Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 WEDNESDAY MAR 13, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8478 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Umbrella body for civil servant unions supports prime minister’s suggestion that women enjoy flexible or shortened working hours to facilitate focus on family responsibilities. Cuepacs ‘yes’ to better work-life balance for women Two Vietnamese and a Bangladeshi believed to be members of gang responsible for several cases of jewellery shop break-ins involving losses of more than RM4 million. 3 foreigners killed in shootout with cops Report on — page 5 Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim invites more businesses to invest in Malaysia by taking advantage of country’s developed infrastructure and strategic location in Southeast Asia. Report on hpage 2 - Report on page 4 PM woos German investors Report on — page 3 Some 19,000 tonnes of food waste collected nationwide every day during Holy Month, 15% more compared with 16,000 tonnes during other times. Don’t waste food during Ramadan, IFTAR TREAT ... A stall owner preparing grilled fare public urged for breaking of fast at the Ramadan Bazaar at Kampung Baru in Kuala Lumpur on the first day of the fasting month yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN
WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 2 Ramadan Al-Mubarak greetings from King, Queen KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Queen of Malaysia have conveyed Ramadan Al-Mubarak greetings to all Muslims in the country. Through a post on Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook page, His Majesty called on Muslims to seize the opportunity to improve worship and strengthen the brotherhood among fellow believers. The King urged them to put aside any disagreement, dispute or conflict in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan. His Majesty also called on all Muslims to pray with him that Malaysia would continue to be blessed and protected from any form of threats, disasters and calamities. The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced on Sunday that Muslims in Malaysia would begin fasting from yesterday. – Bernama Anwar solicits investments from German companies BERLIN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on German businesses to take advantage of Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia and its developed infrastructure to make Malaysia a preferred investment destination. “Within the European Union, Germany, of course, is our largest trading partner and you have invested a substantial amount, close to US$15 billion (RM70.24 billion).” He cited Infineon Technologies AG and many other leading German companies that have Anwar, accompanied by Scholz, inspecting a guard-of-honour mounted for the welcome ceremony held in conjunction with his official visit to Germany. – BERNAMAPIC oNation looks forward to greater collaboration not only in enhancing trade and investment but also bilateral relations in all fields, says prime minister Strive to achieve rewards, blessings of Ramadan: PM KUALA LUMPUR: Make the beginning of Ramadan an opportunity to spend more time in munajat (supplication), perform more good deeds, attain the level of taqwa (piety) and resolutely achieve the rewards and blessings of the holy month, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is in Berlin on a sixday official visit to Germany, said in a post on his Facebook page that Muslims in the German capital had begun fasting. He said he had advised members of his delegation, who had their sahur (pre-dawn meal) at 4am and performed their fajr (dawn) prayers at 4.35am, to recite the Quran and its interpretations, Bernama reported. In the post accompanied by a Selamat Menyambut Ramadan 2024/1445H poster, Anwar added that while awaiting the morning events he reflected on messages received from his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and family members, as well as work matters from Cabinet colleagues. He said there were also several messages from Indonesian friends regarding a heartbreaking story of the abuse of santri (religious students) in a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in East Java. “Memories (were evoked) of past incidents in the country, stories of student abuse, including (one) during my stint as the education minister, at a secondary school in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The most tragic and shocking was the death of a student at Universiti Pertahanan (Nasional Malaysia). “Education should not neglect discipline, morals and etiquette. Learning, even religious education, should not merely involve memorising knowledge and verses without enlightenment, awareness and practice. “Therefore, all educators and parents need to emphasise this approach and not protect vile behaviour.” He urged schools, religious schools, institutes, colleges and universities to emphasise discipline and morals and firmly prevent immorality from taking root in educational institutions. Anwar arrived in Berlin on Sunday to begin his official visit to Germany. Malaysia, Germany call for lasting ceasefire in Gaza BERLIN: Malaysia and Germany on Monday called for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of hostages and immediate humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his German counterpart Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the international community must strive for a two-state solution to solve the decades-long conflict in the Middle East. “Sometimes, we have some differences, but I think there are issues like the war in Gaza where we agree on an immediate ceasefire, and call for humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine,” he said at a joint press conference with Scholz. In his bilateral meeting with Scholz, he discussed, among others, the Gaza conflict and a two-state solution to end the decades of suffering of the Palestinian people. Anwar said Malaysia acknowledged the concerns of what happened on Oct 7, 2023 when the conflict started between Hamas and Israel, but also appealed to the Europeans and Germany in particular, to take note of the decades of atrocities, plunder and dispossession of Palestinians. Scholz said Germany, known as an ally of Israel, agreed that a long-lasting ceasefire is needed to find a peaceful solution to the Gaza crisis, Bernama reported. “I wish we can find a lasting ceasefire during this Ramadan month, (and) the release of hostages by Hamas. This can lead to more aid entering Gaza,” said Scholz, adding he is glad that Anwar chose to visit Germany on the first day of Ramadan and broke fast with the Malaysian delegation. Asked whether Monday’s meeting could influence the push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Anwar said both countries could play their part in finding a solution. “Well, Germany has established good relations with Israel. And, we have slightly better relations with Palestine. The only solution for now is a permanent ceasefire and, ultimately, a two-state solution.” chosen Malaysia as their important hub, and set up centres of excellence and training centres. Anwar added that Malaysia looks forward to greater collaboration, not only in enhancing trade and investment but also strengthening bilateral relations in all fields. He was speaking at a joint media conference with his German counterpart Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Federal Chancellory here. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said Malaysia is keen on training students in Germany. “We have about 1,000 students in Germany for training in German companies for their initial exposure.” He said Putrajaya welcomes Berlin’s interest in terms of new investments in renewable energy and green technology. “Renewable energy is our focus now. We are fortunate because we are strong in solar, green energy and strong in terms of our capacity to export renewable energy.” Anwar said Malaysia is exporting renewable energy to Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara and through undersea cable to Singapore. “So, there is a huge potential that you can see in the mushrooming of data centres and AI in the region, especially in Malaysia.” On other developments, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s optimism in achieving economic growth of between 4% and 5% this year, grounded on the solid foundation of the Madani economy framework and the reforms outlined in Malaysia’s Budget 2024. He highlighted that the Madani economy framework would leverage on Malaysia’s innate strengths in enhancing national competitiveness, with emphasis on fiscal sustainability measures, good governance practices and efficacious service delivery. There are over 700 German companies based in Malaysia, providing 65,000 jobs, Bernama reported. Malaysia is the largest trading partner for Germany among Asean member states. In 2023, Malaysia’s total trade with Germany increased by 5.9% to RM63.45 billion compared with RM59.87 billion in 2022. Putrajaya engaging well with Beijing: Premier BERLIN: Malaysia has assured Germany that it is engaging well with China and has not encountered any serious issue. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said although Malaysia is a small country, it reserves the right to engage with most countries, particularly to ensure that its people would benefit from such collaboration. Anwar said while Malaysia acknowledges China’s growing influence and impact on regional dynamics, the country is committed to maintaining good relations with the latter while safeguarding its own sovereignty and interests. He also emphasised the importance of constructive engagement and dialogue to address any challenge arising from China’s influence in the region, including concerns over the South China Sea. During his bilateral meeting with his German counterpart Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Anwar said China is Malaysia’s top trading partner globally, and both countries are celebrating an important milestone this year, namely their 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations. On the Ukraine war, Anwar said both leaders agreed that Russia must stop its aggression there and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. “It’s having ramifications in terms of trade and economic development, even as far as Asia,” he said. – Bernama
WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 3 992 trafficking victims rescued since 2022 KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 280 human trafficking cases have been recorded since 2022, with 526 individuals arrested and 992 victims rescued, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. He said this year alone, a total of 38 cases were recorded, with 59 arrests and 141 individuals rescued. He was responding to a question from Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit) during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Bernama reported. Muhammad Ismi wanted to know about the Home Ministry’s efforts in dealing with crime, particularly human trafficking. Besides enforcement through the AntiTrafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670) which was amended in 2022, he said the ministry also introduced various initiatives, including for employers to take the pledge to assist the government in combatting human trafficking and forced labour. According to Shamsul Anuar, 28 companies have carried out the initiative so far. “All companies that get contracts from the ministry are also required to take the pledge.” He said the government also has strategic cooperation with neighbouring countries through the Asean platform, including the Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime, and the meeting of senior officials, to highlight the issue of fraudulent crimes, including human trafficking activities. No politicking, Sabah opposition told KOTA KINABALU: Opposition parties in Sabah have been reminded not to engage in excessive politicking to the point it sabotages the state government’s efforts to bring development and overcome legacy issues. Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) information chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said the GRS and Pakatan Harapan Plus-led state government would always focus on developing Sabah and boosting the state’s revenue and has also initiated efforts to tackle problems inherited from previous governments. “The duty of a good opposition party is to give constructive criticism and not make allegations that the government isn’t taking any measures,” he said. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, denied on Saturday that his administration failed to administer and bring development to Sabah, as claimed by opposition leaders. – Bernama Leaders subject to Ombudsman law KUCHING: Community leaders in Sarawak are now subject to the Ombudsman Ordinance 2023 and may face action if they abuse their influence regarding projects or developments in their respective areas. Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said leaders found involved in maladministration would not be exempt from action under the law. “Community leaders also have the right to file complaints if they have evidence that the state agencies’ actions are not done in the public’s interest (under the provisions of the ordinance), and this can be investigated. “Sometimes, complaints arise due to unfair decisions involving land matters and allocations. “(Members of) The community need to know about their right to file complaints, but they should not act based on emotions and slander. Make sure there are facts,” he said. – Bernama Aid withdrawn for ‘beggar’ with Proton X70 KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has stopped providing a disability allowance for a recipient who was found to engage in begging activities and owns a Proton X70 Premium. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said besides discontinuing the RM450 allowance starting this month, the ministry has also issued a warning and instructed the man to sign a letter of undertaking to cease begging activities. “Further investigations found that he is currently employed as a shift supervisor at a bus company, earning about RM2,000 per month. Hence, this individual is no longer eligible for welfare assistance from the Social Welfare Department,” she said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. She was responding to a supplementary question from Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) who wanted to know the actions taken by the ministry and department regarding a disabled man who received the aid. The man has disabilities in both hands and owns a Proton X70. His begging activities recently went viral on social media He was reported to earn up to RM500 within five hours from public donations at a night market before the Maran Social Welfare Department exposed him in February. On the ministry’s long-term measures to address the issue of destitute and homeless people, Noraini said it is reviewing the Destitute Persons Act 1977. “The ministry aims to use this study’s findings as a basis for rationalising decisions related to mechanisms for addressing begging, homelessness, recovery and enforcement aspects,” she said. For short-term measures, she said the ministry is conducting ad-hoc, scheduled or periodic operations in hotspot areas such as the Kuala Lumpur city centre that are in line with various related laws. These acts include the House to House and Street Collections Act 1947, Section 420 of the Penal Code, and Section 27 (c) of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for begging, as well as laws under state and local authorities, namely the Local Government Act 1976 and by-laws. “The solution to this issue does not solely lie with the ministry. Therefore, cooperation and support from all quarters, including state governments, local authorities and the public, are highly encouraged,” she added. Flexible work hours proposal for women lauded PETALING JAYA: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has thrown its support behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s suggestion that women civil servants should enjoy flexible or shortened working hours so they can attend to their family responsibilities more effectively. Its secretary-general Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin said the move will mark a significant stride towards gender equality and work-life balance in the public sector. Anwar had suggested that such flexibility might involve adjusting pay rates, citing an example of potentially reducing working hours from the usual 8am to 5pm to just four hours, resulting in a proportionately lower pay. “This adjustment aims to accommodate women who face pressure in balancing work and childcare responsibilities at home. It is part of an ongoing study for a new civil service salary scheme,” Anwar said during the International Women’s Day Celebration 2024 on March 8. He said Malaysia could become the first country to offer such flexibility to female civil servants and expressed his intention to discuss oMove will mark significant stride towards gender equality, work-life balance in public sector: Cuepacs sec-gen █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [email protected] this matter with the chief secretary to the government and the director-general of public services. Abdul Rahman said it is encouraging to see discussions surrounding the topic and called for a quicker and more consistent implementation process. He said Malaysia’s delay in adopting flexible working hours contrasted with Sweden, Denmark and Canada, which implemented such policies years ago. “Even Norway has robust labour laws that support flexible working hours for men and women, emphasising the government’s promotion of a healthy work-life balance through generous parental leave policies.” Abdul Rahman said the implementation of flexible working hours for female civil servants would not negatively impact the daily operations of government departments. “However, it is crucial to ensure that such policies are implemented thoughtfully and equitably, taking into account the needs of all employees and considering the potential impact on daily work routines. “For instance, flexible hours may cause changes to schedules, workload distribution and communication within departments. While it aims to provide better work-life balance for women employees, ensuring that service delivery and productivity are maintained is essential.” Abdul Rahman emphasised that proper planning, communication and management strategies need to be in place to mitigate any negative impacts on daily work routines. “Being a working woman is tough. You have got work deadlines to meet, a house to run and children to care for all at the same time. But by offering flexible schedules, we can ensure working women can manage their chores well,” he said. Abdul Rahman also stressed the importance of implementing policies within the civil service that mirror the flexible work arrangements commonly found in the private sector. “Many women are drawn to the benefits offered by most private sectors. Empowering women in the civil service requires implementing similar policies to those practised by the private sector that enable greater work flexibility. “By offering options for remote work and onsite attendance, we can better accommodate the diverse needs of women employees, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and job satisfaction.” Abdul Rahman said with flexible working practices, government agencies can become more attractive to draw top talent into the country and improve organisational efficiency and productivity. RAYA MOOD ... Shoppers browsing garments at the Selangor Ramadan Festival 2024 at SACC Mall in Shah Alam yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC
WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 4 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Fasting dates, duration influenced by regional factors KUALA LUMPUR: As Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, started yesterday for most countries, Muslims began to fulfil their religious obligations as one of the five pillars of Islam. Perak Mufti Department Islamic Affairs officer Ustaz Zainuddin Muhammad said it is important to note due to the cycle of the moon, █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected] Clean-up drive at Morib beach PETALING JAYA: Some 40 STM Lottery Sdn Bhd staff recently partnered with environmental organisation MY Clean Beach in a campaign at Pantai Morib Baru near Banting in Kuala Langat, Selangor. STM Lottery deputy general manager (Communications & Sustainability) Giam Say Khoon said the event aimed to contribute to environmental conservation efforts while encouraging a sense of volunteerism among its employees. “Our staff spent Saturday morning picking up litter and segregating rubbish. This contributes to the cleanliness and preservation of the beach in Pantai Morib Baru. “We are grateful to those who participated in the event as it shows their commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.” Giam said the company is also proud to have collaborated with MY STM staff posing for a group picture after participating in beach clean-up at Pantai Morib Baru in Kuala Langat, Selangor. – PIC COURTESY OF STM LOTTERY Food wastage expected to increase during Ramadan PETALING JAYA: Every day, 38,000 tonnes of waste is collected, of which 44% is food-related, said Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation Federal Territories director Ummi Kalthum Shuib “Some 19,228 tonnes of food waste are collected nationwide every day, especially during Ramadan. This is a 15% increase, compared with 16,720 tonnes collected before and after the holy month. Our data also shows during Ramadan, food wastage rise by 15% to 20%. “This pattern has persisted and remain unchanged over the years. It continues to present a huge challenge,” she said, while urging consumers to adopt the 4R (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) principle of waste management. She said purchases of food and groceries during Ramadan should be planned in advance to prevent overconsumption, adding that oConsumers urged to adopt ‘Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ practice and plan purchases to avoid overconsumption █ BYNUQMAN ADAM [email protected] Committee set up to probe misconduct claim SEREMBAN: The Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital will set up a committee to investigate allegations of misconduct in the orthopaedic department. Its director Datuk Dr Zaleha Md Noor urged individuals not to make any assumptions about those involved until investigations are completed. A post that alleged disrespectful behaviour of an orthopaedic surgeon was circulated on Telegram and X on March 3 and 8 respectively. “The content of the post also lists allegations of misconduct in the department. Therefore, the investigative committee was established to promptly resolve this matter,” she said. Previously, a letter about alleged misconduct by medical staff at the hospital was circulated on social media. – Bernama Institute committed to heart failure treatment KUALA LUMPUR: The National Heart Institute has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing treatment for heart failure and raising awareness on organ donation following the successful completion of two heart transplants early this year. It said in a statement the two patients, who are in their late teens, received their heart transplants in January and are recovering well. “Both were diagnosed with nonischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disease which stretches and thins the heart chambers. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body and can sometimes lead to heart failure.” The first patient, a 19-year-old, received a new heart in January after enduring an eight-month wait since May 2023. The second patient, an 18-year-old, underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, paving the way for a potential transplant in February. To date, the institute has successfully performed 29 heart transplants, six lung transplants, six heart-lung transplants, 36 LVAD implantations and seven LVAD to heart transplant procedures. – Bernama Ramadan dates vary in different countries, albeit only by a day. Hence, some countries mark the beginning of Ramadan only from today. He said fasting, that advocates charitable acts, kindness and patience to strengthen their relationship with Allah, lays the basis for Muslims to live their lives. “It is also during Ramadan that the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. “Muslims begin their fast after a pre-dawn meal or sahur, and abstain from eating or drinking until after sunset, when we break our fast with an evening meal called iftar.” Zainuddin said pre-puberty children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those menstruating, the sick or those whose health could be affected and travellers are exempted from fasting. He said the dawn-to-dusk fast lasts between 12 and 18 hours, depending on the country, adding that the fasting period can be quite punishing as the daylight hours in some regions can be for up to 20 hours. “In southernmost countries such as Chile and New Zealand, Muslims will fast for only 12 hours daily, compared with those in northernmost countries such as Iceland or Greenland, where the fast lasts for over 18 hours. “In extreme northernmost cities, such as Longyearbyen in Norway, where the sun does not set from April 20 to Aug 22, Islamic rulings were issued to follow timings in Mecca, Saudi Arabia or the nearest Muslim country.” Zainuddin said cities situated roughly along the same longitude will have similar iftar times while those on the opposite side of the globe will prepare to start their fast with sahur. He added that the difference in fasting hours is due to varying lengths of the day in different regions. buying items that last longer such as fruits and vegetables should be prioritised. She also said those observing Ramadan should prepare adequate food for Iftar based on the number of people, without going overboard and leftovers should be consumed during sahur to minimise wastage. Ummi Kalthum suggested using reusable containers or bags instead of single-use packaging provided at Ramadan bazaars to help reduce the amount of plastic waste. She emphasised the importance of moderation during the holy month and urged those observing Ramadan to control their expenditure on food. She said mismanagement of food waste would also perpetuate reliance on dump sites, which are usually located away from urban centres, thus creating the need to transport waste over long distances. She also said the transport process consumes fuel and negatively impacts carbon footprint, contributing to environmental degradation, adding that dumpsites also cause pollution through leachate, which is contaminated liquid from landfills. “Leachate has the potential to flow and contaminate rivers, causing harm to aquatic life and polluting other food sources. Therefore, we urge the public to join our efforts to minimise food waste.” International Islamic University Malaysia Environmental Performance Monitoring Committee deputy chairperson Dr Zakuan Azizi said the organic matter in leachate fuels the growth of microorganisms, leading to the increase of biological oxygen demand as it consumes oxygen during decomposition. “This depletes oxygen levels in the water, harming fishes and other aquatic life. The inorganic pollutants in leachate degrades water quality, potentially causing long-lasting damage to the ecosystem. Zakuan said in Malaysia, about 80% of food waste ends up as solid waste in landfills, which produce 50% to 60% of methane gas and 30% to 40% of carbon dioxide. “Although methane gas produced from the biodegradation processes of organic materials can now be converted into renewable energy, only a few landfills in Malaysia are capable of doing so, such as the Bukit Tagar Sanitary Landfill and Air Hitam Sanitary Landfill.” Clean Beach for the event as it was an opportunity to learn about waste segregation, which is an important aspect of environmental conservation. “Many do not realise the importance of segregating waste, that helps recycling centres to process items quicker and correctly,“ he said, adding that in total, 69kg of rubbish was collected along the beach. At the end of the event, MY Clean Beach representatives conducted a brief educational session on sustainable practices. Giam said STM Lottery has taken part in various environmental conservation projects, such as Tioman Island Conservation Day since 2016 and tree planting campaigns since 2022, to promote environmental conservation and community well-being. █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [email protected]
WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 5 Three suspected goldsmith robbers killed in shootout oCops believe six cases solved with death of foreigners, believed to be Centro Gang members KUANTAN: Three foreigners suspected of being members of the “Centro Gang” were killed in a shootout with police at Km17 Jalan Pekan at the Kuantan Bypass. The gang is believed to be responsible for several cases of breaking into jewellery shops, involving losses of more than RM4 million. The shootout occurred at about 11.30am on Monday and ended with two Vietnamese and a Bangladeshi, aged between 36 and 44, who were in a car being killed. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the car was earlier spotted being driven in a suspicious manner near the Pahang State Development Board building in Pekan by a police team from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Selangor and Pahang police contingents. He said the team ordered the driver to stop, but he sped off towards Jalan PekanKuantan Bypass, Bernama reported. “A high-speed chase ensued before the driver rammed into the patrol car and came to a halt. When the policemen stepped out, the driver fired several shots at them. The policemen returned fire, killing the three men. A search of the car found a Glock 17 pistol with seven bullets,” he said. He said police also found several items including drills and grinders, machetes and hammers in the car, adding that the two Vietnamese had passports and entered the country as visitors, while police were still checking the background of the Bangladeshi. Yahaya also said the modus operandi of the gang was to break into jewellery shops and then use their tools to open the safe before fleeing with the loot. He said the case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. Following the death of the three, police believe they have solved six cases of goldsmith robberies reported since June last year, involving a case each in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang, and three cases in Perak. No decision yet on Najib’s bid to axe charges KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney-General’s Chambers has yet to decide on a representation by Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to drop three charges of money laundering involving RM27 million of SRC International Sdn Bhd funds. During case management yesterday, DPP Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul told High Court Judge K. Muniandy a decision on the representation is pending. Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah then asked that his client be granted a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) as there was no decision on the representation filed last August. “We ask the court to exercise its discretion to grant a DNAA, then the prosecution can charge (him) again (if they want to),” he said. “I’m not asking for a withdrawal, we (can) proceed with the trial. At least 20 witnesses will be called to testify in the case, which is scheduled in September,” Mohd Ashrof replied, and requested three months to prepare witness statements. However, the judge only allowed two months. “The documents must be submitted before May 20. The next case management is on May 27,” said Muniandy, who had previously set Sept 17, 18, 19, 23 and 24 for trial. During proceedings in January, he ordered the case to proceed with trial as the accused was charged in 2019 and if the prosecution is unable to go ahead with their case on that day (Sept 17), the defence is at liberty to file for a DNAA or full acquittal. On Feb 3, 2019, Najib claimed trial to the three charges linked to proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to RM27 million through his three AmPrivate Banking accounts at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, AmBank Group Building, Jalan Raja Chulan on July 8, 2014. He was charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 and faces a maximum fine of RM5 million or five years’ jail, or both. Najib is currently serving a 12-year term in Kajang Prison for the misappropriation of RM42 million in the SRC International funds case. He filed a petition for a royal pardon on Sept 2, 2022 and the Pardons Board on Jan 29 reduced his jail term to six years and the fine was cut from RM210 million to RM50 million. – Bernama Foreigner escapes gallows, sentenced to 60 years’ jail PUTRAJAYA: A Cambodian man who was convicted of murdering two boys and two women breathed a sigh of relief after his death sentence was commuted to 60 years imprisonment by the Court of Appeal yesterday. A panel of three judges led by Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail handed down the prison sentence on Usuf Matli, 39, after DPP Mohd Fairuz Johari informed the court that the Attorney-General’s Chamber had accepted the man’s representation for his murder conviction be changed to “causing death”. “The conviction and sentence under Section 302 of the Penal Code by the High Court is replaced with a 15-year prison sentence for each of the four charges under Section 304(a). The appellant will serve a 60-year (term) as the sentence is to run consecutively from the date of his arrest on Sept 7, 2015,” said Hadhariah. Usuf was convicted of causing the deaths of Rahimi Yusof, Asnawi Ahmad, Fatimas Aly and Salamah Yusof in an oil palm plantation in Kampung Sijangkang, Telok Panglima Garang in Kuala Langat, Selangor between 1am and 7.25pm on Sept 6, 2015. Earlier, Usuf pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code, which provides a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and a fine for causing the deaths. On Aug 8 last year, the Shah Alam High Court sentenced Usuf to death after finding him guilty of killing the four Cambodians. Lawyer Salim Bashir, representing Usuf, requested his client be sentenced to concurrent prison terms starting from the date of his arrest. – Bernama Yahaya (second from right) examining the gun used by the gang during a press conference at the Pahang contingent police headquarters yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Probe launched on alleged assault of soldier KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces have received a report on an alleged assault on a personnel of the Signals Unit at Camp Resah in Seremban on March 8. Army chief Jen Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said a transparent and comprehensive probe is underway to ascertain the cause of the incident involving a 22-year-old serviceman from Sungai Petani in Kedah. “I have just been informed of this. The matter is still under preliminary investigation,” he said. Earlier, a police report and several pictures showing bruises on the victim were circulated on several social media platforms. According to reports, the victim fled to his family’s village in Sungai Petani as he could not bear the abuse by his superior. He reported the incident to his family before his twin brother lodged a police report. – Bernama Farmer charged with murder of brother, sister-in-law MANJUNG: A smallholder was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday with the murder of his brother and sister-in-law last week. No plea was recorded from Chee Kooi Heng, 63, after the charge was read before Magistrate Nurul Izalina Rajaa as the case is under the jurisdiction of the High Court. Kooi Heng was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code with murdering Chee Khoi Sia, 74, and Koh Eng Lai, 70, at an oil palm plantation at Lot 3332, Mukim Pengkalan Baharu in Pantai Remis between 3pm and 3.30pm on March 5. He faces the death penalty or up to 40 years’ jail, with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane. The prosecution was conducted by DPP Mohd Hairol Jemain while the accused was represented by C.C. Keong. The court set May 29 for mention. – Bernama
WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 6 SEOUL: A South Korean citizen arrested in Russia on suspicion of espionage was a missionary who supported North Korean labourers based in Russia’s Far East, South Korean media reports said yesterday. The man, named as Baek Won-soon, was transferred from Vladivostok to Moscow and is accused of handing over classified information to foreign intelligence agencies, Russian state news agency Tass reported. Baek, 53, was described as a “deeply religious” person who was also registered as the founder of a travel company based in Vladivostok, according to Tass. It was the first time a South Korean has been detained in Russia for alleged espionage. South Korean television network JTBC said Baek had travelled to Vladivostok from China earlier this year to carry out missionary work for North Korean workers in Russia, citing an unidentified acquaintance. He was also involved in helping North Koreans to defect, Yonhap news agency quoted an unnamed acquaintance as saying. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said its consulate had been providing assistance since it became aware of the arrest. It declined to give more details as the matter was under investigation. The South Korean government is communicating with Russia for the safe return of its national, said a spokesperson. US and South Korean officials have raised concerns that Russia has accepted new groups of North Korean workers in defiance of a UN resolution amid a blossoming of ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. A 2017 resolution required countries expel North Korean workers by 2019 on the grounds that their labour was exploited to earn foreign currency for North Korea’s banned nuclear and missile programmes. But thousands reportedly remain in China and Russia. North Korean construction workers and loggers still remain in Russia, holding student or tourism visas, a South Korean government report said last year. Ties between Russia and South Korea have been increasingly strained by Moscow’s growing relations with North Korea amid allegations that Pyongyang has supplied munitions for the war in Ukraine. – Reuters Manila: Maritime proposals not ignored MANILA: The Philippine Foreign Ministry said yesterday it had received several maritimerelated proposals from China, but added they could not be considered because they were against the Southeast Asian country’s national interests. The Foreign Ministry said among the proposals from China was one where it “insisted on actions that would be deemed as acquiescence or recognition of China’s control and administration over the (Second Thomas Shoal)” and that the Philippines could not consider such a proposal “without violating the constitution or international law”. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was responding to a Manila Times news article quoting an unnamed “ranking Chinese official” as saying that Beijing’s proposals to normalise the situation in disputed areas in the South China Sea were “met with inaction” by the Philippine government. “From the outset, DFA wishes to underscore that the Philippines is approaching these confidential negotiations with utmost sincerity and good faith,” it said. “We were, therefore, surprised by China’s disclosure of sensitive details of our bilateral discussions.” China presented 11 concept papers which proposed ways to manage the Second Thomas Shoal and fishing issues in Scarborough Shoal, the Manila Times reported, quoting the Chinese official. The Foreign Ministry denied the Chinese official’s claims, saying, “in no way did the Philippine Government ignore China’s proposals.” – Reuters South Korean held in Russia forspying oMedia reports say he was a missionary Seoul opens hotline for doctors defying walkout SEOUL: South Korea’s government opened a hotline for doctors yesterday that its health minister said was intended to support physicians who faced harassment or peer pressure if they chose not to join a mass walkout over healthcare reform plans. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong defended the reforms, which include boosting the number of medical school students, as beneficial for the work conditions of interns and resident doctors, a key demand of the nearly 12,000 trainees who have left their posts. Cho accused some young doctors of harassing trainees who had decided not to take part in the walkout or were hoping to return to work. “The government will take care so that trainee doctors can return to work and remain by the patients without worry,” he told a government meeting monitoring the doctors’ action, referring to the hotline. The move comes amid little sign of an end to the three-week walkout and as some medical professors also threatened to join the protest by tendering their resignations. As of Monday, 5,556 doctors who had left their posts had been served notices specifying authorities would start suspending medical licences if they failed to justify their action. Doctors taking part in the dispute have been vocal in protesting against a plan to increase annual medical school admissions by 2,000 starting in 2025, saying it will worsen the quality of medical education and do little to improve pay and work conditions. The government says its package of reforms include plans to improve pay for doctors in essential fields and ensure proper medical services are available outside large cities. Professors at Seoul National University medical school vowed to quit next week if the government did not look for a compromise, joining the faculty of another major teaching hospital threatening to take action. Most practicing physicians or medical school professors have not directly joined the protest. Dr Jin-Haeng Chung, professor of pathology at Seoul National University, said medical professors were nearing breaking point but backed the trainees. – Reuters MONSTER FAME ... Japanese film buffs take photos of a Godzilla display installed in Tokyo to promote the film Godzilla Minus One after the movie won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. – REUTERSPIC B R I E F STHAI REFORMIST PARTY FACES DISSOLUTION BANGKOK: Thailand’s election commission said yesterday it will ask the Constitutional Court to dissolve the reformist Move Forward Party, which won most seats in last year’s election. The commission said in a statement it had agreed “unanimously” to seek the dissolution over MFP’s campaign pledge to reform the kingdom’s tough royal insult laws. The MFP upended Thailand’s political order in May’s election, winning the most votes after a campaign promising reform of the military, the kingdom’s business monopolies and to amend strict lese-majeste laws. But their audacious bid, which shocked the Thai establishment, ended with them locked out of government following months of political wrangling. Earlier this year the Constitutional Court ruled the MFP campaign pledge to loosen lese-majeste legislation amounted to an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. The court ordered the party to stop all efforts to reform the laws . – AFP INDIA TESTS MULTIPLE WARHEADS MISSILE NEW DELHI: India conducted on Monday its first test flight of a missile system that can carry multiple warheads. Agni-5 with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) technology was test fired from an island in Odisha state. “Various telemetry and radar stations tracked and monitored multiple re-entry vehicles. The mission accomplished the designed parameters,” said the Ministry of Defence. India has developed a range of advanced missiles as part of its decades-long missile development programme. It successfully tested Agni-5, a nuclear-capable surfaceto-surface missile with a range of 5,000km, in October 2021. MIRVs were first developed in the early 1960s to enable a missile to deliver multiple nuclear warheads to different targets. The countries using MIRV missiles are the US, Britain, France, China and Russia, while Pakistan tested a medium-range ballistic missile with MIRV technology in 2017. – Bernama
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WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 8 Trump seeks delay in hush money trial NEW YORK: Donald Trump has asked the judge presiding over his hush money case to delay the trial until the US Supreme Court rules on his claim of presidential immunity. Trump, 77, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is scheduled to go on trial in Manhattan on March 25 on charges of falsifying business records. In a motion filed on Monday, Trump’s attorneys asked Judge Juan Manuel Merchan to adjourn the state trial until the nation’s highest court rules on the former president’s immunity claim. The Supreme Court is to hear arguments in the immunity case on April 25 and is not expected to issue a ruling until late June or early July. Trump’s lawyers have sought repeatedly to delay his various trials until after the November presidential election, when he could potentially have all of the federal cases against him dropped if he wins. The former president faces 34 counts of accounting fraud linked to pre-election payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. While the payments date to before the 2016 election, Trump’s attorneys said prosecutors intend to introduce evidence dating from his time in the White House. This raises the question of presidential immunity, they argued, because “Trump was president of the United States at the time of those actions in 2018”. “Therefore, President Trump respectfully submits that an adjournment of the trial is appropriate to await further guidance from the Supreme Court,” they said. The hush money case dates to the closing days of the 2016 election when Trump was on the cusp of his shock win as a political outsider against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. A New York grand jury indicted Trump in March 2023 over the payments made to Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. – AFP B R I E F SFRENCH MINISTRIES HIT BY CYBERATTACK PARIS: Several ministries and state institutions in France have been hit by a major cyberattack since Sunday. The attacks on several government agencies are of an “unprecedented intensity”, the government said. A crisis team has been activated to take countermeasures. So far the impact has been reduced for most state services and access to government websites has been restored, it said. Pro-Russian hackers claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Le Monde and Le Parisien newspapers and broadcaster BFMTV. However, Le Parisien quoted a security official as saying that these attacks “cannot be attributed to the Russians at this stage”. France accuses Russia of increased attempts at destabilisation since the start of the war in Ukraine. France agreed with Germany and Poland to take joint action against Russian troll campaigns and cyberattacks. – Bernama HAITIAN PM TENDERS RESIGNATION AFTER TALKS KINGSTON: Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has tendered his resignation as head of the Caribbean nation, the leader of a regional body said on Monday, an unelected role the 74-year-old neurosurgeon held since 2021. “We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of a transitional presidential council and naming of an interim prime minister,” said Caribbean Community chair Irfaan Ali, also the president of Guyana. Henry travelled to Kenya late last month to secure its leadership of a UN-backed international security mission to help police fight armed gangs, but a drastic escalation of violence during his absence left him stranded in Puerto Rico. Henry’s resignation comes as regional leaders met earlier on Monday in nearby Jamaica to discuss the framework for a political transition. – Reuters Pakistan’s ex-finance chief is now foreign minister ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former finance minister Ishaq Dar was named as the country’s foreign minister, at a time when growing economic and security challenges will dominate the nation’s foreign policy. Ishaq, 73, a chartered accountant and a seasoned politician, comes from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, which is leading a minority government as part of a ruling coalition. He is also a close relative of, and close aide to, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. The senator is also a previous four-time finance minister, suggesting a ramped up role for economics in the nation’s diplomacy as the country tries to secure another International Monetary Fund Deal and shore up external financing from foreign capitals. “Economic diplomacy is the need of the hour for sure,” said Ishaq. However, even his political allies have criticised his handling of the economy in his tenure as finance minister in the last coalition set-up, which took over in April 2022 after the removal of former prime minister Imran Khan in a parliament vote of confidence. Inflation spiked as high as 38% and interest rates to 22% during Ishaq’s 16-month stint, mostly due to the IMF’s policy requirements. Ishaq has defended his actions, saying he had to take tough measures to avert a sovereign default by securing the IMF programme, which Imran had scuttled days before leaving his office, an accusation the former cricket-star denies. However, under Ishaq, Pakistan struggled for seven months to unlock the remaining tranches of its last US$6.5 billion (RM30 billion) bailout programme, and ultimately it took Shehbaz Sharif’s intervention to secure a new last-ditch deal. During that time, Ishaq regularly criticised the IMF on public platforms in the middle of negotiations. He is best known for favouring market intervention to prop up the Pakistani rupee – something the IMF has warned against. In his new job, Ishaq will have to handle delicate relationships, including with China and Gulf countries that are key sources of financing for cash-strapped Pakistan, as well as with Washington. He also faces prickly neighbours, including arch-rival India, which will go to the polls this year, and Afghanistan, which Pakistan accuses of harbouring militants who are increasing attacks on Pakistani soil. Ishaq will have to navigate these challenges in a minority government that will rely on the support of different parties to pass critical legislation, with alliance partner Pakistan Peoples Party saying it would support the government on an issue-to-issue basis. In the role, he will also likely have to consider the powerful military, which has maintained a huge influence on the country’s foreign policy, although it denies meddling in politics. – Reuters New Zealand seizes black boxes from Boeing 787 SYDNEY: New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) said yesterday it was seizing the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder of a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 after an incident that left more than 50 people injured. The New Zealand accident investigator said Chilean authorities had confirmed they had opened a probe into the flight, and it was assisting with their enquiries. A spokesperson for TAIC said because the incident on the Sydney-Auckland flight on Monday occurred in international airspace it fell to Chilean accident investigation authority Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC) to open an inquiry. LATAM Airlines is a Chilean multinational airline. “TAIC is gathering evidence relevant to the The LATAM Airlines Dreamliner parked at Auckland International Airport. – AFPPIC oChile opens probe into loss of altitude incident inquiry, including seizing the cockpit voice and flight data recorders,” the New Zealand agency said, referring to the so-called “black boxes” that will provide more information on the flight’s trajectory and communications between pilots. Passengers said the plane plunged earthward, slinging unrestrained travellers out of their seats and smashing some into the roof of the cabin. “It was just a split second,” said Aucklandbased chef Lucas Ellwood, who was one of 263 passengers and nine cabin crew aboard. “The crashing of people into the roof caused the tiling to be dislodged,” he said. “The guy behind me was in the toilet when it happened, the poor guy. He told me he went through the roof.” On the ground, emergency crews were notified shortly before the flight landed and a phalanx of more than a dozen ambulances and other medical vehicles rushed to the scene. Paramedics said they treated about 50 patients. Four people remained in hospital. DGAC said in a statement it was working with TAIC on the investigation. LATAM did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether it had given the black boxes to TAIC. The airline said earlier it would assist the relevant authorities on any investigation. The airline and passengers aboard the flight said on Monday the plane with 263 passengers and nine crew members on board dropped abruptly mid-flight. The cause of the apparent sudden change in trajectory of the flight is unexplained. Safety experts say most airplane accidents are caused by a cocktail of factors that need to be thoroughly investigated. New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement it would also assist in the investigation if required. There has been renewed debate over the length of cockpit recordings in the aviation industry since it was revealed voice recorder data on the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet that lost a panel mid-flight in January was overwritten. – Reuters/AFP
WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 9 Gazans break fast without ‘joy of Ramadan’ oUN secretary-general calls for silencing of guns GAZA STRIP: The first day of Ramadan came and went in Gaza, with residents marking a joyless iftar against a backdrop of famine, disease and displacement as the war in the besieged territory ground on more than five months after it began. As the Muslim world welcomed the start of the holy month, Gazans faced continued Israeli bombardments and a spiralling humanitarian crisis. With the flow of food and other assistance slowed to a trickle, a UN report citing the territory’s Health Ministry said 25 people have now died from malnutrition and dehydration, most of them children. In Gaza’s southern border city of Rafah, where 1.5 million people have sought refuge, the usual generous meal marking the end of the day’s fast was replaced by “canned food and beans”, said displaced Khan Younis resident Mohammad al-Masry. “We didn’t prepare anything. What do displaced people have? We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan ... Look at the people staying in tents in the cold.” Aid groups have been warning of the risk of famine in Gaza for weeks, and the United Nations has reported particular difficulty in accessing the territory’s north for deliveries of food and other aid. “We are running out of time,” Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), said on Monday. “If we do not exponentially increase the size of aid going into the northern areas” of Gaza, she said, “famine is imminent”. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Monday for “silencing the guns” and said he was “appalled and outraged that conflict is continuing”. With aid entering Gaza by truck far below pre-war levels, and Gazans increasingly desperate, foreign governments have turned to airdrops and are now trying to open a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus. A senior US administration official has said the Cyprus initiative provides a platform at the port of Larnaca for “screening by Israeli officials of Gaza-bound goods”. The cumbersome screenings are a major reason shortages are so glaring, aid workers say, though Israel blames problems on the Palestinian side. The United States and other countries again airdropped supplies into northern Gaza on Monday, but aid workers have said land deliveries would be much more effective. Weeks of talks involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators failed to bring about a truce and hostage exchange deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will press on until Hamas has been eradicated. But in an annual threat assessment report released on Monday, US national security officials suggested that goal would be difficult to achieve, predicting Israel would likely “face lingering armed resistance from Hamas for years to come”. – AFP Pressure Hamas on hostages, Security Council urged NEW YORK: Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz demanded the United Nations Security Council “put as much pressure as possible” on Hamas to release the people it took hostage during the Oct 7 attack on Israel. Katz addressed the 15-member council, which met to discuss a UN report that found there were “reasonable grounds to believe” sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred at several locations during the attack. “We are asking you to condemn the sexual violence crimes ... (allegedly) committed,” Katz told the Security Council, also urging the body “to put as much pressure as possible on the Hamas organisation to release immediately and unconditionally all the kidnapped hostages.” He called for sanctions to be imposed on Hamas, accusing the group of crimes “worse then the terror actions carried out by AlQaeda, ISIS and other terror organisations” who had been targeted by the Security Council. The Security Council has called for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages in resolutions adopted in November and December. It is considering a US-drafted resolution that includes a condemnation of the Oct 7 attack “as well as its taking and killing of hostages, murder of civilians, and sexual violence including rape”. US Ambassador to the UN Linda ThomasGreenfield urged council members to condemn Hamas. “There can be no doubt about what happened on Oct 7. The evidence before us is damning and devastating. Now, the only question is: How will we respond? Will this council finally ... condemn sexual violence? Or will we continue to stay silent?” she asked the Security Council. Hamas killed 1,200 people and seized 253 hostages on Oct 7, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has retaliated by launching an air and ground assault on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 31,000 people, health authorities in Gaza say. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour accused Israel in the Security Council of pursuing the “forcible displacement of our people by making Gaza unlivable”. – Reuters Kremlin, Nato at odds over Pope’s call for negotiations BRUSSELS: The Kremlin said a call by Pope Francis for talks to end the Ukraine war was “quite understandable”, but Nato’s boss said now was not the time to talk about “surrender”. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Vatican ambassador, known as the papal nuncio, to express “disappointment” with Francis’ comments in an interview recorded last month that Ukraine should have “the courage” to negotiate an end to the conflict. It said the pope’s comments “legalise the right of might and encourage further disregard for the norms of international law”. In an attempt to defuse the situation and clarify Francis’ remarks, his second in command at the Vatican said in a newspaper interview yesterday that the first condition for any negotiations is that Russia should halt its aggression. As the West grapples with how to support Ukraine and the prospect of a sharp change in US policy if Donald Trump wins November’s presidential election, Putin has essentially offered to freeze the battlefield along its front lines, a premise Ukraine rejects. “It is quite understandable that he (the pope) spoke in favour of negotiations,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He said President Vladimir Putin had repeatedly said Russia was open to peace talks. “Unfortunately, both the statements of the pope and the repeated statements of other parties, including ours, have recently received absolutely harsh refusals,” Peskov said. But Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said negotiations that would preserve Ukraine as a sovereign and independent nation would only come when Putin realised that he would not win on the battlefield. “If we want a negotiated, peaceful, lasting solution, the way to get there is to provide military support to Ukraine,” he said. – AFP A Palestinian family breaking fast in Deir elBalah in central Gaza Strip. – AFPPIC B R I E F SLAWMAKERS SEEK TO NULLIFY TRANSFER OF CRIMEA MOSCOW: Russian lawmakers have submitted a draft bill to the State Duma that would rewrite a chapter of history by nullifying the Soviet decision in 1954 to transfer Crimea from Russia to Ukraine. The move appears aimed at establishing a legal basis for Russia to argue that Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula, which it claims to have annexed from Ukraine in 2014, was never really part of Ukraine to begin with. The draft, submitted by a lawmaker from each of Russia’s two houses of parliament, describes the 1954 handover as arbitrary and illegal because no referendum was held and Soviet authorities had no right to transfer territory from one constituent republic to another without consent. There was no announcement of when it would be debated by lawmakers. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced the 1954 handover of Crimea under then Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev as a violation of legal norms in place at the time. – Reuters AID SHIP LEAVES CYPRUS PORT FOR GAZA LARNACA: A ship taking almost 200 tonnes of food to Gaza left a port in Cyprus yesterday in a pilot project to open a new sea route for aid to a population on the brink of famine. The charity ship Open Arms was seen sailing out of Larnaca port in Cyprus, towing a barge containing around 200 tonnes of flour, rice and protein. The mission, mostly funded by the United Arab Emirates, is being organised by US based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), while Spanish charity Proactiva Open Arms is supplying the ship. “Our goal is to establish a maritime highway of boats and barges stocked with millions of meals continuously headed towards Gaza,” said WCK founder Jose Andres and chief executive officer Erin Gore in a statement. The charities intend to take aid directly to Gaza. WCK said it had another 500 tonnes of aid amassed in Cyprus. – Reuters
10 WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 Enclosed is my payment of RM payable to SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD. Please WhatsApp your bank-in slip to 0182929936 or email to [email protected] *Not inclusive of vendor service charge Stay informed with the latest news and trends All the best articles from Monday to Friday 32 pages full colour Subscribe now for Monday-Friday copies of theSun newspaper 6 month subscription (128 issues) for only RM110* (Normal price RM128) 1 year subscription (258 issues) for only RM200* (Normal price RM258) 1 year subscription at normal price RM258* (258 issues) + RM50 administration fee to get 2nd year free PERSONAL PARTICULARS Name: NRIC: Race: Malay Chinese Indian Others Profession: Commencement date: Delivery Address: Residence Ofice Postcode: State: Tel: Mobile No: E-mail: DETAILS OF CURRENT NEWS VENDOR (IF ANY) Vendor name: Contact no: For your convenience, you may call or send in your subscription particulars via any of the following: Tel: KL/PJ 03-7781 4000, 03-7784 6688 (9.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) Fax: 03-7781 4484 Post: P.O. Box 179, Jalan Sultan, 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Attn: Subscription Email: [email protected] *Terms & Conditions apply Important note: SMCSB reserves the right to revise the price at any time without prior notice. (*Limited to ffrst 1,000 subscribers) Pay to Maybank ( Account number 508177700420 ) Account name ( SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD ) Nov 8 to Nov 10 Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1 WEDNESDAY NOV 8, 2023 No. 8389 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) SCAN ME Casino chip heist: Five more identified Police have detained a total of 10 suspects, including a Chinese national, in connection with the RM4.6m theft at Genting Highlands on Oct 28. Congratulations! You are holding the first edition A new sunrise of our new 32-page paper featuring more of the great content you have loved for the past 30 years. Copies will be free until Friday and will be available via subscription and at newsstands beginning Monday for only RM1. Muruku Buntong entrepreneur’s Deepavali snack, made from a still a national favourite 60-year-old recipe, is constantly in high demand. Chicken price float benefits consumers A week after subsidies ended, market prices are competitive and lower than subsidised prices, says expert. Full report —on page 3 Full report —on page 6 Full report —on page 4 Citing protection of country’s interests in terms of diplomatic, economic relations and security as reasons for joining meeting, Anwar says he remains steadfast in defending justice and rights of Palestinians. I will show up at Apec Story on page 2 Full story -on page 2 SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE Samy Vellu – politician extraordinaire TUN S. SAMY VELLU would have been 88 years old last Friday, March 8. It has been barely 18 months since his passing, and Samy Vellu, the icon of MIC, is greatly missed by his legions of supporters and admirers. March 8 has always been a big day in his long and illustrious political and ministerial career, which is always celebrated with great fanfare. Gigantic garlands and large crowds would besiege his residence to shake hands with the much-loved politician. As a journalist, I covered him extensively and had many exclusive interviews with him when he was the works minister, Energy, Telecommunications and Post minister and a long-serving Member of Parliament for the Sungai Siput constituency. Whenever Samy Vellu turned up at Parliament, all the attention would turn towards him. He loved journalists and they loved him in equal measure as everything he said was newsworthy and headlinegrabbing. He was a man of many talents – a stage actor and dramatist and a popular Tamil news reader for RTM before contesting in the Sungai Siput parliamentary constituency in the 1974 general election. His Tamil oratorical skills were of a high standard, and he could sing very well and was fond of old melodies. His political speeches drew large audiences. Samy Vellu, who died at the age of 86 in September 2022 was the pushpull factor in organising the sixth International Tamil Conference in Malaysia in the 1980s. This won him the appreciation of Tamil scholars and educationists around the world. He held steadfast to the belief that “reading makes a full man, speaking and writing makes an exact man”. His hobby was contributing poems to the media. This was one way for him to manage stress. He believed that trust is the glue of life and the most essential ingredient in effective communication. Samy Vellu always engaged with the community. The trust in his leadership increased the Indian community’s loyalty towards MIC. He aimed to bring pride to the community and help them advance economically. Samy Vellu’s greatest contribution to the Indian community was the setting up of the Maju Institute of Education Development, which was established in 1984 as a private non-profit organisation to provide educational loans. He was also the driving force in the establishment of TAFE (Technical and Further Education) College in Seremban, and the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology University in Bedong, Kedah to enable more Indian youths to get tertiary and vocational qualifications and skills. Samy Vellu was the longestserving MIC president, and he helmed the party for 11 terms from 1979 to 2010. He also holds the record for being one of the longest-serving ministers. He left behind a great legacy and indelible mark when he was works minister. He spearheaded the construction of modern highways, spanning the length and breadth of the country. He served under three prime ministers, namely Tun Hussein Onn, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Badawi, until 2008. He taught us that being a leader does not mean only having a vision but also a heart. Humanity mattered more to him. He was loved unreservedly by the party. When he left politics in 2010, many saw it as the demise of MIC. It was a regular sight to see people lining up outside his home and office with various problems, and he would stop to attend to them. The passing of Samy Vellu was the end of an era that will never return. Samy Vellu had a following among people of different races, and he was a great advocate of the power-sharing concept among races. He was articulate and meticulous in whatever he said and did. His presence in Parliament made debates interesting and lively. He was an open book, having nothing to hide. He was also full of wit. He always looked dashing and was smartly attired. The then works minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf recounted that his predecessor was someone who took his job seriously. He noted that Samy Vellu had changed the country’s infrastructure for the better and paved the path of development to what it is today. Best known for his firebrand politics, he had an appeal wherever he went because his identity was tied to MIC. One Umno leader said at the Parliament lobby: “If this politician were in Umno, he would have become the prime minister.” Patriotism is one of the core values of MIC. Caring for the nation and the protection of our beloved Malaysia remains the party’s unshakeable mission. Perugi Perumal Selangor Journalists loved him as everything he said was newsworthy and headlinegrabbing. – BERNAMAPIC LETTERS [email protected]
11 WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 Put sugar to healthy use as biofuel WE have just entered the fasting month of Ramadhan, and some nonMuslims will be eager to know how they can participate in the discipline without having to follow the vigorous routine. Many use the occasion to fast at least once a week or reduce their meals to just two a day. There is a way for non-Muslims to participate, and that is to abstain from unhealthy foods and drinks throughout the period. Just as fasting improves your health, so will abstaining from the wrong food keep you out of hospital. Let us start by looking at the big picture. “We are unhealthy”, screamed one headline in a major daily newspaper. This was back in 2017. During that year, the government spent a whopping RM10 billion to treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This reflected the expenditure solely on 70% of the population relying on public healthcare. While the average lifespan of Malaysians is 75 years, most elderly folks spend their last decade in pain. Public and private hospitals are consistently packed with patients. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, 50% of Malaysians were diagnosed with at least one NCD. Occupying the top three spots was diabetes, absorbing 45.38% of the government’s expenditure for treating NCDs in 2017, followed by cardiovascular diseases, accounting for 40.73%, and cancer at 13.5%. All three diseases along with stroke and kidney damage have been linked to high intake of refined white sugar. Diabetes registered a shocking 63% jump in 2019 compared with the figure recorded in 2011. In March last year, the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy revealed that: “Malaysia has the highest rate of the disease (diabetes) in the Western Pacific region and one of the highest in the world.” Last month, government agency Socso revealed that the number of Malaysian workers who have diabetes had surged to 20% (one in five), which is double the figure in 2013. With Malaysia’s adult population totalling 16 million and over 15 million of them employed, this shows that approximately three million workers are diabetic. Diabetes is a major contributor to chronic kidney disease, and dialysis is the primary treatment. Many dialysis patients are forced to use their savings to cover expenses, which can go up to RM65,000 annually. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are high. It is the result of unhealthy eating habits. Added sugar and foods with a high glycaemic index head the list of culprits that wreck your body. Last year the Health Ministry launched a reduce sugar campaign, with the slogan “Sugar: one teaspoon is enough, less is better, none is best”. During the launch of a village entrepreneur campaign in November, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged food preparers to decrease sugar content. He cited an instance with the teh tarik, which he could not finish as it was too sweet. He urged all ministries to go big on campaigns to reduce sugar intake. Socso is launching a tolak gula campaign this month which every Malaysian should support. However, the government’s overall approach to sugar appears contradictory. While it has taken a positive step by increasing the excise duty on sugary drinks from 40 sen per litre to 50 sen per litre in the hope that this will nudge consumers in the right direction, it also ensures ample sugar supply, with 42,000 tonnes available monthly at a subsidised price of RM2.95 per kg. This controlled price by the sugar processing industry is the world’s lowest, contradicting efforts to combat sugar addiction effectively. Another key culprit among the top two is the glycemic index. This is a number that indicates how fast your body can convert the carbohydrates in food into glucose. The advice of dieticians is to choose food with a glycaemic index of 55 or below and avoid foods that score 70 and above. These two culprits are regularly present at the table daily. It has become habitual for restaurants and eateries to add refined white sugar, also known as table sugar, into almost every dish they cook and drink they make. It is occurring in households too. One popular Malaysian homecooking book uses sugar either as an ingredient or seasoning in every recipe. However, as nutritionists who have written cookery books have shown, you can serve up the tastiest dishes or drinks without adding sugar. For example, to cook delicious sea bass with mushrooms and herbs, confine your ingredients to sea bass, mushrooms, olive oil, unsweetened lemon juice, mixed herbs, potatoes, garlic and black pepper. To cook temptingly flavoured tandoori chicken, you only need skinless chicken, herbs, ginger, coriander seeds, cardamom, cumin, black peppercorns, chilli, natural yoghurt and lemon. No sugar is needed. Now we come to the icing on the cake. Malaysians have been led to believe that sugarless cake does not exist. However, you can make a sellout fruit cake with just raisins, sultanas, currants, dates, mixed peel, wholemeal flour, spices, unsweetened lemon juice and almonds. No need for added sugar. The sugar king is of course in Malaysian desserts. Each serving brings you closer to diabetes. Here is a list with sugar content: syrup bandung (30g), teh tarik (25g), cendol (22g), ais kacang (20-35g), onde-onde (20g), apam balik (15g) and kuih lapis (14g). When you order fruit juice, be sure to specify that you do not want added sugar because many eateries habitually put sugar into every drink. All fruits have natural sugar content: grape (15.4% sugar), mango (14.8%), banana (12.2%), apple (10.1%), melon (8.1%) and papaya (5.9%). What if by mid-year the data indicates that sugar consumption remains high despite the increased excise duty? You can gauge this by the number of new patients with NCDs recorded at hospitals. In such a scenario, the government should regard refined white sugar similarly to tobacco and other consumables deemed to be harmful, imposing strict restrictions on its consumption. Ban all eateries, food vendors, caterers, school canteen operators and drinks manufacturers from using refined white sugar. The product is 99.9% pure sucrose with no vitamins, minerals or proteins. Instead of table sugar, natural honey can be used to sweeten drinks. The need to ban the addition of refined white sugar to all drinks must be emphasised as the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey has shown a decrease in the general health and lifestyle practices of adolescents in the country. Among other disturbing facts, the survey revealed that one in three persons consume soft drinks daily. Human rights activists may argue that consumers should enjoy freedom of choice. This is a false argument because consumers have no freedom of choice as less than 1% of eateries guarantee that all their dishes and drinks are free of added sugar. Do eateries ask: “Do you want sugar in your soup?” It is already added before you place your order. Refined white sugar can be put to much better use – as a saviour of the environment by converting it to biofuel. As sucrose is produced mainly from sugarcane, the process of making biofuel starts with the collection of cane juice, which is delivered to a fermentation tank where a yeast fermentation reaction occurs to generate ethanol. The ethanol is blended with petrol to cut down carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emissions. Ethanol can also be used as fuel to replace petrol, and it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 44-52% compared with petrol. This is because table sugar is only 42.11% carbon, whereas the carbon content in crude oil ranges from 82% to 87%. With a higher octane number than petrol, ethanol also provides increased power and performance, although it may require longer warming-up time. Industry sources believe that the production of biofuels will contribute to more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable sugarcane production around the world. The transition of sugarcaneprocessing factories into biorefineries will be one of the most important changes to enhance the revenue from sugarcane. These changes will generate new industries for regional communities in low-emission manufacturing technologies. This means sugar refineries in Malaysia will still stay profitable despite any ban on table sugar by producing ethanol to substitute petrol, and they will be seen as environmental saviours offering a solution to motorists who find electric cars too costly to purchase. The writer champions interfaith harmony. Comments: [email protected] “Diabetes is a major contributor to chronic kidney disease, and dialysis is the primary treatment. Many dialysis patients are forced to use their savings to cover expenses, which can go up to RM65,000 annually. Nutritionists have written cookery books showing that you can serve up tasty dishes or drinks without adding sugar. – REUTERSPIC Necessary to implement anti-vaping rules for students THE Education Ministry is currently mulling implementing anti-vape rules for schools. On March 5, the Penang Consumers Association (CAP) said around 15 female students were found vaping, with three to four of them showing signs of nicotine addiction. Vape and electronic cigarette usage had catapulted three fold since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Vaping is often perceived as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking, but this notion is incorrect. Vaping and smoking are addictive habits, and they both introduce toxic chemicals into the body. Vaping creates an aerosol or mist that contains micro-particles of nicotine, metal and other harmful substances. Some of the dangers of vaping include the induction of asthma and other lung diseases such as bronchiolitis and even cancer. Additionally, other organs such as the heart and brain can also be damaged. Vaping can narrow arteries, increase blood pressure and lead to heart attacks or strokes. Nicotine, being highly addictive, triggers intense cravings, often compelling individuals to seek more of it. Many students who start vaping eventually “graduate” to smoking cigarettes, akin to “jumping from the frying pan into the fire”, given that cigarettes contain higher levels of harmful chemicals. There have been incidents of batteries in vaping devices exploding, resulting in severe injuries and burns. In the long term, engaging in vaping jeopardises the longevity of a student’s life. Those addicted to nicotine, whether through vaping or smoking tobacco, should seek assistance from the medical sector, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Additionally, incorporating deep rhythmic breathing exercises can be beneficial as physical activity serves as a distraction from the urge to vape and also induces feelings of wellbeing through the release of endorphins. The prohibition of disposable vapes is underway in England, Scotland and Wales. We should mull banning vaping in our country. To facilitate the transition for businesses, we can implement a cooling-off period of approximately six months before enforcing the ban. Hopefully, the ministry will consider banning vapes for schoolgoing students instead of simply considering regulations to manage vaping. Dr A. Soorian Seremban LETTERS [email protected]
ESG ESG WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 12 Petron partners Klean for sustainable future KUALA LUMPUR: Petron Malaysia has recently installed an artificial intelligence-based reverse vending machine (RVM) at its Lebuh Bandar Utama service station to promote plastic recycling. The company joined forces with Klean Malaysia to encourage more people to recycle via a digital container deposit system. Customers can deposit plastic food containers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, and aluminium cans at the RVM and collect points via the Klean Recycling App for voucher redemption. The strategic partnership marks a new initiative by Petron Malaysia to amplify its environmental sustainability efforts. The reverse vending machine at Petron Lebuh Bandar Utama service station. oCompanies encourage more people to recycle via digital container deposit system The objective is to foster a shift in recycling behaviour, which is usually the first step towards a circular economy. Petron Malaysia retail business head Shaliza Mohd Sidek said their aim is to increase public awareness of responsible plastic consumption and ensure waste plastics are recovered and diverted from landfills. “Our collaboration with Klean Malaysia is a game-changer in recycling. We are hopeful that the Klean RVM installed at our service stations will play a part in increasing public understanding and shaping community perceptions of how to dispose of plastic responsibly,” she added. In December last year, Petron service station dealers in the southern region initiated a threemonth “Rehydrate and Recycle” Campaign to educate its customers as responsible plastic users. At the end of the campaign, they collected 255kg of plastic bottle caps and re-purposed them into 16 benches. Those benches made of recycled plastics were then donated to the Johor government for tourism usage. Petron Lebuh Bandar Utama service station manager Nadia Othman said they took pride in being the first Petron station to deploy the RVM after undergoing meticulous site feasibility and scoping. The artificial intelligence-driven RVM is backed by a machine learning mechanism, allowing it to detect the type of container deposited immediately. On the backend, RVM tracks and collects real-time data such as the number of recyclers, quantities of plastic and aluminium deposited in the machines, and the estimated carbon saved from the environment, which helps to identify the impact on the environment. In addition, Klean is the sole company to secure a 100% tax-deductible status from the Ministry of Finance in the RVM ecosystem industry. Klean recycling platform co-founder and chief operating officer Syed Zain Almohdzar said his company has installed over 60 RVM machines in Malaysia, strategically placed in highly populated areas such as schools, airports, transport hubs and shopping malls. “We aspire to broaden our network of machines and extend our machine coverage to more Petron service station locations, reaching out to more communities,” he said. “We are here to push for behavioural change towards recycling through education and incentivisation, with the ultimate aim of achieving zero-waste to landfill.“ FedEx trials cross-border delivery using EV KUALA LUMPUR: FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has launched the company’s first cross-border delivery trial from Malaysia to Singapore using an electric vehicle (EV). This initiative is part of FedEx continuous exploration of ways to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable logistics. The journey was made by a “Maxus eDeliver 7” from a FedEx station in Shah Alam to a FedEx facility at Changi Airport in Singapore covering a total distance of 406km. The estimated reduction of tailpipe CO2 emission for this trial journey is approximately 100kg compared to diesel-powered vans. FedEx is using this trial as an initial assessment of the operational effectiveness for future cross-border pick-up and delivery operations. The insights gained will be pivotal in shaping the future of FedEx operations, which will not only benefit the environment, but also help improve the efficiency of its fleet, while providing excellent service to its customers. “Our efforts to reduce emissions throughout our business means we need to think strategically about all of our ground operations, not just last-mile delivery,” said FedEx Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region president Kawal Preet. “This cross-border trial is a proof of concept that will help inform and advance our fleet electrification programme in the region, in line with our customers’ desire for sustainable time-definite delivery.” The trial marks an important milestone for FedEx, as the company works towards its goal to transform its entire global pickup and delivery fleet to zero-emission electric vehicles by 2040 through a phased approach. In May 2023, FedEx added two EVs to its fleet in Malaysia for parcel pick-up and delivery operations within the Klang Valley. “Making this cross-border Tien passing a parcel to Yusni Yahya, a FedEx courier taking part in the cross-border delivery trial. KIP REIT embraces growth and sustainability KUALA LUMPUR: KIP Real Estate Investment Trust unveiled its new company logo which primarily reflects its new journey into a new era, in addition to its commitment towards robust growth, innovation and sustainability. “The dynamic design of our new logo reflects KIP REIT’s forward-thinking approach, illustrating our readiness to embrace new opportunities and challenges,” CEO Valerie Ong Pui Shan said. “The green colour in turn relates to harmony, balance and growth – values that align seamlessly with KIP REIT’s vision moving towards a flourishing future and aspirations. “The change in our company logo comes at an opportune time as we forge a new path ahead. “Since late 2022, we have started on our venture into the industrial space with the acquisition of three industrial assets in Pulau Indah, Klang, which has undoubtedly contributed positively to our earnings. “We have recently completed the acquisition of the KIPMall Kota Warisan, bringing our total portfolio to 11 assets. “Essentially, our asset portfolio has breached beyond the RM1 billion mark.” She added the new logo also represents their commitment to growth and sustainability as the green colour also punctuates their commitment to being environmentally responsible. “We will relentlessly focus on improving the environmental, social and governance practices in line with our commitment and dedication in fostering sustainable practices within the industry.” The KIPMalls, save for the master leased ones, have been equipped with solar panels since 2018 as the group continues to explore implementation of sustainability initiatives into its daily operations. MNRB launches ‘Tree of Tomorrow’ initiative KUALA LUMPUR: In a proactive move towards environmental sustainability, MNRB Holdings Bhd had recently launched its inaugural tree planting programme, the MNRB Group Tree Planting Programme (Tree of Tomorrow). Tree of Tomorrow is part of the group’s effort in meeting one of its sustainability commitments of transition into a Net Zero Carbon Organisation by 2050, through the fulfilling of its pledge to plant at least 2,500 trees nationwide. This initiative is also in conjunction with the Group’s 50th Golden Jubilee celebration last year. Each tree will be tagged and carefully monitored throughout its lifespan, enabling MNRB to accurately track and measure its contribution to the carbon sinks in the atmosphere as it matures. The first tree planting activity under the initiative was held in Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, Selayang. A total of 60 trees were planted with the involvement of 53 volunteers from MNRB Group, including group CEO Zaharudin Daud. “This initiative reflects the group’s strong dedication on sustainability,” Zaharudin said. attempt with a zero-tailpipe emissions vehicle goes beyond a logistical achievement, and represents a bold step in beginning to redefine industry standards,” said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Express Malaysia. “FedEx is committed to innovating and leveraging technologies that enable improvements to the efficiency of our operations, as well as provide better and more sustainable service to our customers in the country.”
WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [email protected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [email protected] SCAN ME Opportunity to strengthen local E&E sector amid US-China tensions: Tengku Zafrul KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia sees a huge opportunity to be tapped in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector amid tensions between the United States and China, said Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The belief is supported by the diversion of investment flow into this region, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said, stressing that Malaysia must not squander the opportunities presented. “I am confident as I can see that most of the investors are from the E&E sector, showing that the supply chain flow is coming to Southeast Asia, where Malaysia is among the countries that are already well-established in the industry,” he said on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme on Monday night. According to Tengku Zafrul, the E&E sector is highly important to the country, with 56% or RM85 billion of the total approved investment last year being in the manufacturing sector. “This is one of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 targets. The flourishing digital economy sector requires E&E products such as chips – semiconductors are needed by all. “With the US-China geopolitical issue, Malaysia has a window of opportunity to strengthen the industry by attracting more investors to enhance our industry,” he said. From the government’s standpoint, he said, the challenge is in providing a skilled workforce; however, this is not unique to Malaysia. “In Malaysia, we have an abundance of talent; but following a large investment inflow, (skilled labour) has become an issue. So, for the short term, we will find a way to ensure we can accommodate the demand (for highly skilled talent) from foreign investors,” he added. Giving chip maker Intel as an example, the minister said the tech giant has given a commitment to invest RM30 billion over the next 10 years to expand its operations in Penang and Kedah, and the corporation requires at least two to three years to prepare. “Hence they have collaborated with Universiti Sains Malaysia to develop highly skilled talent,” he said. The additional investment is expected to create more than 4,000 job opportunities at Intel. At the same time, he said, the relevant ministries are also working with public and private institutions of higher learning to entice Malaysian workers abroad to return home and serve in the country. “There are many Malaysians working as engineers (as an example), not only in Singapore but also the US and Europe. For the short term, I will be discussing with the Higher Education Minister and Human Resources Minister to find solutions,” said Tengku Zafrul. – Bernama ‘TNB-Siemens Energy tie-up can be catalyst for exploring tech on use of hydrogen‘ KUALA LUMPUR: The collaboration between Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Siemens Energy can be the catalyst for exploring innovative technologies and solutions for the use of hydrogen in Malaysia. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said this initiative is in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). In a post on X, Tengku Zafrul said TNB and Siemens Energy signed a memorandum of understanding last year aimed at accelerating the decarbonisation of its thermal power plants, utilising green hydrogen produced from renewable energy resources. He said this in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Germany which began on Monday. Anwar kicked off his visit to Germany by visiting Siemens Energy, one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. Besides Tengku Zafrul, those accompanying the prime minister include Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, and Malaysia’s Ambassador to Germany Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin. Siemens Energy operates in 90 countries and employs about 90,000 workers involved in the entire energy landscape. Its factory in Huttenstrasse, Berlin, has about 3,400 workers involved in the assembly of gas turbines and electrolysis-based hydrogen production systems. – Bernama AmBank sees ringgit rising to RM4.50 against US dollar by year-end KUALA LUMPUR: AmBank Economic Research is forecasting the ringgit to appreciate further to around RM4.50 against the US dollar by the year-end due to a combination of factors, including the potential narrowing interest rate differentials between the currencies which is more beneficial to the local unit. “Nevertheless, actual USD/MYR has moved below these levels (last week at 4.685). Again, we repeat that our model already suggests that the current fair value of USD/MYR is about 4.50/60,” it said in a research note yesterday. Aiding the sentiment for the local unit and continuing the advantageous repositioning of the currency in the short term is Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) stable and consistent monetary policy direction which pacifies the market. Additionally, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) is anticipated to cut the Federal Fund Rate by the second or third quarter of this year. No less important are coordinated efforts by the central bank to boost inflows from abroad. The research house highlighted that the weakening of the US Dollar Index and the undervaluation of the ringgit have spurred forex conversions into the local currency. AmBank Group anticipates that BNM will maintain its Overnight Policy Rate at the current level throughout this year. “Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain solid and far from a recession, unlike in advanced economies; the expected smaller interest rate differentials and the Fed’s clear signal of an impending rate cut are positive on the ringgit. “We maintain our end-year forecast of 4.50 with a possible downside of 4.60 per dollar,” it added. – Bernama Sweden keen to forge green partnership with Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: Sweden is keen on collaborating with Malaysia, given the substantial potential for growth and cooperation in sustainable practices to bolster sustainable initiatives and foster a green transition. Swedish ambassador to Malaysia Dr Joachim Bergstrom said Swedish companies in Malaysia have been actively engaging with local stakeholders to drive sustainable agendas, focusing on sectors such as green manufacturing, transport, mobility and energy transition. “I think that we will potentially see increased trade within the energy transition area, where companies can supply storage and transmission facilities for biofuels and waste energy. “In many ways, Sweden and Malaysia are very like-minded. We are both strong democracies, who profit from free trade and rules-based world order, two small countries with a long history and tradition in trading, besides having been neutral and non-aligned for many years,“ he told Bernama. Bergstrom noted that recent discourse between the two nations has centred around developing joint efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices. “Notably, the ‘Pioneer the Possible’ initiative serves as a platform to facilitate collaboration and raise awareness regarding sustainability goals,” he added. Launched in 2023, the platform aims to boost green transition in Malaysia through collaboration between Swedish companies Bergstrom (right) and Broms during an interview. Bergstrom says recent discourse between Malaysia and Sweden has centred around developing joint efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices. – BERNAMAPIC oSwedish companies here actively engaging with local stakeholders to drive sustainable agendas: Ambassador such as Volvo Trucks and Atlas Copco as well as local stakeholders, said Trade Commissioner of Sweden to Malaysia, Emma Broms. “The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change and Business Sweden had inked a memorandum of understanding, and there is also the collaboration with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, other local stakeholders and ministries within this programme,” she said. There are currently over 80 active Swedish companies based in Malaysia, with close to 9,000 employees working with local counterparts to increase access to green energy. Broms emphasised Malaysia’s potential to become a crucial partner in Asean-European Union bilateral trade and economic strengthening. “Digitalisation is one of the areas where we will see a lot of development going forward. Ericsson is currently rolling out the 5G network in Malaysia, paving the way for other companies providing solutions,” she said. She added that Sweden also has much to offer in terms of cybersecurity, which would become increasingly important. “We also see numerous developments in the healthcare area as there is a growing demand for medical devices and digital ehealth solutions,” she said. Broms also noted that a new production facility for electrically-powered mining vehicles is being constructed by Swedish company, Sandvik, in Sendayan TechValley business park, near Seremban. “There is already a lot of development happening, with Swedish investments into Malaysia amounting to US$500 million (RM2.34 billion), making Malaysia one of the largest receivers of Swedish investment,” she added.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 14 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Boustead Properties, Opus in sustainable energy deal PETALING JAYA: In a strategic collaboration that demonstrates the synergy between prominent government-linked companies (GLC), Boustead Properties Bhd and Opus International (M) Bhd, backed by UEM Edgenta Bhd, have come together to advance the nation’s sustainability and innovation agenda. The cornerstone of the collaboration is the signing of an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) between Boustead DCP Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Boustead Properties, and Opus Energy Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Opus International) on Monday. This 10-year contract indicates a firm commitment to upgrade and maintain chiller systems at the district cooling plant in The Curve Mall, Mutiara Damansara, here. The aim is to significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs while providing environmentally Boustead Properties CEO Khairul Azizi Ismail (second from left) and Opus International managing director Hillary Chua (second from right) at the signing ceremony together with Izaddeen (left) and Syahrunizam. oCollaboration demonstrates how government-linked companies can work together to drive ESG and sustainability Manufacturing sector sales value rebounds, posts 3.2% year-on-year growth in January PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian manufacturing sector’s sales value returned to positive year-on-year growth of 3.2%, reaching RM152.7 billion in January 2024, according to the Department of Statistics, Malaysia (DoSM). Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said, “The sales value of the manufacturing sector rebounded to 3.2% year-onyear in January 2024 after contracting since June 2023, achieving RM152.7 billion (December 2023: -4.2%). The expansion was bolstered by the strong growth of 15.8% in the transport equipment & other manufactures sub-sector (December 2023: 6.4%), coupled with the upward trend of the food, beverages & tobacco products sub-sector which surged by 11.4% (December 2023: - 2.6%).” In addition, he added the nonmetallic mineral products, basic metal & fabricated metal products sub-sector continued to grow vigorously, expanding by 9.6% (December 2023: 7.4%). As compared to the previous month, the sales value grew by 1.9% as against RM149.9 billion recorded in December 2023 (-3.3%). The sales value of exportoriented industries which represented 69.1% of total sales, increased slightly by 0.1% in January 2024 (December 2023: -8.4%). The upward momentum was predominantly fortified by the rise in the manufacture of vegetable & animal oils and fats at 12.7%; manufacture of chemicals and chemical products (5.3%); and the manufacture of computer, electronics & optical products (2.7%). On a month-on-month basis, the sales value of export-oriented industries ascended by 1.7% as against a decline of 3.9 registered in December 2023. In the meantime, the sales value of domestic-oriented industries improved further by 10.8% after registering a growth of 7.7% in December 2023. The improvement was primarily fueled by the robust growth of 19.8% in the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers & semitrailers; the manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery & equipment which grew by 12.3%; and the expansion of the manufacture of food processing products by 10.3%. Compared with the previous month, the sales value of domesticoriented industries grew by 2.3%, contrasting with a decrease of 1.9% in December 2023. Natural rubber production in January slips from previous month PUTRAJAYA: Natural rubber (NR) production decreased by 0.2% in January 2024 (30,273 tonnes) compared with December 2023 (30,342 tonnes), said Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin. Year-on-year comparison showed that the production of NR increased by 2.8% (January 2023: 29,451 tonnes). “Production of NR in January 2024 for Malaysia was mainly contributed by smallholders sector (88.3%) as compared to estates sector (11.7%). Total stocks of NR in January 2024 increased by 6.5% to 203,772 tonnes compared with 191,304 tonnes in December 2023. Rubber processor factories contributed 92% of the stocks followed by rubber consumers factory (7.9%) and rubber estates (0.1%), said Mohd Uzir. Exports of Malaysia’s NR amounted to 43,111 tonnes in January 2024, lower by 5.4% as against December 2023 (45,591 tonnes). China remained as the main destination for NR exports which accounted 32% of total exports in January 2024 followed by the United Arab Emirates (13.5%), Germany (13.0%), the United States (7.3%) and India (6.3%). The exports performance was contributed by NR-based products such as gloves, tyres, tubes, rubber thread and condoms. Gloves were the main exports of rubber-based products with a value of RM1.02 billion in January 2024, an increase of 7.3% compared with December 2023 (RM0.95 billion). Analysis of the average monthly price showed that concentrated latex recorded an increase of 8.9% (January 2024: 585.74 sen per kg; December 2023: 537.63 sen per kg) while scrap increased by 7.4% (January 2024: 583.29 sen per kg; December 2023: 542.89 sen per kg). Prices for all Standard Malaysian Rubber increased between 5.9% and 8.8%. Bank Muamalat offers financing facility to students of DRB-HICOM university KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd and DRB-HICOM University of Automotive (DRBHU) are collaborating to make affordable financing easily available for students to further their studies at the university. The collaboration reflects the synergy between Bank Muamalat and DRBHU as members of the DRB-HICOM Bhd group towards the development of professionals in meeting the demands of Malaysia’s automotive industry. Bank Muamalat president and CEO Khairul Kamarudin said the collaboration is a win-win for all parties as DRBHU students, especially those with financial difficulties, can now access affordable funding for their education with the support of Bank Muamalat. DRBHU vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Omar Osman said the collaboration provides their current and potential students easy access to affordable educational financing as low as 2.93% through Bank Muamalat’s Cash-i Muamalat Education Financing. DRBHU students may apply for funds of up to RM100,000 from skills certificate and foundation programmes all the way through to doctorate degrees. sustainable solutions. This endeavour aligns with Boustead Properties’ commitment to sustainable and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices through the company’s Bijau Sustainability Agenda, which places firm emphasis on green building and township development. The benefits of the EPC contract are substantial, with estimated annual energy savings of 4.4 million kWh/year, resulting in energy cost savings of RM2.3 million per year. This represents a reduction of 38% in energy consumption. Additionally, the partnership anticipates a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Complementing the EPC signing is the Memorandum of Business Exploration (MOBE), symbolising a commitment to exploring future opportunities aimed at reducing Boustead Properties’ carbon footprint and enhancing its environment and climate risk mitigation strategies. The scope of the MOBE extends across the Boustead Group’s property and industrial divisions’ portfolio of current as well as future development and assets to implement energyefficient strategies and integrated green and sustainable environmental solutions in the areas of energy efficient building, built environment, building and facilities management, project development and implementations, collaboration for sustainable and smart city developments. Boustead Holdings group CEO Izaddeen Daud said, “The strategic collaboration between Boustead Properties and Opus International represents how government-linked companies can work together to drive ESG and sustainability through innovative solutions. At the heart of this collaboration lies a commitment to driving positive change and fostering long-term sustainability. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Prime Minister’s call to GLICs and GLCs to spearhead domestic investments aimed at bolstering the Malaysian economy. “By leveraging our collective expertise, we are poised to make significant contributions to Malaysia’s sustainable development agenda.” Meanwhile, UEM Edgenta managing director and CEO Syahrunizam Samsudin remarked that in an era where sustainability and ESG principles shape corporate agendas, Opus Consultants stands as a catalyst for change. “With a legacy spanning three decades in Malaysia, our sustainability solutions have not only generated substantial savings but have also driven performance enhancements and augmented asset value for our clients. Our impact speaks volumes: clients have achieved up to a 52% reduction in electrical energy consumption, yielding over RM100 million in cumulative savings. “Moreover, our interventions have facilitated carbon emission reductions exceeding 31,200 tCO2. As we witness the paradigm shift towards sustainability, we encourage more Malaysian companies and GLCs to embrace green initiatives, leading the charge towards a future marked by resilience and environmental stewardship,” he added.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 15 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Mavcom revises aviation services charges KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) yesterday announced revisions to the Passenger Service Charges (PSC) for the First Regulatory Period (RP1), spanning from June 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2026. The introduction of the revised rates is designed to support the aviation sector’s recovery and adaptability in the post-covid-19 pandemic environment. The revised rates also reflect Mavcom’s dedication to maintaining a balanced and consumer-oriented approach within the dynamic aviation sector. This revision falls under Mavcom’s responsibility for the economic regulation of the Aviation Services Charges (ASC) in Malaysia under section 46 of the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 [Act 771], which includes the power to set aviation services charges such as the PSC, aircraft landing and parking charges, among others. The PSC revision was made after a comprehensive and extended consultation process that commenced in 2021. This inclusive approach underscores Mavcom’s dedication to taking into account feedback from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including relevant ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Finance, industry players, fund managers, analysts, international aviation bodies and consumer associations. Multiple consultation sessions were conducted, complemented by the issuance of 2 consultation papers. Each step was taken to ensure a holistic understanding and consideration of various perspectives before finalising this decision. (See full details on www.thesun.my) SCAN ME BENTONG: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached another milestone with three tunnel breakthroughs in a single day within the Bentong district, bringing the total number of tunnels that successfully completed excavation works to 30 tunnels along its rail alignment to date. The three ECRL tunnels namely Bentong 1 Tunnel with a total length of 561m, Kampung Lentang 1 Tunnel (270m) and Kampung Lentang 2 Tunnel (478m) recorded their breakthrough achievements ahead of schedule via the drill and blast tunnelling method yesterday. The permanent lining for Bentong 1 Tunnel has progressed to a commendable 348 meters prior to breakthrough, while preparation of trolley lining for permanent lining construction is underway for Kampung Lentang 1 Tunnel and Kampung Lentang 2 Tunnel. Each tunnel has an average height of 12m and width of 13m, hence providing the space for two standard gauge railway tracks upon completion. The construction of ECRL tunnels in the Bentong district will enable the railway track to comply with its maximum gradient of 0.9% as well as to significantly reduce open forests cutting and minimise the impact on wildlife in the area. The ECRL project features the construction of 41 tunnels with a total length of approximately 69km along its rail alignment, of which 21 tunnels are located within Section A (Kota Bharu-Dungun) and Section B (Dungun-Mentakab) while the remaining 20 tunnels are situated in Section C (MentakabPort Klang). Of the 41 tunnels along the ECRL alignment, all 21 tunnels in Section A and Section B have completed their excavation works since August 2023, while nine tunnels in Section C have also followed suit to date. For the record, the ECRL Project registered its first tunnel breakthrough at the 1.1-km long Paka Tunnel in Terengganu back in April 2021. Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the ECRL project has hit a new milestone with 30 tunnel breakthroughs, noting that the achievement was supported by the adoption of advanced tunnelling technology as well as the dedication and teamwork among its ECRL personnel along its 665- km alignment. “We are optimistic that the construction of the ECRL alignment from Kota Baru to ITT Gombak will be completed by December 2026, considering tunnel excavation works which are both challenging and contingent on geological conditions have progressed smoothly and as per schedule,” he said in conjunction with the latest tunnel breakthrough achievements in the Bentong district. Sarawak Foundation, SME Aerospace to lift sector to greater heights ECRL project achieves 30 tunnel breakthroughs oBuilding of underpasses will enable railway track to comply with its maximum 0.9% gradient DKSH to market, distribute Iscon Balaji Foods products PETALING JAYA: DKSH business unit consumer goods, a leading partner for companies seeking to grow their consumer goods business in Asia and beyond, has initiated partnership with Iscon Balaji Foods, a leading producer and exporter of frozen and dehydrated potato varieties. This collaboration aims to enhance Iscon Balaji Foods’ halalcertified product offerings of frozen fries in the Peninsular Malaysia market, providing consumers with an extended range of options. Under the agreement, DKSH Malaysia will provide full market expansion services, including marketing and sales, distribution and logistics, as well as credit and collection across multiple distribution channels, such as hotels, restaurants, café, and various food services outlets. The range of Iscon Balaji Foods’ products that DKSH will distribute encompasses their variety of Pommetos frozen fries, crafted to delight both culinary connoisseurs and food service experts alike. Whether enriching the taste of classic recipes or infusing a creative flair into contemporary dishes, Pommetos’ diverse range of potato fries invites culinary exploration. KUCHING: Sarawak Foundation and SME Aerospace Sdn Bhd have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in developing the aerospace industry in Sarawak. In a joint statement on Monday, the foundation and SME Aerospace said the MoU aims to establish a strategic partnership to promote collaboration in highly skilled human capital development and expand the industry’s capabilities and capacities. They said the collaboration will boost the industrialisation of the aerospace manufacturing sector and facilitate the implementation of related projects, leveraging their respective benefits and advantages, encompassing expertise, manpower, information and support. “This partnership will focus on knowledge sharing, skills and talent development, technology transfer, and joint research and development initiatives in the focus areas of high-tech aero engineering and aerostructure manufacturing,” they said. The MoU would be in line with Sarawak’s strategies to serve as a catalyst for the state aviation ecosystem, attracting other industry players across the value chain to set up base in Sarawak, as well as stimulating the state green economy initiatives through the use of hydrogen and microalgae as sustainable aviation fuel. Sarawak Foundation director Mersal Abang Rosli said the collaboration with the firm was in step with the local and international demands in the aerospace business community sector. He said the partnership would also augur well for Sarawak’s initiative to provide quality education, human capital development, and new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Similarly, SME Aerospace director Datuk Suffian Eltrada Ahmad said the collaboration would explore the potential for mutual learning and value creation as both parties could synergise their strengths and expertise. “Together, we can achieve advancements in aerospace technology and services regionally and globally,” he added. – Bernama
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 16 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper BOJ chief tones down optimism on economy oFew clues offered on timing of stimulus exit after recent batch of soft data TOKYO: Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda said yesterday the economy was recovering but also showing some signs of weakness, offering a slightly bleaker assessment than in January in a nod to a recent batch of soft data on consumption. The remarks come ahead of the central bank’s policy meeting next week, where the board will debate whether the outlook is bright enough to phase out its massive monetary stimulus. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Ueda said consumption was weakening for food and daily necessities amid higher prices. But he said household spending was improving moderately on hopes for higher wages ahead. “Japan’s economy is recovering moderately, although weakness has been seen in some data,” Ueda said, when asked by a lawmaker about recent soft signs in consumption and capital expenditure. The assessment was slightly less optimistic than the one shown in the BOJ’s latest quarterly report issued in January, which described the economy as “recovering moderately”. Ueda offered few clues on how soon the BOJ would end negative rates, a policy that has been in place since 2016. “We are focusing on whether a positive wage-inflation cycle is kicking off, in judging whether sustainable, stable achievement of our price target is coming into sight. “Various data have come out since January and we’ll likely have additional data come out this week. We will look comprehensively at such data, and make an appropriate monetary policy decision.” Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said yesterday Japan was not at a stage where it could declare deflation as beaten despite some positive developments such as high wage hikes and record levels of companies’ capital spending. The economy expanded at an annualised clip of 0.4% in the October-December period, narrowly averting a technical recession but weighed by sluggish consumption. Despite such signs of economic weakness, many market players expect the BOJ to end its negative interest rate policy by April as inflation remains above its 2% target and intensifying labour shortages prod more firms to signal bumper pay hikes. Sources told Reuters a growing number of BOJ policymakers are even warming to the idea of ending negative rates at the March 18 and 19 meeting on expectations of hefty pay hikes in this year’s annual wage negotiations. Economists see current wage talks, which wrap up on March 13, resulting in an average hike of around 3.9% in annual pay for union workers at major firms – the biggest rise in 31 years. As part of efforts to sustainably achieve its 2% inflation target, the BOJ currently guides short-term rates at -0.1% and the 10-year government bond yield at 0%. – Reuters Xiaomi announces release date for first EV BEIJING: Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi will start deliveries of its first electric vehicle by the end of this month, the firm’s boss said yesterday, bringing its highly anticipated entry into the automotive industry to the brink of completion. Xiaomi – the world’s third-largest smartphone manufacturer – also produces tablets, smartwatches, headphones and scooters. In 2021, the Beijing-based firm announced its planned foray into the electric vehicle sector, made highly competitive in recent months as top Chinese brands engage in an aggressive price war. “The Xiaomi SU7 will be officially released on March 28,” Lei Jun, the company’s founder and CEO, wrote on Chinese social media site Weibo. The announcement was accompanied by a photo of the new vehicle, which was first unveiled to the press in December. The firm’s shares soared nearly 10% by midday in Hong Kong, where the firm is listed. Equipped with Xiaomi software and electronic features, the SU7 is produced by Chinese auto giant BAIC. Its batteries – with a driving range of up to 800km – are supplied by China’s largest electric automaker BYD, as well as domestic battery giant CATL. “The goal is to become one of the world’s top five automotive manufacturers through 15 to 20 years of hard work,” Lei said in December. Many top technology firms in China – the world’s largest auto market – have invested recently in the country’s electric vehicle sector, where foreign firms have struggled to get a foothold. Founded in 2010, Xiaomi has achieved rapid growth through its strategy of marketing high-end devices at affordable prices, initially directly through online channels. – AFP Microsoft to train Filipinas in AI, cybersecurity MANILA: Tech giant Microsoft said yesterday it will train 100,000 Philippine women on artificial intelligence technology and cybersecurity. The programme was announced during a two-day trade mission headed by US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. The women will use an online platform to learn how to use Microsoft’s AI tools, including ones powered by OpenAI’s large language models, in order to gain workplace skills and to be able to recognise cybersecurity threats. “We are very excited about the potential for the Philippines to drive economic advancement using enhanced AI technology in a positive way,” Microsoft official Mary Snapp told reporters. Microsoft will partner with government agencies and local schools to provide the training to government employees, said Snapp. In a statement, Philippine Trade Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said the training could “help to bolster cybersecurity and trust in tech adoption”. The joint initiative could help address the Philippines’s problem with disinformation, Snapp said. “There’s going to be a really strong focus and education campaign so that people who are looking at content are much better able to identify what’s been changed, what’s not been changed.” The tech giant said it would also roll out an AI-powered reading progress tool for around 27 million Philippine students, in partnership with the Philippine education department. A 2022 World Bank study revealed that nine out of every 10 students aged 10 in the Philippines struggle to read simple texts. – AFP Visitors filming the SU7 at an event in Beijing. – REUTERSPIC China’s first two consumption-related REITs close flat SHANGHAI: China’s first two public real estate investment products based on commercial retail spaces closed roughly flat after their debut yesterday, showing investors remain cautious towards property assets and deflationary pressures in the economy. The two real estate investment trusts listed in Shanghai are backed by shopping centres owned by developer China Jinmao and supermarkets owned by retailer Wumart. Huaxia Jinmao Commercial REIT and Harvest Wumart Consumer REIT closed up 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively, yesterday. They fell as much as 3.8% and 2.8% in early trade. The launch of such products comes after China expanded the scope of REITs last year to commercial properties as part of efforts to prop up a battered property sector. The REITs would allow investor funds to flow to property owners while also giving developers an opportunity to exit their projects. The commercial property arms of China Vanke and China Resources Land are also among the project owners of the first batch of approved consumption-related REITs. “The first batch of commercial REITs are good assets but prices are expensive for investors, especially given the current macroeconomic conditions,” said a REITs-focused investment manager at a brokerage firm in Shanghai. Malls, supermarkets and other retail-focused properties generally come under the so-called consumption-related infrastructure projects. Cypress Investment Management director Fan Qianghua said the heavy pipeline of REITs supply had made the firm cautious and they were taking a wait-and-see approach. After tumbling 28% in 2023, the CSI REITs Index has climbed roughly 8% this year. – Reuters
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 17 Airbnb bans security cameras inside guest homes SAN FRANCISCO: Airbnb on Monday said it is banning security cameras inside guest homes so as to prioritise privacy. The home rental platform previously allowed indoor security cameras in common areas such as hallways and living rooms if they were clearly visible and disclosed in listings before people booked such properties. However, people have complained on social media about finding seemingly hidden cameras in Airbnb lodgings, some of them in areas where privacy is expected. “Airbnb is banning the use of indoor security cameras in listings globally as part of efforts to simplify our policy on security cameras and other devices and to continue to prioritise the privacy of our community,” the San Francisco-based company said in a blog post. The new policy, along with a tightening of rules on outdoor security cameras at Airbnb properties, will go into effect on April 30. “Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb,” the company’s head of community policy and partnerships Juniper Downs said in an online post. Doorbell cameras and noise decibel monitors will still be permitted by Airbnb for home security and to detect unauthorised parties, according to the company. Hosts will be required to disclose the locations of any outdoor security cameras, which cannot monitor areas such as outdoor showers or saunas, Airbnb said in the post. – AFP Ford to pay US$365m in tariff fraud case NEW YORK: American auto giant Ford has agreed to pay US$365 million (RM1.7 billion) to settle a civil suit linked to the alleged disguising of imported cargo vans as lower-tariff passenger vehicles, US authorities said on Monday. Ford, which denies wrongdoing, is accused of using the scheme from 2009 to 2013 to avoid paying higher duties on Transit Connect utility vehicles imported from Turkiye by declaring them as passenger vehicles, the Justice Department said in a statement. Ford installed “sham rear seats and other temporary features to make the vans appear to be passenger vehicles”, the Justice Department alleged. In fact, the “temporary rear seats were never intended to be, and never were, used to carry passengers”, according to the statement. Once through customs, Ford allegedly stripped the fake seating out, returning the vehicle to its “original identity as a two-seat cargo van”. The alleged scam allowed Ford to pay import duties of only 2.5%, as opposed to the 25% tariff imposed on cargo vehicles. The Justice Department said that nearly 163,000 Transit Connects were imported from Turkiye during the period. Ford fought the case in courts for years, arguing that the rear seats were genuine. The settlement states that Ford does not admit liability but that the two sides reached an agreement “to avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience, and expense of protracted litigation”. The US$365 million payment includes nearly US$184 million for restitution of unpaid customs duties and the rest is penalties, the settlement said. – AFP Reddit aims to raise US$500m in New York IPO NEW YORK: Reddit plans to raise some US$500 million (RM2.3 billion) with its initial public offering of shares, using the money to improve the platform and its money-making power, according to a regulatory filing on Monday. The New York Stock Exchange debut of the platform that bills itself as “the front page of the internet” when it comes to hot news will be a test of an IPO market that has been idling since the middle of last year. A date for the initial public offering of shares has yet to be set. The San Francisco-based company said in the filing that it will issue 15.2 million shares priced between US$31 and US$34. Reddit’s IPO will be the first for a social network since Pinterest went public in 2019. That would mean Reddit could raise around US$500 million in fresh capital. oCompany to use money to improve platform and money-making power Factoring in shares potentially sold by those with existing stakes in the company and shares set aside in event of significant demand, there is potential for more than 25 million shares to be placed overall, according to the filing. Including stock options already issued, the company would be valued at around US$6.5 billion. In an unusual move, the company reserved 1.76 million shares for active users and forum moderators referred to as “Redditors”. Founded in 2005, the platform is home to more than 100,000 online communities devoted to a sweeping range of topics and was visited by an average of 73 million people daily, according to a filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, Reddit’s business model is based on advertising, but despite its popularity, the platform has never managed to turn a profit. Plans for monetisation include licensing data for training large language models that power artificial intelligence, according to an SEC filing. Reddit’s users can be vocal: Last year moderators of communities at Reddit held a major protest over new fees for developer access to the platform. And with the rise of ChatGPT, chief executive Steve Huffman had been unwilling to allow companies that build AI chatbots to have free access to the site to perfect their large-language models. Even more famously, the Wall Street Bets subreddit fuelled a GameStop share runup in 2021 in a frenzy that inspired a US congressional inquiry and the film Dumb Money” “Reddit needs to be a self-sustaining business, and to do that, we can no longer subsidise commercial entities that require large-scale data use,” Huffman wrote in a Reddit post at the time. Publishing giant Conde Nast bought Reddit in late 2006 and later spun it off into an independent subsidiary. The company is now working on ways for users to earn money on the platform. “Today, subreddits are mostly communities for content and conversation, and they will evolve into places where Redditors can generate revenue for themselves,” Huffman said. – AFP UK’s modern-day green airship takes shape LONDON: Britain’s innovative Airlander 10 airship could soon take to the skies to offer leisure passengers panoramic views and far less pollution than traditional aircraft, according to its manufacturer. On the outskirts of the town of Bedford, north of London, UK company Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) says its plans are well underway for greener but slower commercial air travel. The Airlander – which is 91m long – is lifted by its gigantic helium-filled hull, which is then steered through the air by engine propellers powered by conventional fuel. The dirigible is “unlike any other aircraft cabin you’ve sat in”, HAV chief executive Tom Grundy told AFP on a visit to the Bedford facility. “It’s big, it’s long, it’s spacious (and) it’s very quiet to sit on board. “There’s floor-to-ceiling windows, and the aircraft’s unpressurised, so you can even open a window and look at the outside world as you’re going over it.” The airship, initially developed for the US army, is longer than the Airbus A380 jumbo yet pumps out up to 75% less emissions than aircraft, according to HAV. The group plans to start production later this year, while electric- and hydrogen-powered versions are planned in order to further slash emissions. HAV has already manufactured a prototype, part of which is now on display in Bedford after completing test flights. The tech hub also features a life-size model of the future airship that allows visitors to step on board and view its “luxury” configuration including a bar, passenger cabins and an observation lounge. However, experts concede that airships will be hindered as a form of transport owing to its slow speed versus other airborne modes. Professor Andreas Schaefer, director of the Air Transportation Systems Laboratory at University College London, cautioned that it would be a “niche” market. “On a commercial basis, as a vehicle for long distance transport, I can’t see any future because simply the speed is by far too slow,” he noted. HAV is one of the few companies that it seeking to relaunch the airship, but using the inert gas helium. Almost 90 years ago, the Hindenburg Zeppelin – filled with highly flammable hydrogen – exploded in the United States in 1937, killing 36 people and ending the widespread use of airships. – AFP Grundy posing for pictures at the HAV headquarters in Bedford. – AFPPIC
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 18 EU states endorse rules for app workers oCritics slam amended text as watered-down BRUSSELS: European Union states on Monday endorsed controversial rules to cover app workers in the so-called gig economy, after weeks of wrangling over the watered-down text. A majority of countries represented by EU employment and social affairs ministers meeting in Brussels backed a deal in sufficient numbers to overcome resistance from heavyweights France and Germany. The agreed new set of rules, which still need to be formally approved including by the European Parliament, would allow each EU country to decide its own criteria for reclassifying a gig worker as an employee. When the European Union began work on the text in 2021, the aim was to set uniform rules that supporters hoped would improve conditions for workers for outfits such as ride-sharing group Uber by fixing norms under which they would be legally seen as employees. EU negotiators in December agreed on the new rules. But when the time came for approval by states shortly after, France led resistance to block the text. France’s move, together with several other countries, forced negotiators back to the table and in February, they reached a new agreement. Critics slammed the amended text as watered-down. The December text said that if a worker met two out of five criteria, the presumption would be that they were an employee. But the text scrapped the idea of any EU-level list of criteria, leaving it up each country instead. Some argued that effectively maintained the status quo. Belgium, which holds the rotating EU presidency, refused to give up and kept up the pressure to get the new rules over the line. It was put on Monday’s agenda of the EU ministers for a final push to reach agreement. Belgium’s efforts were not in vain. After each state spoke briefly, a majority ended up backing the deal, including previous holdouts Estonia and Greece. “Better working conditions for those delivering your meal at home! Ministers just approved the compromise text on the Platform Work Directive,” Belgium said on X. Germany said during the session that it would abstain while France said it would be ready to approve the compromise text after further additions. A French negotiator told AFP that Paris wanted to be sure there would be no automatic reclassification of platform workers as employees, and wants the European Commission to include wording to that effect. “Since there is no longer any harmonisation in the text, we would like to have guarantees on the interpretation that will be made,” the French official said. There are around 28 million gig workers dependent on online platforms in Europe, and the European Parliament believes at least 5.5 million could be wrongly classified as self-employed. The revised agreement will now be put to a vote in the Parliament, where it has strong backing. – AFP Bitcoin zooms to record beyond US$72,000 LONDON: Bitcoin raced to an all-time peak above US$72,000 on Monday as the world’s most popular cryptocurrency won further support on greater trading accessibility and dollar weakness. The virtual unit struck US$72,717 as dealers also eyed an upcoming industry event that traditionally boosts its price by restricting supply. Monday’s spurt extended last week’s record-breaking run when the currency bulldozed its way past the previous November 2021 pinnacle of US$68,991. Bitcoin won further support on Monday after Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority watchdog said it would join US regulators by allowing the creation of crypto-related securities. US authorities earlier this year gave the green light to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) pegged to bitcoin’s spot price, making it easier for investors to add the unit to their portfolio. “This (FCA statement) suggests that crypto is going mainstream, and not just bitcoin but also other established coins,” XTB analyst Kathleen Brooks told AFP. “We know that the demand is there, and this comes on the back of US$10 billion of inflows into bitcoin ETFs in the United States.” ETFs are widely regarded by commentators as proof of burgeoning crypto interest from institutional investors, further buoying investor enthusiasm. Bitcoin is created – or “mined” – as a reward when powerful computers solve complex problems to validate transactions made on the blockchain. But the reward given to bitcoin “miners” – those who contribute to the creation of the blockchain by validating transactions – is about to be divided by two. Next month’s so-called “halving” has lent strong support to the unit’s price in recent days and weeks by tightening supplies. “Bitcoin has surged to a fresh all time high, boosted by strong ETF inflows and ahead of the April halving event,” said City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta. “The crypto market has skyrocketed 350% from its 2022 low and shows little sign of stopping after the doors have been opened to institutional investors and as retail investors experience FOMO,” she said in reference to a “fear of missing out”. Cincotta predicted that US$100,000 could become “the next natural target” but sounded a note of caution. “Bitcoin is extremely volatile and could drop just as quickly as it has risen.” At its current price, bitcoin has soared almost 70% since January, when it stood at about US$43,000. However, it slumped to US$15,000 in November 2022 following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. The digital currency has a finite number of units. Bitcoin’s creator Satoshi Nakamoto has limited the maximum number of bitcoins to 21 million. – AFP Porsche expects lower returns as it launches new models BERLIN: German luxury carmaker Porsche expects profitability to tick downwards in 2024 as it focuses on launching four new models, the company said yesterday, posting full-year results largely in line with expectations despite market volatility. The group, which is majority-owned by Volkswagen, is targeting an operating return on sales in the range of 15% to 17% this year, after reaching 18% in 2023. “In the medium term, we are sticking to our forecast of an operating return on sales of around 17% to 19%,” Porsche’s finance chief Lutz Meschke said in a statement. “And, in the long run, we are aiming for a group operating return on sales of more than 20%.” Porsche’s Frankfurt-listed shares were seen opening 3.2% lower. The shares have risen 1.8% year-to-date, underperforming a 10% increase in the STOXX Europe 600 Automobiles & Parts index , with analysts pointing to fierce competition in China and expected ramp-up costs for the new model launches this year. Shares in rival Ferrari are up about a quarter over the same period. Earlier this month, Porsche parent Volkswagen said sales growth would slow this year due to numerous headwinds, including weaker economic growth, stiffer competition and higher costs. Last year, Porsche posted sales of €40.5 billion (RM207 billion), largely in line with an LSEG estimate, while the return on sales beat expectations for an operating margin of 17.7%. With four new launches in its Panamera, Macan, Taycan and 911 model lines planned for 2024, Porsche said it is planning the biggest year of product launches in the company’s history. – Reuters Workers assembling a Macan model on the production and quality control line of the Porsche plant in the eastern German city of Leipzig. – AFPPIC UK unemployment edges higher as wage growth eases LONDON: Unemployment in recession-hit Britain has nudged higher as growth in wages falls further, according to official data yesterday that supports analyst expectations of an upcoming cut to UK interest rates. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9% in the three months to the end of January, up from 3.8% in the final quarter of last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. Average regular pay growth, excluding bonuses, fell to 6.1% from 6.2%, the ONS added. Taking into account Britain’s annual inflation rate during the reporting period, real wages rose by only 2%. Like the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank, the Bank of England is seen possibly cutting interest rates as soon as June as inflation cools and following multiple hikes to combat soaring prices. “There are encouraging signs that a more marked slowdown is just around the corner and that an interest rate cut in June is possible,” said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics research group. – AFP
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) HSI-HS5 0.84 -0.53 158 NIKKEI-CB 1.33 -0.25 400 CTOS 1.25 -0.2 2,475,067 HSI-HSH 0.39 -0.185 3,910 HSI-HSK 0.225 -0.185 550 GESHEN 3.28 -0.16 5,814 MICROLN 0.37 -0.16 497,969 HSI-HSZ 0.485 -0.155 4,190 MICROLN-CB 0.01 -0.14 10,350 DRBHCOMC3D 0.06 -0.13 2 HSI-HS3 0.88 -0.13 20 MSM 2.64 -0.12 22,240 THETA 1.31 -0.12 87,142 HSI-HS2 0.48 -0.115 3,400 HSI-HSY 0.235 -0.095 184,289 HSI-HUC 0.105 -0.095 887 HSI-HS1 0.155 -0.09 34,687 HSI-HUE 0.18 -0.09 250,330 ALLIANZ 19 -0.08 263 AMWAY 7.75 -0.08 1,615 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME CTOS 1.25 -0.2 -13.79 2,475,067 HONGSENG 0.015 -0.005 -25.00 2,378,412 PMHLDG 0.225 +0.085 +60.71 1,901,314 HSI-CTK 0.195 +0.065 +50.00 1,233,326 CTOS-C6 0.025 -0.03 -54.55 1,130,735 TWL 0.035 - - 1,050,213 HSI-CTL 0.155 +0.050 +47.62 1,009,545 HSI-HSL 0.095 -0.045 -32.14 847,614 HSI-HP2 0.03 -0.045 -60.00 827,417 HSI-CTQ 0.1 +0.055 +122.22 611,636 MUIIND 0.06 - - 605,041 HSI-HSM 0.03 -0.025 -45.45 570,605 HSI-CVB 0.305 +0.095 +45.24 561,155 VELESTO 0.28 +0.010 +3.70 533,682 EAH 0.005 -0.005 -50.00 516,901 MICROLN 0.37 -0.16 -30.19 497,969 SPSETIA 0.98 +0.060 +6.52 479,279 HSI-HSP 0.035 -0.02 -36.36 413,465 MINETEC-PA 0.05 -0.005 -9.09 400,136 FITTERS 0.055 +0.005 +10.00 395,276 SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format. MARKET ROUND-UP: MARCH 12 [ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. INDEX CHANGE FBMEMAS 11,511.4 +58.06 FBMKLCI 1,554.56 +9.85 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 574.83 +0.39 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 175.99 +0.58 CONSTRUCTION 211.38 +0.07 FINANCIAL SERVICES 17,443.00 +38.36 ENERGY 897.04 +2.43 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 606.05 +4.10 HEALTH CARE 1,909.64 +30.98 TRANSPORTATION 961.38 +3.58 PROPERTY 917.81 +4.81 PLANTATION 7,356.60 +53.66 FBMSHA 11,531.30 +80.72 FBMACE 4,722.01 +23.37 TECHNOLOGY 63.02 -0.36 TURNOVER: 4.283 bil VALUE: RM2.930 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 46.97 0.00 -0.07 S&P 500 (US) -5.75 0.00 1.91 NASDAQ (US) -65.84 0.00 0.48 NYSE (US) -25.93 0.00 3.06 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 6.56 0.00 4.02 FTSE 100 (UK) 61.58 0.01 2.07 DAX (GER) 42.61 0.00 4.41 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) -22.98 0.00 5.15 TOPIX INDEX (JPN) -9.59 0.00 3.88 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 505.93 0.03 8.55 CSI 300 (CHN) 8.23 0.00 6.91 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 1.80 0.01 6.31 SHANGHAI SE COM (CHN) 3055.94 -12.52 -0.41 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2681.81 21.97 0.83 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 73640.00 137.36 0.19 ASX 200 (AUS) 7712.53 8.31 0.11 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 7973.03 9.42 0.12 FBM KLCI 1554.56 9.85 0.64 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3141.47 3.05 0.10 WTI (US$/BBL.) 78.21 0.28 0.36 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 82.59 0.38 0.46 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2184.00 -4.60 -0.21 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 24.68 -0.04 -0.16 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 932.88 -5.10 -0.54 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 393.10 0.25 0.06 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 8653.00 73.50 0.86 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 439.50 -2.25 -0.51 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 544.50 -2.75 -0.50 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 46.26 -0.38 -0.81 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 6728.00 332.00 5.19 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 163.30 0.90 0.55 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, March 12 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) MICROLN-CB 0.01 -93.33 10,350 HARTA-C1Q 0.005 -87.50 1,000 MICROLN-CA 0.01 -80.00 13,240 DRBHCOMC3D 0.06 -68.42 2 HSI-HP2 0.03 -60.00 827,417 SUPERMX-C4A 0.02 -55.56 5,750 TAKAFUL-CW 0.02 -55.56 500 CTOS-C6 0.025 -54.55 1,130,735 CTOS-C5 0.005 -50.00 600 EAH 0.005 -50.00 516,901 HSI-HSD 0.005 -50.00 61,657 HSI-HUL 0.02 -50.00 1,300 MTRONIC-WB 0.005 -50.00 130,605 HSI-HUC 0.105 -47.50 887 HSI-HSM 0.03 -45.45 570,605 KOSSAN-C63 0.03 -45.45 500 HSI-HSK 0.225 -45.12 550 FBMKLCI-HMU 0.02 -42.86 1,300 GTRONIC-C29 0.015 -40.00 2,000 HSI-HS5 0.84 -38.69 158 Top 20 Losers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) F&N 29.66 +0.440 1,436 NESTLE 121 +0.400 746 PPB 15.5 +0.240 8,772 TENAGA 11.48 +0.240 40,927 CHINAETF-MYR 4.45 +0.180 82 VITROX 7.28 +0.180 2,341 HSI-CVR 0.89 +0.160 46,775 TM 6 +0.155 37,696 KOBAY 1.44 +0.150 61,283 HSI-CVD 0.49 +0.140 18,119 HSI-CVH 0.58 +0.135 116,721 HSI-CVT 0.57 +0.125 1,549 HARTA 2.55 +0.120 62,548 HSI-CVF 0.455 +0.115 4,625 HSI-CVV 0.705 +0.115 40 HSI-CVG 0.505 +0.110 10,615 ALLIANZ-PA 20.4 +0.100 23 AXIATA 2.85 +0.100 57,585 DLADY 24 +0.100 1,434 AIRPORT 8.54 +0.100 16,505 Top 20 Gainers (By RM) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) HSI-CTQ 0.1 +122.22 611,636 BORNOIL-WD 0.01 +100.00 4,302 EDUSPEC-WB 0.01 +100.00 3,531 FINTEC 0.01 +100.00 18,852 FITTERS-WC 0.01 +100.00 24,276 HSI-CTC 0.03 +100.00 41,128 HSI-CTG 0.01 +100.00 49 HSI-CTX 0.02 +100.00 3,971 IOICORP-C54 0.01 +100.00 34,837 JDCOM-C19 0.01 +100.00 182 SPSETIA-C72 0.01 +100.00 41,076 VELESTO-WA 0.01 +100.00 3,471 HSI-CT3 0.035 +75.00 6,667 HSI-CR6 0.06 +71.43 7,556 HSI-CTZ 0.06 +71.43 1,040 GENTING-HH 0.025 +66.67 20,001 HSI-CR7 0.05 +66.67 2,200 XPENG-C2 0.025 +66.67 260 HSI-CTR 0.115 +64.29 1,525 HSI-CT8 0.13 +62.50 560 Top 20 Gainers (By %) Bursa closes higher for fourth straight trading day BURSA Malaysia extended its gains to close higher for the fourth straight day yesterday, supported by continuous buying in most heavyweights amidst the recovery tone in regional markets, a dealer said. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI rose 9.85 points to 1,554.56 from Monday’s close of 1,544.71. The benchmark index, which opened 0.24 of-a-point higher at 1,544.95, moved between 1,541.36 and 1,556.71 throughout the day. On the broader market, gainers beat decliners 505 to 484, while 479 counters were unchanged, 802 untraded, and 12 others suspended. Turnover rose to 4.28 billion units worth RM2.93 billion from 3.64 billion units worth RM2.71 billion on Monday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president, Thong Pak Leng said key regional indices saw gains due to a substantial influx of global funds, while investors await US’ inflation data which is poised to influence the timing of the US Federal Reserve’s rate cut. “With the upswing in investor sentiment, buying is expected, supported by consistent and strong inflow of foreign funds into the region, while the increasing daily trading volume signifies higher appetite for the market. “As a result, we are adjusting our weekly FBM KLCI target range upwards to 1,540-1,560, with immediate resistance at 1,560 and support at 1,520,” he told Bernama. Among the heavyweights, Maybank and Public Bank added 1.0 sen each to RM9.83 and RM4.31, respectively, CIMB rose 5.0 sen to RM6.72, Petronas Chemicals climbed 7.0 sen to RM6.92 andTenaga Nasional jumped 24 sen to RM11.48. 1,554.56pts March 12, 2024 Participation 20.1 40.2 39.7 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 577.6 1167.3 1186.2 2931.1 Sold RM m 600.1 1191.3 1139.7 2931.1 Net RM m -22.5 -24.0 46.5 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 12/3/2024
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 20 MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors. [Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. BPPLAS guided for the pick-up in demand for plastic package since 2H CY23 to sustain for the rest of FY24 and into FY25, underpinned by, among others, a strong revival in both business and leisure travelling, which translates to higher demand for plastic packaging used for transportation and storage purposes. For FY24, BPPLAS is targeting sales volumes to grow 8%-10% YoY to both domestic and overseas buyers. Its topline growth will also be driven by higher sales of premium products including: (i) thinner gauge stretch film (with thicknesses as low as 10 microns for machine rolls and 6 microns for hand rolls) for more sustainable packaging market, and (ii) technical customised blown film, especially from its two co-extrusion blown film machines which were commissioned at the end of FY23. We believe BPPLAS’s nano stretch film has a strong competitive edge in the US and European US markets given the high cost structure, particularly, energy cost of the local producers there. We understand that BPPLAS is planning for RM35 million capex in FY24, which will go to: (i) new printing and cutting machines (to be commissioned in 2H CY24 to boost margins), (ii) additional solar panels to reduce electricity cost, and (iii) upgrading of the power supply system in the plant. We like BPPLAS for its: (i) strong foothold in the SE Asia market which is expected to remain resilient despite global economic uncertainties, (ii) strong cash flows and balance sheet (a net cash position) that will enable it to weather downturns better, and (iii) long-term capacity expansion in high-margin premium stretch film and blown film products. We lift our TP by 16% to RM1.42 (from RM1.23) and upgrade our call to OUTPERFORM from MARKET PERFORM. MALAYSIA’S February palm oil (PO) stocks dipped 5% MoM to 1.92 million tonnes, as output and exports fell 10.2% and 24.8%. There is little sign of festive demand, likely due to continued switching activities (to the cheaper sunflower oil) and running down of inventories. Nevertheless, PO stocks are now looking tighter, and should remain below the 2 million-tonne mark next month, thereby providing support to CPO price. Six planters booked numbers that fell below expectations, two were in line, and four above forecasts. The main reason for the downside surprise was lower-than-expected FFB production in Indonesia caused by dry weather, which led to higher-thanexpected unit costs. We maintain our CPO price assumptions for now – at RM3,900 and RM3,800 per tonne for 2024 and 2025. FFB output of the companies under our coverage, however, saw a dip by an average of 0.6% QoQ but a rise by 4.5% YoY in Q4’23. Most planters expect stronger output growth in 2024, as Malaysian estates have not been affected so far by El Nino, with FFB growth expectations at mid-to-high single digits. In Indonesia, output fell by 9.2% QoQ but grew 5% YoY for the companies we cover in Q4’23. As usual, the official Association of Indonesian Palm Oil Producers’ (GAPKI) output trends for Q4 differed, showing a 3.6% QoQ rise and a 4.3% YoY decline. We understand weather in Indonesia has been dry in certain areas like South Sumatra and South Kalimantan for a few months. There has also been flooding in other areas, which lasted a few weeks. Maintain sector NEUTRAL with a tactically positive trading strategy, as we continue to expect a higher CPO price environment in 1H24. ZANTAT specialises in the production of calcium carbonate for industrial applications. The group is also engaged in manufacturing kaolin dispersion, processing ultrafine precipitated CC (PCC) powder, trading other industrial minerals, and selling limestone quarry products. Its clientele comprises key players in the plastic, rubber, latex, PVC pipe, and cable manufacturing industries, and etc. Production primarily takes place at ZANTAT’s facilities located in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, serving both domestic and international markets. Notably, as of 9M FY23, 68.1% of ZANTAT’s revenue was generated from overseas sales, with India emerging as its largest export market. A budget of RM6.2 million from the IPO proceeds will be allocated towards upgrading ZANTAT’s R&D facilities and acquiring new automated machinery to enhance operational efficiency. This strategic investment enables the group to allocate resources more effectively towards expanding its product range while reducing dependence on manual labour at the operational level. Additionally, ZANTAT is set to install a new GCC production line to produce fine-grade GCC, known as the Zancarb series, with operations expected to commence by the end of 2024. This new production line is projected to increase the existing production capacity by 8% on top of the existing full production capacity of 311.5kT, further strengthening ZANTAT’s position in the market. At an IPO price of RM0.25/share, ZANTAT is priced at a trailing PER of 12.9x FY22 core EPS of 1.9sen. We value the company at 9x CY25 EPS, arriving at a fair value of RM0.31/share. Not Rated. FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7465 4.6125 4.6025 1 Australian Dollar 3.1600 3.0340 3.0180 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5690 3.4650 3.4570 1 Canadian Dollar 3.5200 3.4260 3.4140 1 Euro 5.1980 5.0320 5.0120 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9410 2.8330 2.8170 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5690 3.4650 3.4570 1 Sterling Pound 6.0960 5.9040 5.8840 1 Swiss Franc 5.3980 5.2730 5.2580 100 UAE Dirham 130.8100 124.0800 123.8800 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.4090 4.1220 3.9220 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.5700 63.7700 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.4600 65.7800 65.5800 100 Hongkong Dollar 61.3700 58.3300 58.1300 100 Indian Rupee 5.8400 5.4800 5.2800 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0315 0.0285 0.0235 100 Japanese Yen 3.2390 3.1370 3.1270 100 New Taiwan Dollar N/A N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 46.6400 42.9200 42.7200 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7300 1.6200 1.4200 100 Philippine Peso 8.7000 8.2000 8.0000 100 Qatar Riyal 131.7100 125.0300 124.8300 100 Saudi Riyal 128.0500 121.5600 121.3600 100 South Africa Rand 26.3500 23.8000 23.6000 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.5900 1.4600 1.2600 100 Swedish Krona 47.8400 43.5800 43.3800 100 Thai Baht 13.9900 12.4200 12.0200 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit rises against dollar ahead of US CPI data release THE ringgit traded in a narrow range yesterday at between 4.676 and 4.684 against the US dollar as market players await the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data for February later yesterday, said an economist. At 6pm, the ringgit improved to 4.6765/6800 against the greenback from Monday’s close of 4.6805/6830. It was reported that inflation in the US is forecast to rise at an annual pace of 3.1% in February, matching the increase recorded in January. The core CPI inflation rate, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is forecast to tick down to 3.7% from 3.9% in the same period. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, meanwhile, said Malaysia’s Industrial Production Index (IPI) outturn was better than expected when the index grew by 4.3% which was above the market consensus of 2%. “This certainly gives the impression that the economy is on track to achieve higher growth in 2024 while the Bank Negara Malaysia’s monetary policy remains supportive of the economy,” he told Bernama. The local currency was better against the British pound at 5.9808/9853 from 6.0107/0139 on Monday, strengthened visa-vis the Japanese yen to 3.1718/1744 from 3.1923/1942, and was slightly higher versus the euro at 5.1114/1152 from 5.1181/1209 previously. It appreciated against the Singapore dollar to 3.5133/5162 from Monday’s close of 3.5197/5218 and rose versus the Thai baht to 13.1436/1601 versus 13.2229/2363 previously. Maxis, Dell join forces to enhance cybersecurity in M’sia PETALING JAYA: Maxis and Dell Technologies have collaborated to empower businesses in Malaysia with advanced cybersecurity and innovative enterprise endpoint solutions on 5G. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, Maxis and Dell Technologies are joining forces to work on offerings that will better safeguard businesses from cyber threats and ensure robust business recovery mechanisms. Part of this approach includes innovative endpoint solutions that capitalise on 5G connectivity to enhance and safeguard workplace productivity. “We are pleased to collaborate with Dell Technologies to address the important strategic need for secure and resilient digital infrastructure in Malaysia. Grounded in our mutual commitment to innovation, we anticipate the development of impactful digital services and solutions that can accelerate our customer’s digital transformation and ensure a resilient and sustainable future for our industries,” said Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng. Maxis’ in-depth knowledge of the local telecommunications landscape, paired with Dell Technologies’ global expertise in digital solutions, create an opportunity to develop new business products and services to enhance business agility and efficiency for companies of all sizes across various verticals. The collaboration between the two companies exemplifies a shared commitment to driving innovation and supporting Malaysia’s digital economy. By combining strengths, both Maxis and Dell Technologies can deliver better value to businesses undergoing digital transformation. Zantat Holdings Bhd Not rated. Fair value price: RM0.31 Plantation Neutral BP Plastics Holding Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM1.42 Source: Kenanga Research Source: Company data, RHB March 12, 2024: RM1.29 March 11, 2024: RM0.895 March 11, 2024: RM3.86
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 23 0 Best Picture: Oppenheimer 0 Best Director: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer 0 Best Actor: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer 0 Best Actress: Emma Stone, Poor Things 0 Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer 0 Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers 0 Best Animated Feature Film: The Boy and the Heron 0 Best Original Score: Oppenheimer 0 Best Visual Effects: Godzilla Minus One 0 Best Film Editing: Oppenheimer 0 Best Original Song: What Was I Made For?, Barbie 0 Best Documentary Feature Film: 20 Days in Mariupol 0 Best International Feature Film: The Zone of Interest (UK) 0 Best Cinematography: Oppenheimer 0 Best Costume Design: Poor Things 0 Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Poor Things 0 Best Documentary Short Film: The Last Repair Shop 0 Best Production Design: Poor Things 0 Best Adapted Screenplay: American Fiction 0 Best Original Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall 0 Best Live Action Short Film: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar 0 Best Sound: The Zone of Interest IT was all Oppenheimer’s to lose. Over the past few months, the race for the Academy Award for Best Picture went from a crowded field to a seemingly foregone conclusion. Following wins at the British Academy Film Awards, Golden Globes and Critics Choice awards, Christopher Nolan’s three-hour biopic had all the momentum: Cillian Murphy was set to take home Best Actor, for his haunted thousand-yard-stare of a performance as nuclear bomb mastermind J Robert Oppenheimer, while Nolan was a runaway favourite for Best Director. Sure enough, it won seven Oscars in total, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Director. There’s much to admire about Oppenheimer. A structurally complicated work, the film flits between three timelines: Oppenheimer’s early life and the development of the atom bomb; a 1954 security hearing in which Oppenheimer gets a calamitous grilling; and the 1959 US Senate confirmation hearing of oily politician Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr). There is a surfeit of different characters, nearly all played by recognisable faces – everyone from Matt Damon to Rami Malek to Josh Hartnett. Oppenheimer may be Nolan’s cheapest film for nearly two decades (since 2006’s The Prestige in fact), but it feels massive in scope. The whole film plays out in something resembling a perpetual montage, slowing down only for moments of occasional horror – most notably the stunning sequence of the atom bomb explosion roughly two hours into the film. In terms of craft (acting, direction, editing, production design, and so much more) Oppenheimer is first-rate, and deserved the plaudits this awards season. But it is also a film with something big and significant to say – and, even more importantly, it is somehow managed to get people to listen. Oppenheimer is in fact an anomaly in the current cinema landscape: it is a serious, adultoriented film that somehow managed to pull in the huge audience of a Marvel blockbuster (nearly US$1 billion or RM4.68 billion). This is largely down to Nolan’s reputation, of course – the Dark Knight filmmaker is the single most popular behind-the-camera name in contemporary cinema (if Steven Spielberg’s recent box office travails are anything to go by). But Oppenheimer was also aided by stellar reviews, strong word of mouth and, of course, the bizarre organic marketing phenomenon juxtaposing the film with Barbie. Given the oddness and specificity of the “Barbenheimer” fad, it is unclear whether the success of Oppenheimer will be replicable. But it speaks to a renewed appetite for serious, grown-up films, about real-world issues. To say it has “saved cinema” is reductive – but if any film can make that claim, it is this one. In recent years, the Academy Awards has struggled for relevance – as evidenced by the sharp decline in TV viewing figures (hitting an all-time low in the Covid-struck 2021 ceremony). The ceremonies have been defined not by the films they are supposedly celebrating but by moments of celebrity misadventure – Warren Beatty’s erroneous Best Picture announcement in 2017, or Will Smith’s violent stage invasion in 2022. Increasingly, there has been a sense that the Oscars are detached from the viewing habits of regular people. This shift is not axiomatically bad – two decades ago, Best Picture winners such as left-field South Korean drama Parasite and heartwrenching queer drama Moonlight would never have been recognised. But even the tamer, supposedly more “crowd-pleasing ” recent winners – the likes of Green Book, Coda, and Everything Everywhere All at Once – have been relatively obscure in the scheme of things (grossing US$321.8 million, US$2.2 million and US$143.4 million r e s p e c t i v e l y ) . Oppenheimer is by a distance the highest grossing Best Picture winner since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2004. It is not just a great film but a great film that people have actually watched. Oppenheimer transcends the dubious sobriquet of “awards bait”, despite ostensibly fitting the criteria as a handsome and prestige-y biopic. It is simply too challenging, too offputting. It has become a hit and an awards juggernaut while refusing to sand down its own rough edges – the difficult and depressing conclusions it draws about morality, war, and science. Murphy gives a unique and profound turn as Oppenheimer, one that is almost certain to endure through the decades; the question of whether or not he got a statuette for his effort seems rather moot. You could make the argument that Oppenheimer winning was more important for the Oscars itself than for any of Nolan’s team. Awards shows are, at the end of the day, fundamentally arbitrary and meaningless; there is no objective metric making Oppenheimer “better” than Killers of the Flower Moon, or The Zone of Interest. But it is a film that people can get behind en masse, a film that brings ordinary viewers, who might not be cinephiles, into the conversation. It is hard, unequivocal proof that greatness and popularity need not be mutually exclusive; that mainstream audiences should not be underestimated or condescended to. If the Oscars are to avert a slow slide into redundancy, Oppenheimer is the film to do it. - The Independent The big winners at Oscars 2024 The 96th Academy Awards was held at the famed Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles. – AFPPIC Why Oppenheimer was a deserving winner oAlthough 2023 was a banner year for cinema, the film truly stood apart from the rest █ BYLOUIS CHILTON Nolan is the single most popular behind-thecamera name in contemporary cinema. – AFPPIC
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 24 Cromok loses another founding member TRY as certain parties might, the history of Malaysian rock and metal music is impossible to suppress, and sometimes all it takes for the rich tapestry and fabric to be revealed is the passing of a prolific name in the two music scenes. On March 6, Tarmizi Mokhtar passed beyond the veil of the living. More fondly known by the stage and nickname Miji, he was a founding member of the thrash metal band Cromok. During the band’s 30th anniversary concert last October, Cromok revealed that Miji was stepping back from band duties due to health issues. His passing has led to the revelation that Miji was defiantly battling fourth stage liver cancer. According to Cromok lead guitarist Khairul Anuar “Karl” Shariff, Miji kept his fight a secret. “(Miji) did not inform me or the others in Cromok about the state of his health. I only found out he was sick when he was admitted into the hospital,” he told a Malay daily. Miji was buried in Pasir Mas, Johor, and he leaves behind a wife and three children. Early beginnings and missed opportunities Towards the end of the 80s, Cromok was formed by the late Muhammad “Din” Khairuddin, Shamsuddin “Sam” Ali, Khairul Anuar “Karl” Shariff and Tarmizi in Australia, when the quartet were students at the University of Wollongong. Quickly ascending the local Australian metal scene, Cromok released its debut album Image of Purity in 1990. The album leaned heavily into the thrash metal influences with bands such as Exodus and Testament colouring their musical template. Image of Purity is such an overtly thrash album that it is surprising how Cromok is sometimes misattributed as a rock band. A year later, Cromok had done well enough that they secured a spot where they would be the opening band for the legendary Motorhead. █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Below: Miji when he was still active in the band as a drummer. –CROMOK.MY Left: Miji was 58 years old. – KARLCROMOK /INSTAGRAM oTarmizi Mokhtar was on the drum kit for local thrash metal legends from 1987 to 2023 Then, things became dicey with the band. In 1991, Din abruptly left Cromok and Australia, and returned to Malaysia. One man down, Sam, Karl and Miji lost their shot at opening for Motorhead. Back in the country, Din went on to create a Cromok offshoot band called D’Cromok. The trio returned to their homeland a year later. Perplexed by Din’s action, Cromok resorted to getting sessionist musicians to fill in for him. Within four years, Cromok released two more studio albums under EMI Music Malaysia, with Forever In Time in 1993 and Yours Truly in 1996. Both albums had the band digging deeper into thrash metal, with Miji’s drumming in particular becoming much more furious. At the same time, through D’Cromok, Din released VII Years VII Days Part 1 and Part 2 in 1995 and 1996, respectively. The project saw him distancing himself away from the pure thrash songwriting seen on his work with Image of Purity and his former bands’ second to third albums. The musician instead experimented with thrash, doom and even a touch of death metal. Tragedy struck a year later, as the metal scene lost Din to malaria in 1997. Into uncertain waters Four years after Din’s passing, Cromok released Mean, Meaner and Meanest and What’s Left. To the surprise of no one, the albums continued the band’s streak of relatively good thrash, but something was evidently missing. Be it experimentation or growth, Cromok seemed to be doing the thing metal bands tend to do: comfortably stay in the same box they have always been in. Then, Karl left the band in 2001. At this point, only Sam and Miji remained steadily in the band, and thus, Cromok entered its era that saw a revolving door of members come and go. After pumping out another three albums from 2002 to 2005, Sam announced that Cromok was going on a hiatus. With no timeline given, the hiatus became indefinite for more than five years, before the band then reunited with Karl for Cromok’s 25th anniversary concert. Following the reunion, there was another unofficial hiatus that lasted from 2012 to 2018. In 2018, Cromok returned for another concert with fellow legendary band XPDC. When they were slated to perform at Konsert Metal Legend 2 in September, there was an air of worry about the band lethargically retreading old ground and reliving fantasies from days long gone. Instead, Cromok exceeded expectations, revealing they had pushed themselves further into incorporating traditional elements into their existing thrash songs. Karl dubbed it “Thrashditional”. “Hopefully what we display at the show will bring more ‘colour’ to our music,” he was reported to be saying at that time. As for now, the band’s future is uncertain as only Sam and Karl remain. Cromok on stage during the Forever in Time 30th Anniversary Concert last year. – KAMARUL ARIFFIN / FACEBOOK The band’s debut Image of Purity was credited for pioneering the Malaysian thrash metal sound. – CROMOK
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 25 Toxic work conditions at Nickelodeon to be revealed FOR a network directed towards entertainment for children, Nickelodeon’s past is chequered and rife with scandals, particularly and rather ironically, involving children. One of the biggest was the arrest of Brian Peck. A dialogue coach on the Nickelodeon shows All That and The Amanda Show, Peck was arrested in 2003 on more than a dozen charges related to sexual abuse allegations involving an unnamed minor. Several months later in 2004, he pleaded no contest to performing a lewd act with a 14- or 15-year-old and to oral copulation with a minor under 16. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison. Until now, the names of the victims’ names and identities remain sealed, but a soon-toair documentary series may reveal one of the alleged victims. In the upcoming Investigation Discovery series, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell will be coming forward to allege he was a victim of Peck’s sexual abuse. A teaser from the documentary reveals that Bell will d i s c u s s Peck, while t h e statement from Investigation Discovery said: “The clip reveals that former Nickelodeon star Bell will be sharing publicly, for the first time, the story of the abuse he suffered at the hands of Peck, his former dialogue coach who was convicted in 2004 for his crimes against Drake and ordered to register as a sex offender.” The four-part docuseries will reveal the toxic work conditions behind children’s shows in the 1990s and early 2000s, specifically those from Dan Schneider, the creator of beloved Nickelodeon shows such as iCarly and Zoey 101. – By Mark Mathen Victor Bell is known for his starring role on Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh hit series in the mid-2000s. - YOUTUBE NewJeans sparks excitement K-POP sensation NewJeans has sparked anticipation among fans by hinting at an upcoming tour and new music. The group recently stole the spotlight at the prestigious Billboard Women in Music 2024 event in Los Angeles, where they clinched the coveted Group of the Year award. This accolade marks a significant milestone, being the first time the award has been bestowed since 2015 when Fifth Harmony claimed the trophy. Before the event, NewJeans members were caught up in the excitement during a red-carpet interview, where they teased fans with talks of possible tour plans. “Well, I mean we can’t spoil too much,” remarked member Danielle. “I’m just going to say that we’re preparing and practising hard.” Adding fuel to the speculation, Danielle expressed the group’s eagerness to unveil new music, stating: “We can’t wait to share new music with everyone.” NewJeans recently won Group of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music 2024 event in Los Angeles. –PIC BY ADOR oK-pop girl group hints at possibility of tour and new music █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Secure your seats for Michael Wong’s concert GET ready for an electrifying experience as Michael Wong’s “Lonely Planet 2.0” concert tour in Kuala Lumpur will light up the stage at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil on May 4, 2024! Organised by Star Planet, tickets for this event will be available for purchase starting next Monday. In line with Wong’s dedication to keeping the concert accessible to his fans, tickets are affordably priced, including the highest-tier at only RM598. Wong promises a top-notch concert experience without compromising quality in music, sound, visual effects, costume design, and stage production. Prepare to be enchanted as the stage undergoes a captivating transformation into a mesmerising “Lonely Planet”, adorned with intricate graphics, animation, and lighting techniques. Wong has thoughtfully curated a lineup of timeless hits from his career, promising unforgettable sing-along moments. Wong, also known by his Chinese name Guang Liang, is a Malaysia-born singer who has enraptured audiences with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. He is widely recognised in the Mandopop scene as the “Prince of Love Songs”. Some of his most beloved tracks include Fairy Tale (Tong Hua), Commitment (Yue Ding), Courage (Yong Qi), Palm of the Hand (Zhang Xin) and The First Time (Di Yi Ci). These timeless songs have resonated deeply with listeners, earning him a devoted following and cementing his status as an iconic figure in the music industry. For the ultimate experience, fans can indulge in exclusive VIP packages offering access to rehearsals, a special Tickets for ‘Lonely Planet 2.0’ will go on sale March 18. - PIC COURTESY OF STAR PLANET However, specifics regarding the release date of their new music or the commencement of their tour remain under wraps. In a lighter moment during the interview, Danielle also gushed about her admiration for pop icon Kylie Minogue. “I still can’t get over the fact that Kylie Minogue was standing here a second ago. I’m still in shock,” she exclaimed. “We are so grateful.” NewJeans made waves with their recent anthem Gods, the official soundtrack for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship. Before that, their second minialbum Get Up gained immense popularity with chart-topping tracks like ETA and Super Shy. In another exciting development within the K-pop sphere, Blackpink’s Jennie and Brockhampton’s Matt Champion have set the industry abuzz with the announcement of their upcoming collaboration Slow Motion. This highly anticipated release is particularly significant as it marks Jennie’s inaugural venture under her newly established music label Odd Atelier. tag, autographed poster, group photo opportunity, and eligibility for a lucky draw to win a pair of invitations to an exclusive fan gathering hosted by Wong on May 5, the day after the concert. Visit starplanet.com.my or my.bookmyshow.com for details.
LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 26 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM A night to remember S HARING a stage for the very first time, Fabio Asher and Aizat Amdan put on a performance that highlighted why they are so popular in their homelands of Indonesia and Malaysia respectively. Dubbed “An Intimate Night with Fabio Asher and Aizat Amdan”, the gig thrilled fans who turned up at JioSpace, Petaling Jaya recently. Sound acoustics As the clock struck 8.00pm, the anticipation in the air was palpable, and the venue buzzed with excitement as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of Fabio and Aizat. The venue, known for its intimate ambience and excellent acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of musical enchantment. From the moment the lights dimmed and the stage illuminated, the atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for an extraordinary concert journey. Soaring with passion With his soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence, Fabio captivated the audience from the very first note. Drawing from his repertoire of heartfelt ballads and infectious melodies, Fabio delivered a performance that was nothing short of mesmerising. Songs like Bertahan Terluka and Hati Lain Di Hatimu resonated deeply with the audience, evoking a whirlwind of emotions that reverberated throughout the venue. However, the true highlight of the evening was the duet with Aizat on Sinaran, a moment of musical brilliance that left the audience spellbound. Maestro of emotion As a seasoned veteran in the music industry, Aizat showcased why he is hailed as a maestro of emotion. With his emotive vocals and raw sincerity, Aizat took the audience on a nostalgic journey, from acoustic ballads like Pergi to reimagined classics like Lagu Kita. Each song was delivered with a sense of authenticity and vulnerability that resonated deeply with fans, forging a connection that transcended Fabio (right) and Aizat thrilled fans with their vocal prowess. - PICS BY JOE RAW oUnforgettable collaboration of musical fusion █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ IN a celebration of community togetherness and the upcoming Ramadan season, Commune Lifestyle, renowned for its opulent home furnishings, has unveiled its latest initiative “Buka Puasa with Commune”. Scheduled to run from tomorrow until April 10, this campaign invites guests to enjoy a distinctive culinary journey against the opulent backdrop of Commune’s flagship location at Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Founded on the principles of storytelling through furniture and a commitment to sustainability, Commune Lifestyle has become a dynamic force in contemporary furniture and design. The “Buka Puasa with Commune” campaign aims to foster personal expression and belonging, inviting guests to experience the essence of community and culinary delights. It is aligned with Commune’s annual Raya Sale, offering experiences for guests to enjoy both a fulfilling meal and furniture deals. As part of the campaign, the Nacho Average Taco food truck and XO Ice gelato brand will be stationed within Commune’s premises every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm. Guests can partake in al fresco dining, savouring tacos and gelatos while immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. Each purchase of a tantalising taco set from Nacho Average Taco at RM20 entitles guests to participate in a lucky draw. Prizes include bespoke Commune tote bags, opulent discount coupons, artisanal notebooks, and a grand prize – the illustrious Commune Samantha Lounge Chair, valued at RM1,950. In addition to the culinary festivities, Commune is offering a 20% discount storewide on luxury home furniture and accessories until April Commune Lifestyle believes in telling stories through its tastefully designed furnishings. - PIC BY ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN 14, 2024. █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL language and culture. Aizat’s performance was a testament to his enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to his craft. Duet to remember The true magic of the evening unfolded during the collaborative sessions between Fabio and Aizat. As they shared the stage, their voices intertwined in perfect harmony, creating moments of pure musical magic that left the audience in awe. Sinaran showcased the perfect blend of their talents, highlighting the power of collaboration to elevate the concert experience to new heights. Uniting hearts through music As the final notes echoed through the venue and applause filled the air, it was clear that “An Intimate Night With Fabio and Aizat” was more than just a concert, it was a celebration of music’s ability to unite hearts and souls. Through their exceptional talent and genuine passion, Fabio and Aizat delivered a concert experience that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come. Dine in style this Ramadan
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 27 PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SUNGAI PETANI PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: KB-38-84-01/2024 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 25658/2006 (bertarikh : 03/10/2006) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah GRN 207345 (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Hakmilik Sementara No. H. S. (D): 49294, Lot 9907 Seksyen 41 (dahulunya dikenali sebagai No PT 2958), Mukim Bandar Kulim, Daerah Kulim, Kedah Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN MOHD RAZALI BIN ABDUL RAUF (No. Kad Pengenalan : 710416106041) ZAILANI BINTI BERAHIM (No. Kad Pengenalan : 710228715026) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di SUNGAI PETANI mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 21 November 2023 dan 28 Februari 2024, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Khamis, 4 April 2024, Pada Jam 9:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : GRN 207345 (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Hakmilik Sementara No. H. S. (D): 49294) No. lot : Lot 9907 Seksyen 41 (dahulunya dikenali sebagai No PT 2958) Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : Bandar Kulim / Kulim / Kedah Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 1302.4330000000 kaki persegi 121.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Mohd Razali Bin Abdul Rauf, Zailani Binti Berahim Syarat Nyata : Tanah yang terkandung dalam hakmilik ini hendaklah digunakan sebagai tapak untuk satu bangunan kediaman (Rumah Teres) sahaja. Sekatan Kepentingan : TIADA Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Charged to Public Bank Berhad, 6463-H vide Presentation No. 25658/2006, PA No. 6/2005 and registered on 20 November 2006 Kawasan Rizab : Nombor Perserahan : 22260/2005 Lot Untuk Orang Melayu di daftarkan pada 2 Oktober 2005 Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah An intermediate unit single-storey terraced house yang beralamat pos di No. 767, Lorong Mahkota 18/2, Taman Seri Mahkota, 09000, Kulim, Kedah HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 220,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: DUA RATUS DUA PULUH RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir- butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : WONG-CHOOI & MOHD NOR Alamat : NO. 27, 1ST FLOOR JALAN MAJU JAYA PUSAT PERNIAGAAN MAJU JAYA, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG No. Telefon : 04-5398855 No. Fax : 04-5395855 No. Rujukan : WCMN(BM)/PBB(SP)-HL/2023-391/MRAR(RS/j) PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SUNGAI PETANI PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: KB-38-34-01/2024 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 17999/2019 (bertarikh : 19/09/2019) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah GRN 215639 Lot 1259, Mukim Pekan Sungai Karangan, Daerah Kulim, Kedah Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN TANESAAN A/L RAJU KUPAR (No. Kad Pengenalan : 950909026149) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di SUNGAI PETANI mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 21 Mac 2023 dan 21 Februari 2024, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Selasa, 2 April 2024, Pada Jam 9:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : GRN 215639 No. lot : Lot 1259 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : Pekan Sungai Karangan / Kulim / Kedah Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 2045.0000000000 kaki persegi 190.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Tanesaan a/l Raju Kupar Syarat Nyata : Tanah yang terkandung dalam hakmilik ini hendaklah digunakan sebagai tapak untuk satu bangunan kediaman (Teres) sahaja. Sekatan Kepentingan : TIADA Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Charged to Public Bank Berhad vide Presentation No. 17999/2019 registered on 10/10/2019 Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah A corner unit of single-storey terrace house yang beralamat pos di No. 1, Lorong kenangan, Taman Kenangan, Sungai Karangan, 09410, Padang Serai, Kedah HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 162,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: SATU RATUS ENAM PULUH DUA RIBU SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butirbutir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : WONG-CHOOI & MOHD NOR Alamat : NO. 27, 1ST FLOOR JALAN MAJU JAYA PUSAT PERNIAGAAN MAJU JAYA, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG No. Telefon : 04-5398855 No. Fax : 04-5395855 No. Rujukan : WCMN(BM)/PBB-HL/2022-401/TRK(RS/j) 322 Notices 322 Notices Rumah Banglo Dua Tingkat, Keluasan 427 meter persegi, Leasehold. Alamat: Taman Pinggiran Putra Harga Jualan: RM1,100,000.00 Syarat: Jualan Kepada Bumiputera Sahaja Hubungi: 019-4141392 (Ida) RUMAH UNTUK DIJUAL DI SERI KEMBANGAN IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY OF KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO.: WA-28NCC-877-09/2023 In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) and 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016; And In the matter of Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972 And In the matter of Emerge Solutions Sdn. Bhd. (Company No. 201801025866 / 1287887-W) BETWEEN WONG KOK LEONG (NRIC : 780303-08-5567) [Trading in the name and style of Max Energy Resources (Registration No. 202003178651 / JR0111669-D)] …PETITIONER AND EMERGE SOLUTIONS SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO. 201801025866 / 1287887-W) …RESPONDENT NOTICE OF WINDING-UP ORDER Winding-up Order made on 28th day of February 2024. Name and Address of liquidator : Director General of Insolvency, Malaysia Malaysia Department of Insolvency Cawangan Wilayah Persekutuan Tingkat 22-25, Menara TH Perdana 1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur Dated this 28th day of February 2024. …….……………………………. Messrs Vincent Lim & Partners Advocates & Solicitors Solicitors for the Petitioner This NOTICE OF WINDING-UP ORDER is filed by by Messrs Vincent Lim & Partners, solicitors for the Petitioner abovenamed whose address for service is at No. 18-3A, 3rd Floor, Jalan Kampong Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. Tel No.: 03-2273 4675 Ref: L5248/23/9/CL Email: [email protected] DIGITAL MARKETING SENIOR EXECUTIVE / ASSISTANT MANAGER Job Description: • Design and develop online marketing strategies, digital roadmap and creative campaign that align with the business goals and directions. • Provide creative ideas for content marketing. • Manage all digital marketing channels. • Plan and manage social media platforms. • Able to create content & produce graphics for social media posts. Requirement: • Diploma / Degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing or equivalent. • At least 3 years experience in digital marketing. • Excellent understanding of digital marketing concept and best practices. • Required skill(s): Google Analytics, SEO/SEM, social media marketing and optimisation. • Team player and great communication skills. ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE / SENIOR EXECUTIVE Job Description: • Building and sustaining strong working relationship with advertising clients. • Plan and executive new, creative, exciting and innovative marketing campaigns for the company. • Develop and continuously improve marketing material, product/services presentations and proposals. • Passionate in serving client accounts to improve sales revenue. Requirement: • Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or other related fields. • At least 2 years of sales and marketing experience in media industry. • Good communication, presentation, problem-solving and organisational skills. • Possess own transport and willing to travel. • Able to start work immediately. Submit your CV with your photo via e-mail to: [email protected] Office based in Petaling Jaya (5-day week) WE ARE HIRING Manager – Finance and HR Job Description: • To handle full set of accounts, month-end closing, year - end closing, audit schedules, tax, stock control, etc. • Responsible for management, statutory and group reporting, development of business plans, budget and cash flow forecast. • Oversee recruitment, manage payroll system, staff benefit, yearly performance and appraisal. • Develop & implement HR policies to support company business objectives and compliance with law and regulatory requirements. • To handle legal and disciplinary matters including staff counselling in compliance with local Labour Law. • Other administration duties where required and part of job scope. • Any other duties as assigned by the superior / management from time to time. Requirements: • Candidate must possess at least Professional or Degree in Finance/Accountancy or equivalent. • At least 5 years managerial/supervising of working experience in audit, financial accounting and HR. • Familiarity with Accpac, ERP Accounting & HR software would be added advantages. • Computer literate and skillful in Ms Excel, Word & PowerPoint. • Good command of written and spoken English. Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia & Mandarin will be added advantages. 168 Houses for Sale 322 Notices SCAN ME WEDNESDAY MAR 13, 2024 TEL: 03-7784 6688 FAX: 03-7785 2625 EMAIL: [email protected] ‘England will be back stronger, more refined’ BRENDON MCCULLUM will seek to fine-tune England’s approach before the summer after admitting they went into their shells during a chastening tour of India. England head coach McCullum and captain Ben Stokes won 10 of their first 11 Tests in charge but have lost seven of the last dozen following a 4-1 reverse in India. McCullum and Stokes have shown a resistance to making adjustments since taking charge but they let several competitive positions slip against Rohit Sharma’s side, demonstrating a lack of ruthlessness. McCullum did not go into specifics about how England go to the next level ahead of home summer series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka but accepted there were instances where they seemed unsure of themselves in India. “India probably outplayed us at the style of cricket that we want to play and made us start to retreat a little bit so that’s something that we will have to change,” McCullum said. “If anything we got more timid as the series went on. It is something we need to address because other teams will put us under pressure as well and we can’t really allow that doubt to creep into our game. “We need to have total conviction in what we are doing in those pressure situations. “We will allow the dust and hurt to settle a bit and then use that to make changes we need to ensure we are a better version of what we have started out as. “We will have some time to reflect and come back bigger, stronger and more refined.” After an innings-and-64-run defeat in Dharamsala inside three days, Stokes defiantly warned “write this team off, write me off at your own peril”. He averaged 19.9 with the bat but made a heartening return to bowling in the last Test and should be back to being a fully-fledged all-rounder by the summer. “I actually think he wanted it too much with the bat,” McCullum said of his captain. “He was trying to give himself every opportunity to build a big innings to ensure when the pressure moments came, which he knows how to deal better than anyone else in the world, that he was going to be the man to be there. “It takes us away from being totally present in the moment. He tried his best and wanted it too much but he’ll be back. “To have him back in full operation is a huge positive for us and moving forward allows us to know we can balance the team in the right way.” – The Independent █ BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH Brendon Mccullum. – REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 28 WORLD NO. 1 Novak Djokovic was stunned 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 by lucky loser Luca Nardi in the third round of Indian Wells yesterday, a victory which the 20-year-old Italian described as a “miracle”. Nardi, who grew up idolising Djokovic and is ranked 123rd in the world, played the match of his life to defeat the Serbian, dropping his racket and putting his hands over his face after firing an ace out wide to seal the win. The defeat ends Djokovic’s bid for a record sixth title at the tournament in the California desert. “This is a miracle,” said Nardi, who lost to David Goffin in qualifiers last week and only got into the main draw after Tomas Etcheverry withdrew due to injury. “I’m a 20-year-old guy, 100 in the world and I beat Novak. Crazy. Just crazy.” “I think that before this night no one knew me,” Nardi said after recording just his fifth tour-level match win. “I hope that the crowd enjoyed the game. I’m super happy with this one.” Nardi came out flying under the lights on centre court, drawing Djokovic to the net with a short ball and then rifling a forehand past him for an early break and a 3-2 lead. Djokovic was well short of his best and a service return from the 24-times Grand Slam champion found the net to hand Nardi the first set. The top seed broke Nardi twice in the second set and held at love to level the contest but his opponent, who had a poster of Djokovic on his wall growing up, refused to back down. Nardi hit a backhand that Djokovic could not put back in play for a crucial break and a 4- 2 advantage in the decider before pulling off the upset. Nardi will next face American Tommy Paul. Earlier, Gael Monfils produced a stunning display of shot-making and showmanship to rally from a set and 3-0 down to beat former champion Cameron Norrie 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 6-3 to reach the last 16. The 37-year-old Frenchman electrified the crowd with his creativity to set up fourth round meeting with ninth seed Casper Ruud. “I feel better and better, to be honest,” said Monfils, who was sidelined with a wrist injury for part of last season. “I’ve been playing weeks after weeks, which has been a long time I am able to do that. I feel good. So far the body is holding, so I’m happy with that.” – Reuters Djokovic jokovic stunned stunned Serb beaten by lucky loser Nardi at Indian Wells Massa sues F1 over lost 2008 world title FORMER Ferrari driver Felipe Massa filed a lawsuit against Formula One in London’s High Court yesterday seeking damages for missing out on the 2008 world championship title. Brazilian Massa, 42, lost out to Lewis Hamilton by just a single point in a season where the sport was rocked by the “crashgate” scandal at the Singapore Grand Prix. Renault staged a win for Fernando Alonso by ordering Nelson Piquet Jr to crash in their other car. Ferrari’s Massa, leading at the time of Piquet’s smash, finished 13th, before losing the championship by the finest of margins. Piquet revealed the following season that he was under instruction by his bosses to deliberately crash. Massa has also brought proceedings against governing body the FIA, and the sport’s former supremo Bernie Ecclestone. He is reportedly seeking £62 million (RM372m) in damages to reflect the difference in salary, as well as sponsorship and commercial opportunities he would have received as a world champion. Ecclestone confessed in an interview last year that according to the rules, the results from Singapore race should not have stood for the championship standings and as a result, Massa would have been declared champion. “Massa is seeking declarations that the FIA breached its regulations by failing to promptly investigate Nelson Piquet Junior’s crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, and that had it acted properly, Massa would have won the drivers’ championship that year,” said a statement from Massa’s lawyers. “Massa also seeks damages for the significant financial loss he has suffered due to the FIA’s failure, in which Ecclestone and FOM (Formula One Management) were also complicit.” The 2008 title was Hamilton’s first world championship and he has since gone on to match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world drivers’ titles. “If that’s the direction that Felipe wants to go, that’s his decision. I prefer not to focus on the past,” said Hamilton when quizzed on the matter last September. Massa did not win another F1 race after 2008 and suffered a near-fatal head injury at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix. However, he returned to the sport and continued racing with Ferrari and then Williams until 2017. – AFP ARYNA SABALENKA’S powerful serve and groundstrokes proved too much for Emma Raducanu as the Australian Open champion reached the fourth round at Indian Wells with a 6-3, 7-5 victory while Naomi Osaka fell to Elise Mertens in straight sets. Britain’s former Grand Slam champion Raducanu is trying to find her form after multiple surgeries last year and played well but was unable to seize her opportunities, converting just one of 10 break points in her first meeting with Sabalenka. The Belarusian, bedeviled by double faults in the past, issued one on her first match point but kept her composure and blasted a cross-court forehand winner on her fourth opportunity to seal the win under sunny skies in the California desert. “I felt like the last game was kind of a key moment,” said Sabalenka, who is seeded second. “If I would lose that game this would give her emotionally much more belief and confidence, and going to the tiebreak you never know. It’s like 50/50. I didn’t want that to happen,” she said. “That’s why I felt a little bit of relief after I closed this match in two sets.” Mertens held her nerve to send Osaka packing with a gutsy 7-5, 6-4 victory over the Japanese player, who returned to the WTA Tour in January after a maternity break. The Belgian, seeded 24th, had to fend of break points in the final game but ultimately prevailed, jumping in the air after claiming one of the biggest wins of her career and reaching the Round of 16 at the tournament for the first time. Mertens will face a stiff test when she takes on third seed Coco Gauff. Gauff did not play her best tennis but still managed to dispatch Italian Lucia Bronzetti 6-2, 7-6(5) in the American’s last singles match as a teenager. “Every time I play her is a tough match,” Gauff said. “I don’t recall any straightforward wins playing against her.’ – Reuters Sabalenka overpowers abalenka overpowers Raducanu, Osaka falls aducanu, Osaka falls Scheffler paired with Fowler, Thomas at The Players SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER (pix) will begin his defence at The Players Championship paired alongside fellow Americans Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas for the first two rounds. Coming off a dominating victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he beat the entire field by two strokes on Sunday, Scheffler is the first defending champion to arrive at TPC Sawgrass as the top-ranked player in the world since Rory McIlroy in 2020. The event was ultimately canceled that year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Scheffler will begin his quest for a repeat in the afternoon wave tomorrow in one of the marquee pairings released yesterday. Fowler won the Players in 2015 while Thomas claimed the trophy three years ago. Tomorrow’s afternoon wave will include other marquee groups comprised of defending US Open champion Wyndham Clark playing with fellow former champions Collin Morkikawa and Brian Harman, while young American stars Tony Finau and Will Zalatoris will play with former Open champion Shane Lowry. McIlroy is coming off a disappointing Sunday at Bay Hill, where he stumbled to a final-round 76. Rather than grab his opportunity to reclaim the No. 1 ranking, McIlroy saw the distance between him and Scheffler grow further with a tie for 21st. The 2019 champion finished T33 at last year’s Players. He will tee off tomorrow in a featured group along with Jordan Spieth and Norway’s Viktor Hovland. Also teeing off in the morning wave of the opening round will be the group of Patrick Cantlay, 2004 Players champion Adam Scott and rising Swedish star Ludvig Aberg. – Field Level Media Luca Nardi (left) is congratulated by Novak Djokovic after their match during the BNP Paribas Open. – AFPPIX Aryna Sabalenka serves against Emma Raducanu (not pictured) in their third round match during the BNP Paribas Open. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 29 ATLETICO MADRID host Champions League runners-up Inter Milan tomorrow (4am Malaysian time) boosted by key player Antoine Griezmann’s likely return from injury. Diego Simeone’s side stumbled 1-0 in Milan in February in the last 16 first leg clash, with Griezmann spraining his ankle at the San Siro. The French forward missed four games since, of which Atletico have won only once, but has returned to training and Spanish media say he is set to feature in the second leg. Struggling Atletico face an uphill climb against the runaway Serie A leaders after Marko Arnautovic netted the only goal on Simeone’s return to Italy to face one of his former teams from his playing days. The Rojiblancos also have Spanish champions Barcelona’s visit on the horizon on Sunday in La Liga, where Athletic Bilbao are battling to overtake them in fourth place. Atletico were ousted from the Copa del Rey by Athletic and despite a strong start to the season, are 14 points behind bitter rivals and current league leaders Real Madrid. Perhaps with one eye – or even two – on the Champions League, Atletico fell to a dismal 2- 0 defeat at lowly Cadiz on Saturday. It was the Andalucians’ first victory in 17 matches and first in La Liga since September. Despite the woeful performance Simeone backed his men ahead of the Inter clash. “I feel that the team is giving everything and it’s me that is not finding the right way,” said the coach. “I’ll go to the death with the players because I know what they can give, I know they can do big things, and I will keep working with them.” Simeone’s last chance of silverware this season lies in Europe and the coach will be grateful for Griezmann’s potential return. The 32-year-old forward has 18 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this season. Atletico are also boosted by their strong home record. At the Metropolitano stadium they have won 18 of 20 matches this season across all competitions, tumbling just once – against Athletic in the cup. Their fans usually create a raucous atmosphere on big nights and the game is tipped to set a new record attendance at the 70,000 seater stadium. Simeone has doubts in defence as none of his regulars are in good form with the exception of Axel Witsel. New arrival Gabriel Paulista made errors against Cadiz, while Reinildo Mandava has not been at his best after a long injury lay-off. “We have to reset and prepare well for the game against Inter on Wednesday,” said Witsel after the humbling by the Yellow Submarine. “There is no time for words, we have to focus on our work and play well against Inter.” – AFP Education remains an important pillar of Malaysian society; it equips students with the skills needed to become productive and useful members of society. We invite you to showcase the best of education and the difference your institution has brought to the education landscape. Education matters so join us in 2024! Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Crunch time for Simeone Griezmann back as Atletico face Inter challenge Bonmati sets sights on quadruple BALLON D’OR winner Aitana Bonmati has her eyes on a quadruple with FC Barcelona Femeni. Bonmati has been playing for the women’s team of the Spanish giants ever since she joined their youth academy back in 2012. The midfielder has made over 170 appearances for El Femeni, contributing 59 goals and bagging 43 assists. The 26-year-old who is often compared to Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta says that this is the one thing their dominant side has yet to achieve. “We achieved a lot in the last year but there’s one thing we have not achieved yet which is to win four titles in a single season,” she said. FC Barcelona Femeni’s highest major trophy count in a single season is three. Securing a quadruple would be the icing on the cake for Bonmati’s prime years as a footballer. “We will see at the end of the season but we are going to fight to win the four titles.” The Spanish national team will be looking to secure Olympic Gold after qualifying by winning UEFA Nations League in a blockbuster match against France 2-0 with Bonmati being on the scoresheet. Bonmati, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2023, and FIFA’s The Best award in 2024 says that although she has various accolades as an individual, it’s all about the mentality that wills her to accomplish these feats. “I think the most difficult (thing) for me is to have the mentality… day to day,” the midfielder said. “The resilience to keep fighting and keep training hard when things go wrong. Maybe you have bad days also because we are n o r m a l people so it’s the mentality to keep fighting.” BORUSSIA DORTMUND coach Edin Terzic will know his job is on the line against PSV Eindhoven in tomorrowy’s last-16 second leg at home. A 1-1 draw in the Netherlands makes the assignment simple: the winner in Dortmund will progress to the last eight. Born and raised on Dortmund’s outskirts, Terzic’s story of the childhood BVB fan whose first head coaching job was at his favourite club is the stuff of fairytales. Winning the German Cup as interim boss in 2021 before getting Dortmund closer to a league title last season than anyone since Jurgen Klopp, losing out on goal difference, had Terzic living an i n c re a s i n g l y rare modern football story. But a poor d o m e s t i c season, which has Dortmund out of the German Cup and fighting for a spot in next year’s Champions League, has Terzic on thin ice. Bayer Leverkusen’s stunning run under Xabi Alonso, who has his unbeaten side 10 points clear with nine games left and on course for a maiden Bundesliga title, along with Bayern Munich’s self-inflicted struggles this season have taken the focus off Dortmund somewhat. An exit against a team from outside Europe’s top five leagues, PSV’s impressive unbeaten domestic record under former Dortmund coach Peter Bosz notwithstanding, would likely prove the death knell for Terzic’s reign. Stodgy and mistake-prone in Germany, Dortmund have however impressed in Europe, finishing first in a difficult group which included Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle. With Dortmund more reliant on Champions League income than their immediate domestic rivals Leverkusen or RB Leipzig, the financial impacts of failing to progress will hit hard. Financial imperatives aside, Leverkusen’s stunning run and Leipzig’s stability also mean a failure tomorrow would further call into question Dortmund’s status as Germany’s secondbiggest club. After a 2-1 win at Werder Bremen on Saturday despite playing half the match with 10 men, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl acknowledged his team’s struggles but said they were improving at the right time. “We know we need to win to get to the next round. I see us as fully capable of beating a strong Eindhoven side, particularly at home. “We will prepare for it well. It’s a final. In the past few weeks, the team has put ourselves more and more into a situation which gives us a chance to win games like this.” Jadon Sancho scored what would become the winner on Saturday, his first goal since returning to Germany on loan after a troubled time at Manchester United. “Of course, we simply have to win,” Sancho said of tomorrow’s match. “We have to play as a team and take our chances. “We have an advantage because we’re at home in front of our fans. It’s a new game, a new challenge. We’ll be ready.” – AFP █ BY ALESSANDRO GUERZO Terzic’s future on the line against PSV Aitana Bonmati. – BARCELONA FC
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 30 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper Pochettino calls for unity Chelsea bring cheer back to Stamford Bridge after Newcastle win MAURICIO POCHETTINO called for Chelsea fans to trust his players after a 3-2 win over Newcastle yesterday propelled the Blues back into contention for European football next season. Pochettino had faced open revolt from among his own support during last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Brentford. The former Tottenham boss has suffered a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge, which included losing the League Cup final to a severely depleted Liverpool last month. Chelsea remain 11th in the Premier League table, but closed to within four points of West Ham in seventh, which should at least secure a place in the Europa Conference League. “We need to stick together,” said Pochettino, whose side face Leicester in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday (8.45pm Malaysian time). “Until the end we are going to fight to try to give our fans the best things. It helped a little bit today we scored from the beginning, the fans were good and behind us. They need to trust in us. “We need to build this relationship… they were behind us but we need to keep going. Our concern is to perform and win games.” Pochettino’s side were comfortable after Nicolas Jackson’s early goal but errors from Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah allowed Alexander Isak to equalise. The Chelsea head coach has been concerned by his side’s inability to control matches and this was further evidence of their immaturity. Cole Palmer and Mykhaylo Mudryk bagged second half goals but Jacob Murphy’s thumping effort set up a nervy ending. Pochettino was disappointed with the goals his side conceded and wants his players to show more maturity. “Of course, it’s a massive three points for us. We beat a very good team,” Pochettino told Sky Sports. “I think we did zero wrong, but we scored three points and were very good. I am disappointed in the way we conceded the goals because we need to be a bit more mature and show more capacity to fix this kind of situation. “It’s the first time we played with this defensive line, and with this combination they need to work better and know each other but overall, I am very happy.” Newcastle’s 12th defeat of the season leaves the Magpies just one point better off than Chelsea in 10th. The pressure is also rising on Eddie Howe as Saudi-backed Newcastle have failed to build on finishing fourth last season to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. “All three goals are similar in their characteristics. We didn’t defend those situations well enough and if you do that you are going to lose games,” said Howe. “I know we can hit the heights of previously, but we are not doing it anywhere near often enough.” – AFP/Express Newspapers LIVERPOOL and Manchester City fought out an entertaining draw at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday, a result which ensured the title fight would continue heading into the final months of the 2023/24 campaign. While the Reds thought they should have had a second penalty in the last minute of the match for a perceived foul on Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine did earn a point by scoring the earlier spot-kick awarded for a foul on Darwin Nunez. It was the game’s opening goal, though, which took centre stage on Monday Night Football as Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright dissected Kevin de Bruyne’s corner, turned in by John Stones. The former Reds centreback described the positional play of Jurgen Klopp’s team when facing set pieces, how he would approach them in his own playing days – and where Pep Guardiola may have spotted the opportunity to take advantage of the smallest gap. “I want to show people why you would defend differently on an outswinging corner to an inswinger,” Carragher said ahead yesterday’s Chelsea vs Newcastle match. “Liverpool are zonal marking; under Rafa Benitez doing that we’d set up along the six-yard box. On an outswinger we’d take a step up because the ball is coming out here (a yard further away from goal). “As soon as (Liverpool players) see it’s a rightfooted player (taking the corner from the right, an outswinger) they are stepping out. “So from six players defending the six-yard box (on an inswinger) there’s nobody, maybe only Andy Robertson.” Carragher showed clips from Liverpool defending an outswinging corner against Brentford recently and suggested that was where City had identified the possibility to score from. “Look at the space, this is what Guardiola’s looked at. There’s nobody in the six-yard box and that might be the one (he’s seen). “When you go to the Manchester City one, look at Virgil van Dijk. De Bruyne goes to take it and (Van Dijk) starts to step up. (Joe) Gomez steps up. (Jarell) Quansah steps up.” Alongside Carragher, Wright highlighted the apparent disinterest of the Man City attackers in the box, even though they clearly knew what was about to unfold, with Nathan Ake fending off the near-post defender and Stones running in unmarked to score. “What you’ve seen, Ake and Stones walk in as if they are not interested,” Wright said. “Then Stones knows and look at the massive space – the acting was fantastic. “Ake’s like he’s just lost his keys but Stones knows. Nunez is not close enough and De Bruyne’s so accurate.” The Belgian’s delivery was praised by Carragher, suggesting “the quality is amazing” on the corner and asserting that all clubs would soon employ specific personnel to identify this kind of opportunity in future. “It had to be absolutely precise. In the next two-three years, everybody is going to have a set-piece coach and that goal could be the difference between winning the title,” he finished. – The Independent Carragher explains how City exploited Reds at Anfield █ BY KARL MATCHETT SIDENETTING Arteta ‘amazed’ Gunners ahead in title race ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta said a thrilling contest between Liverpool and Manchester City lends even more credit to the fact his side sit top of the Premier League with 10 games to go. The Gunners, who are aiming to win a first League title in 20 years, lead Liverpool on goal difference with thirdplaced City just one point behind in a thrilling title race. Arsenal were the big winners of last weekend as they struck late to beat Brentford 2-1 for an eighth consecutive league win, while City held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield. “It’s great to be top, that’s for sure – it was an amazing game of football with two magnificent teams, with so many alternatives,” Arteta said at his prematch press conference ahead the overnight Champions League clash against Porto. “I think it’s an amazing situation that we are even involved, looking at the level that those two teams have and we are still there and we’re still at the top. So, the ambition raises, we want to continue to be there, and we have to go game-by-game.” Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr exit Asian Champions League CRISTIANO RONALDO’S Al-Nassr crashed out of the Asian Champions League in the quarterfinals after the Saudi Pro League side lost 3-1 on penalties to Al-Ain in a pulsating game yesterday. Al-Nassr overturned a 1-0 first leg deficit to win 4-3 but with the contest ending 4-4 on aggregate, the players headed into a shootout from which Al-Ain prevailed. Al-Nassr’s foreign imports Miroslav Brozovic, Alex Telles and Otavio all failed to score from the spot as the side from the United Arab Emirates advanced to the semifinals. Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa made amends for a disappointing display when he saved Brozovic’s opening penalty and, with Soufiane Rahimi, Kaku and Sultan Al Shamsi all converting, Otavio’s miss meant AlNassr were eliminated. The shootout brought a dramatic end to a thrilling clash at Al-Awwal Park that featured seven goals and a red card after AlNassr’s Ayman Yahya was sent off for a vicious two-footed lunge on Bandar AlAhbabi eight minutes into extratime. Ref made a mistake, says Mac Allister ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER has had his say on the controversial VAR decision late in stoppage time which denied Liverpool a penalty during their 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Anfield. “I think it’s a clear penalty. I cannot say much more,” Mac Allister told BBC Sport. “I think the ref did a very good job throughout the game, but I think he made a mistake in the last decision.” The incident itself sparked a debate on Match of the Day with the pundits disagreeing on the decision. Former Man City goalkeeper Shay Given said: “I don’t think it’s a penalty, I think he gets the ball but his foot is high and he gets Mac Allister after that. I think Michael Oliver is in a really good position.” But Danny Murphy, who played 170 times for Liverpool between 1997 and 2004, said: It’s a penalty for me because so many times this season we’ve seen things like that outside the box and players have had red cards, yellow cards when they follow through.” Newcastle United keeper Martin Dubravka in action against Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (3rd right). – REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 31 Aaliyah bags women’s overall bronze in Melbourne NATIONAL water skier Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah continued her excellence in Australia when she bagged the pro women’s overall bronze medal in the Moomba Masters Championships 2024 in Melbourne yesterday. The 20-year old, on her 11th appearance in the Moomba Masters, captured the bronze medal after accumulating 2215.25 points (pts) for the event held at the Yarra River. Aliaksandra Danisheuskaya from the United States of America (USA) with 2911.11pts and New Zealand’s Sade Ferguson 2477.89pts took gold and silver. The Malaysian, however, missed out on the podium in the women’s open jump event when she finished fifth with a leap of 44.5 metres (m) while sixth in women’s open tricks with 5,030pts. “I’m thrilled to be able to secure third position in the Overall podium. To be realistic the time for me to climb the podium in tricks or in jump can only happen if my training is on an intensive basis. “But I could not afford to do that much training for the past six months due to my university studies and exams. “I will of course keep doing my best and aim to be eventually amongst the world’s top ranked waterski athletes in the near future,” she said. Qabil to race in Spanish Superbike Championship QABIL IRFAN, the 2023 FIM MiniGP World Champion, is set to join the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) in the Moto4 category with the Spanish team, VHC Frando Racing, for the full 2024 season. The Moto4 category consists of riders aged 12 to 14 years old and will compete on circuits in Spain and Portugal. Moto4 bikes are full-frame motorcycles with 150cc engines and 17-inch rims. Qabil will depart for Spain this Sunday (March 10th) accompanied by his father, Azlan, to participate in the pre-season test on March 16th & 17th at the Jerez Circuit and will stay there until the First Round at Circuito de Jerez on April 6th & 7th. The ESBK Championship will consist of 7 rounds. Qabil will also compete in the FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series in the 190cc category this year. NATIONAL diver Bertrand Rhodict Lises is sacrificing two World Cup Diving 2024 competitions to concentrate on increasing the level of difficulty for his dives in the Paris Olympic Games in July. Bertrand, the country’s sole Olympics qualifier in diving, said he will be skipping the next two World Cup stops, in Berlin on March 21-24 and the super final in Xi’an on April 19-21. Malaysia Swimming Federation diving technical director Bryan Nickson Lomas has decided to increase the level of difficulty in his dives from 3.0 to 3.7 by introducing the pike routine . “I will not be going to two World Cup events for fear of not having enough time to increase the level of difficulty for my dives. “The 3.0 to 3.7 move involves switching from the back 3 1/2 routine to pike and I just started learning on my return to Malaysia last Wednesday,” he told Bernama. Bertrand, 19, had finished 10th out of 11 divers in the men’s 10m platform final with 389.85 points at the World Cup Diving 2024 in Montreal on March 2. China’s Yao Hang won the event by amassing 533 points, followed by Mexico’s Randal Willards Valdez’s in second place (530.90pts) and China’s Lian Junjie in third position (514.65pts). Bertrand admitted that he was disappointed with his performance in Montreal. “That was the first time I dipped below 400 (points) so I’m not satisfied. “But the outing in Canada was a good experience because all the finalists were really good as some are former Olympic (champs),” he said. Meanwhile, Bryan, a former national diver, said he was still waiting for a positive reply from several countries which Bertrand had applied to train in preparation for the Olympics. “However, he needs to fully recover from his recurring wrist injury before going for the overseas stint next month. “The National Sports Institute says he will take a few weeks to recover,” he said. Asked whether Bertrand could adapt to the higher difficulty routine, Bryan said it would take time but is confident that the Sarawak-born athlete could do it. “It (changing routine) is a process and will take time. He risks injuring himself in another area if we rush him into it,” he said. The Olympic Games will be held from July 26 to Aug 11. – Bernama Eye on Olympics Bertrand skipping World Cup to train for more difficult routine Team spirit over personal goals NATIONAL team striker Darren Lok prioritises team spirit over personal goals in the second round qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup this month. Darren said that he is aware of the high expectations from football fans in the country who want more goals from him but he believes that making positive decisions for the national squad is more crucial, regardless of who scores. Previously, Darren scored the winning goal for Harimau Malaya in their 1-0 victory over Taiwan, ensuring Malaysia’s top position in Group D and opening up possibilities for advancing to the next stage of the competition. “I know my role in the national team; my commitment is to give my all for Malaysia. It doesn’t matter who scores as long as we get a good result. Whether it’s Mickey (Faisal Halim) or Messi, it’s all the same to me,” he said during a training session with the national squad at the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) headquarters in Kelana Jaya yesterday. Malaysia are scheduled to face Oman at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat on March 22 (2am Malaysian time) before hosting the 80th-ranked team at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here on March 26. With four more matches to go, Malaysia now tops Group D with six points, followed by Oman and Kyrgyzstan, tied with three points each in second and third place respectively, while Taiwan sit at the bottom with no points. Under the guidance of Kim Pan Gon, the team will play Nepal in a closed-door warm-up match at Wisma FAM on March 15 before departing for Muscat on March 17. – Bernama MALAYSIA must be bold and brave to take risks by accepting the offer made by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to replace Australia who have withdrawn as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Though hosting the Commonwealth Games would incur a high cost, former National Sports Council (NSC) directorgeneral Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz feels the investment of £100 million (RM600m) from the CGF to support the plan to host the 2026 edition would certainly ease the financial burden of the host country. “If we carefully study, there is no big risks involved, especially with the injection of funds from the CGF. We will not progress if we are always looking for an easy path or be cautious in accepting challenges because any country can only move forward if they are ready to take risks by weighing the positive factors. “Therefore, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) must study all aspects before preparing and submitting a working paper to the cabinet for consideration and decision (to become the Commonwealth Games host),” he told Bernama. Ramlan said Malaysia must be prudent in managing the funds provided by the CGF for organising the 2026 Commonwealth Games by focusing on upgrading the existing competition venues, transportation and allowances for officials and staff involved. He added that Malaysia would not have to spend too much since participating countries would be paying for participation, including accomodation, food and flights as well as officials under their contingents. “The participating countries through their respective Olympic councils would pay the cost of participation for every athlete to the organiser, so that factor will also be taken care of if we accept the offer to host the 2026 Games, replacing Victoria from Australia,” he said. Ramlan who was also the former National Sports Institute (ISN) chief executive officer said with about two years remaining for the 2026 Commonwealth Games Malaysia need not worry about the quality of organising a spectacular sporting event because the country has officials who are highly qualified and experienced in hosting major sporting events in the past. “I was involved as a medical officer in the 2023 Hockey World Cup in India, 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games in China, and 2023 Junior Hockey World Cup here. “We are all aware that there are many Malaysian officials who hold high profile positions in international sports organisations. “Therefore, there should not be any problem in management, technical expertise and preparation of officials,” he said. – Bernama Malaysia must be brave and take risks: Ramlan ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Chelsea 3 (Jackson 6, Palmer 57, Mudryk 76) Newcastle 2 (Isak 43, Murphy 90). P W D L F A Pts Arsenal 28 20 4 4 70 24 64 Liverpool 28 19 7 2 65 26 64 Man City 28 19 6 3 63 28 63 Aston Villa 28 17 4 7 59 41 55 Tottenham 27 16 5 6 59 39 53 Man Utd 28 15 2 11 39 39 47 West Ham 28 12 7 9 45 49 43 Brighton 28 11 9 8 50 44 42 Wolves 28 12 5 11 42 44 41 Newcastle 28 12 4 12 59 48 40 Chelsea 27 11 6 10 47 45 39 Fulham 28 10 5 13 40 44 35 Bournemouth 27 8 8 11 37 49 32 Crystal Palace 28 7 8 13 33 48 29 Brentford 28 7 5 16 40 52 26 Everton 28 8 7 13 29 39 25 Nottm Forest 28 6 6 16 34 50 24 Luton 27 5 6 16 38 55 21 Burnley 28 3 5 20 27 62 14 Sheff Utd 28 3 5 20 24 74 14 LA LIGA: Almeria 2 (Embarba 38, MIlovanovic 90+4) Sevilla 2 (Lukebakio 81, Ocampos 86). P W D L F A Pts Real Madrid 28 21 6 1 60 18 69 Girona 28 19 5 4 59 33 62 Barcelona 28 18 7 3 57 34 61 Atletico 28 17 4 7 54 31 55 Bilbao 28 15 8 5 48 26 53 Sociedad 28 11 10 7 40 31 43 SERIE A: Lazio 1 (Giannetti 49-og) Udinese 2 (Lucca 47, Zarraga 51). P W D L F A Pts Inter Milan 28 24 3 1 70 13 75 AC Milan 28 18 5 5 52 32 59 Juventus 28 17 7 4 44 23 58 Bologna 28 14 9 5 41 25 51 Roma 28 14 6 8 54 35 48 Atalanta 28 14 5 9 51 32 47 RESULTS & STANDINGS SHORTS Qabil Irfan Malaysia’s Darren Lok (centre) in action against South Korea in the 2023 Asian Cup earlier this year. – BERNAMAPIX
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: [email protected] MIDFIELDER Rodri insists Manchester City will embrace the challenge of having to win at least nine of their remaining 10 matches to lift a recordbreaking fourth successive Premier League. The 1-1 draw at Anfield left Pep Guardiola’s side in third place, albeit only a point behind Arsenal who top the table on goal difference from Liverpool. City face Arsenal next at home at the end of the month, followed by potentially-tricky tests against Aston Villa and Tottenham – also at the Etihad – but as the draw at Anfield was only the second time they have dropped points in the League since mid-December, the Spain international is confident they can put together another winning run. “We need a break. We have the FA Cup game (against Newcastle) and then go to the international teams so it will be good for us to refresh and give the last push at the end of the season,” he said. “We know how good we are in the last part of the season, we just need to charge the batteries again and focus on the last 10 games. “It seems you have to win nine or 10 games to win this Premier League. This is the challenge and we are going to go for it.” Rodri accepted they were not at their best against Liverpool despite taking the lead through John Stones and having the better of the first half. Liverpool bounced back after the break and following Alex Mac Allister’s equalising penalty, it was the hosts who looked more likely to win. “An incredible game. We started really well in terms of chances and dominance and I think it was quite good. The second half was their half,” added the City midfielder. “Of course with the crowd and the way they played and pressed, we weren’t clinical enough to find the spaces. “We made a few mistakes but with the high press it is difficult, you are not precise with the ball and that’s what happened in terms of the penalty. “It was a mistake, but at the end we competed. It wasn’t our best performance, but it wasn’t a bad point here. “They are fighting for the Premier League like us and we got a point. It means a lot. “We are there in the fight and this club is about the mentality of the team. Sometimes when we don’t play well, (it’s important) we don’t lose. “Sometimes it is the opposite and we are the team who has to defend a little bit more. We didn’t create many chances and it is what it is, we have to adapt sometimes. “We wanted three points, but in the final analysis it is fair.” The game was marred by a VAR decision late in stoppage time which denied Liverpool a penalty after Jeremy Doku caught Alexis Mac Allister in the chest inside the penalty area. Doku won the ball first and the video assistant referee decided not to overturn the on-field decision of no penalty. City defender Kyle Walker praised referee Michael Oliver for not “crumbling” in a fierce Anfield atmosphere. “I feel the ref did really well. Once you have the A n f i e l d crowd b e h i n d them, he could’ve have crumbled,” he told Sky Sports. “But that shows his experience, shows his character and that’s why he is regarded as probably one of the best referees in this country and the world at this minute. “The VAR has checked it, the ref has done it. That’s all I’m going to say.” Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher claimed there would have been less fuss had Oliver awarded a potentially match-winning spot-kick “I think there would be less argument if it was given as a penalty. If you give it, there won’t be much talk about it,” he told Sky Sports. “It raises lots of dilemmas.” – The Independent SCAN ME WEDNESDAY | MAR 13, 2024 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper -Story on page 29 Bring it on City relishing challenge for fourth straight League title, says Rodri -Story on page 30 █ BY CARL MARKHAM -Story on page 28 Djokovic stunned Poch calls for unity Bonmati sets sight for quardruple RODRI