
Low said respiratory viruses, including H1N1 regenerate throughout life. The brain can make have not read any reports of recovered patients
and SARS-CoV, were also reported to infect the thousands of new neurons every day and it experiencing brain damage,” she said. As for children aged five to 11, a total of
brain. maintains this ability well into old age,” she said. 1,319,899 or 37.2% received the first dose
The administration executive said she first under the National Covid-19 Immunisation
“Once this happens, it can affect other bodily She said a long-Covid symptom is the noticed something amiss when preparing to Programme for Children.
parts as the brain is the core processor of bodily problem with memory and concentration leave for work after her 14-day quarantine
functions, such as the vital organs. (brain fog). Supplements which boost relevant ended. On Tuesday, a total of 47,608 vaccine doses
substances in the brain such as brain-derived were dispensed, comprising 40,718 as booster
“The most prominent symptom of Covid-19 neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor “I felt dizzy. It was so bad that I had to stop doses, 1,594 as second doses and 5,296 as first
is the loss of smell. Olfactory cells are can help reverse the memory loss or cognitive and sit for a minute. After a while, it was back to shots, bringing the cumulative number of
concentrated in the nose,” she said. decline over time. normal. Then on the same day while driving to vaccine doses administered under the
work, I missed a turn and could not find my way National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme
She said from the olfactory cells in the nose, Brain fog generally refers to cognitive decline back to the office. It took me a while to realise I to 68,795,057.
the virus reaches the olfactory bulb in the brain, – difficulty sleeping (insomnia), heart could use the app on my phone,” she said.
which is located near the hippocampus (a brain palpitations, headache, dizziness, depression According to the Health Ministry’s GitHub
area involved in short-term memory). Sarah hopes what she is experiencing will go portal, 64 deaths due to Covid-19 were
away eventually. recorded on Tuesday. Perak recorded the
Infection of the hippocampus can cause highest with 20 fatalities, followed by Kedah
cognitive impairment observed in Covid-19 (eight), Selangor (seven), Penang (six) and
patients. Johor (five).

“So in simple terms, SARS-CoV-2 can invade Negri Sembilan and Sarawak recorded four
the brain through the nose,” she said. cases each, while Kelantan recorded three,
Malacca, Pahang and Sabah recorded two
Other symptoms linked to these conditions each and Terengganu one. – Bernama
include heart disease, strokes and the loss of
smell and taste.

“These symptoms associated with
SARS-CoV-2 are attributed to the brain, rather
than the lungs,” she said.

Low also said Covid-19 patients are also at

Plant a tree for TO CATCH A LIAR ... A woman trying out an advanced ‘lie detector’ tool called Brain Fingerprinting, Police to monitor
every baby born which uses a wireless headset to collect brain responses. It promises 99% accuracy. – BERNAMAPIX 41 congestion
hotspots
KUANTAN: The Pahang government plans to
introduce an initiative to plant a tree for each JOHOR BARU: A total of 41 hotspots
baby born, with several suitable locations in in Johor, identified as areas that could
each district to be selected as planting areas. cause traffic congestion following the
opening of the country’s borders
Speaking at the Pahang state assembly at tomorrow, will be monitored and
Wisma Sri Pahang yesterday, state Unity, controlled by police.
Community Welfare, Women and Family
Development Committee chairman Datuk Seri Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul
Shahaniza Shamsuddin said her office would Zaman Mamat said the focus areas,
work with the Pahang Forestry Department to which cover all 10 districts, included
implement the initiative, expected to be shopping malls, supermarkets, bus
launched after Aidilfitri. stations and recreational areas.

“We plan to launch it in Pantai Serandu, “Most of the hotspots are in the
Pekan. The Forestry Department will also Johor Baru district involving areas
identify suitable trees to be planted in each such as shopping malls, flea markets
location.” and bus stations.

Shahaniza was replying to Datin Samsiah “Police will also focus on a resort
Arshad (BN-Bukit Ibam) who wanted to know area in Tangkak in the Kota Tinggi
the number of Pahang Pride Kid applications. district, and on a jetty area in
Mersing,” he said after the Johor
She said only 1,600 of the more than 3,000 Police Contingent 2022 National Hero
applications were eligible to receive a grant of Service Medal Award ceremony here
RM200 each thus far, of which RM100 was in the yesterday.
form of savings while another RM100 was for
baby and mother care items. Kamarul Zaman said a total of
1,600 police personnel had been
Replying to Datuk Khairuddin Mahmud assigned to control security and traffic
(BN-Pulau Manis), Shahaniza said some in the state in the first week of the
applications were rejected because mothers border reopening, including at the
who were originally from Pahang had given Sultan Iskandar Building and the
birth outside the state. Sultan Abu Bakar Complex.

Meanwhile, state Science, Technology, Meanwhile, he said the three Ops
Innovation, Communication and Multimedia Benteng roadblocks, namely two in
Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad the Kota Tinggi district and one in
Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said the state Iskandar Puteri that was mounted two
government had no plans to abolish the RM1 years ago would continue to operate.
service charge for water bill payment through
the Pahang Go application. He was replying to Earlier, a total of 348 senior and
Leong Yu Man (PH-Triang), who wanted to junior officers, retirees and
know the government’s plan to abolish the emergency personnel received
water bill payment service charge of awards during the ceremony.
Pengurusan Air Pahang Bhd through the – Bernama
Pahang Go application. – Bernama

5theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022

6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022 FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ME
/theSunMedia

Crime buster unperturbed by Individual tweets
former top cop’s comments about poor
police experience

█ BY EMILY JESSINTA
[email protected]

█ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN oA‘ greestodisagree’overpublishingvalueof fingertips and that any party can PETALING JAYA: Incidents of
[email protected] drugs seized, says it shows how blatant, daring source it at anytime. Malaysians who have had unpleasant
KUALA LUMPUR: Federal police and powerful syndicates have become experiences with the police have been
Narcotics Crime Investigation He added that even cannabis hitting social media of late.
Department (NCID) director Comm In response to Wee’s views, Ayob drug dealing, they will have to pay seeds were being sold online by
Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has Khan said: “Those are his views as a with their lives when they are caught unscrupulous parties, with many A Twitter user by the name of
agreed to disagree with a former former deputy director of the NCID. I by authorities. Drug trafficking is well aware that it is illegal. Shakila Zen, shared her experience
NCID deputy director’s comments have my own views and I will agree to becoming seriously worse by the day. with the police.
that police should not reveal the disagree with him,” he told theSun. “The bottom line is, if someone
value of drugs seized from their “It is time we take a different values his or her life and cares She said she made a report about an
operations. He explained that by revealing the approach and think out of the box to enough for their family and knows incident where she received a parcel of
value, it would show how blatant, put an end to it, or at least towards the destruction narcotics can cause a fake hand covered in what looked like
Datuk Wee Beng Gee, who retired daring and powerful drug syndicates seeing a dramatic decline in drug to a nation, they will never get blood.
from the police force in 2007, had in a have become and what they are trafficking,” said Ayob Khan, the involved with drugs or any other
letter to a news daily questioned the capable of with the enormous funds former Special Branch militant- crime, even in desperation.” “I lodged a police report at the Klang
objective of drug enforcement they have. buster who in the past had Police Station in Bukit Rajah after I
agencies declaring the street value of apprehended dozens of terror cells. Since taking over the NCID in received the parcel. When I went there,
narcotics seized in raids, claiming it “They are seeking bigger gains by January, drug lords and syndicates the police jokingly asked me if I rejected
“could tempt people to become the day. Also, by revealing this, it is a He said the street value of drugs are feeling the heat from Ayob Khan, anyone until I received threats like this.
involved in trafficking drugs”. message to the public that despite was no secret as technology had who declared an all-out war against
making huge financial gains from brought information to one’s drug trafficking and drug addiction. “Then I went to North Klang Police
“To fight this war, there is no need Station to meet an investigating officer
for drugs to be given a monetary He and his men have since had about my case. As soon as he found out
value,” he said in the letter. several successes apprehending drug that I made a video about the Lawan
dealers and seizing many varieties of rally which called for the resignation of
drugs worth tens of millions of ringgit former prime minister Tan Sri
in over two months. Muhyiddin Yassin among others, he
didn’t want to take my case seriously.
Man gets three UNFIT TO OPERATE ... A steamed bun operator being compounded and shut down due to unhygienic, dirty He kept dismissing my stories and
years’ jail for conditions by Food Safety and Quality Division personnel from the Penang Health Department after finding dogs and asked me repeatedly if I’m one of the
obscene messages various pests on the premises in Butterworth, Penang yesterday. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN Lawan rally organisers.

SEPANG: A contract worker was “When I said no, he kept asking me
sentenced to three years’ jail by the why am I being too loud and brave. He
sessions court here yesterday for said as a woman, I should act modestly
sending obscene communications and never take up so much space,”
through WhatsApp and Facebook. Shakila said.

Justice Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar Last August, she received two
meted out the sentence on WhatsApp messages asking her for sex
Muhammad Hakim Habibullah, 31, services. She returned to the North
after he pleaded guilty to all 12 charges. Klang Police Station to lodge another
report about the incident.
He was charged with knowingly
making and initiating indecent “This time around, I met a lady
communications with the intent to police officer but she wasn’t very
offend others through WhatsApp and helpful either. She kept dismissing me
uploading the same content on his because I made a video about the
Facebook page between Sept 21, 2018, Lawan rally. She told me that women
and June 23, 2019. need to be self-aware because not
everyone likes us.
The charges were framed under
Section 233(1)(a) of the “She kept giving me unsolicited
Communications and Multimedia Act advice. When my lawyer asked her
1998 (Act 588) which is punishable what to do or what the police can do to
with a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or help my case, she refused to take my
up to a year’s jail, or both. report at first. She said it’s not the
police’s responsibility and we should go
The court ordered the accused to to the Malaysian Communications and
serve three months in prison for each Multimedia Commission to lodge a
charge, with the jail sentences to run report,” she said.
separately starting from the date of his
arrest on Feb 23. Accept domestic
violence reports
Muhammad Hakim, who was or face action
unrepresented, pleaded for a lenient
sentence as he had to support his KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal
mother. – Bernama Malaysian Police will not
compromise and will take stern
Internet, phone scams top issues on BNMTelelink in 2021 action against its personnel who
refuse to accept reports on domestic
KUALA LUMPUR: Complaints about businesses were able to reach BNM October 2021. parties know that help remains violence.
financial fraud, especially internet, by phone, email and online. Conducted in different languages available to help tide them through
investment and phone scams, were difficult times.” Bukit Aman criminal investigation
among the top five issues raised by “Despite the physical movement to reach the Malay, Chinese and department director Datuk Seri Abd
the public on Bank Negara Malaysia’s restrictions, we maintained a high Indian communities, the webinar Throughout 2021, BNM Jalil Hassan said he viewed seriously
(BNM) BNMTelelink in 2021. number of engagements, with covered topics such as common continued to leverage multiple the claim by the Women, Family and
around 300,000 interactions during financial scams in Malaysia, communication channels to raise Community Development Ministry
In its Annual Report 2021 released the year,” it said. including the get-rich-quick awareness on the various avenues on Monday about police personnel
yesterday, the central bank said it had schemes, Macau scams, mule and mechanisms available for those refusing to receive reports on
continued to step up efforts to One of BNM’s key initiatives was accounts, phishing and e-commerce affected by the health crisis. domestic violence.
educate the public on financial fraud to warn the public of scams by scams.
together with other enforcement posting alerts on the Amaran Scam To become more user-centric, “Since the Domestic Violence Act
agencies, including the Domestic page on Facebook, with more than Additionally, the central bank BNM had refreshed its website design 1994 came into force on June 1, 1996,
Trade and Consumer Affairs 320 postings throughout the year. organised 47 online engagement to ensure visitors can get the PDRM has issued several instructions
Ministry, the Securities Commission Since its launch in 2020, the page has sessions via state radio stations and information needed within a few on the handling of investigations
and Royal Malaysian Police. gained 39,000 followers. virtual webinars on financial fraud at clicks and reviewed the main involving cases of domestic violence
the regional level to reach out to webpage’s content for a more case,s which are to be complied with
Due to the pandemic, its customer “During the year, we also observed targeted audiences such as retirees, mobile-friendly experience. at all levels. This includes disciplinary
service centres and regional offices an 11.2% decline in scam-related government employees and action against members who refuse
were closed to walk-in engagements queries and complaints received by university communities. In addition to having a presence to accept police reports on domestic
for most of the year. BNM,” it said. on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, violence,” he said in a statement
“BNM has increased its digital Linkedln and YouTube, BNM had yesterday.
As such, BNMTelelink became BNM also broadcasted a presence and curated more content, also expanded its presence on
one of its main contact points, where seven-episode webinar series on while ensuring our services remained Telegram to expand its reach. In this regard, he said, police had
members of the public and financial scams in conjunction with accessible online to ensure affected – Bernama requested the ministry for more
the Financial Literacy Month in information on the matter to facilitate
investigations and take action against
those involved. – Bernama

7theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

‘Ukraine conflict Scepticism greets Moscow’s
will make China
more cautious
on Taiwan’ pledge to deescalate

TAIPEI: Russia’s poor performance in its o Kyiv says northern city shelled ‘all night’ of Ukraine – two central concerns around Kyiv and Chernigiv “is
Ukraine war will make China more despite ‘positive’ Istanbul talks for Moscow. probably a rotation of individual
cautious about attacking Taiwan as units and aims to mislead”.
Beijing is watching the conflict to learn KYIV: Ukraine yesterday accused AFP reporters yesterday could Both sides called the Istanbul
military lessons, Taiwan’s government Russia of shelling Chernigiv in also hear frequent explosions meeting “meaningful” and Ukrainian President Volodymyr
yesterday cited a meeting of senior northern Ukraine despite promising coming from the direction of the “positive”, raising hopes of a Zelensky described “positive” signs
advisers as saying. to scale back military activity suburban town of Irpin to the deescalation. from the Istanbul talks, which are
around the city and the capital Kyiv northwest of Kyiv. expected to continue via video, but
Taiwan has raised its alert level since after more than a month of war. Thousands of people have died said there were no plans to let
the Russian invasion, wary of Beijing Ukrainian forces have said they and millions been displaced since down defences.
possibly making a similar move on the Ukraine and Western powers are in control of the town but Russia launched the invasion of its
island, though it has reported no signs have cast doubt on Russia’s pledge, emergency services said it was still pro-Western neighbour on Feb 24. The signals “do not drown out
this is about to happen. made during face-to-face talks too dangerous for civilians to the explosions or Russian shells”, he
between Russian and Ukrainian access. But the Pentagon said Russia said in a Tuesday night video
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council delegations in Istanbul on Tuesday. had merely repositioned a “small address, urging no talk of lifting
said in a statement following a meeting of “The area might be within number” of forces near Kyiv, and sanctions on Moscow until the war
its China policy advisers that Beijing was “The enemy has demonstrated mortar range so it is still could be preparing a “major is over.
watching Russia’s combat experience, its ‘decrease in activity’ in the dangerous,” said Petro Kyseliov, offensive” elsewhere.
Ukraine’s resistance and international Chernigiv region with strikes on acting head of the State Emergency Ukraine’s Western allies said
sanctions “to deduce the possible Nizhyn, including air strikes,” Service of Ukraine in Kyiv. The “vast majority” of Russian they had no plans to ease measures
situation of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait”. regional governor Vyacheslav forces around Kyiv remained in taken to punish Russia for the
Chaus wrote on social media. Russian officials had pledged to place, said Pentagon spokesman invasion.
It cited the advisers as saying that the “radically” reduce attacks because John Kirby.
war had “great lessons” for China’s “Chernigiv was shelled all of progress in negotiations on “the “We’ll see if they follow through
People’s Liberation Army, “especially the night,” he said. neutrality and non-nuclear status” “Russia has failed in its objective on what they’re suggesting,” US
Russian military’s over-estimation of its of capturing Kyiv,” Kirby said, but “it President Joe Biden said after
long-range precision strikes”. does not mean that the threat to speaking with the leaders of
Kyiv is over”. Britain, France, Germany and Italy.
Russia misjudged the war situation, – AFP
did not properly analyse intelligence and Ukraine’s military also warned
its generals were promoted based on the withdrawal of Russian troops
personal relationships, not talent, they
said.

“This will also affect the trust of
Chinese communist leaders in their
army, and they will be more cautious
when using force.”

Russian precision-guided missiles are
failing up to 60% of the time in Ukraine,
US officials with knowledge of
intelligence on the issue have said, a
possible explanation for the poor
progress of Russia’s invasion. – Reuters

BRIEFS UN APPOINTS JUDGE A man walking
TO LEAD WAR PROBE in front of a
destroyed train
GENEVA: The United Nations in the
named three human rights northeastern
experts yesterday to investigate town of
possible war crimes in Ukraine Trostianets on
where Russia has been accused of Saturday.
indiscriminate bombardment of – AFPPIX
civilians. The independent panel,
led by Erik Mose of Norway, will Hospital forcibly evacuated to Russia: Mariupol
probe all accusations of rights
abuses and violations of KYIV: The mayor of Mariupol identity documents were Russian officials both dismissed Ukrainian troops lay down their
international humanitarian law “in yesterday denounced the forced confiscated before they were moved the attack as being staged by arms first.
the context of the aggression evacuation to Russia of a maternity “to Russian cities far away”, the office Ukraine and justified it by claiming
against Ukraine by the Russian hospital from the besieged said. the hospital was being used by Around 160,000 civilians are
Federation”, a statement said. southeastern city, where another extremist Ukrainian forces and that estimated to still be trapped in the
Mose is a former judge of the such facility was bombed by Russian The information could not be all medical personnel and patients city where fierce fighting and
European Court of Human Rights forces on March 9. independently verified as Mariupol had long been gone. bombardment have created infernal
and ex-president of the has been under siege and intense conditions.
International Criminal Tribunal for “More than 70 people, women bombardment since the end of Ukrainian President Volodymyr
Rwanda. Other panel members and medical personnel from February and communication Zelensky on Tuesday called the Civilians who have made it out
are Jasminka Dzumhur, the maternity hospital No. 2 from the largely cut off. Russian siege of Mariupol a “crime have told AFP that they had lived for
human rights ombudsperson of left bank district were taken by force against humanity”. weeks in basement bomb shelters
Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by the occupiers,” the mayor’s office Another maternity hospital in without electricity and with
Pablo de Greiff, a Colombian who said on its Telegram channel. Mariupol was struck by Russian Meanwhile, the Kremlin has for shortages of food and water.
was the first UN justice bombardment on March 9, sparking the time being rejected a proposal
investigator. – Reuters More than 20,000 of Mariupol international condemnation. by France, Turkey and Greece to At least 5,000 people are
residents have been taken “against carry out a humanitarian aid estimated to have died in the city
ATOMIC AGENCY CHIEF their will” to Russia, where their At least three people including mission to the city, insisting that since the Russian invasion of
VISITS NUKE PLANT one child died in the attack. Ukraine began on Feb 24. – AFP

VIENNA: International Atomic Kremlin hails Beijing as part of emerging ‘just world order’
Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael
Grossi visited a nuclear power BEIJING: Russian Foreign Minister At the end of this reshaping of neighbours are also expected to Ukraine to China’s crushing of
plant in southern Ukraine Sergei Lavrov said yesterday global relations, “we, together with attend. protests in Tiananmen Square in
yesterday on his first trip to the Moscow and Beijing are leading the you, and with our sympathisers will 1989.
country since Russia’s invasion way towards a fairer world order, as move towards a multipolar, just, But Russia’s bloody assault on
raised fears of a nuclear accident. he makes his first visit to the key ally democratic world order”, he said. Ukraine is likely to loom large over China and Russia have become
He has repeatedly warned of the since Russia launched its invasion of proceedings. closer in recent years, with President
dangers of the conflict – the first Ukraine last month. The two foreign ministers were Vladimir Putin notably attending
in a country with a vast nuclear shown on Chinese state TV in face Unlike many Western nations, the opening ceremony of the Beijing
estate. Russian forces seized Lavrov landed in the eastern city masks bumping elbows in front of Beijing has refused to condemn the Winter Olympics last month, days
control of the defunct Chernobyl of Huangshan early yesterday. their national flags ahead of the invasion and has provided a level of before the invasion of Ukraine.
nuclear power plant site – where meeting. diplomatic cover for an increasingly
radioactive waste is still stored – In a video released by the Russian isolated Russia. Putin and his Chinese
on Feb 24. They also captured Foreign Ministry ahead of a meeting Lavrov will attend a series of counterpart Xi Jinping declared the
Europe’s largest nuclear plant at with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang meetings hosted by China to discuss US officials have accused China relationship between their two
Zaporizhzhia on March 4. “I’m at Yi, Lavrov said the world was “living ways to help Afghanistan. of signalling “willingness” to provide countries knew “no limits” while
South Ukraine Nuclear Power through a very serious stage in the military and economic aid to Russia, signing energy deals worth billions
Plant to meet Ukrainian history of international relations”. Diplomats from the United while President Joe Biden has of dollars. – AFP
government officials and staff, States and the Taliban-led country’s compared Russia’s invasion of
and start IAEA technical
assistance for safety and security
of country’s nuclear facilities,”
Grossi tweeted. – AFP

8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Singapore moves towards lifting egg-freezing ban

SINGAPORE: The city-state has Women in many countries choose allowing women aged from 21 to 35 However, only legally married overall, Shailey Hingorani, head of
proposed lifting a long-standing ban to freeze their eggs to give them a to freeze their eggs for non-medical couples will be able to use their research and advocacy at women’s
on women freezing their eggs to have greater chance of having children in reasons from next year. frozen eggs, it added, pointing to a rights group Aware, said it was “fairly
children in later life but campaigners later life. policy of “upholding parenthood limiting” due to the restrictions on
yesterday criticised the policy as not It said authorities “recognise that within marriage”. age.
going far enough. Under current rules in the socially some women desire to preserve
conservative city-state, women can fertility because of their personal Safeguards including counselling “Although pregnancies in older
The work-obsessed city-state has only do so for medical reasons, but circumstances”. for those planning to freeze their eggs women tend to be at risk of
long battled low fertility rates but with calls have been growing for the policy were also proposed to inform women complications, if a woman is fully
little success. Last year the rate stood to be loosened. “For example, those who are not about the risks and limitations of the informed about such risks, it should
at 1.12 babies per woman, compared able to find a partner while they are procedure. be her choice whether or not to try for
to a global average of 2.3. Policy guidance set out by the younger, but wish to have the chance a child,” she said. – AFP
government this week proposes of conceiving if they marry later.” While welcoming the move

UK judges to withdraw ‘N. Korea faked launch
of monster missile’

from top HK court SEOUL: North Korea faked the launch of what
analysts have dubbed its “monster missile” last
o Decision is to avoid liberty and democracy in Hong Kong,” she said, Reed said he and fellow judge Patrick week, the South’s military said yesterday,
legitimising oppression, noting the authorities had “cracked down on Hodge have submitted their resignations with adding that the test was, in reality, likely the
says minister free speech, the free press and free association” immediate effect. same intercontinental ballistic missile
since the security law was imposed in 2020. Pyongyang fired in 2017.
LONDON: The UK government said yesterday Under the Basic Law – Hong Kong’s
that its judges will no longer sit on Hong Truss said she had reached the decision to mini-constitution – senior judges from North Korea last Friday claimed to have
Kong’s top court over opposition to China’s withdraw the judges from the Hong Kong common law jurisdictions are able to sit as successfully test-fired a Hwasong-17 missile – a
national security law, with two Supreme Court of Final Appeal following consultations non-permanent members of the Court of long-range ICBM that analysts say may be
Court judges resigning immediately. with the UK Supreme Court and ministers Final Appeal. capable of carrying multiple warheads – which
responsible for the judiciary. it first unveiled at a military parade in 2020.
“The situation has reached a tipping point Eight of the 12 current overseas
where it is no longer tenable for British judges The UK Supreme Court said its two judges non-permanent judges sitting on the court are But South Korea’s Defence Ministry said
to sit on Hong Kong’s leading court, and currently sitting on the Hong Kong court in British. Seoul and Washington have now concluded
would risk legitimising oppression,” Foreign two of 12 overseas non-permanent positions that the launch was actually of a Hwasong-15,
Secretary Liz Truss said. had resigned with immediate effect. It was unclear whether the British judges an ICBM that Pyongyang test-fired in 2017.
who are not members of the Supreme Court
“We have seen a systematic erosion of “The judges of the Supreme Court cannot would also be withdrawing from the Hong Seoul and Tokyo had separately confirmed at
continue to sit in Hong Kong without Kong court with immediate effect. the time that the March 24 missile had flown
appearing to endorse an administration higher and longer than any previous test – but
which has departed from values of political The move by Britain – which handed Hong analysts later pointed to discrepancies in North
freedom, and freedom of expression,” its Kong back to China in 1997 – to pull its judges Korea’s account.
president Robert Reed said. may add pressure on Australia and Canada to
do the same. – AFP The false announcement was likely an
attempt by Pyongyang to compensate for a
failed launch on March 16, when a missile,
which analysts said was actually the
Hwasong-17, exploded shortly after launch.

According to Seoul-based specialist website
NK News, debris from the failed test fell in or
near Pyongyang as a red-tinged ball of smoke
zigzagged across the sky.

“Pyongyang residents must have been
shocked” by the failed launch, and it may have
affected public opinion of Kim Jong-un’s
regime, lawmaker Ha Tae-keung, of the
opposition People’s Power Party, told reporters.

“Not only does the Kim regime derive pride
and legitimacy from its nuclear and missile
programmes, it portrays building military strength
against external threats as moral justification for
domestic economic suffering,” Ewha University
professor Leif-Eric Easley said. – AFP

BRIEFS UN SAYS HALF OF GLOBAL
PREGNANCIES UNINTENDED
HELPING HANDS ... People passing food to residents over the barriers of an area under Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai yesterday. – REUTERSPIX
PARIS: Nearly half of all pregnancies
Pakistan premier’s future in doubt as coalition ally switches sides worldwide are unintended, the UN
reproductive health agency said yesterday.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran On paper, the PTI and coalition partners Senior MQM-P leader Faisal Subzwari Out of 121 million unintended pregnancies
Khan’s future looked increasingly in doubt have 176 seats in the 342-member assembly, tweeted yesterday that his party had finalised every year – 331,000 a day – more than 60%
yesterday after a key coalition partner but the Muttahida Qaumi Movement an agreement with the opposition, led by the end in abortion, almost half of them unsafe,
switched allegiance ahead of a parliamentary (MQM-P) said yesterday its seven lawmakers Pakistan People Party (PPP) and Pakistan the UN Population Fund said in a new
no-confidence vote this weekend. would vote with the opposition, which has a Muslim League (PML-N). report. It said the report was not about
combined 163 seats. “unwanted babies or happy accidents”, but
No prime minister in the country’s history Hours later, MQM-P heavyweight Syed how a combination of gender inequality,
has seen out a full term, and Khan is facing the More than a dozen PTI lawmakers have Amin-Ul-Haque announced his resignation poverty, sexual violence, and lack of access
biggest challenge to his rule since being also indicated they will cross the floor, as tech minister in Khan’s cabinet. to contraception and abortion robbed
elected in 2018, with opponents accusing him although party leaders are trying to get the women of “the most life-altering
of economic mismanagement and courts to prevent them from voting on Sunday. The PML-N and PPP dominated politics reproductive choice – whether or not to
foreign-policy bungling. for decades until Khan forged a coalition become pregnant”. Various conflicts are
In the past, Pakistan parties have also against the usually feuding dynastic groups. expected to drive the “staggering” number
Debate on the no-confidence motion is resorted to physically preventing lawmakers of unintended pregnancies even higher as
due to start today, leaving the former cricket from voting against key legislation by blocking He was elected after promising to sweep sexual violence increases and contraception
star scrambling to keep his own Pakistan access to the national assembly, leading to away decades of entrenched corruption and access is disrupted, the report said. – AFP
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members on side – as cat-and-mouse chases and even accusations cronyism, but has struggled to maintain
well as a slew of minority parties. of kidnapping. support with inflation skyrocketing, a feeble INDONESIA SEEKS VACCINES
rupee and crippling debt.– AFP WITH LONGER SHELF LIFE

JAKARTA: Nineteen million doses of Covid
vaccines in Indonesia’s stockpile have
expired this year and 1.5 million more are set
to expire next month, as donated shots
arrive with a short shelf life. Health Ministry
official Lucia Rizka Andalusia told a
parliamentary hearing yesterday that of the
19.3 million doses that expired between
January and March, 97% were donated.
Indonesia receives donations from the
Covax global vaccine sharing scheme and
countries such as Australia and US. Foreign
Ministry official I Gede Ngurah Swajaya said
the country will tell donating countries that
the vaccines donated must carry at least
two-thirds of the shelf life. – Reuters

9theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022
SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Anis Chowdhury and Jomo Kwame Sundaram

Peace best option in Ukraine war
THE spectre of “stagflation” threatens
the world once again. This time, the reconstruction to broaden its “Free World” exchange of dollars for gold by foreign central West Germany and Switzerland exceeded 5%.
risk is the direct consequence of sphere of influence as the Cold War began. banks, effectively violating its BW commitment. In the 1960s, unemployment in the seven
political provocations and war, and Following post-WW2 reconstruction, A last-ditch attempt to salvage the
not simply due to inexorable economic forces. demand for the greenback was met by greater international monetary system – through the major industrial countries – Canada, France,
Stagflation US imports paid for with US dollars. As foreign short-lived Smithsonian Agreement – failed West Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US
Stagflation is a composite word implying central banks increasingly soon after. By 1973, the post-WW2 – rarely exceeded 3.25%. But in the 1970s, the
inflation with stagnation. Stagnation refers to accumulated dollar reserves, flows BW international monetary unemployment rate never fell below that. By
weak, “near zero” growth, inevitably were reversed in the 1960s, with “The arrangements were effectively mid-1982, it rose to 8%, exacerbated by interest
worsening unemployment. Inflation refers to net resources into, rather than out alternative is done with. rate hikes, ostensibly to fight inflation.
price increases – not high prices, as often of the US. the barbarism Commodity supply disruptions
implied. of conflict Oil exporting European and other The 1970s’ growth slowdowns – with rising
During the 1960s, US economic countries which held reserves in unemployment and inflation – in major
The term “stagflation” was supposedly first growth was increasingly sustained US dollars suddenly found their industrial economies caught many economists
used in 1965 by Iain Macleod, then UK by government military and social assets worth much less. With off-guard. Economic thinking then presumed
Conservative Party economic spokesperson. expenditure. Spending increased inflation and unemployment were alternatives.
He later became chancellor of the Exchequer, for both “defence”, especially the
or finance minister, in 1970 for little over a among bigVietnam War, and social Venezuela, the Middle East-led The Phillips Curve implied low
month, the shortest tenure in modern times. Organisation of Petroleum unemployment came at the cost of higher
programmes, e.g. President inflation, and vice versa. This crude and static
In 1965, he told the UK Parliament that powers inLyndon B. Johnson’s “war on Exporting Countries (Opec) caricature of Keynesian economics enabled a
amid “swiftly rising” incomes and “completely reacted by dropping their earlier major assault on its influence. The assault on
stagnant” production, “we now have the worst poverty” and “Great Society”. development economics was collateral damage
of both worlds. We have a sort of stagflation which most ofAs Johnson was reluctant to willingness to keep oil prices low. in this “counter-revolution”.
situation”. In October 1973, “nationalist” Effects of war far-reaching
acknowledge the rising costs of the In October 2021, the International Monetary
The term caught on in the 1970s, when high us have noVietnam War, it was difficult to Saudi monarch Faisal embargoed Fund, the European Central Bank, the US Fed
inflation and unemployment ended an oil exports to nations supporting and other such institutions believed the factors
economic era dubbed the “Golden Age of raise taxes to pay for his “swords driving inflation were transitory. None of
capitalism” describing the post-World War vestedand ploughshares” spending. Israel soon after President Anwar these authorities saw an urgent need for interest
Two (WW2) boom. Sadat’s attempted reprisal rate hikes.
Instead, spending was financed by
Normally in a recession, the inflation rate – interests.government debt, from selling US following Egypt’s defeat by Israel But in the last month, the war in Ukraine and
i.e. the overall rate at which prices increase – in 1970. The oil price almost sanctions against Russia have driven up the
falls. As unemployment rises, wages come Treasury bonds. Thus, the world prices of commodities such as wheat and oil.
under pressure, consumers and businesses Instead, ourfinanced US government quadrupled – from US$3 to nearly This will exacerbate rising inflation in much of
spend less, reducing demand for goods and US$12 per barrel when the the developed world.
services, slowing price rises. spending, including the war.
shared hopeBy January 1967, Johnson was embargo ended in March 1974. The threat of stagflation is undoubtedly
Similarly, when the economy booms, the This steep oil price rise was more real now than six months ago.
labour market tightens, pushing up wages, in under pressure to cut the growing
turn passed on to consumers via increasing lies in ensuringbudget deficit. But it took a year paralleled by great increases in By October 2021, Google searches for
prices. Thus, inflation rises and other commodity prices during “stagflation” hit their highest level since 2008.
unemployment falls during a boom. However, and a half for the US Congress to Mention of stagflation in online news stories
stagflation poses a dilemma for central banks. peace, to focuspass his new budget with tax 1973-1974. Besides petroleum, surged to more than 4,000 weekly by mid-
other primary commodity prices March, up from slightly more than 200 at the
Normally, when economies stall, central increases. When finally passed in start of the year.
banks try to stimulate growth by cutting instead on themid-1968, the US federal debt more than doubled between mid-
interest rates, encouraging more borrowing, 1972 and mid-1974. Meanwhile, This time, “stagflation” is the direct
and thus spending. But that could also fuel had grown even more as spending consequence of political choices, especially for
further price rises and higher inflation. On the commonfor both “guns and butter” did the prices of some commodities – war, not unavoidable economic trends.
other hand, if they raise interest rates to check such as sugar and urea – rose more Developing countries are fast learning where
inflation, growth may slow even more, further not decline. they really stand in this unequal world of
worsening unemployment. US monetary policy was challenges than five-fold. endless war, e.g. from the European treatment
1970s’ stagflation obligingly expansionary. facing Commodity supply shocks of Ukrainian refugees.
The growth of world trade after WW2 humanity. and higher commodity prices
increased demand for the US dollar, the de Unsurprisingly, inflation shot increased production costs, Peace is, therefore, imperative. The
facto world currency under the 1944 Bretton up from 1.1% during 1960-1964 to consumer prices and alternative is the barbarism of conflict among
Woods (BW) international monetary 4.3% in 1965-1970. unemployment. big powers in which most of us have no vested
agreement. The US financed much post-WW2 As rising consumer prices interests. Instead, our shared hope lies in
Higher inflation also eroded ensuring peace, to focus instead on the
US competitiveness, further common challenges facing humanity. – IPS
worsening its balance of payments triggered demands for higher
deficit. wages, these in turn increased Comments: [email protected]
Inflation also undermined US ability to consumer prices. Thus, wage-price spirals
honour its BW commitment to maintain full accelerated price increases and inflation.
convertibility to gold at US$35 (RM147.10) per The 1979 Iranian revolution triggered a
ounce. This obligation did not go unnoticed by second oil price shock. The resulting “great
foreign governments and currency speculators. inflation” saw US prices rise over 14% in 1980. In
As inflation rose in the late 1960s, US dollars the UK – then deemed the “sick man of Europe”
were increasingly converted to gold. In August – inflation averaged 12% a year during 1973-
1971, US President Richard M. Nixon ended the 1975, peaking at 24% in 1975, while inflation in

COMMENT byDrYKK LETTERS [email protected]

Profiting from Agrotourism can dispel palm oil bad rap
innovations of others
LITTLE did I know that palm oil Museum and Hatter’s Castle Cronin’s novel of the same title.
LOOK at all the innovations in the Solution: Power bank plantations are untapped charms embody the rich quintessence of Now it is used as a guesthouse and
world. Although they make the world If you can identify a problem that for tourism. culture and history, highlighting a fee is charged for anyone
a better place but over time, they have the origins of the island. interested in staying there.
created more problems than they can has yet no solution, then this will be A recent visit to Carey Island and
solve. Yet, without them, the world your business opportunity. You do Sime Darby’s estates with my The museum showcases an old Being in harmony with nature is
would not have progressed to where it not even need to invent a new friends has broadened my steam train that was used to an ideal therapy to relax for those
is today. software or gadget. You can buy them awareness and enlightened me on transport palm bunches. Tools and wanting a hiatus from the hectic
from the market or order the gadgets the immense potential of equipment used during the era city lifestyle. It provides a
Look at cars, plastics, industries, through contract manufacturing or agrotourism in Malaysia. were also displayed. rejuvenating break in living amid
fast foods, genetic engineering, and OEM. the serenity, tranquility and lush
so on. They cause air and water The estates offer tourists an It was nostalgic that we were the greenery.
pollution, climate change, endanger One often quoted example is insight into the oil palm industry, its largest rubber producing nation in
our health and bring about anti- about the gold rush period in evolution, potential, activities and the world. Our country faces negative
social behaviours. These problems America in the early days. The ones sustainable development. publicity arising from the way
were never thought of when they that made the most money were Our final stop was at Hatter’s palm oil is produced. Not many
were created, but therein lies those selling shovels. In fact, Levi We also visited a palm oil mill Castle, the first colonial-style Malaysians are exposed to these
business opportunities, and they do invented the tough and durable jeans and had an insight into the building built on the island in the issues which are raised mainly in
some social good. to cater to their needs. activities of the mill and processes 1920s. It was inspired by A.J. international forums.
to get the oil from the fruit.
For example, look at the Now, it is your turn. Examine As such, plantation companies
smartphone: some of the latest as well as some of After lunch, we proceeded to should invite non-governmental
your favourite innovations. For each visit the estates’ two guest
1. Problem: Easy to crack surface. innovation, itemise the problems that bungalows and, on the organisations and students on a
Solution: Tempered glass accessory they could cause. For each problem, way, we saw a mini zoo. study tour to enlighten them
think of a solution. These solutions Both guesthouses, on the palm oil industry in
2. Problem: Exercise schedule. are your new business opportunities. modelled on colonial- Malaysia.
Solution: Exercise App style architecture, are Foreign tourists should
Happy profiting! available to the also be encouraged to
3. Problem: Hands-free use. Dr YKK (Yew Kam Keong), public for rental. visit these plantations as
Solution: Phone-stand accessory an opportunity to dispel
chief mind unzipper, Mindbloom Oblivious to the misconception they
4. Problem: Poor quality Consulting. Comments: many is the rich have over our palm oil
earphone. Solution: Quality legacy of the industry.
earphone accessory [email protected] estates. The
Plantation Hatter’s Castle Benedict Lopez
5. Problem: Portable spare battery. Heritage

10 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022

BRIEFS JUBIN BMS BAGS AWARD FOR Unsold houses reflect
LARGEST TILE COLLECTION lingering affordability issues

PETALING JAYA: Tiles, stone, mosaic and o Disruptions caused by the pandemic partly contributed PETALING JAYA: Some improvements in
sanitary wares supplier and retailer Jubin to the slower clearance of stock housing market activity were visible heading
BMS (1990) Sdn Bhd has received the into 2022, although the number of unsold
Malaysia Book of Records award for “Most Spotlight: Housing (Un)affordability houses remained high as this reflects pre-
Tiles Design by a Retailer”, recording the existing affordability issues in the housing
largest collection of tiles in Malaysia. The House prices in Malaysia are seriously unaffordable across most states market, which has worsened since the onset of
tiles are made from various materials and the pandemic as consumer incomes were
used to furnish interior walls, ceilings, floors Malaysia’s House Price-to-Income Ratio affected.
and more. Jubin BMS previously received
the Malaysia Book of Records award for Median House Price (2020) According to Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM)
“Largest Tiles and Sanitary Wares = 4.7RM295,000 Financial Stability Review Second Half 2021
Showroom”for its 70,000 sq ft BMS Complex released yesterday, the number of unsold
in Tebrau, Johor Baru in April last year. Annual Median Income (2020) houses remained elevated at 180,702 units in
RM62,508 (2019: 4.1) the third quarter of 2021 (Q3’21), compared
REHDA, UK’S CIOB TO START with 181,463 units in Q2’21. Of this, 31.4% are
LINKAGE, COOPERATION House Price-to-Income Ratio overhang units while the remainder (68.6%) are
5.1 & Above Severely Unaffordable units under construction. Unsold houses are
KUALA LUMPUR: KUALA LUMPUR: Real mainly priced above RM300,000 (75.4% of total
Estate and Housing Developers’ 4.1 - 5.0 Seriously Unaffordable unsold houses) and high-rise properties, in
Association Malaysia (Rehda) has inked a 3.1 - 4.0 Moderately Unaffordable particular, serviced apartments (36.5% of total
memorandum of understanding (MoU) 3.0 & below Affordable unsold houses).
with UK-based Chartered Institute of
Building (CIOB) to establish linkage and Based on the Median Multiple approach, as recommended by the World Bank as well as the United Nations (UN). “Disruptions caused by the pandemic partly
cooperation between both parties. Rehda See the box article on ‘Demystifying the Affordable Housing Issue in Malaysia’ in BNM Annual Report 2016 for more details. contributed to the slower clearance of unsold
acting president Datuk N K Tong said that housing stock despite ongoing home purchase
under the terms of the MoU, Rehda and *The map is for reference on housing affordability by states only. incentives. However, market activity is expected
CIOB will work together and maximise the to improve in Q4’21 driven by the resumption
utilisation of its respective resources Housing is unaffordable because many do not earn of economic activities,” the central bank said.
through mutual sharing of expertise for the enough and are already highly indebted
benefit of the industry, its clients and society Correspondingly, BNM said higher loan
at large, amongst others. – Bernama House prices grew faster than income Households have low saving buffers Prospective borrowers are already applications were recorded across all price
highly indebted segments in the second half of 2021 (H2’21).
SIME DARBY PROPERTY’S The significant increase in loan applications in
SPRING CHANGE CAMPAIGN +4.1% 76% 65% the final two months of 2021 coincided with the
ENDS WITH A BANG Home Ownership Campaign that ended on
+2.1% Dec 31, 2021. Improving employment
PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Property Bhd’s prospects and the low interest rate
Spring of Change campaign from Jan 14 to Income House Prices of households have savings that of borrowers already have either car environment further supported housing
Feb 28 has achieved over 14,000 leads and can only cover less than 3 months or personal loans, which may constrain demand. Demand for housing was largely
sales bookings for products with a gross Compounded Annual Growth Rate their capacity to take on a housing loan driven by owner-occupiers, with 57.3% (H1’21:
development value worth RM197 million, (2014-2020) of living expenses 55.8%) of approved housing loans in H2’21
double the company’s target sales for the granted to owner-occupiers.
period. The 2022 Chinese New Year There are also not enough affordable homes
campaign focused on engaging To afford a house priced up to RM300,0001, The continuation of tighter containment
homebuyers through virtual and hybrid measures from Q2’21 continued to weigh down
events; as over 640,000 views were a household needs to earn RM100,000/year2, or RM8,333/month housing market activity in Q3’21.
garnered across four campaign events at Consequently, while transaction volume
the City of Elmina, SJCC, Serenia City and 76% of households in Malaysia earn ≤RM8,333 increased marginally in Q3’21, it remained
Bandar Ainsdale. below the quarterly average volume of
36%but only of newly-launched units are priced ≤RM300,000 transactions recorded in recent periods.
IKEA, LIVSPACE BRING LIMITLESS
DESIGN IDEAS INTO PLAY 1 Based on the National Affordable Housing Policy 2019, the maximum price of affordable housing in Malaysia is RM300,000. In this regard, supply adjustments have
2 Estimated using Median Multiple approach, in which a house is deemed affordable if the house price is not more than 3 times the annual income. continued with more new housing launches
PETALING JAYA: Ikea has partnered home shifting towards lower- and mid-price market
interiors & renovations platform Livspace Source: Bank Negara Malaysia, Household Income Estimates and Incidence of Poverty Report (2020) by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia (DOSM), segments. The share of property launches
to give access to personalised design, Household Income and Expenditure Survey (2014 and 2019) by DOSM, BNM Survey on Households (2018), and National Property Information Centre. priced at RM500,000 and below increased
high-quality home furnishings and significantly in Q3’21 (Q3’21: 88.1%; H1’21:
installation work, transparent pricing, and 67.7%; 2015-2019 average: 65.9%). This should
guaranteed move-in timelines. help to cap a further significant increase in
Encompassing everything from design to unsold housing stock.
installation under one roof, homeowners
can turn their dream homes into reality at Nonetheless, the bulk of new launches
prices designed to suit their budget. remain beyond the affordable price segment,
with only 35.6% of new launches since 2015
ACTIVE ESTATES LAUNCHES priced below RM300,000, indicating further
PROPERTY GALLERY IN JOHOR room for price and supply adjustments to
improve overall housing affordability.
PETALING JAYA: Active Estates Sdn Bhd has
opened a property gallery at the Business
Boulevard at Central Park (BBCP) in Johor
Baru and a sales and leasing centre at the
sales gallery. BBCP is a commercial
development project that features 68 units
of freehold three/four-storey commercial
shop-office lots.

SkyWorld launches e-commerce platform for homeowners, traders

PETALING JAYA: SkyWorld Home Concept, BestMas, Profound Collection System to promote a From left: SkyWorld head of customer advocacy Christy Yeap, Lee and head of
Development Group has launched Axis, and more. cleaner and more hygienic brand communication Leonard Tan launching Solution+
Solution Plus (Solution+), an e- environment. Cross ventilation,
commerce platform connecting “We believe with the introduction thermal comfort and daylight analysis sales of over RM2.8 million transacted projects in locations like Setapak,
SkyWorld homeowners and traders. of Solution+, we will be elevating the were taken into consideration while within a week. Cheras, Taman Melawati and
entire sky-living experience in designing the lobby, common SkyWorld targets to launch four Setiawangsa.
Solution+ is an e-commerce app SkyWorld to a whole new level,” said corridors and residential units.
that allows users to search for SkyWorld CEO Lee Chee Seng.
contacts, recommendations and SkyMeridien offers 32 resort-
price comparison for interior design, Meanwhile, Lee said the inspired facilities including an
furniture and other home solutions. SkyMeridien Residences is completed Olympic-length swimming pool,
Besides, homeowners can get savings on time amidst the pandemic and is three gym concepts, an arcade games
and special packages from SkyWorld’s ready for handover to respective room, lounge/co-working space,
preferred home solutions partners. owners. multi-sportcilities featuring rock
This platform also acts as a creative climbing, half basketball court and
marketplace for SkyWorld’s partners “Perfected for urbanites who more.
to showcase their products and aspire to find work-life balance, we
services. are positive that SkyMeridien A transit-oriented development,
homeowners will be impressed with SkyMeridien is located near Sentul
Solution+ partners are selected the facilities, workmanship and the Timur LRT station which can be
from varieties of move-in necessities investment made,” Lee said recently reached via a 300m covered walkway
ranging from interior design, at a media tour of the newly and is located near major highways.
furniture, home appliances, movers completed SkyMeridien Residences.
and rental services. The partners During the soft launch earlier this
include Electrolux, Panasonic, SkyMeridien is a certified green year, SkyWorld received positive
Samsung, Buenos Kitchen, Maju building designed to save energy and response from both its SkyMeridien
resources. This project is also and SkyAwani 3 purchasers, with
equipped with an Automated Waste

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. THURSDAY
MARCH 31, 2022
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Email: [email protected]
Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888
30/03/2022 Fax: 03-7784 4424

Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected]

% RM m RM m RM m

47.2 Institutions 994.6 1046.0 -51.4

27.8 Retail 583.0 619.1 -36.1

25.0 Foreign 582.9 495.4 87.5

100.0 2160.5 2160.5 0.0 0.20 8.71 304.40 62.66 225.17 191.90 5.67 50.20
KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,583.22 3,442.61 22,232.03 28,027.25 17,740.56 2,746.74
Source: Bursa Malaysia 3,266.60 7,514.50

KL MARKET SUMMARY BNM: Malaysian economy
March 30, 2022

INDICES 11,337.40 CHANGE +18.52 to grow 5.3-6.3% this year
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,583.22 -0.20
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 580.21 +1.60
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 204.00 -0.15
CONSTRUCTION 160.08 +1.38
FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,694.60 +27.29
ENERGY 714.27 -4.65
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 641.24 +3.42 o Supportive factors
HEALTH CARE 2,107.91 +25.37 include expansion in
TRANSPORTATION 848.45 +10.11 external demand,
PROPERTY 711.96 +0.14 reopening of borders and
PLANTATION 7,961.47 -26.25 improvement in job and
FBMSHA 11,899.20 +4.96 income prospects
FBMACE 5,601.47 +43.08
TECHNOLOGY 77.30 +0.98

TURNOVER VALUE
3.400 BIL RM2.162 BIL

5 MOST ACTIVES █ BY JUNE MOH
March 30, 2022 [email protected]

STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian
MTRONIC 338,890,000 1.5 UNCH economy is projected to expand between
CAPITALA 148,876,900 75.0 +7.0 5.3% and 6.3% this year, driven by
PHB 74,593,500 0.5 UNCH continued external demand and
BSLCORP 59,200,300 19.0 +2.0 improved domestic economic activity,
MYEG 58,793,700 102.0 +4.0 according to Bank Negara Malaysia
(BNM) governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah
5 TOP GAINERS Mohd Yunus.
March 30, 2022
The global economy is projected to
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM continue its recovery. BNM is projecting
AIRPORT 6,656,300 6.95 0.50 world economic growth of between 3.8%
AEONCR 44,800 14.82 0.38 and 4.3%, which will support Malaysia’s
BKAWAN 26.36 0.24 external sector.
VITROX 2,800 8.05 0.24
BONIA 1,273,100 2.07 0.23 “The continued extension in external
1,809,400 demand and the global uptake cycle will
benefit our economy, especially for
5 TOP LOSERS Malaysia’s E&E products which account
March 30, 2022 for more than a third of our exports.

STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM “The growth of global semiconductor operating environment, policy uncertainty; weaker-than-
IHS046000824 180 101.50 1.00 sales continues to be above its long-term Nor Shamsiah said. expected global growth; a further
NESTLE 46,200 134.50 0.50 average. With commodities accounting “Key growth drivers escalation in geopolitical conflicts;
HEIM 25,200 22.04 0.46 for more than 10% of total exports, the include continued worsening supply disruptions and labour
PETGAS 742,900 16.54 0.28 higher prices will provide expansion in external shortages; heightened financial market
PETDAG 454,200 20.50 0.20 further impetus to demand supported by volatility leading to tightening financial
Malaysia’s world exports,”
EXCHANGE RATES Nor Shamsiah told reporters the tech upcycle; lifting conditions; and higher-than-expected
at the BNM virtual press of containment measures cost and price pressures weighing on
MARCH 30, 2022 conference in conjunction
with the publication of
BNM’s Annual Report 2021 and reopening of business and household sentiments,” Nor
(AR 2021), Economic and international borders; Shamsiah said.
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy Monetary Review 2021 improvement in Monetary policy in 2022 will continue
(EMR 2021) and Financial employment and income to facilitate a sustainable economic
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD Stability Review for the prospects; and continued recovery while preserving price stability
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2695 4.1445 4.1345 second half of 2021 (FSR access to targeted policy to ensure the degree of accommodation is
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.2250 3.0980 3.0820 H2’21). measures,” she said. consistent with the improving economic
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1480 3.0550 3.0470 Meanwhile, the key environment. It will be determined by
1 EURO 3.4120 3.3200 3.3080 The global growth challenges in 2022 new data amid heightened uncertainty
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.7430 4.5900 4.5700 outlook in 2022 will be include developments on the Covid-19 and fast-evolving conditions, and any
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9770 2.8690 2.8530 shaped by three factors – the situation, risk aversion which will affect potential policy adjustments would be
1 STERLING POUND 3.1480 3.0550 3.0470 state of the pandemic, household and business sentiments, and gradual and measured.
1 SWISS FRANC 5.6000 5.4230 5.4030 military conflict in Ukraine, and the pace minor disruptions due to absenteeism. “BNM’s financial position remained
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.5750 4.4690 4.4540 of policy normalisation in major The ongoing geopolitical conflicts wil stable in 2021 as of Dec 31, 2021. Total
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 117.6200 111.5400 111.3400 economies. lead to elevated commodity prices and assets totalling RM551.6 billion. Out of
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0360 4.7260 4.5260 supply chain disruptions. Lastly, elevated the net profit of RM12.8 billion, RM7.8
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 67.1000 64.5000 “Higher vaccination coverage and the cost and price pressures will change the billion was transferred to the general
100 INDIAN RUPEE 55.1400 52.4000 N/A introduction of new medications will cost of living and hurt profitability reserve fund and RM5 billion was paid as
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.7400 5.3900 52.2000 allow countries including Malaysia to concerns weighing on household and a dividend to the government,” the Bank
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0308 0.0279 transition into endemic management of business sentiments. Negara governor said.
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.5120 3.3980 5.1900 Covid-19. However, severe resurgences “Risks to the economic outlook “The balance of risks remains tilted to
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.0000 0.0229 could still disrupt economic activities. remain tilted to the downside, upside the downside, mainly arising from
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.3800 N/A 3.3880 This is expected to weigh on growth risks from external and domestic demand developments surrounding Covid-19 and
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.3300 2.2300 prospects via several channels including include higher-than-expected global geopolitical conflicts.
100 SAUDI RIYAL 118.4800 7.8600 N/A the disruptions from the trade and growth and stronger-than-expected “Financing to businesses and
100THAI BAHT 115.0600 112.4800 2.0300 financial sanctions, higher commodity improvement in tourism-related sectors households to continue being supportive
13.3100 109.2300 7.6600 prices, and volatile financial markets. amid the reopening of borders. of economic activity. It is imperative
11.8100 112.2800 “Downside risks from Covid-19, to pursue structural reforms to
109.0300 “The normalisation of policy support geopolitical conflicts, and cost See ensure the Malaysian economy
11.4100 in an environment of high inflation and pressures include the emergence of also emerges from the crisis stronger
recovery in demand in the advanced severe, vaccine-resistant VOC page 12 and more resilient,” Nor Shamsiah
economies will have bearing on the
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama global economy and possible tightening (Variants of Concern); domestic added.
of financial conditions,” she said.

Malaysia’s economic growth will be
underpinned by both external and
domestic demand against a challenging

12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022 FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
/thesuntelegram

Household debt-to-GDP ratio eases

o However, at 89% in December 2021, it remains Spotlight: Household Debt
at higher end compared with regional economies
Malaysia’s household debt is one of the highest in the region

Household Debt-to-GDP Ratio (%)

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s household containment measures in the third 89.3 89.0
debt-to-gross domestic product ratio quarter. The growth in debt was primarily 69.7
declined to 89% as at December 2021 driven by housing loans as households
from 89.6% in June 2021 on the back of took advantage of incentives under the 17.2
stronger nominal GDP growth but Home Ownership Campaign which 9.9
remains at the higher end compared with ended on Dec 31, 2021.
regional economies. Thailand Malaysia Singapore Indonesia Philippines
Compared with the prepandemic
“We are monitoring the high debt level period, housing debt – generally Data for Malaysia as at December 2021; other countries as at September 2021.
of Malaysian households while our considered to be less risky – as a share of Household debt-to-GDP ratios for Indonesia and the Phillippines cover household debt from the banking system only (the equivalant figure for
household debt to equity ratio has household debt has increased.
declined to about 49%. It still remains on Malaysia is 73.1%) while the ratios for Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore cover household debt from banks and non-banks.
the high end compared to regional Meanwhile, personal financing (-0.3%)
economies. However, the median debt and outstanding credit card debt (-1.3%) That’s nearly RM1.4 trillion worth of debt shouldered by Malaysians
service ratio of newly approved and recorded declines in the second half of
outstanding household loans remains at a 2021 over the same period in 2020, in line Other Debt
prudent level at around 44% and 35%, with lower discretionary spending during
respectively,” said Bank Negara Malaysia periods of stricter containment measures. Credit Card 14%
(BNM) governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Consequently, the share of consumption Debt 3%
Mohd Yunus. credit as a proportion of aggregate
household debt declined further to 31.1% 12% RM1,375 billion
According to BNM’s Financial Stability (December 2019: 32.7%). Worth of Household
Review Second Half of 2021, household 58%
debt grew at a slower pace of 4.1% (June On a quarter-on-quarter basis, Car Loans Debt
2021: 5.5%) year-on-year as at December household borrowing picked up towards
2021 due to the reimposition of the end of the year as movement
restrictions were eased.

Banks remain vigilant on managing 13% Housing
Loans

risks, continue to build up resilience Personal
Loans

PETALING JAYA: Financial institutions capital and liquidity buffers, will continue to Responsible lending standards have helped to contain risks,
remained vigilant in managing their risks preserve domestic financial stability. but over-indebted borrowers remain vulnerable
given the continued uncertainty posed by
domestic and global developments, The latest stress tests conducted by BNM Median debt service ratios (DSRs) High-DSR borrowers are 5.5 times more likely to default
according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) continue to affirm the resilience of capital in Malaysia remain prudent and enter into financial hardship under a stress scenario…
biannual publication Financial Stability buffers of banks and insurers to withstand
Review. potential losses under severe 44% Newly-approved loans Share of Distressed Borrowers (%)
macroeconomic and financial shocks while Based on Stress Test Exercise
Credit risk remains a key focus as banks sustaining support for economic recovery. (Jun ’21: 44%) 13.5
continue to build up provisions to buffer
against a potential rise in impairments. “Almost all banks could maintain post- 5.5 times
shock capital ratios above the regulatory
“Provisions against loan losses in the minimum. Banks’ excess capital buffers Outstanding household loans 2.5
banking system currently stand at 143%, currently amount to RM135 billion to ensure
which is close to its historical high. Despite operational and cyber resilience to remain 35% (Jun ’21: 35%)
expectations of continued market volatility, the focus for BNM and financial institutions.
conditions in domestic financial markets are Low-DSR High-DSR
expected to remain orderly. “This comes amid an increasing reliance (DSR < 60%) (DSR > 60%)
by financial institutions on third-party
“This is supported by Malaysia’s deep and service providers, higher cloud adoption and …underscoring the importance of ensuring
liquid bond market, diverse investor base, as rising ransomware threats. Effectively borrowers are not over-indebted
well as positive real yields,“ it said in a managing the effects of climate risks will also
statement. be at the forefront of the financial sector Source: Bank Negara Malaysia, Bank for International Settlements, Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), national authorities,
agenda for BNM and the industry in the and Bank Negara Malaysia estimates.
Sound risk management practices of coming years,” it said.
financial institutions, coupled with their strong

Inflation subject to upside pressure, due to cost-push factors

█ BY JUNE MOH labour market. Economic activities are proximity to a global manufacturing items. Some are essential food items from recurring and may result in
[email protected] well below the pre-pandemic trend, hub and labour participation rate giving rise to cost of living concerns. unintended consequences such as
PETALING JAYA: Headline inflation with the jobless rate yet to fully recover. remain forthcoming. reducing the marginal players within
is expected to average between 2.2% “The impact has been more on the the supply chain. That could lead to
and 3.2% this year amid higher “Policy interventions such as price “While overall headline inflation lower-income household who spend potential shortages of price control
underlying inflation, said Bank ceiling on retail fuel, electricity has remained manageable, cost of greater portions of their spending on items,” Nor Shamsiah said.
Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor rebates, price controls on some staple living concerns have re-emerged. In food. Price control is in place to ease
Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus. food items. And, less severe the past few months, we have seen the burden. such short term She said structural reforms are of
pandemic-related disruptions such as rising price pressures in selected measures will not prevent this issue paramount importance to tackle the
She said the prevailing inflation root of the problems. This includes
rate is the result of several policy efforts to improve incomes, address
interventions – floor price ceiling, inefficiency along the supply chain,
electricity rebate for households and and encourage quality investments in
price controls on some staple food agro-food sectors to ensure resilience
items to contain pass-through from against future shocks.
global cost pressures.
Monetary policy will remain
“Core inflation is expected to average accommodative to support a
higher, between 2% and 3% (2021: 0.7%) sustainable economic recovery while
as economic activity continues to pick ensuring price stability, she said.
up amid elevated costs.
BNM, she added, is cognisant of
“Overall, the inflation outlook the consequences of keeping interest
remains susceptible to upside risks, rates low for an extended time.
particularly from cost-push factors.
This includes a more persistent As the outlook for inflation
uptrend in input cost due to higher remains largely supply-driven, BNM
global commodity prices and is closely monitoring for any signs of
prolonged supply chain disruptions potential second-round effects,
which could be exacerbated by where price pressures could become
geopolitical tensions,” she said. more entrenched as domestic
demand recovers. Ultimately, any
Several factors have in part potential adjustments to the degree
contained overall domestic inflationary of accommodation will remain data-
pressures at the current juncture. The dependent and be undertaken in a
offsetting factors for Malaysia include measured and gradual way to
spare capacity in the economy and preserve an appropriate level of
support to the economy.

13theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022
SUNBIZ

Building zero-waste, sustainable
business solutions
o Alliance Bank EcoBiz
Challenge 4 rallies Left: Key waste
students to turn waste Zoom management
management ideas into discussion methods to
green social businesses between reduce
Kloth negative
THE National Solid Waste Management Malaysia, environmental
Department estimated that each Upcycled impacts.
Malaysian generates 1.17kg of waste daily. Shack and
This amounts to over 427kg of waste a year EcoBiz Challenge
per person. With a population close to 33 4 participants
million Malaysians, this translates to about daily social
roughly 14 million tonnes of waste business activities.
generated annually. 90% of the waste is
directed to landfills; only 10.5% are sustainably mitigate and reverse the and social sustainability. The challenge universities are currently undergoing a 20- Trust Foundation and Alliance Bank.
recycled. scourge of unbridled waste? nurtures eco-entrepreneurial mindsets week comprehensive learning programme Subsequently, the 16 teams will pitch their
among participants and equips them to Jana Graduan Usahawan Hijau (JaGUH), ideas to financiers comprising Global
Ineffective waste management is The waste hierarchy prescribes various develop impact-driven enterprise which is developed and run by Malaysian Sadaqah, Tekun, and Alliance Bank’s own
harmful to the environment, contributing methods to manage waste including Green Technology and Climate Change social crowdfunding platform SocioBiz.
to air pollution, biodiversity erosion, soil reducing, reusing, repairing and recycling. solutions where Corporation (MGTC). MGTC continues its
and water contamination, and climate Apart from being able to rehabilitate our environmental and long-running partnership with Alliance At the final stage, the top 10 winners
change. Landfills produce two of the most ecology, waste management presents Bank on the EcoBiz Challenge. will be shortlisted and will be entitled to
prevalent greenhouse gases contributing social business opportunities that could be social dimensions prizes and rewards. The winning team will
to climate change – methane and carbon commercially compelling. form the core The JaGUH syllabus covers take home RM10,000 cash, while the first
dioxide. Methane is produced due to the focus. To technology and innovation mindset, and second runners-up will walk away
microorganisms present in the This year, Alliance Bank EcoBiz date, the personal development, social business, with RM5,000 and RM3,000, respectively.
biodegradable waste. At the same time, Challenge 4 aims to push the envelope on challenge digital and social commerce, Seven other teams will receive RM1,500
carbon dioxide is emitted mainly during applying commercial solutions to address has reached entrepreneurship, and community each. The winners will also continue to be
disposal in landfills. the waste problem. The initiative will out to more development. Students are supported mentored and coached, and their
challenge tertiary students in Malaysia to than 5,000 throughout the various stages of the business progress tracked for six months
Waste presents both direct and indirect create awareness and advocate a zero- students challenge including helping them design thereafter to ensure that they remain in
impact on the environment. Images of sea waste mindset such as minimising food and a robust business model and pitch their good stead for further growth.
life dying from plastic ingestion and sea and fabric waste, with sustainable garnered ideas to potential investors and to
birds snared by masks have made the commercialisation of innovative waste over 600 sustainable business experts. Alliance Bank EcoBiz Challenge is an
rounds on the internet and social media. It management solutions as the ultimate ongoing environmental-themed
generated concerned conversations and goal. submissions from 157 universities across The first challenge will see the
mobilised well-meaning (albeit sporadic) Malaysia. shortlisted teams presenting their business competition in which tertiary students
actions. However, what would it take to The EcoBiz Challenge was incepted in model to a panel of judges consisting of develop sound and sustainable business
2016 as a platform for tertiary students to This year’s EcoBiz Challenge 4 sees 16 representatives from Biji-Biji Initiative,
innovate and develop business solutions teams test their mettle as eco- EcoKnights, Zero Waste Malaysia, Youth solutions to address environmental,
that promote environmental, economic entrepreneurs. These teams from 11 economic and social issues.

RHB appoints Mohd Rashid Mohamad Cengild Medical to raise up to
as new group managing director/CEO RM72.2m from ACE Market listing

PETALING JAYA: RHB Bank Bhd has group wholesale banking as well as the PETALING JAYA: Healthcare
appointed Mohd Rashid Mohamad (pix) officer-in-charge/principal officer of RHB expand its medical centre at FY21, Cengild Medical’s
as group managing director/CEO with banking group since Jan 24. provider Cengild Medical Bhd Nexus Bangsar South, Kuala revenue grew from RM11.68
effect from April 1. seeks to raise up to RM72.2 Lumpur, by leasing additional million to RM63.47 million,
Mohd Rashid, 54, succeeds Datuk During his tenure with RHB, Mohd million from its listing on the space of 12,000 to 15,000 sq ft representing a compound
Khairussaleh Ramli who left the group on Rashid has played a key role in driving the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia to cater to current and future annual growth rate of 75.81%,
March 25. execution of the group’s FIT22 strategy, Securities. demand for its medical attributed to an increase in
As the group managing director/CEO, delivering financial achievements which Cengild Medical’s value services, especially revenue in consultant services
Mohd Rashid will lead the group in driving include driving the consolidation, as well proposition lies in its position endoscopic procedures. At the and medical management
business growth and enhancing as spearheading as the only independent same time, RM37.1 million will services.
operations both in Malaysia and regionally the integration medical centre in Malaysia be used for geographical Tan expects demand for
to achieve financial targets and maximise and specialising in gastrointestinal expansion by establishing two healthcare services to
total shareholder returns, the bank said in digitalisation and liver diseases, and obesity. medical centres in other major continue increasing due to the
a statement. of group Cengild Medical’s cities in Malaysia. RM17.4 growing and ageing
RHB group chairman Tan Sri Ahmad wholesale prospectus launch yesterday million for working capital population, increasing
Badri Mohd Zahir said the appointment banking marked the opening of purposes and the remaining affluence and health
brings continuity and stability in products applications for its initial RM4.7 million for defrayment awareness among Malaysians.
leadership within the group and and public offering (IPO) of 218.80 of listing expenses. Cengild Medical’s existing
underlines the effectiveness of its solutions million shares. At a retail price Executive chairman Datuk 36,588 sq ft medical centre at
succession planning. across the of 33 sen per share, Cengild Dr Tan Huck Joo said Cengild Nexus Bangsar South is
“We are confident that Rashid, with the region. Medical will have a market Medical was established in equipped with 10 clinics, three

support of the group senior management capitalisation of up to October 2017 with the vision to endoscopy rooms, 28 beds,
team, will be able to lead the group into the RM270.2 million upon listing. build a centre of excellence for treadmill stress test and
next phase of our transformation journey.” The IPO involves a total of gastrointestinal and liver echocardiography equipment,
Mohd Rashid has extensive experience 218.8 million shares of which diseases and obesity in two operating theatres,
within the financial services industry 162.86 million shares will be Malaysia. accident and emergency
with a commercial, financial and offered via book building to “We aim to provide department, pharmacy,
operational track record, spanning more institutional and selected dedicated medical care laboratory and central sterile
than 20 years in senior leadership investors, 40.94 million through skilled expertise of supply department. The
positions with several financial shares via balloting to the our specialist consultants in a operating theatres are
institutions across Malaysia and public, and 15 million one-stop tertiary care centre,” equipped to perform
Singapore namely ABN Amro NV, shares to eligible he said, adding that the procedures ranging from
The Royal Bank of Scotland and directors, key senior consultants have contributed keyhole surgery to open
AmBank group. He began his management, employees to high-quality care while also surgery. Other facilities
career in Bank Negara Malaysia, and persons who have ensuring continued growth include a radiology
serving in the contributed to the group. and success of the medical department equipped with CT
examination/supervision and The IPO applications centre. scanner, ultrasonography and
investment operations and will close on April 5, Over the past four and a half fluoroscopy equipment.
financial markets 2022, and the listing years, Cengild Medical has had Hong Leong Investment
departments. date is targeted for April 67,000 patient visits at the Bank Bhd is the principal
Mohd Rashid joined RHB 18, 2022. medical centre, performed adviser, sponsor, sole
as group treasurer in 2014. The company plans more than 21,000 endoscopic underwriter and sole
Since July 2021, he is the to use RM13 million of procedures and more than bookrunner for Cengild
managing director of RHB the gross proceeds to 3,500 surgeries. From FY18 to Medical’s IPO.

14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022 BRIEFS EVERGRANDE TO SELL
SUNBIZ STAKE IN CRYSTAL CITY
PROJECT FOR US$575M
‘Feng shui’ off limits to
Chinese brokerages BEIJING: Troubled Chinese developer
Evergrande said yesterday it will sell its
o Regulator cracks down on securities companies that use Chinese zodiac to predict stock performance stake in an incomplete development
the practice to predict and analyse stock market trends and remains popular among investors. near Shanghai as it scrambles to find
cash to pay its mammoth debts. The
SHANGHAI: China’s securities regulator name any of the brokerages that were fined by Meanwhile, more Chinese companies are real estate giant is drowning in US$300
launched a crackdown on brokerages using the regulator. halting domestic listing plans, filings show, as billion of liabilities, and has struggled
“feng shui” to predict stock market trends in the country’s biggest coronavirus outbreak in to repay bondholders and investors
their research notes or investment advisory Some Chinese brokerages, including two years hampers due diligence and after a clampdown by Beijing suddenly
businesses, state-owned media reported Guosheng Securities and Essence Securities, information gathering, affecting an estimated turned off the liquidity taps. The
yesterday. have received warning letters from the 60 billion yuan (RM39.7 billion) in fundraising. developer said it would sell the Crystal
regulator over the past year after they released City Project, a vast commercial zone in
China Securities Regulatory Commission reports by applying feng shui to form their Over the past week, 15 companies seeking Hangzhou, an eastern city outside of
said it holds “zero tolerance” towards illegal investment strategies, according to statements initial public offerings (IPO) on Shanghai’s Shanghai for 3.66 billion yuan (RM2.4
behaviour in the stock market and has on the regulator’s website, as some of these tech-focused STAR Market have suspended billion). Part of the proceeds from the
punished some brokers who analysed, notes prompted wide market discussion. applications, almost all citing impacts from the sale will go to repaying construction
forecast, or offered investment advice by epidemic, exchange filings showed. The city fees of 920.7 million yuan, the
applying aspects of feng shui such as the The latest crackdown also came at a time started lockdowns on Monday. company said in a filing to the Hong
heavenly stems and earthly branches, also that Chinese stock markets are experiencing Kong stock exchange. – AFP
known as tiangan dizhi, Yin-Yang, and Five higher volatilities, with the blue-chip CSI 300 In Shenzhen, which conducted three
Elements, according to the official China Index losing about 14% so far this year. rounds of mass testing in March, 67 IPO DUBAI’S DEWA BOOSTS
Securities Journal. applicants targeting the startup board ChiNext IPO SIZE, COULD RAISE UP
Hong Kong-based brokerage CLSA have suspended the listing process this month, TO US$5.7B
The newspaper did not offer more details or publishes a tongue-in-cheek Feng Shui Index citing the need to update disclosure to
ahead of the Lunar New Year that uses the regulators, according to filings. DUBAI: Dubai Electricity and Water
Authority (Dewa) has more than
In all, the suspensions potentially delay doubled the size of its initial public
fundraising worth 60 billion yuan, official offering (IPO), meaning it could raise as
newspaper Securities Times estimated. – Reuters much as US$5.7 billion (RM23.96
billion) in the region’s biggest IPO since
Five largest banks signal tough times ahead Saudi Aramco’s record share sale. The
state utility firm said it got approval
SHANGHAI: Five of China’s largest banks have withdrawn, geopolitical conflicts will intensify,“ ICBC’s net profit increased 10.3% to 348.3 from the stock market regulator to
said the country’s lenders face multiple Bank of China (BoC) also said on Tuesday. billion yuan (RM230. billion), above estimates, increase the size of its deal from a float
headwinds this year that include the pandemic, while AgBank also outperformed. of 6.5% to 17%, equivalent to 8.5 billion
global politics and domestic turmoil in the real Meanwhile, the president of China’s Bank of shares. Dewa increased the size of the
estate industry. Communications Co Ltd (BoCom), on Friday It was the same story at BoC, CCB and tranche reserved for institutional
said it would be difficult for the bank to deliver BoCom. investors from 5.9% to up to 16.4%,
Yesterday, the world’s largest lender satisfactory earnings this year. while the tranches for retail investors
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China The non-performing loan ratios at four of the and employees will remain the same.
(ICBC), warned that China faces “shrinking China has been battling a resurgence in Covid five lenders fell, though it increased at BoC. Last week, Dewa set an indicative price
demand, disrupted supply and weakening infections in some of its largest cities, which has range for its IPO, between 2.25 dirhams
expectations” in its annual earnings report. led to partial and full-scale lockdowns which However, corporate bad loans to the real and 2.48 dirhams (RM2.57 and
analysts say will be a drag on the economy. estate sector jumped 98% at AgBank to 28.2 RM2.83). – Reuters
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd (AgBank) billion yuan, as developers continue to smart
signalled the same in its full year report. The main impact on banks will be “rising from stringent debt rules introduced last year. INDIA ANTITRUST AGENCY
loan delinquencies among service sectors”, said At CCB, real estate bad loans rose 50% on year RAIDS OFFICES OF TYRE
China’s banking industry is facing “a more Nicholas Zhu, a banking analyst at Moody’s. to 13.5 billion yuan. COMPANIES
complicated and severe business environment,”
the country’s second-biggest lender by assets, “These industries include wholesale and Since the introduction of the ‘three red lines’ NEW DELHI: India’s antitrust agency
China Construction Bank Corp (CCB), said on retail, leisure travel and other consumer rules on debt ratios last year, developers large yesterday raided offices of tyre
Tuesday. discretionary services,” he added. and small have had cash flow issues. companies including Germany’s
Continental AG and India’s Apollo Tyres
“The global epidemic will continue to recur, The banks’ warnings about the difficult The net interest margin, a key gauge of bank and CEAT in a case of suspected
the easing policies of developed economies will be outlook came alongside full-year net profit figures profitability, stood steady at all the lenders competition law violations, four
from the five lenders which beat estimates. other than CCB. – Reuters sources told Reuters. Apollo did not
immediately respond to a request for
Toyota, Honda defy parts shortage in February global output comment, while calls and messages to
CEAT spokespeople went unanswered.
TOKYO: Parts supply disruptions continued to a year ago. It also produced a record number of North America and tight parts supply in Europe. In a statement after the Reuters report
affect Japanese carmakers’ global production vehicles for February in markets outside Japan Likewise, Honda Motor said its February global was published, Continental confirmed
for February but the results released yesterday despite a parts shortage triggered by the Covid- that officers of the Competition
showed a clear contrast among them, with 19 outbreak. production rose by 8.1% with 344,712 vehicles. Commission of India (CCI) had visited
Toyota and Honda out in front. Although the semiconductor shortage and Covid- its office near New Delhi. “Continental
Toyota alone exceeded its February global 19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and is fully cooperating with the
Toyota Motor Corp said its group, including production target plan released a month earlier lowered production level compared to February authorities,“ it said. The CCI did not
Daihatsu and Hino Motors Ltd, produced by almost 41,000 vehicles. But the production last year in North America, the problem was not immediately respond to a request for
884,528 vehicles globally for the month, an level was below the year-ago period due to a severe in Asia, where production level increased comment. The agency does not
increase of almost of 11% from the same month Covid-19-induced parts supply shortage in compared to the same time last year. – Reuters publicly disclose its raids.

T H U R S DAY
31 MARCH 2022

EXPANDING nature reserves Saving nature not talking about a zoo.” The world met its
to cover at least 30% of the While the 30% goal is global, India target of protecting
planet by 2030 is the flagship o Efforts to conserve 30% of earth’s total 17% of land
proposal of high-stakes talks land and sea mass is just the start is already looking at adding to the habitats by 2020
to rescue Earth’s animals and plants 22% of its territory already conserved but missed the 10%
from human destruction. indigenous people chased off A representative from a northern in national parks and tiger reserves. target for marine
ancestral lands and deprived of hemisphere delegation told AFP that and coastal. – ETX
But experts agree that a new target traditional livelihoods. both South Africa and China, which But Mathur told AFP that STUDIO
is the easy part and will be ineffective An emergency holds the COP15 presidency, remain expanding existing protected areas Heather Bingham, who leads the
without funding and rigorous Global momentum has grown in the nervous about the goal. would be “very difficult”. Protected Planet initiative.
monitoring. last two years, with more than 90 But she said in the future the
world leaders signing up to a pledge “I am optimistic but there is a long His department has spent months measurement of success must go
Negotiators from across the world to reverse nature loss by 2030, stating way to go,” the delegate said. scouring the country to find beyond just the size and location of
are meeting in Geneva to discuss a that the interconnected threats of candidates to fit the more flexible conserved territory.
draft text of the so-called global biodiversity loss and climate change One breakthrough was the criteria, including swathes of land “It’s a big challenge. We have a
biodiversity framework to be adopted are a “planetary emergency”. decision by India to throw its support owned by private firms. “It is good sense of where protected areas
at the UN COP15 meeting in behind the target. changing the narrative,” he said. are but we don’t have a good sense of
Kunming, China, later this year. Despite this, the Geneva talks are All or nothing how well they are performing,” she
expected to draw to a close on “Conservation can only happen According to the most recent said.
A global commitment to set aside Tuesday without having fully when you provide species with some Protected Planet report by the UN New monitoring methods could
at least 30% of both land and oceans discussed the 30% target. space to live,” said Vinod Mathur, Environment Programme’s World include technology like satellites, as
as protected zones by the end of the who heads India’s National Conservation Monitoring Centre, the well as more robust local reporting
decade has the support of a broad Biodiversity Authority. “We are world met its target of protecting 17% over time.
coalition of countries. talking about wild animals, we are of land habitats by 2020. Linda Krueger of The Nature
Conservancy said there needs to be a
“I think the whole world is pretty But it missed the 10% target for “sniff test”: “We have to see that
convinced that conserving nature is marine and coastal areas, with just biodiversity is maintained and or
essential for the future of the planet, over seven percent conserved. improving.”
even big business and industry,” said And a 30% target must not distract
Trevor Sandwith, director of the OECMs were formally defined in from efforts to nurture biodiversity
International Union for Conservation 2018 and are “already making a huge everywhere, she said, from increasing
of Nature (IUCN) Centre for difference” in the statistics, said green spaces in cities to cutting
Conservation Action. pesticide use in agriculture.
“We need 100% really. We’ve
But while a percentage goal is already lost too much nature,”
“easy to aim at, easy to measure”, it Krueger said. – AFP
only tells part of the story, he said.

The world failed almost entirely to
reach a similar set of 10-year
objectives set in 2010 under the UN’s
Convention on Biological Diversity.

To avoid past mistakes, Sandwith
said that equity and effectiveness will
be key in the way protected areas are
governed and managed.

That is of particular concern to
indigenous peoples, who will play a
decisive role in meeting the 30% goal.

They steward land home to 80% of
Earth’s remaining biodiversity,
according to a recent landmark UN
report on climate change impacts.

A more flexible approach to
conservation within the UN process –
known as “other effective area-based
conservation measures” (OECMs) –
allows for the inclusion of lands that
have human activity and are not
solely set aside for nature.

But after years of marginalisation
and displacement, indigenous
representatives want assurances that
communities will have consent over
whether their lands become
protected areas.

“The whole notion of fortress
conservation has not been good for
indigenous people,” said Jennifer
Tauli Corpuz, of the non-profit Nia
Tero, who is part of the indigenous
caucus to the CBD.

Conservation measures focused
rigidly on protecting trees and
wildlife has in some cases seen

How forests could cool
down Earth’s temperature
FORESTS have an invaluable impact Global Change, the study recalls the
on climate change, even though they importance of forests in climate Besides being powerful carbon sinks, forests could have a direct effect on global and local temperatures. – ETX STUDIO
are being depleted by global regulation, whether it is for cooling
warming. However, a new study the air, or protection from droughts,
highlights their ability to keep the air extreme heat or floods.
near and far cool and moist through
the way they transform energy and So how do these forests actually
water. stabilise the climate? By emitting
biogenic volatile organic compounds
This effect was observed in (BVOCs), which notably promote the
tropical rainforests spanning Latin creation of clouds and cool the local
America, Central Africa and area.
Southeast Asia, particularly those in
Brazil, Guatemala, Chad, Cameroon “The importance of forests for
and Indonesia. There, the forests help both global climate change
cool the temperature by 1°C. mitigation and local adaptation by
human and non-human species is
Forests are essential to mitigation not adequately captured by current
as well as adaptation, states the study, carbon-centric metrics, particularly
carried out by researchers in the US in the context of future climate
and Colombia. Published in the warming,” the study concludes. – ETX
journal Frontiers in Forests and Studio

ENTERTAINMENT FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN
ME
16 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022 @thesundaily

█ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR, JOHN TAN, THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN & ANANSA JACOB The passing of
Hawkins (second
Time to fromleft) has left
grieve a void in the Foo
Fighters. – RCA

o The Foo Fighters seeing one another as planned. reported that he had multiple drugs Mick Jagger and KISS’ Gene An imaginative and rock-solid
have officially Instead, let’s take this time to grieve, in his system and an enlarged heart. Simmons both posted condolence drummer, he had the task of playing
cancelled their tour to to heal, to pull our loved ones close, messages on Twitter, and explained drums behind Foo’s singer-guitarist
allow themselves to and to appreciate all the music and Following Hawkins’ passing, they were saddened by the loss. Dave Grohl.
process the loss of memories we’ve made together”. tributes poured in from musicians
Taylor Hawkins around the world. Rock icon Joan Jett also paid Hawkins filled that role with
The band was on tour in South tribute to Hawkins, saying he was one aplomb, bringing his own muscular,
IN the wake of drummer Taylor America and about to perform at a On Saturday, Elton John of the greatest drummers of her time. time-juggling style to the band’s
Hawkins’ shocking death last festival in Colombia on Friday when dedicated Don’t Let the Sun Go Down straight-ahead rock sound without
Friday, Foo Fighters have Hawkins reportedly complained of on Me to the late drummer, saying, “It Hawkins, who joined the band in trying to emulate Grohl.
canceled all their forthcoming chest pains and died soon afterward. seems so sad that at 50 years of age 1997 after two years as Alanis
tour dates. “It is with great sadness we’ve lost someone who had that Morissette’s drummer, was a vital Hawkins was indisputably one of
that Foo Fighters confirm the While no cause of death has been much passion. His music will live on”. element in the Foo Fighters’ sound the best rock drummers of the past 25
cancellation of all upcoming tour announced, local medical authorities and image. years.
dates in light of the staggering loss of Frontman of the Rolling Stones,
our brother, Taylor Hawkins,” read a
statement from the group.

“We’re sorry for and share in the
disappointment that we won’t be

A new baby Baldwin is on its way LOONA’s Chuu files
THE Baldwin family is welcoming a new suit against label
member into their home this fall. Alec Hilaria with the six children she shares with husband Alec Baldwin. – INSTAGRAM
Baldwin and his wife Hilaria are expecting NETIZENS in South Korea were stunned to find
their seventh child together. The family to allow the grief to take over her life. “We “My mantra was: I’m not okay, but I want out that LOONA member Chuu filed a lawsuit
announced the exciting news in a moving open and heal out loud not only for ourselves, to be okay. This hurts, I want to process, I’ll against her label Blockberry Creative to
family video online. but to let our sisters know that they are not allow myself to vent the pain, and I want to see terminate her contract.
alone,” she continued. the beauty in life again.”
“After many ups and downs over the past The lawsuit was filed in December, but only
few years, we have an exciting up and a huge came to light recently, as fans had been
surprise: another Badwinito is coming this wondering why Chuu had been absent from
fall,” Hilaria captioned the clip. several promotional events for LOONA.

“We were pretty sure our family was It is said that reason behind the lawsuit is the
complete, and we’re beyond happy with this fact that Chuu has been forced to share revenue
surprise. I’m sharing with you the moment we from her solo projects – including appearances
told the kids – as you can see, they are super on variety shows and from her successful
excited! YouTube channel – with the rest of the group.
Considering that she is the group’s most
“Our new baby is a very bright spot in our successful member, it seems unfair that she is
lives. A blessing and a gift during such only able to enjoy a fraction of her actual
uncertain times.” earnings.

The video posted on her Instagram, saw Netizens appeared to side with Chuu on this,
her and Alec playing with six of their children saying that she should not have to act as the
in their living room. “sole breadwinner” for her label.

Hilaria’s pregnancy news comes after she In response, Blockberry Creative filed to
suffered two miscarriages in 2019. In fact, the trademark Chuu’s name in order to prevent her
mother of six opened up about her recovery from using it in future, a move that will most
journey during the National Rainbow Baby certainly affect her existing income streams
Day on Instagram. which utilise her stage name.

“When I lost my babies in 2019, I will This action took place while the lawsuit
always remember thinking my tears would between the label and Chuu, whose real name
never stop. I will always be sad, they still flow is Kim Ji Woo, is still ongoing. Shocked netizens
from time to time, and I hold this sadness criticised the label for its actions, and pledged
written permanently in the pages of my life’s to continue to support Chuu.
book,” she wrote at that time.

But despite the hurt, Hilaria was not going

Viktor Hargreeves makes Umbrella Academy debut

The image shared by Page showing his new look as Viktor. – NETFLIX THE third season of Umbrella Academy will be Chuu is currently in a legal battle with her label. –
returning to Netflix on June 22. And BLOCKBERRY CREATIVE
yestyerday, Elliot Page revealed that his
character Vanya Hargreeves will come out as
trans and be known as Viktor Hargreeves.

On Wednesday, the 35-year-old actor
posted a still of himself in character with a
new haircut and sitting in a diner, with the
caption: “Meet Viktor Hargreeves”, followed by
an umbrella emoji.

The surprise news drew positive
comments on social media. Netflix’s main
account tweeted: “Welcome to the family,
Viktor – we’re so happy you are here.”

Page came out publicly in December 2020
as transgender, and at the time, Netflix stated
that he would continue to star as Hargreeves
sibling Vanya, a cisgender female who can
convert sound into pure destructive force.

However, the decision has changed since
then and Victor will be using he/him/his
pronouns in the new season.

READ OUR HERE SCAN ENTERTAINMENT
ME
/thesundaily 17theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022

keshi releases debut Netflix’s Black Crab
is an adaptation
KESHI delivers his debut studio album with the of Jerker
release of his magnum opus, GABRIEL. Out today Virdborg’s thriller
via Island Records, the album, for the first time, novel of the same
finds the 27-year-old singer, songwriter, producer, name. – NETFLIX
and multi-instrumentalist as the main character of
his sonically articulated world. A post-apocalyptic thriller

“GABRIEL is a record that turned out much
more personal than I intended from the
beginning,” keshi shared.

“It ended up being a
means for me to process
the experience of
having transitioned
from a much less public
life to another I’m
having a little more
trouble navigating
recently. I thought
about success, purpose,
family, pressure, and
failure; how time is my
only commodity and
how sex is just skin; how
little I care for what
people have to say and
how important it is at
the same time. I was reminded how fun making
music is supposed to feel ... It’s an album that I
hope is candid, varied, and one you can come
back to again and again.”

Ed Sheeran releases o The dystopian drama Black Crab presents the story capable of doing whatever the script calls
music with J Balvin of a woman faced with an impossible decision for, as evidenced by her previous films.

GLOBAL superstars and cultural icons, J Balvin As for the supporting cast, they are not
and Ed Sheeran, have teamed up to combine given much to do in the storyline. At one
their unparalleled talent and musical prowess to point, you are just waiting for them to be
deliver an unprecedented collaboration with a killed one by one so that the story can
two-song EP, featuring Sigue and Forever My █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The action is set in a post-apocalyptic progress.
Love. BLACK CRAB is a Swedist action- world. Caught up in a civil war, Sweden Black Crab has its moments of slick
thriller featuring a fast skating struggles to cope with a increasingly action scenes, and it cannot be denied that
The project was born out of an organic chase through a future world dangerous invasion. the aesthetic of the film feels very real. The
friendship between the two music legends ripped apart by war. The film, cinematography was also very impressive,
when Sheeran overheard Balvin talking in the A soldier named Caroline Edh (Noomi as the film offers beautiful scenes of frozen
gym one morning. What began as a Rapace) volunteers to join a team of five
conversation let to a collaboration. which is currently airing on Netflix, is other soldiers on a mission condenamed ice and winter nights in a cold blue light.
directed by Adam Berg, and based on a Black Crab, where they must transport a However, the movie left me with
Sigue, an upbeat reggaeton dance song, and novel by Jerker Virdborg. package across a frozen sea in the hopes unresolved questions. The quest is simple
Forever My Love, a beautiful love ballad, show that whatever it contains will end the war. and the threats are tangible. But we were
Balvin and Sheeran’s unique ability to not only They have no idea what dangers are not provided any details of the plot.
cross over between genres, but also ahead and who they can they trust, Who is the enemy? What was the
demonstrate their expertise in diversifying the including people on their own reason for this war? I feel the
type of music they write and perform. team. absence of these details drops
Risking their lives, they enter the justification for the mission
the hostile enemy territory to 0 Director: as viewers are not even aware of
accomplish their mission. Adam Berg the purpose behind their
Though Caroline is not in 0 Cast: actions.
charge of the mission, the former Noomi The movie would certainly
skater-turned-soldier is the best Rapace, would have been better if these
skater and she has another reason Aliette details were explored rather than
to be on the mission – to find her Opheim and just focusing on the success of
young daughter Vanja who got Dar Salim. the mission. If you are
separated from her at the start of passionate about war films, I
the chaos. E-VALUE would recommend watching
Whether Caroline will be able Black Crab.
to find her lost daughter and 6 Personally, while this movie
complete the Black Crab mission
forms the main plot of the story. ACTING was fairly engaging, it falls under
7 the category of a predictable

Rapace gives a strong PLOT story. It is not a movie I would
performance as Caroline want to watch again, despite its
throughout the movie. 6 strong first half and decent

Her ability to convincingly ending.
Black Crab topped the most-watched movies portray some of the heroic stunts
chart for Netflix on its debut weekend. – performed by her character Black Crab is now available to
NETFLIX proves that she’s more than watch on Netflix.

From DC clown to Marvel vampire “Morbius”
JARED LETO has been a star for made a career out of that, so it’s characters built into one. There was a with Jared
decades, but it’s only now at 50 that interesting to star in a movie thats significant transformation between something – I wanted to make it Leto –
he is fronting his first major something new and different – I like a them.” specific.” SONY
blockbuster – transforming into a big, fun popcorn movie.” PICTURES
vampire for new Marvel flick For once, Leto was spared the Leto first became a star in the screen since the premiere of Requiem
Morbius. Leto is not a total stranger to extensive make-up, unlike his almost 1990s as the heart-throb in teen for a Dream at Cannes in 2000.
superhero flicks, of course, having unrecognisable turn in last year’s The drama My So-Called Life and has “I never watch them. The whole
Leto made his name in more taken a turn as the Joker in Suicide House of Gucci, or the fake nose and popped up in lots of cult favourites, goal as an actor is to be
independent and cult projects, such Squad. teeth he used for his creepy serial including Fight Club, American unselfconscious. So I do everything I
as his Oscar-winning turn in AIDS killer in The Little Things. Psycho and Blade Runner 2049. can not to be thinking about myself
drama Dallas Buyer’s Club or as a But now he is creating a character from the outside,” he said.
junkie in Requiem for a Dream. not yet seen in the Marvel Cinematic “Originally they wanted to use Not that he has seen any of thesr. “That way, I never repeat myself.
Universe: Dr Michael Morbius is a prosthetics with the monster and I Leto hasn’t watched himself on Maybe that’s why my characters are
But he has no qualms about scientist suffering from an incurable pushed them to embrace technology so different.” – ETX Studio
joining the superhero juggernaut disease who accidentally turns and CGI. I’m glad we did because it
with Morbius, that is hitting cinemas himself into a vampire while trying to gave us a lot more freedom,” he said,
around the world next week. find a cure, and then can’t stop killing referring to computer generated
people for their blood. imagery.
“You want Marvel to help pay the
bills, then you can sneak in some “He’s not exactly a hero, not a “I worked with people that have
other movies here and there,” he told villain. He’s somewhere in between – rare diseases. There was a certain way
AFP during a visit to Paris. there’s a classic Jekyll and Hyde thing of walking that’s actually common
happening here,” said Leto. with stroke survivors. I didn’t want to
“I’m excited. I’ve done a lot of just get a cane and have a little limp or
smaller roles in bigger movies and “I liked that there were three

FASHION & BEAUTY

18 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022

The toner provides
antioxidant effects to
make your skin look
livelier and clearer.

Reverse signs of ageing Mamonde’s Retinol Ampoule Toner
with 95% pure retinol makes the skin soft inside and
o Amorepacific’s first retinol anti-ageing toner is backed by 26 years of research keeps the skin moist on the outside.
skin irritation, so rest assured that it
MOST people are aware of Toner, Mamonde’s latest Retinol Toner contains 95% pure retinol that based on 26 years of retinol can be used comfortably on the skin
the importance of Ampoule Toner is backed by 26 years serves to reduce the appearance of technology, the toner contains a type on a daily basis.
cleansing and of research on retinol technology and fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin of retinoid made from vitamin A. The Mamonde’s Retinol Ampoule
moisturising our skin ingredients. Not only does it tone and texture. The highly mild formula is suitable for morning Toner is quickly absorbed into the
daily, but are facial toners really rejuvenate the skin but can help moisturising anti-ageing ampoule and night use and offers multiple skin skin, supplying collagen along the
necessary? At a glance, it doesn’t seem enhance the skin’s elasticity, lift, firm toner helps to improve skin elasticity benefits. way, the core component of skin
to be all that essential and it adds an and tighten skin appearance as well as for more youthful and plump skin and elasticity. It also has hyaluronic acid
extra step to our daily skin regimen. brighten uneven skin tone. Apart from reduces the signs of ageing. Just like beauty ampoules, it works that draws 1,000 times its weight in
Here’s a newsflash – toners can removing the last traces of oil, dirt and like a highly concentrated ampoule water, providing moisture to dry and
offer a host of benefits and boost your impurities, applying toner can help to The latest addition to its successful that makes the skin soft inside and rough skin.
skin health! In fact, K-beauty fans minimise pores, soothe the skin and range of products, Mamonde’s Retinol keeps the skin moist on the outside. Additionally, it contains vitamin C
swear by this step and attribute their help skin retain moisture. Add retinol Ampoule Toner is a highly derivatives which have antioxidant
radiant, clear skin to the use of toners to the equation and you’ve got a moisturising anti-ageing ampoule The toner is formulated with 6-free effects, making the skin look livelier
and lotions! winning formula! toner with 95% pure retinol that does formula (free of mineral oil, and clearer.
Being Amorepacific’s first Retinol wonders for skin elasticity. polyacrylamide, imidazolidinyl urea,
Mamonde’s Retinol Ampoule Amorepacific’s first retinol toner is triethanolamine, synthetic colours,
and paraben) and has been tested for

Hana Tajima’s
Uniqlo
collection
launches
April 15

GLOBAL apparel retailer UNIQLO individuality and expression of each fabric texture come to life on the and adaptable dresses are suitable green inspired by nature. Striking
today announces the launch of the woman when wearing a single body, move with it. The prints and for both everyday wear or special dresses in fabric treated with salt
HANA TAJIMA FOR UNIQLO 2022 garment. colours embody that feeling of occasions, with playful and shrinking for greater density and a
Spring/Summer Dress Collection vitality.” innovative details to delight women puffed sleeve design retain a
on April 15. This unique LifeWear Commenting on the latest The first Hana Tajima dress every time they put one on while delicate form with lightweight
collection from New York-based collection, Hana Tajima said, “This collection for UNIQLO providing everyday comfort. material. Elegant camisole dresses
fashion designer Hana Tajima collection was really an expression The HANA TAJIMA FOR UNIQLO Simple and effortless designs that with flowing hemlines can be paired
features comfortable and elegant of joy and hope. I wanted to create a 2022 Spring/Summer collection, accentuate the individuality of the with shirts or blouses to express the
designs that reflect cultural diversity sense of ease and playfulness. A embodying a simple and iconic wearer wearer’s individuality. Large stoles
with a global perspective. This dress should be the simplest thing style, is the first Hana Tajima dress The vibrant colours of this that can be worn over the shoulders
season presents a collection of new in the world to wear. A single lineup for UNIQLO. These simple collection include deep blue and feature garden flower patterns to
dresses that highlight the garment that is a look in itself, bold accent any outfit.
and iconic. The subtle details and

FASHION & BEAUTY

19theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022

█ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Say yes to the dress
oCelebrities wore the most beautiful wedding dresses in
IT’S already 2022 but we still can’t 2021, made special with a personalised details and styles
get over with the gorgeous
wedding dresses worn by 3. Lily Collins FAIRY TALE Actress Patralekhaa’s gown has a veil
beautiful celebrity brides in The daughter of popular singer Phil WEDDING ... with a special and romantic message
2021. Collins married director Charlie Lily Collins’ Ralph etched along the border. – INSTAGRAM
McDowell on Sept 4, 2021. Lily wore a Lauren gown with 4. Patralekhaa Paul
Celebrity brides are always an beautiful, custom-made Calaid- a hood and cape is Bollywood actress Patralekhaa Paul
inspiration when comes to the latest Caudry lace Ralph Lauren gown with reminiscence of tied the knot with actor Rajkummar
trends, whether it involves a cape and hood, which takes our Red Riding Hood. Rao, her former City Lights co-star,
embellishments with Swarovski mind to Little Red Riding Hood’s – INSTAGRAM on Nov 15, 2021.
crystals and pearls or just simple classic fairy tale story.
elegant satin fabrics, or coming up The bride wore a red tulle
with something unique to them. Inside the unique hooded lace embroidered ‘buti’ sari paired with a
cape, there was another surprise – a red embroidered dupatta (veil) that
Bespoke bridal gowns often long-sleeve turtleneck dress. had a special message stitched along
include something significant, or of the border. The message, written in
sentimental value. For instance, Lily is a perfect example of how to the Bengali language, translated to “I
Angelina Jolie, had her children make your wedding dress your own. surrender my heart filled with love to
drawings imprinted on her veil as a Even her wedding venue – the you”, and was a beautiful testament to
personal touch. Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado – her love for her husband.
looks like an enchanting forest. A
We chose five exquisite and picturesque place to showcase a The veil and the sari was made by
unique celebrity wedding dresses to perfect dress! famous wedding dress designer
inspire you for your own special day: Sabyasachi Mukherjee. On his
1. Nur Elisya The wedding gown has Swarovski Instagram, the designer described
Actress Elisya Sandha, 21, and bead flowers and silk organza petals, the outfit as “classic and beautiful
husband Uzair Haqimy, 25, look like and the delicate lace took over 200 with personalised details to make it
they came straight out of a fairy tale. hours to craft. Her bold yet her own”.
enchanting choice will last in our
The beautiful bride and memories for a long time! Perhaps, this would inspire others
handsome groom both looked to include their own favourite verses
gorgeous in their custom traditional Actress Elisya Sandha in a stunning somewhere on their wedding dresses
wedding outfits made by fashion creation by Adam Rashid. in the future.
designer Adam Rashid, who has – BLACKPEPPERPRODUCTION
crafted dresses for celebrities in Patralekhaa also wore
Singapore and Malaysia. handcrafted heritage jewellery with
gold, pearls and emeralds.
Nur Elisya wore traditional kebaya
with Swarovski crystals and
embossed embroidery details in the
Sulam Kerawang style, and decorated
with beautiful pieces of jewellery.

“The theme was ‘traditional
classic’ and the event was held at a
known heritage building, hence, I
collated ideas and colours to
compliment the bride and the venue,”
Adam told theSun.

Adam took two weeks to craft the
beautiful brown coloured songket
fabric and it looked amazing on them.
The rich brown colour of the fabric
also proves that we should not be
afraid to choose unique colours for
wedding outfits.

Kitty Spencer’s Dolce &
Gabbana masterpiece
evokes a classic charm.
– DOLCE&GABBANA

2. Kitty Spencer Ivy Getty, in her
An aristocrat and the niece of the late custom John
Princess Diana, Lady Kitty Spencer’s Galliano for
wedding to billionaire Michael Lewis, Maison Martin
62, was sure to attract attention, Margiela Couture
especially in Britain. wedding dress.
– VOGUE
The 30-year-old model opted for a 5. Ivy Getty
conservative look. She wore a Dolce Ivy Getty, great-granddaughter of oil
& Gabbana Alta Moda custom-made tycoon J. Paul Getty, dared to be
dress for the wedding which took different in the truest sense. The
place at Villa Aldobrandini in Rome model and socialite wore a Maison
on July 24, 2021. Margiela Haute Couture gown that
pushed the limits of imagination.
The bridal gown had all the Ivy looked unbelievable in the
traditional elements of a princess- four-layer bridal dress, which was
style wedding gown, including the made using broken mirror glass
Victorian-inspired lace, high pieces stitched onto the fabric, during
neckline, corset bodice, ball gown her wedding to photographer Tobias
skirt, long sleeves and a long Engel in San Francisco.
Cathedral veil, which reminded Famed fashion designer John
many people of her late aunt’s 7.6m- Galliano, the creative director of
long train at her 1981 wedding to Maison Margiela, crafted a custom-
Prince Charles. made elegant gown with a long-
embroidered veil for the 26-year-old.
Lady Kitty’s vintage style would There was a bit of history there:
certainly inspire more brides to look Galliano had made a bridal gown for
to more classic and sophisticated Ivy’s grandmother in the past.
wedding dress fashions.

TRAVEL

20 theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022

Enjoy your meals with a touch of nostalgic vibe. – AIRBNB The living area and console is superbly Instaworthy. – ALL PIXS VIA AIRBNB

MALAYSIANS planning their first Celebrate Songkran in style
overseas trip in two years after
borders reopen on April 1 can now oPlanning a trip toThailand? The exterior
snag themselves the perfect tropical Airbnb is launching the ultimate of the
holiday, as Airbnb launches the ultimate
designer stay in Phuket’s palatial Governor’s designer getaway in Phuket Governor’s
Mansion – the island’s largest icon of Sino- Mansion. –
Portuguese baroque architecture.
AIRBNB
Just in time for Songkran, the Thai New Year,
one group of four lucky guests will get to soak “Thailand is an extraordinary country with
up the vibrant festivities with an island getaway unparalleled warmth and hospitality, and some
of a lifetime, only on Airbnb. of the most beautiful destinations. As more of us
begin to travel further from home and for longer
The majestic Governor’s Mansion will be durations, we are working with our Host
bookable on airbnb.com/governorsmansion community to welcome the world back to
for US$50 (approximately RM210) for a two Thailand safely. We are delighted to add the
night stay from 15-17 April 2022, welcoming majestic Governor’s Mansion to our collection
overnight guests for the first time in more than of unique stays throughout the Kingdom,” said
50 years. Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb General Manager for
Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Bookings open at 9am Malaysia Standard
Time (MYT) on April 4, 2022. Malaysians and “Songkran is a special moment for all Thais, The mansion’s stylish Lotus Room. – AIRBNB
travellers from all countries that currently allow as we give thanks and celebrate the dawn of a
international travel to and from Thailand can new year. As Thailand reopens, we are
apply. incredibly thrilled to partner with Airbnb to
warmly welcome the world back to our country.
Guests will be hosted by popular Phuket- We invite travellers from around the world to
born model-actress Patricia Tanchanok Good experience the “Amazing New Chapters” of
who rose to fame in one of Netflix’s most Thailand under ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022,’ with
popular Thai dramas last year, Girl From this iconic stay that shines a light on some of our
Nowhere 2, and national ambassador for royal finest Thai designers; as well as Phuket’s natural
Thai cuisine and Blue Elephant founder, master wonders, unique heritage and architecture, and
chef Nooror Somany Steppe. Programming for delicious local cuisine,” shared Yuthasak
this special stay is supported by the Tourism Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of
Authority of Thailand. Thailand.

The 119-year-old Governor’s Mansion
welcomed many out-of-town dignitaries and
remains one of several neoclassical heritage
mansions on Phuket today. The sprawling
white and mustard heritage home is located in
the historic heart of Old Phuket Town and has
been exquisitely restored to preserve its original
fixtures, including richly patterned tiles and
teakwood floors. Its first floor is now home to
the Blue Elephant Restaurant – a Michelin Plate
awardee and long-running stalwart of
Thailand’s culinary industry.

On the second floor, renowned Thai
designer Saran Yen Panya has created a
memorable, visually stunning space that pays
homage to Thailand’s rich heritage and buzzing
contemporary design scene. The stay features
statement pieces by Yothaka – widely revered as
Thailand’s master of design – in addition to
bespoke handcrafted items by up-and-coming
designers Kitt Ta Khon, Masaya, Sumphat
Gallery, Thaniya and Mo Jirachaisakul, paired
with Phuketian antiques from some of the
island’s most distinguished homes and
museums.

Guests will be immersed in a
quintessentially Phuketian experience,
including:

A personal welcome at check-in by Thai
superstar Patricia ‘Good’ Tanchanok, who will
share her favourite hidden gems in Phuket and
tips for exploring the island

Exclusive access to a two-bedroom suite on
the Mansion’s expansive second floor,
including a private reception lounge and living
room

A bespoke, multi-course ‘Songkran’ tasting
menu prepared and hosted by master Chef
Nooror Somany Steppe

A scuba diving and snorkelling adventure
around the sparkling reefs and islands that dot
the Andaman Sea

A gibbon rehabilitation social impact
experience in Phuket’s last rainforest

322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF 21theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016
IN THE MATTER OF IN THE HIGH COURT OF IN THE MATTER OF * SPORTS
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND
AND IN THE MATTER OF EASTERN IN THE STATE OF FEDERAL TERRITORY, AND IN THE MATTER OF UNITY IN THE MATTER OF Game, set and ...
THREE SDN. BHD. (201001019035 CONSULTING ENGINEERS SDN. BHD. Medvedev one win from reclaiming world No. 1 spot
MALAYSIA (202001004040 (1360360-D)) GIANT RESORTS
(902743-A)) (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY (TANJUNG) SDN BHD DANIIL MEDVEDEV is one win match, pressure can start to build up,
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION away from retaking the world No. 1 depending on how the match is going… But
NO. WA-28NCC-820-11/2021 WINDING UP) (644717-W) spot after moving past American at this moment it’s just a lot of extra
WINDING UP) In the matter of Sections 464(1)(b), 465(1) NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MEMBER’S Jenson Brooksby 7-5, 6-1 and into motivation to try to make this one more step.”
NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to (e), 465(1)(h), 466(1)(c), 476 and 483 Section 439 of the Companies Act, VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP the Miami Open quarterfinals yesterday.
Section 439 of the Companies Act, Companies Act 2016 2016, that the special resolution set NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING Elsewhere, fourth-ranked German
2016, that the special resolution set out below was duly passed by the NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT The US Open champion lost his serve in Alexander Zverev overcame a solid defensive
out below was duly passed by the AND members of the Company at a General pursuant to Section 459 of the the first game but found momentum after effort from Australian qualifier Thanasi
members of the Company at a General In the matter of Rule 35 of the Companies Meeting held on 30 MARCH 2022. Companies Act 2016, the Final fending off two more break points in the fifth, Kokkinakis to win 6-4, 6-4 and set up a
Meeting held on 30 MARCH 2022. (Winding-Up) Rules 1972 “That the Company be wound up Meeting of the Company will be winning the final four games of the first set in quarterfinal clash with eighth-ranked Casper
“That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) held at Conference Room, Suite which he fired down six aces. Ruud.
voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1) AND (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and 20.01, 20th Floor, MWE Plaza,
(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that In the matter of MONDAY-OFF that Mr. CHING JIUNN WEE (NRIC No.: No. 8 Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 He ripped through the second set in less “(Ruud is) somebody that really does not
Mr. LIM KIM ENG (NRIC No.: 760520- DEVELOPMENT SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 801107-01-5131) of 89, Jalan Hujan Penang on 2 May 2022 at 10.00 than half an hour, dropping one first serve miss much,” said Zverev. “He’s somebody
10-5407) of No. 17, Jalan Residensi 200301021494 (623914-T)) Bubuk 5, Taman Overseas Union, a.m., for the following purpose :- point. that tries to play aggressive with his forehand
6, Taman Residensi Sri Utara Kipark, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala 1. To receive and consider the as well. Got to take away his strength in a way
68100 Batu Caves, Selangor be and BETWEEN Lumpur be and is hereby appointed Liquidator’s final statement of Medvedev will face defending champion and we’ll see how it goes tomorrow.”
is hereby appointed as Liquidator for BUMIMETRO CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. as Liquidator for the purposes of such accounts showing the manner Hubert Hurkacz in the quarters, with a win
the purposes of such winding up with (Registration No. 200801012417 winding up with all powers given by in which the winding up has moving the Russian back to world No. 1 on Hurkacz defeated South African Lloyd
all powers given by Section 456 of the (576189-W)) Section 456 of the Companies Act, been conducted and to receive Monday, two weeks after he lost the spot to Harris 7-6(3), 6-2, while Spain’s 18-year-old
Companies Act, 2016.” 2016.” any explanation arising thereon. Novak Djokovic. Carlos Alcaraz battled past Stefanos Tsitsipas
CHAN LIH PING ... PETITIONER CHAN ZE HONG 2. To determine the manner in 7-5, 6-3 in the night session.
Director AND Director which the books, accounts “At this moment, I don’t feel any
Kuala Lumpur MONDAY-OFF DEVELOPMENT SDN. BHD. Kuala Lumpur and documents of the pressure,” Medvedev said. “To be in the Alcaraz will next face Serbian Miomir
Date: 31 MARCH 2022 (Registration No. 200301021494 (623914- Date: 31 MARCH 2022 Company and of the Liquidator semifinals, I knew before the tournament Kecmanovic, who beat Indian Wells
T)) thereof shall be disposed of that I have to be there if I want to be number champion Taylor Fritz 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) one.
THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 … RESPONDENT THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 of the Companies Act 2016. Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo also
AND IN THE MATTER OF EASTERN NOTICE OF WINDING-UP ORDER AND IN THE MATTER OF UNITY Dated this 31st day of March, 2022. “It’s great that I have this chance. Only advanced to the last eight after beating
In the matter of MONDAY-OFF CONSULTING ENGINEERS SDN. BHD. LOW TAK NGEE one match left. Of course maybe during the Frances Tiafoe 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 6-2. – Reuters
THREE SDN. BHD. DEVELOPMENT SDN. BHD. (Registration (202001004040 (1360360-D)) Liquidator
(201001019035 (902743-A)) No. 200301021494 (623914-T)) with its (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY Notes: Kyrgios
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY registered office at 1120A, Damansara 1. A member of the company unrepentant
Intan, No. 1, Jalan SS20/27, Petaling Jaya, WINDING UP) entitled to attend and vote at the after Miami
WINDING UP) 47400 Selangor and its business address is NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that meeting is entitled to appoint a meltdown
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at B-3A-10, Gateway Kiaramas (Corporate the creditors of the above-named person as his proxy to vote in his/
the creditors of the above-named Suites), No. 1, Jalan Desa Kiara, Mont Kiara, Company which is being voluntarily her stead. A proxy may but need Kyrgios
Company which is being voluntarily 50480 Kuala Lumpur. wound up are required to, on or not be a member of the Company.
wound up are required to, on or before Winding-Up Order made on 15 March 2022. before 22 APRIL 2022 to send in 2. The instrument appointing a 322 Notices NICK KYRGIOS refused to lie and, having already received a
22 APRIL 2022 to send in their names Name and address of Liquidators: their names and addresses with full proxy must be deposited to apologise for his Miami Open code violation for an audible
and addresses with full particulars of Datuk Mohd Afrizan Bin Husain (NRIC No. particulars of their debts or claims the Liquidator not less than IN THE MATTER OF THE meltdown yesterday and insisted obscenity, was hit with a point
their debts or claims and the names 670821-03-5159) and the names and addresses of their 48 hours before the appointed COMPANIES ACT, 2016 he couldn’t care less about penalty at 5-3 in the first set tie-
and addresses of their solicitors (if c/o Parker Randall Insol PLT, Aftaas, No. 2, solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, time for holding the meeting. receiving further sanctions from break for unsportsmanlike conduct
any) to the undersigned, the Liquidator Jalan Rampai Niaga 2, Rampai Business the Liquidator of the Company, and, if AND tennis bosses. after appearing to talk with a friend
of the Company, and, if so required by Park, 53300 Kuala Lumpur; and so required by notice in writing from IN THE MATTER OF THE IN THE MATTER OF who was sitting courtside.
notice in writing from the Liquidator, Mr. Mok Chew Yin (NRIC No. 540331-10- the Liquidator, either personally or by COMPANIES ACT 2016 MESB PROJECT MANAGEMENT Kyrgios lost his head in the
either personally or by their solicitors, 5817) their solicitors, to come in and prove AND IN THE MATTER SDN BHD (200801039754 Miami heat and spent his fourth- A game penalty was then
to come in and prove their debts or c/o BDO Consulting Sdn Bhd, Level 8, their debts or claims at such time and OF PAXTER (M) SDN. round match delivering a blistering issued at the start of the second set
claims at such time and place as Menara Centara, 360, Jalan Tuanku Abdul place as shall be specified in such BHD., REGISTRATION NO. (841103-D)) verbal assault on“dreadful” after Kyrgios shattered his racquet.
shall be specified in such notice, or in Rahman, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur notice, or in default thereof they will 199201010386 (241889-D) (Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) Brazilian match umpire Carlos
default thereof they will be excluded be excluded from the benefits of any (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY At an Extraordinary General Meeting Bernardes before crashing out 7-6 “I just don’t think he (Bernardes)
from the benefits of any distribution Dated 28 March 2022 distribution made before such debts of the Company duly convened and (7-3), 6-3 to Italy’s Jannik Sinner. controls the crowd well at all,”the
made before such debts or claims are …………………………….. or claims are proved. WINDING-UP) held at SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block Australian told AFP.“You’ve got
proved. CHING JIUNN WEE NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, The Australian became involved Jannik Sinner who is one of our
LIM KIM ENG Messrs. Siong & Rita Liquidator NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN 50450 Kuala Lumpur on 28 March in a running war of words after the greatest stars and, not to toot my
Liquidator Solicitors for the Petitioner No. 29-2, Jalan 46A/26, Taman Sri THAT pursuant to Section 2022 the following special/ordinary walkie-talkie of Bernardes went off horn, the majority of people are
No. 29-2, Jalan 46A/26, Taman Sri THIS NOTICE OF WINDING-UP ORDER is Rampai, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. 459 of the Companies Act resolutions were duly passed:- mid-point in the first set. there to watch me play.
Rampai, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. filed by Messrs. Siong & Rita, solicitors for Kuala Lumpur. 2016, a Final Meeting of the 1. THAT the Company be wound up
Kuala Lumpur. the Petitioner whose address for service is Date: 31 MARCH 2022 members of the Company Kyrgios was seething with “And you have a guy talking
Date: 31 MARCH 2022 at E-712, Phileo Damansara 1, Jalan 16/11, will be held at No. 9, Jalan voluntarily pursuant to Section Bernardes, who was also in charge while I was 40-0 up. He was talking.
46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. 322 Notices 1/114, Kuchai Business 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, of his controversial match with I was like‘what are you doing?’The
322 Notices Tel No. 03-7932 3006 | Fax No. 03-7932 Centre, Off Jalan Kuchai 2016 and that Chong Ai Ling of Nadal, calling him“an absolute crowd actually hated him that
3009 | (Ref: BCSB/2478.21 (Monday- IN THE MATTER OF THE Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, clown”before raging:“This is one of much they told him to be quiet.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT WUP) COMPANIES ACT, 2016 on Friday, 29 April 2022 at Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, the biggest tournaments and you
SHAH ALAM 10.00 a.m. for the following 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is guys can’t do your job. It’s “If you are getting booed by the
322 Notices AND purposes:- hereby appointed liquidator of the embarrassing.” crowd you are not doing a good
(COMMERCIAL DIVISION) IN THE MATTER OF 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Company for the purpose of such job. He made it about himself and
COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) IN THE MATTER OF THE NATURAL ANALYSIS SDN BHD winding up. The Aussie also snapped:“You apparently his feelings were hurt
NO. BA-28NCC-182-03/2022 COMPANIES ACT, 2016 (199401021355 (307034-D)) Statement of Accounts 2. THAT Chong Ai Ling the Company’s wonder why no one watches this from what I said and the crowd
In the matter of Section 465 (1) (e) & Section (Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) showing the manner in Liquidator be and is hereby sport. It’s a laughing stock.” said. You can’t be like that if you’re
466 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, 2016 AND At an Extraordinary General Meeting which the winding up has authorised to distribute either in an umpire.”– AFP
IN THE MATTER OF of the Company duly convened and been conducted and the cash, specie or in kind any surplus Kyrgios refused to let his anger
And PDP O&M SDN BHD held at SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block property of the Company assets of the Company as she shall
In the matter of the Companies (Winding-Up) (199001025089 (201606-P)) A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, disposed of (if any) and think fit to the contributory of the Osaka breezes into last four
Rules, 1972 (Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) 50450 Kuala Lumpur on 28 March to hear any explanation Company in accordance with their
At an Extraordinary General Meeting 2022 the following special/ordinary that may be given by the respective rights and interests NAOMI OSAKA moved into the in fine form in south Florida and
And of the Company duly convened resolutions were duly passed:- Liquidator. therein. Miami Open semifinals with on this evidence will take a lot of
In the matter of LUXHOME PROPERTY and held at SOHO Suites @ KLCC, 1. THAT the Company be wound up 2. To determine pursuant to Dated this 31st day of March 2022 another impressive performance stopping if she is to be denied
SDN. BHD. [COMPANY NO. 200201004590 Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, voluntarily pursuant to Section Section 518(3)(b) of the Yap Leng Khim as an out-of-sorts American the title this weekend.
(572253-T)] Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, Companies Act 2016, the Director Danielle Collins was brushed
on 28 March 2016 and that Chong Ai Ling of manner in which the books, aside at the Hard Rock Stadium “I hope she is ok,” said Osaka
BETWEEN 2022 the following special/ordinary SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, accounts and documents IN THE MATTER OF THE yesterday. after her victory over the
VCS HOMES SDN. BHD. resolutions were duly passed:- Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, of the Company shall be COMPANIES ACT, 2016 struggling Collins.
[COMPANY NO.: 201401035563 (1111688-M)] 1. THAT the Company be wound up 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is disposed of. The clinical Japanese star, yet
voluntarily pursuant to Section hereby appointed liquidator of the PHOON SOW CHENG AND to drop a set in this tournament, “This was my first night match
... PETITIONER 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, Company for the purpose of such Liquidator IN THE MATTER OF won 6-2, 6-1 and will meet Swiss so I didn’t know what the
AND 2016 and that Chong Ai Ling of winding up. 31 March 2022 MESB PROJECT MANAGEMENT Olympic gold medal winner conditions were like but I was
LUXHOME PROPERTY SDN. BHD. SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, 2. THAT Chong Ai Ling the Company’s SDN BHD (200801039754 Belinda Bencic in the last four. fine and the fans were great,”
[COMPANY NO. 200201004590 (572253-T)] Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, Liquidator be and is hereby IN THE MATTER OF THE added Osaka who hit 12 aces in a
50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is authorised to distribute either in COMPANIES ACT 2016 (841103-D)) Collins, who appeared to be match that lasted exactly one
... RESPONDENT hereby appointed liquidator of the cash, specie or in kind any surplus (Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) struggling with a neck injury and hour.
ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Company for the purpose of such assets of the Company as she shall AND NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the has been suffering with a viral
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Petition for winding up. think fit to the contributory of the IN THE MATTER OF Creditors of the abovementioned infection, will return to the top 10 Bencic, the world No. 28, who
the Winding-Up of the LUXHOME PROPERTY 2. THAT Chong Ai Ling the Company’s Company in accordance with their LADYBIRD HOLDING SDN BHD Company which is being wound up when the rankings are released beat Australia’s Daria Saville 6-
SDN. BHD. (“the Company”) by the High Liquidator be and is hereby respective rights and interests Company Number: voluntarily are required, to send in on Monday having briefly been 1,6-2, said: “I have played Osaka
Court was, on 18th March 2022 presented authorised to distribute either in therein. 198401019758 (132316-D) their names and addresses on or there following her run to the before, so I know how it feels to
to the said Court by VCS HOMES SDN. BHD. cash, specie or in kind any surplus Dated this 31st day of March 2022 before 1 May 2022, with particulars of Australian Open final earlier this play her.
of 1-2, Jalan Panglima, Off Jalan Persiaran assets of the Company as she shall Mohd Helmy Bin Ibrahim (In member’s their debts or claims and their names year.
Mahkota Cheras, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, think fit to the contributory of the Director voluntary winding-up) and addresses of their solicitors (if “I’m really happy I achieved a
43200 Cheras, Selangor Darul Ehsan (“the Company in accordance with their IN THE MATTER OF THE NOTICE OF RESOLUTION any) to:- But Osaka, the four-time great result here and everything
Petitioner”). respective rights and interests COMPANIES ACT, 2016 At an Extraordinary General Meeting Grand Slam champion, has been else is a bonus. I’m going to enjoy
AND that the said Petition is directed to be therein. of Ladybird Holding Sdn Bhd duly The Liquidators and do the best I can.” – AFP
heard before the High Court sitting at Shah Dated this 31st day of March 2022 AND convened and held on 23/03/2022, MESB PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Alam, at 9.00 o’clock in the morning on 20th Yap Leng Khim IN THE MATTER OF the following resolutions was passed
June 2022. Director NATURAL ANALYSIS SDN BHD to approve a members’ voluntary SDN BHD (200801039754
AND any creditor or contributory of the IN THE MATTER OF THE (199401021355 (307034-D)) winding up of the Company: - (841103-D))
Company, desiring to support or oppose the COMPANIES ACT, 2016 (Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS:
making of an Order on the said Petition, may NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the (i) That the Company be wound up SOHO Suites @ KLCC
appear at the time of Hearing by himself or AND Creditors of the abovementioned voluntarily by way of a members’ Block A2, Level 32-3A
his Counsel for that purpose. IN THE MATTER OF Company which is being wound up voluntary winding up pursuant to
AND a copy of the Petition will be furnished to PDP O&M SDN BHD voluntarily are required, to send in Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies No. 20, Jalan Perak
any creditor or contributory of the Company (199001025089 (201606-P)) their names and addresses on or Act 2016; 50450 Kuala Lumpur
requiring the same by the undersigned on (Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) before 1 May 2022, with particulars (ii) That the Liquidator may exercise and if so required by notice in writing
payment of the regulated charge for the NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the of their debts or claims and their any powers in accordance from the said Liquidators, or by their
same. Creditors of the abovementioned names and addresses of their with Section 456 and Eleventh solicitors or personally, to come in
The Petitioner’s address is VCS HOMES Company which is being wound up solicitors (if any) to:- Schedule of the Companies Act and prove their debts and claims
SDN. BHD. of 1-2, Jalan Panglima, Off Jalan voluntarily are required, to send in 2016; and at such time and place as shall be
Persiaran Mahkota Cheras, Bandar Mahkota their names and addresses on or The Liquidators (iii) That in accordance with the specified in such notice, or in default
Cheras, 43200 Cheras, Selangor Darul Ehsan. before 1 May 2022, with particulars NATURAL ANALYSIS SDN BHD Articles of Association of the thereof, they will be excluded from
The Petitioner’s Solicitors is Messrs. Abraham of their debts or claims and their (199401021355 (307034-D)) Company, the Liquidator be the benefit of any distribution made
Ooi & Partners, Advocates & Solicitors of 8th names and addresses of their hereby authorised to distribute before such debts and claims are
Floor, Wisma Harwant, No. 106, Jalan Tuanku solicitors (if any) to:- SOHO Suites @ KLCC to the members the whole or any proved.
Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Block A2, Level 32-3A part of the assets of the Company. Chong Ai Ling
Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. The Liquidators ORDINARY RESOLUTION: Liquidator
PDP O&M SDN BHD No. 20, Jalan Perak Resolved that in accordance with Dated this 31st day of March 2022
Signed Illegible (199001025089 (201606-P)) 50450 Kuala Lumpur Section 445(1) of the Companies
………………………… SOHO Suites @ KLCC and if so required by notice in writing Act 2016, Mr. Loo Hin Lam of No. 17,
Messrs. Abraham Ooi & Partners Block A2, Level 32-3A from the said Liquidators, or by their Elitis Dahina, Valencia, 47000 Sungai
Solicitors for the Petitioner No. 20, Jalan Perak solicitors or personally, to come in Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan, be
Note:- 50450 Kuala Lumpur and prove their debts and claims hereby appointed as the Liquidator
Any person who intends to appear on the and if so required by notice in writing at such time and place as shall be for the purposes of such winding up.
Hearing of the said Petition must serve on, from the said Liquidators, or by their specified in such notice, or in default LOO HIN LAM
or send by post to, the abovenamed Messrs. solicitors or personally, to come in thereof, they will be excluded from Liquidator
Abraham Ooi & Partners, notice in writing of and prove their debts and claims the benefit of any distribution made Petaling Jaya
his intention to do so. The Notice must state at such time and place as shall be before such debts and claims are Dated this: 31/03/2022
the name and address of the person, or, if a specified in such notice, or in default proved.
firm, the name and address of the firm, and thereof, they will be excluded from Chong Ai Ling
must be signed by the person or firm, or his the benefit of any distribution made Liquidator
or their solicitors, if any. The notice must be before such debts and claims are Dated this 31st day of March 2022
served, or if posted, must be sent by post in proved.
sufficient time, to reach the abovenamed not Chong Ai Ling
later than 12.00 p.m. of 19th June 2022. Liquidator
This Advertisement of Petition is issued by Dated this 31st day of March 2022
Messrs. Abraham Ooi & Partners, Advocates
& Solicitors, solicitors for the Petitioner,
whose address of service is at No. 106, 8th
Floor, Wisma Harwant, Jalan Tuanku Abdul
Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah
Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Tel No: 03-2691 0725
Fax No: 03-2697 0626
Ruj: AW/L/AU/JY/32724/21/WUP

22 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MARCH 31, 2022 FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN
ME
SPORTS /thesundaily

LIVERPOOL star Sadio Mane converted a Mane sinks Egypt again
shoot-out penalty yesterday to take African … as Thomas gets Ghana’s World Cup Partey started
champions Senegal to the 2022 World Cup and they retained the lead until the 118th minute
in Qatar at the expense of Egypt. and Mostafa Mohamed for Egypt. that took Ghana to the World Cup as they forced a when Ahmed Touba equalised in the second leg of
Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco and Tunisia also “It was important to get off to a good start, 1-1 draw in Nigeria to win the playoff on away a playoff.
booked their places in the finals on a frantic night goals.
of playoff action. something we had not done in Cairo,” said But with Algeria leading 2-1 overall having won
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse. Partey struck after 10 minutes in Abuja and the first leg 1-0 last Friday, and seemingly set for
Senegal won the second leg of the African although another Premier League star, William Qatar, Toko Ekambi struck.
playoff 1-0 in Diamniadio thanks to a fourth- “This team is better equipped (than the one Troost-Ekong, levelled from a 22nd-minute
minute goal from Boulaye Dia and the teams which qualified for the 2018 finals). We (should penalty, Nigeria failed to score again. The first leg Azzedine Ounahi scored twice as Morocco
finished level at 1-1 on aggregate after extra-time. have been) able to qualify in regular time given ended goalless. trounced the Democratic Republic of Congo 4-1
the chances we missed.” in Casablanca to reach the finals for a sixth time.
As was the case in the Africa Cup of Nations Karl Toko Ekambi scored in the fourth minute
final last month, Mane was entrusted with taking Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz said: “There is not of added time at the end of extra time to gave Tarik Tissoudali and Paris Saint-Germain
the crucial fifth Senegal kick and once again he much to say – just nice words for the players for Cameroon a dramatic 2-1 win over Algeria in fullback Achraf Hakimi also netted for the Atlas
made no mistake to give his side a 3-1 shoot-out the game they played. Congratulations to Blida and qualification on away goals. Lions, who qualified 5-2 on aggregate after the first
victory. Senegal.” leg finished 1-1 in Kinshasa.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting put eight-time
Among the three Egyptians who failed to score The drama in Diamniadio came soon after qualifiers Cameroon ahead in the 22nd minute The outclassed Congolese Leopards trailed by
in the shoot-out was Sane’s Liverpool teammate Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey scored the goal four goals before Ben Malango snatched a
Mohamed Salah, who uncharacteristically blazed consolation goal 13 minutes from time.
his kick over the crossbar.
Tunisia secured their place in Qatar despite
Only four of the nine penalty takers were being held 0-0 at home by Mali in the second leg
successful with captain Kalidou Koulibaly and of a playoff.
Saliou Ciss missing for Senegal and Salah, “Zizo”
Having built a 1-0 lead in Mali through a
5439/2022 30/03/2022 (WED) Moussa Sissako own-goal, Tunisia were unable to
build on their aggregate advantage and only
scraped through. – AFP

5873 DrawDate:30/03/22(Wed) DrawNo:5386/22 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB
8120
5031

2225 3398 7715 3172 5549
8490 8045 3089 2043
0127 3826 7183 1102 6726
0785 0263 3340 0372
1857 1989 3805 8447 7391

5873 8120 6,238,692.31 4354 + 4815 9303 + 3510
5873 5031 8120 5873 6164 + 3491 7225 + 0930
8120 5031 5031 5873 5188 + 1832 8015 + 8377
5031 8120 8262 + 3007 2070 + 3545
507,388.06 9616 + 0715 6954 + 9957

Peruvian players celebrate after defeating Paraguay in their South American RM6,852,612.80
qualification match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 yesterday in Lima. – AFPPIX
5873 5549 + 6726 6726 + 5549
Peru seal playoff berth 5549 + 7391 7391 + 5549
8120 6726 + 7391 7391 + 6726
5031
HORSE RM243,898.50

PERU sealed a World Cup playoff spot qualify for their first finals since Spain in 305 549 + DRAGON RM1,633,333.30
yesterday after a 2-0 win over Paraguay 1982.
90321 secured fifth place in the South American 666 726 + GOAT RM3,175,381.20
0321 qualifying group. “We’re very happy, we fought so hard,”
18292 321 said defender Renato Tapia. “We were in a 307 391 + MONKEY RM1,190,000.00
32373 21 Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and really tight situation but we were able to
Uruguay had already secured South pull ourselves out of it. Paraguay were a
124244 America’s four automatic spots. tough rival but we won.” 474 354 464 815 869 303 983 510
126 164 293 491 287 225 450 930
12424 24244 Peru will meet either the United Arab In the night’s other games, Brazil beat 955 188 981 832 978 015 568 377
1242 4244 Emirates or Australia, who play the Asian Bolivia 4-0 in La Paz thanks to goals from 678 262 873 007 312 070 913 545
124 244 confederation playoff in Doha on June 7, Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and a 349 616 270 715 976 954 739 957
12 44 for a place in Qatar. The inter- double for Richarlison.
confederation playoff will take place in
Doha on June 13 or 14. Argentina drew 1-1 at Ecuador after
Julian Alvarez’s early goal was cancelled
“Tonight’s game was a joy for the out in stoppage time by the home side’s
whole country but there is still one more Enner Valencia, who converted the
step to take,” midfielder Christian Cueva rebound after his penalty was saved.
said. “As from tomorrow we’ll be focused
on the playoff.” Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0 thanks
to a James Rodriguez penalty, while Luis
Peru also had to go through a playoff Suarez, with a bicycle kick, and Federico
to reach the last World Cup in Russia, Valverde gave Uruguay a 2-0 win over
defeating New Zealand over two legs to Chile in Santiago. – Reuters

5 12 20 22 29 41 Pressure mounts on Socceroos’ boss 549 726 391
97,751,643.85
THE pressure on Australia coach Graham respect them as a football nation.” RM794,270.20
10 18 34 39 41 42 Arnold was not eased by the Socceroos, While sacking Arnold before the
3,304,908.89 already out of the running for a direct 549 + 726 + 391 726 + 391 + 549
ticket to Qatar, ending the third round of playoffs might be considered a gamble, 549 + 391 + 726 391 + 549 + 726
11 17 23 36 38 44 25 Asian World Cup qualifying with a the Socceroos are no strangers to 726 + 549 + 391 391 + 726 + 549
8,809,832.56 whimper in a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia in coaching turmoil ahead of global football’s
102,305.82 Jeddah yesterday. quadrennial showpiece. dmcGO: All you need is at your
finger tips!
Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System) The failure to qualify directly for the German Holger Osieck was sacked after
finals by finishing third in their group securing direct qualification to the 2014
RM161,123 behind the Saudis and Japan is weighing World Cup, while his replacement Ange
Toto 4D Jackpot 1 (i-System) heavily on Arnold, whose potential Postecoglou walked away from the job
RM101,449 successor is already a matter of much after Australia had secured a ticket to the
conjecture in the local media. 2018 finals via the playoffs.
won on 29/03/2022 !
“It’s disappointing we didn’t qualify Arnold has given every indication that
directly, but look at the type of football he will battle on in the job, if given the
culture they’ve built here in Saudi Arabia,” opportunity.
he told Channel 10.
“Now the boys have to go back to their
“I think that a lot of Australians don’t clubs and they need to work hard,” he
added. – Reuters

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ME * SPORTS
@thesundaily

Lewa secures WC ticket for Poland
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI slotted home a
second half penalty as Poland booked Andersson rues missed chances as Swedes miss out one of his most important.
their berth at the World Cup finals with a Zielinski put the result beyond doubt when he
2-0 win over Sweden in yesterday’s Veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic came on for the stages of the World Cup finals, from Nov 21 to Dec
playoff. final 10 minutes for Sweden, but the 40-year-old 18, after dominating the second half. capitalised on a slip by Sweden defender Marcus
striker was unable to influence the result and will Danielson and sprinted clear.
After the Poland captain converted a spotkick, miss out on a third appearance at a World Cup The Poles were awarded the crucial penalty
Piotr Zielinski put the game beyond doubt with a finals. just after halftime. He slotted his shot past Olsen with 18 minutes
superb second goal for the hosts in Chorzow. left to spark wild celebrations from the home
“Everyone is disappointed – that’s normal Attacking midfielder Sebastian Szymanski crowd.
“We had many problems before this match,” when losing,” Ibrahimovic told TV4. rolled the ball into substitute Grzegorz
said Lewandowski. Krychowiak, who was fouled by Jesper Karlstrom. Only a superb save from Olsen denied
“Everyone wants to play in the World Cup, but Lewandowski a second goal when the Poland
“A lot of our players were injured, including me, unfortunately that won’t happen.” The referee pointed straight to the spot and it striker was allowed a rare late chance in the area
I had a problem with my knee,“ he added, having was a trademark penalty kick by Lewandowski. by the Swedish defence.
sat out last week’s 1-1 draw with Scotland. Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny played The Bayern Munich ace casually arced his run,
a key role in Poland’s victory with saves to deny waited for Robin Olsen to move and then slotted “I’m enormously disappointed, hugely
“We suffered, but now we can celebrate. I am Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg in both halves. the ball to the left of the Swedish goalkeeper. disappointed. Nothing went our way,” said
proud and happy.” Sweden coach Janne Andersson.
Poland go into tomorrow’s draw for the group It was his 75th goal for Poland and arguably
“But one has to make sure that things go one’s
SIDENETTING Eriksen way – you can’t blame other circumstances.”
Bitter disappointment in Cairo scores as
Denmark, “We played a match where we have good
HEADS in Cairo hung heavy as the Pharaohs lost their France and control of their attacking play and we create
place in the Qatar World Cup to the Senegalese Lions Italy win enough to take the lead, but we didn’t,” he said.
of Teranga after a nailbiting penalty shootout friendlies
yesterday. Portugese coach Carlos Queiroz tweeted “It feels like a cheap penalty, a half-stupid
after the game that the “dream is over”, after once situation, and we let in 2-0 through an individual
again finding his team in a shootout with the hopes of mistake. We create enough to take the lead, it is a
Egypt’s 103-million strong population hanging in the vital part of football.” – AFP/Reuters
balance. “We didn’t expect this,” Emad Ramadan
sullenly told AFP from a coffee shop in eastern Cairo. Denmark’s 675/22 30/03/2022
“Football can make people so happy,” Abdelaziz Christian Eriksen
Mohamed said. “It could have brought us out of this (left) with coach 4510
terrible mood we’ve been in for a while.” Kasper Hjulmand 3396
during a friendly 1492
Zlatan to play‘as long as possible’
match against
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has said he will continue Serbia yesterday.
playing international football for “as long as possible”
despite Sweden’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World – REUTERSPIX
Cup. The 40-year-old came on as a substitute for the
final 10 minutes in Sweden’s 2-0 play-off loss to Poland DENMARK midfielder Christian Eriksen applause from the home crowd. 8958 6715 5885 9872
in Chorzow yesterday. Ibrahimovic has endured an scored yesterday on his return to the “Welcome home Eriksen” and 9199 4099 7538 4956
injury-hit season and will be 42 by the time of the next Copenhagen stadium where he suffered 7368 1348 6443 1626
major international tournament he could play in, Euro a cardiac arrest last year as France and “Welcome home Christian” banners were 7566 5506 8219 6645
2024 in Germany. “I will continue as long as I can,” the Italy also won the latest round of pre- unfurled by fans as the players came 8098 1490 9066 8177
AC Milan striker told a press conference. “You won’t World Cup friendlies. onto the pitch at the capital’s national
get a different answer here just because we didn’t win stadium. RM 15,608,487.98
this match and we didn’t qualify for the World Cup. The Dane, wearing the captain’s
That goes for the national team, and also for Milan.” armband, struck in the 57th minute to European champions Italy also rung 4510 + 3396 4510 + 1492
round off Denmark’s 3-0 friendly win the changes days after their shock 3396 + 4510 3396 + 1492
Salah hit by missiles against Serbia in the Parken Stadium defeat to North Macedonia that denied 1492 + 4510 1492 + 3396
where he collapsed and nearly died in a them a World Cup berth.
NEW footage has emerged of Mohamed Salah being European championship match against RM 285,217.43
pelted with missiles with dozens of officials trying to Finland last June. Bryan Cristante’s 35th minute header
protect the Liverpool star as he made his way down and a Giacomo Raspadori brace gave 01 02 08 09 13 16 30 35
the tunnel following Egypt’s defeat to Senegal “To come back to Parken and score a the European champions the win after 05 14
yesterday. Salah was seen being escorted by security goal with the welcome I received… is Cengiz Under had given the hosts a
off the pitch with one man holding his hand over the something that gives you goosebumps. fourth-minute lead.
Liverpool star’s head as he made his way down the It makes me incredibly happy,” said
tunnel after being struck by missiles. “The Egypt Eriksen. Serdar Dursun pulled one back with
national team have been exposed to racism with seven minutes left but Gianluigi
offensive signs in the stands against the Egyptian A reshuffled France also saw Kylian Donnarumma stopped the Fenerbahce
players in general, and Mohamed Salah in particular,” Mbappe and Olivier Giroud on target for forward from heading Turkey level
an Egyptian FA statement said, claiming their players the world champions in a comfortable moments later with a superb save.
were subject to racist abuse. “The crowd also 5-0 victory over South Africa eight
intimidated the players by throwing bottles and months before the World Cup kicks off “It was the first time that they all
rocks on them during the warm-up. The Egyptian in Doha. played together so it wasn’t easy for
group’s busses have also been exposed to assaults them,” added Mancini.
that led to broken windows and injuries; filed with European heavyweights Germany
pictures and videos as proof in the complaint and the Netherlands played out a 1-1 “They’re all young lads, they need
submitted.” draw in Amsterdam while Italy salvaged time. It wasn’t easy even if the match
some pride days after failing to qualify itself wasn’t worth very match. They
RESULTS for a second consecutive World Cup, were good and that makes me happy
beating Turkey 3-2 in Konya. for them.”
WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
European (Playoff): Poland 2 (Lewandowski 49-pen, In Copenhagen, taking to the pitch, In Lille, Giroud scored either side of a
Zielinski 72) Sweden 0, Portugal 2 (Fernandes 32, 65) Eriksen was handed the captain’s Mbappe brace for his 48th goal for Les
North Macedonia 0. armband and received a huge wave of Bleus with Wissam Ben Yedder and
South America: Peru 2 (Lapadula 5, Yotun 42) Matteo Guendouzi also on the score
Paraguay 0, Venezuela 0 Colombia 1 (Rodriguez sheet. – AFP
45+5-pen), Bolivia 0 Brazil 4 (Paqueta 24, Richarlison 45,
90+1, Guimaraes 66), Chile 0 Uruguay 2 (Suarez 79, Chelsea slap RM180m price on Werner
Valverde 90), Ecuador 1 (Valencia 90+3) Argentina 1 (J.
Alvarez 24). CHELSEA have slapped an ambitious striker admitted that the playing style 109692 09692
Africa (Playoffs 2nd leg): Nigeria 1 Ghana 1 (Agg: 1-1, price-tag on Timo Werner after used by Germany manager Hansi Flick 9692
Ghana win on away goals), Senegal 1 Egypt 0 (Agg: 1-1, learning that the German wants to is a better fit for his skillset than the 10969 692
Senegal win 3-1 on pen), Algeria 1 Cameroon 2 (Agg: leave the club at the end of the role Tuchel asks him to play, following 1096 92
2-2, Cameroon win on away goals), Morocco 4 Congo 1 season. his goal against Israel at the weekend. 109
(Morocco win 5-2 on agg), Tunisia 0 Mali 0 (Tunisia win 10
1-0 on agg). The Blues are willing to grant Werner has scored just once in 14
International friendlies (Selected): England 3 Ivory Werner’s wish but only if they receive League matches so far this season - 96
Coast 0, Denmark 3 Serbia 0, France 5 South Africa 0, an offer of at least £33 million though in his defence he’s only started
Netherlands 1 Germany 1, Turkey 2 Italy 3, Spain 5 (RM184m) – significantly lower than five of them – and while his campaign 05
Iceland 0. the £47.5m (RM266m) they spent on has been plagued by a mix of injuries,
him just under two years ago. illnesses and rotten luck, he looks RM 7,109,921.63
destined to join the growing list of
The 26-year-old has seen his first- expensive strikers to have fallen face- RM 159,501.28
team opportunities dwindle since the first into the mud once through the
summer arrival of Romelu Lukaku, but doors at Stamford Bridge.
even when the Belgian striker isn’t
available Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel Quite how Werner became so
has opted for Kai Havertz up front allergic to scoring goals remains a bit
instead, and according to German of a mystery given how prolific he was
website Sport 1, Werner is ready to call in the Bundesliga, but if he’s to find
it quits. any sort of remedy it probably won’t
be in west London. – Daily Star
It comes just a few days after the

THURSDAY • MARCH 31, 2022 QUOTE OF THE DAY

At this moment, I don’t feel any pressure. To
be in the semifinals, I knew before the
tournament that I have to be there if I want to be No. 1.
It’s great that I have this chance. Only one match left.
Of course maybe during the match, pressure can start
to build up, depending on how the match is going…”

Daniil Medvedev

Portugal’s Bruno England fans
Fernandes (left) in booing Maguire
action with North an absolute
Macedonia’s Visar joke: Southgate
Musliu during the
World Cup playoff GARETH SOUTHGATE said it was an “absolute
final at Estadio do joke” that Harry Maguire was jeered by some
Dragao in Porto England fans and Jack Grealish called the
yesterday. – treatment of his teammate “ridiculous”.
REUTERSPIX
Having kicked off World Cup preparations with
Forza Portugal! a 2-1 comeback win against Switzerland at the
weekend, the Three Lions boss made 10 changes
Fernandes, Ronaldo put Man Utd woes aside to down North Macedonia for the friendly against Ivory Coast yesterday.

MANCHESTER UNITED duo the tie and finished without a single shot on are no exception. Usually he scores and I Under-fire Manchester United captain Maguire
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno target. assist, but today it was the other way around. was among those brought in and was greeted by a
Fernandes put their patchy club smattering of boos at Wembley, where his name
form and questionable chemistry Portugal boss Fernando Santos expressed “For me, the most important thing is to had received a similar reaction last week.
to one side as Portugal saw off North his desire to win the 2022 World Cup and help the team – if possible with goals. Of
Macedonia 2-0. heaped praised onto his side and the course we all like to score in every game, There were even some jeers during the
opponents. whether it’s the most important game or the defender’s first few touches of the ball in the 3-0
The result sees them progress to the 2022 least important. win against 10-man Ivory Coast – a baffling
World Cup finals, ending the visitors’ hopes of “I have already won two competitions and reaction that infuriated England’s manager.
qualifying for their second ever major I dream a lot of winning a third. I have to “I keep in mind our coach’s ideas and that’s
tournament. congratulate the players for the fantastic probably why I’ve scored this double, from “I thought the reception was a joke, an absolute
attitude. doing what the coach asks of me.” joke,” he told Sky Sports.
North Macedonia produced perhaps the
story of the World Cup qualifying playoff semi “The players showed they were fully Ronaldo added that Portugal are in their “What he has done for us, the way he has
finals when an unlikely stoppage-time committed from the start and defeated a “rightful place” after booking their ticket to performed for England, I don’t get it. We are either
stunner from Aleksandar Trajkovski was difficult opponent.” Qatar. in this all together or we are not.”
enough to topple Italy in Palermo. Players,
staff and fans were all in a state of euphoria at Santos also praised the fans for their “Goal achieved, we’re at the Qatar World Southgate not only felt the abuse of Maguire
their unlikely triumph, but a tough task support throughout the night at the Estadio do Cup, we’re in our rightful place!” Ronaldo unacceptable but damaging to the rest of the
against the might of Portugal stood between Dragao. posted on Instagram. England squad.
them and a World Cup spot.
“There was a spirit of mutual help and a “Thank you to all the Portuguese for the “I don’t understand how it benefits anybody
It did not take long for the hosts to assert great support from the public. It was a tireless support! Forza Portugal!” because we’re either all in it together or we’re not,”
their authority in Porto. A terrible backwards deserved and fair victory. the England boss said on a night when Ollie
pass by Stefan Ristovski was intercepted and A Fernandes masterclass, which has Watkins, Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings scored
allowed Ronaldo to streak through on goal, “I don’t remember any great goalscoring become something of a rarity this season, will for the hosts.
and the Red Devils forward played a delightful situation for their team. We created chances to be looked upon favourably by United fans
nutmeg pass square to Fernandes who score. We have all the merit in the World Cup. who could do with a step-up in output from “I would imagine if you asked a few actually
dispatched a composed finish. their midfield talisman. why were they doing that they might not even be
“We are happy because the Portuguese able to answer because it becomes a mob
After the break a second goal came from a people will get to see Portugal in a World Cup Strong chemistry between himself and mentality.
superb Diogo Jota cross which found again,” Santos said. Ronaldo will also come as a welcome sight,
Fernandes, his foe at club level, and he given that they have struggled to gel on a “Of course at one end of the ground we’ve got
volleyed home emphatically to grant the hosts While the likes of Ronaldo and Fernandes consistent basis at Old Trafford. a hardcore section of fans who are playing his song
a welcomed buffer. carried their team to victory yesterday by and trying to get his name sung, so I’m very aware
combining for the opener, the latter insists Fernandes is expected to sign a lucrative it’s not everybody.
Despite all the will in the world, North ensuring the country qualified was the most new deal with United. Reports indicate that he
Macedonia could not work their way back into important factor. will soon tie his future down until 2027 on a “But we’re either all in this together or we’re not,
vastly improved pay packet, believed to be in and don’t think for one minute the other players
“The most important thing is that Portugal the region of £240,000-a-week (RM1.4m). – won’t be looking at that thinking ‘that could be me
won,” Fernandes said. Express Newspapers/AFP/Agencies one day’.

“Everyone has ambition, Cristiano and I “That’s been one of the problems with playing
for England. Players have thought ‘hmmm, do I
want to go because when it turns a little bit
difficult then the crowd are going to turn on me’.

“That happened with John Barnes here, that
happened with Ashley Cole a couple of times, it
happened with Raheem, now Harry. They’re all
outstanding players so how that is going to benefit
anybody I really don’t understand.

“We’re united as a team. We need a Harry
Maguire playing well if we’re going to have a
chance of doing well (in the winter) because we’re
not going to win a World Cup with a load of players
that have got three or four caps.

“That’s not happened in the history of the game
so we need our experienced players playing well,
particularly in those positions of the field.

“He’s top quality. In my opinion, he’s the best
centreback at his club as well. Where this is all
starting or being fed (from), I’m not sure but it’s
ludicrous.

“It’s almost like every time he steps on a football
pitch every action is analysed to death. I can’t
remember a player having that sort of spotlight on
them at any point.”

Those sentiments were shared in the dressing
room, with Grealish mystified by the reaction.

“Personally I think it’s ridiculous,” he said.
“Harry’s been unbelievable for this country in the
World Cup, the Euros. I think even tonight he was
brilliant. Our first two goals come from him.

“The first one him driving out with the ball and
the second comes from him driving a little bit and
then playing the pass into Ollie. Not every
centreback can have those qualities.

“He’s been a fantastic servant for this country
and he’s been brilliant, so I think it was ridiculous
for him to get booed and it wasn’t something that
the team liked.” – The Independent

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