The Sun 18012023

KUALA LUMPUR: Almost 61,000 underprivileged people, including non-citizens in Malaysia, will receive free basic medical and healthcare services annually over the next two years, with the establishment of 16 Klinik Amal Percuma nationwide by 2025. For a start, two clinics – one in Ipoh, Perak and the other in Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, began operations this month as a partnership between the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) and Maaedicare Charitable Foundation (Maaedicare). They will provide services for primary care and chronic disease management, as well as health education and counselling. However, the clinics will operate for only four hours daily from 9am to 1pm, except on Sundays. No appointment is necessary, and patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. The clinics also provide services to treat both acute and chronic diseases, minor surgeries such as fluid removal and nail avulsion, vaccines, nebulisers, emergency treatment, blood screening, urine examination, advice on nutritional intake and Electrocardiography inspection. MRCS national chairman Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah said the mutual collaboration is focused on making a positive impact in the community and help improve the health and well-being of those in need. “We don’t discriminate whether you are Malaysians or foreigners. All underprivileged or underserved people are eligible to receive services from Klinik Amal Percuma. We are going to set up 14 more clinics in areas which are mainly populated by the urban poor and B40 communities. “This partnership is a powerful way to make a positive impact and achieve common goals. “Healthcare providers, organisations and community leaders can pool their resources and expertise to reach more urban poor and underprivileged people, and provide more comprehensive care,” she said during the inaugural launch of Klinik Amal Percuma at Wisma MAA Medicare yesterday. Maaedicare Charitable Foundation chairman Datuk Tunku Yaacob Khyra said healthcare affordability is a significant concern in Malaysia. “The cost of medical treatment can be prohibitive for many whose families struggle to afford it. Everyone in our country should have access to the medical care they need, regardless of their income level,’’ he said. “Access to and affordability of healthcare services are important. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life. “We believe Klinik Amal Percuma will make a real difference in the lives of many. We are grateful for the support of our community partner MRCS, donors and volunteers, who have made this project possible, and we look forward to serving the community for many years to come,’’ he added. Yaacob Khyra said each clinic would receive some 3,800 patients annually. “The operations cost will be about RM12,000 per clinic, depending on the location. Rent for the premises costs about RM3,000 monthly, and the doctors, who are committed to providing high quality care to patients, will be employed on a locum basis. We are targeting to raise funds from the public to lower the cost of the operations,” he said. Also present at the launch was Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. The clinics significantly contribute towards reducing waiting time and congestion at government hospitals while also helping patients to be treated promptly, bridging the o14 more charity clinics to be set up over next two years to serve non-citizens and underprivileged due to high medical costs █ BY MUHAMMAD YUSRY [email protected] TELLING IT AS IT IS ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18, 2023 No. 8191 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my From left: MRCS secretary-general Hakim Hamzah, Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz, Nik Nazmi and Yaacob Khyra at the launch of Klinik Amal Percuma yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN gap on health disparities in the country, and playing an important role in promoting preventative healthcare and reducing the burden of chronic diseases. For more information about Klinik Amal Percuma, please visit https://www.maaedicare.org/klinik-amalpercuma or call the Maaedicare Charitable Foundation at 03-4044 4468. Free healthcare INSIDE ‘RM10b can be saved from plugging leaks in 2 procurement system’ page Multiracial lion dance troupe in 3 the limelight page

2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ‘Plugging procurement system leakage will save RM10b’ PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the country could save up to RM10 billion from the leakages that occurred in the government procurement system. Anwar, who is the finance minister, said leakages could be stopped if corruption is eradicated at all levels, including changing the old way of doing things, namely without political interference or the interests of big businessmen in government procurement. “We are experiencing high leakages. In less than two months at the Ministry of Finance, I have identified RM3 billion to RM4 billion that can be saved,” he said at the 2023 Budget Dialogue Council themed Membangun Malaysia Madani here yesterday. Also present were Deputy Finance Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan and Steven Sim Chee Keong, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali and deputy secretary-general of Treasury (Policy) Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican. Anwar said from his experience, leakages could be reduced if procurement matters are handed to parties capable of dealing with issues such as floods, Bernama reported. Meanwhile, Anwar said Budget 2023 should focus on restoring the confidence of domestic and foreign investors as well as expediting the approval of investment. “For example, a proposal to introduce an organic farm by a company took two years to be approved. “Granting approval should be faster and the heads of departments should be held fully accountable in the event of delays and face action for affecting the national economy,” he said. The government will present the revised Budget 2023 in Parliament on Feb 24. On another matter, the prime minister said he has no intention of building new landmarks under Anwar said he has no intention of building new landmarks during his administration. – BERNAMAPIC oProblem could be stopped if corruption eradicated at all levels and changing ‘old way’ of doing things, says Anwar his administration. He added that the existing landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and the TRX Towers were sufficient. “Instead, the cleanliness and beauty of the city should be improved and the needs of the small and medium enterprises (SME), hawkers and stall operators, should be looked into,” he said. The prime minister said based on his observations at eateries on Friday, less attention was given to the SME and hawkers. On a different note, Anwar said the ministers’ asset declarations must be made in a responsible and transparent manner rather than just a political gimmick. He said he was in discussion with various agencies including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to make the asset declaration processes more transparent. “Declaration of assets was a farce in the past as far as I’m concerned. You can find people having hundreds of millions of ringgit and still declaring RM11 million or RM12 million. So I think what we need to do is to make sure parameters are clear.” Anwar added that after looking at the figures and files, some of the declarations did not represent the real wealth of a particular person. On the status of targeted subsidies, Anwar said follow-up actions have been taken, such as targeted electricity tariffs for the low and medium-income groups, as well as for those in the agricultural sector and small and medium industries. “There have been actions (on targeted subsidies). Even though the previous government had announced an increase (in tariffs), we have cancelled the plan and taken a new approach,” he said. King presents letters of appointment to 21 judges KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah yesterday granted an audience and presented letters of appointment to 21 judges in a ceremony at Istana Negara here. The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was in attendance. Leading the list was the Court of Appeal new president Tan Sri Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, followed by Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli and Federal Court Judge Datuk Nordin Hassan. Also receiving their letters of appointment as Court of Appeal judges were Datuk Azman Abdullah, Datuk Azimah Omar, Datuk Lim Chong Fong, Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and Datuk Wong Kian Kheong. Eleven judges appointed to the High Court were Datuk Norsharidah Awang, Tee Geok Hock, Datuk Zaleha Rose Pandin, Alice Loke Yee Ching, Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, Dr Arik Sanusi Yeop Johari, G. Bhupindar Singh, Mahazan Mat Taib, Ahmad Murad Abdul Aziz, Liza Chan Sow Keng and Wan Muhammad Amin Wan Yahya. – Bernama Framework of values to form nation-state KUALA LUMPUR: The “Madani” framework, which is based on six holistic and interconnected components, is an important set of values to live by and used as a guideline in the formation of a nation-state, said Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE) executive director Datuk Ismail Yusop. He said the six values – sustainability, well-being, creativity and innovation, respect, confidence and courtesy – were highlighted in a book Developing a Madani Nation: Vision and Framework for Reform Policy authored by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “Each prime minister has his own theme, and for me, what Datuk Seri Anwar has adopted is part of the chain and process to build a nation-state. “For example, in the prime minister’s New Year’s address, he emphasised the importance of governance that involves all levels of society, including the people. “Because of that, we need a philosophy that provides a framework for all parties, from the leadership to the people, to make changes together,” he said during the Ruang Bicara TV programme on Monday night. Touching on the value of ihsan or courtesy, Ismail said social life in Malaysia, with its diversity of religions, races and cultures, required each individual to show mutual respect through unifying values, thus avoiding prejudice and misunderstanding. “Among other topics that the book touched on is corruption. It is the biggest problem, and is not easy to solve. “Datuk Seri Anwar said in the book that corruption happens ‘systemically’, meaning it’s as if people no longer feel guilty about it and consider it normal. “It requires self-reflection, an aggressive and comprehensive approach in building a team at the leadership level of civil servants and the people who should receive services from the government.” Ismail said the book published by IDE, that will be launched by the prime minister tomorrow, features Anwar’s ideas from his political experience and vast knowledge gathered from reading, spanning over four decades. – Bernama MCMC receives 444 complaints on new media CYBERJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has received a total of 444 complaints about new media this year, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who described the amount as worrying, said MCMC had been planning to strengthen programmes and activities related to the spread of false information, hate speech and online scams. “Complaints received were only in January and this is worrying. “I hope this initiative can be continued and also multiplied to drive Malaysia towards a positive cyber world,” he said at the 10th anniversary of Klik Dengan Bijak (Click Wisely) here yesterday. Also present were Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching, Communications and Digital Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek and MCMC interim chairman Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain. The Click Wisely initiative was introduced in 2012 to educate and increase the awareness of internet users about online security by emphasising self-control based on Rukun Negara principles. Meanwhile, Fahmi suggested that MCMC use information from the public to improve the Click Wisely initiative in line with the current development. “Perhaps from this point of view, I would like to have a discussion with MCMC, schools as well as public and private higher education institutions as they are the ones who participate in the digital economy that we are developing.” Fahmi said he supports the initiative because it provides awareness and education to the public about positive, productive and responsible use of the internet. He also congratulated MCMC as the initiative was nominated as a finalist for the 2023 Award of “World Summit on the Information Society Prizes”, which will be held from March 17 to 23 in Geneva, Switzerland. Fahmi said Click Wisely would continue to publish news about the achievements of each ministry under the unity government on various platforms. “This is part of the effort for the people to understand, know and be able to see what each ministry’s achievements are,” he said. – Bernama National debt at RM1.5 trillion: PM PUTRAJAYA: The national debt, including liabilities, has hit RM1.5 trillion and needs to be urgently addressed, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the country’s economic position is still not strong and is also affected by external developments. “The economy is still considered soft. It is also due to international developments such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the global economy, which has yet to recover fully post-Covid-19. “Based on the International Monetary Fund’s economic forecast, the downtrend continues. The challenge (for the government) is that the national debt has reached almost RM1.2 trillion. If liabilities are included, the figure has hit RM1.5 trillion,” he said during the Budget 2023 dialogue here yesterday. “Hence, the government will not take the ‘business as usual’ approach but will instead adopt another method in order to strengthen the country’s economy. That is why we present the real figures. Debt service charges for 2023 amount to RM45 billion, representing 15% of the national revenue, and this is also the maximum that the country can handle.” – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 Budget 2023 to focus on service sector: PM PUTRAJAYA: The government will focus on the service sector in Budget 2023, which will be presented on Feb 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister said yesterday. He added that among the sectors that would be focused on are green technology, digital economy and SME. Anwar also said government policy should focus on improving the capacity of the SME sector because it has high potential and involves a large number of workers. “Let’s not feel lethargic due to the receding economy. We have to find a way in new sectors, such as the green economy and the digital sectors. “Our approach so far has not focused on SME, which are the pillars of the national economy,” he said at the Budget 2023 Dialogue Council. Anwar said he took a realistic approach in Budget 2023 by taking into account the economic situation as well as political views. “If there is a need to make changes, we would do it because the mandate given is to make changes.” On another matter, he said the national debt, including liabilities, has reached RM1.5 trillion and needs to be dealt with immediately. “The economy is still considered weak. It is related to international developments, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and post Covid-19, and has yet to show economic strength.” The Finance Ministry on Dec 29 confirmed that the government will present the revised Budget 2023 in Parliament on Feb 24. During the Dec 20 sitting, Parliament had approved a special allocation of service expenditure amounting to RM107.72 billion, which included payments for civil servant salaries, utilities, scholarships, welfare assistance as well as education and health services. Budget 2023 was presented on Oct 7 by former finance minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, involving RM372.3 billion. However on Oct 10, Parliament was dissolved to make way for the 15th general election, which was held on Nov 19. – Bernama Multiracial lion dance troupe in the limelight M’sia, Indonesia should expand presence in halal market: Envoy KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia need to focus beyond the standardisation of halal certificates and shape the halal economy ecosystem to become bigger in the global halal industry. Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Hermono said as both countries are the largest Muslim-populated countries, they should be taking the lead and become the main players in the industry, instead of non-Muslim majority countries such as Thailand, Brazil and Australia. “I believe we could cooperate to develop and tap into this huge potential in the halal economy. “I also hope that we can identify areas that need cooperation so that we could each benefit from the industry,” he said in his special remarks at the inaugural Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Forum and Industry Engagement 2023 event yesterday. He said a memorandum of understanding signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Indonesia on food security would benefit and contribute to the Islamic economy and industry, taking into account Indonesia’s huge human resources and Malaysia’s advanced experience in the industry. Meanwhile, International Trade and Industry deputy secretary-general (industry) Datuk Seri Norazman Ayob said the halal economy is poised to become more integrated with global trade and supply chains, and with a higher level of trade and Islamic finance, it needs to recognise and adopt the environmental, social and governance standards. He said Indonesia is Malaysia’s fifth largest trading partner, with Malaysian exports to the republic totalling RM9.34 billion in the last five years (2017-2021). “The food and beverage sector represented the largest, at RM1.06 billion of halal exports to Indonesia,” he said. – Bernama Speed limit reduced by 10kph for CNY DENGKIL: The speed limit on federal roads will be reduced by 10kph from today until Jan 27 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said during this period, the speed limit on federal roads will be lowered to 80kph instead of 90kph. “This is one of the safety and monitoring measures taken by the government to reduce the risk of traffic accidents that often occur during the festive season,” he said at the launch of the Integrated Ops and Road Safety Campaign yesterday. Nanta said his ministry has identified 76 accident hotspots along federal roads and would continue to monitor the locations. He added that the government also carried out repairs at 53 accident blackspots along federal roads last year, at a total cost of RM17.2 million, to ensure the safety and comfort of road users. He also said under the Road Infrastructure Improvement Programme, streetlights had also been installed at 40 accident hotspots on federal roads last year at a cost of RM4.7 The teen troupe posing for a group picture during a practice session recently. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN million. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: While the lion dance is common during Chinese New Year and rarely makes news on its own, one local troupe has become an overnight sensation after a video of its multiracial performers was posted on social media. The video featured young performers from the Yong Jun Dragon and Lion Dance Bukit Beruntung Troupe. The short clip of its performance was shared via Facebook by user “Liondancefreak”. Its founder Kobe Chan Yong Zhen said the performance was held during the troupe’s tribute to the newly established Subang chapter of the Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe. “The Xuan Long association has many franchises and Subang Xuan Long is a newer one. We went there to lend support and congratulate them,” said Chan, adding that the troupe consists of 12 members ranging in age from 12 to 19. The performance started with a Malay girl beating a large barrel drum, followed by her Malay, Chinese and Indian troupe members on the gong and cymbals. The video garnered more than 66,000 likes and 10,000 shares as at press time. The drummer, who kicked off the performance was Khairunnisa Adawiyah Khairil Johari, 14, with her sister Khairunnisa Afifah Khairil Johari, 12, on cymbals. The older sibling said their interest in the art of lion dance started five years ago. “Coming from a Chinese primary school and being able to converse in Mandarin made me interested in joining the troupe and learning more about Chinese culture,” said Khairunnisa Adawiyan. She also said the performance requires a lot of discipline and patience to learn, but she managed despite the mistakes and hardships she faced during training. “I hope the video would show that all races in Malaysia can unite and be together, despite our ethnic, cultural and religious differences.” Cymballist Sharvin Rao, 17, who joined the troupe six years ago, said he enjoys having friends from different backgrounds and being able to learn traditional Chinese music and instruments. He expressed hope that the troupe would reach international level and be recognised for their hard work, while gong player Adzwin Puteri, 17, who joined when she was 12, said she received tremendous support from her family, friends and teammates. “What kept me going was that I could learn new things about other cultures. I hope if there is an opportunity for us to enter an international competition, I would be part of the team,” she said. Chan added that the non-Chinese members began joining the group in 2018. “It was when the troupe went to perform at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Bukit Tangga that they became interested in lion dance. “I teach them in three languages, which are Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin for them to understand drum beats and coordinate it with the steps of the lion dancers,” he said, adding that it usually takes a month for the members to learn the cymbal, a minimum of three months to master the drum and for lion dance, it takes at least a year. Chan credits their passion, interest and discipline for mastering the art and he is glad they are enjoying the process as well. He said some parents misunderstood that lion dance is linked to religion, when it is about culture. “As long as you have the passion, you are welcome to join us. Lion dance is not only a sport, it can also strengthen mental ability and develop good character.” oGroup of teens become overnight sensation after video of performance explodes on social media █ BYNURIN ABDULLAH [email protected]

4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Businessman pleads not guilty to making RM1.26m false claims KUALA LUMPUR: A businessman pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court yesterday to six charges of submitting false documents to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to claim incentives under the Penjana Kerjaya 2.0 programme amounting to RM1.26 million. According to the six charges, M. Karthikesan, 44, who is the owner of Fajaa Murudana Sdn Bhd, was alleged to have submitted an Employee Verification Form for the Employee Recruitment Incentive Programme dated May 12 and 25, and June 4, 2021, containing false information on behalf of the company to three Socso officials. He was charged with intending to deceive Socso by giving the names of 34 employees who were not employees of Fajaa Murudana. Karthikesan was charged with committing the offence at Wisma Perkeso in Jalan Tun Razak and at Persiaran Perdana Precinct 2 in Putrajaya between May 19 and Aug 3, 2021. The charges were framed under Section 18 of the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and punishable under Section 24(2) of the same law which provides imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine not less than five times the value of the subject matter of the offence or RM10,000 whichever is higher. Karthikesan was granted bail of RM50,000 with one surety. He was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court and report himself at the Selangor MACC office. The court set March 1 for mention. Last Jan 13, Karthikesan pleaded not guilty to nine counts of committing a similar offence involving false claims amounting to more than RM1.4 million. – Bernama Thief breaks into car and escapes with RM109,000 KUALA LUMPUR: A thief broke into a headmaster’s car and escaped with RM109,000 which was kept in the front passenger seat of his car, while the headmaster had gone to get himself a drink from a nearby restaurant. The money, which was financial aid to the school, was earlier withdrawn from a bank by the headmaster and placed in a bag which was kept in the front passenger seat of his car while he went to a nearby shop to buy a drink in Semenyih. According to Kajang police chief ACP Mohd Zaid Hassan, police received a report about the incident at 12.17pm from the 50-year-old headmaster. “Initial investigations revealed that the victim had withdrawn the money from a bank in Kampung Baru Semenyih at about 10am and placed the cash inside a bag. The bag was kept in the front passenger seat,” he said in a statement on Monday. When the victim returned to his car, he saw the windscreen on the rear passenger side (right) was broken and the bag containing the cash was stolen. The headmaster is from a primary school in Semenyih. Mohd Zaid said police were trying to track down the thief. The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code. He also urged anyone with information to contact the nearest police station. – Bernama Dengue cases up 13.6% last week: Health DG PUTRAJAYA: The number of dengue cases in the second Epidemiological Week of 2023 (ME2/23) from Jan 8 to 14 increased by 301 cases, or 13.6%, to 2,520 cases compared with 2,219 cases in the previous week. Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said one death due to dengue fever complications was also reported during the week. The cumulative number of dengue fever cases reported so far is 4,739, compared with 1,429 cases for the corresponding period in 2022. At the same time, two deaths due to dengue complications were also reported, compared with zero deaths during the same period last year, he said in a statement yesterday. Noor Hisham said some 67 hotspot localities were reported this week, 40 of which were in Selangor, Sabah (15), Penang (five), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (five), and Perak (one). Regarding chikungunya, he said 11 cases were reported in ME2/23, with five cases in Penang, three in Selangor, and one each in Kedah, Perak and Negeri Sembilan. The cumulative number of chikungunya cases is 36, to date. “As for Zika surveillance, a total of 46 blood samples and one urine sample were screened, and the results were all negative,” he said. – Bernama 2,000 RTD officers to be deployed during festive season DENGKIL: A total of 2,000 Road Transport Department (RTD) enforcement officers will be deployed in integrated operations and road safety campaigns in conjunction with the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said RTD personnel would travel on express buses dressed as passengers to carry out enforcement activities, in addition to monitoring through enforcement stations at 14 key locations along highways nationwide throughout the operations, which will begin from today until Jan 27 nationwide. He said during the operations, there will be seven major traffic offences that are noncompoundable, meaning that offenders would not be issued with a compound fine but will be directly referred to court. “The seven major offences are cutting queues, overtaking on double lines, disobeying the red light signal, driving over the speed limit, using mobile phones while driving, not wearing a seat belt or helmet, and driving in the emergency lane.” He said this after launching the Integrated Ops and Road Safety Campaign in conjunction with the upcoming CNY celebration here yesterday. Loke said goods vehicles would be banned from using the roads two days before CNY on Jan 20 and 21, and two days after on Jan 24 and 25, to reduce traffic congestion. – Bernama Early CNY celebration for neglected senior citizens PETALING JAYA: Chinese New Year is just around the corner, during which many people get to enjoy the vibrant festival with their loved ones and reconnect with extended families. Unfortunately for some, such celebrations are just a distant dream. In the spirit of the celebration, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Nagarethnam is one of a few charity organisations in Klang that is planning to bring cheer to senior citizens, who have been neglected by their family, with gifts and lunches. Its president and founder Amalah Nagarethnam said the organisation would arrange annual visits to old folks homes for CNY besides other celebrations such as Deepavali and Christmas. “On the first day of CNY, we will be catering a lunch at the homes, which consists of various dishes to fit the dietary requirements and restrictions of the elderly. We make sure that the food is not spicy and easy to chew, to prevent difficulties for senior citizens in consuming the food and also to avoid choking, for example. “We also serve some soft pastries, cakes and sliced fruits for dessert.” Amalah said the organisation would distrubute gift bags filled with clothes, mandarin oranges and ang pows. Sometimes, donors would also include blankets and sarongs. This year, Amalah said the organisation has picked two old folks homes in Kepong to celebrate CNY. “There will be 35 senior citizens who will benefit from this year’s CNY celebration, with some of them facing mild mobility issues and require wheelchairs to move around. “With a goal to raise RM1,500 from public donations for CNY, the organisation will arrange for a decent meal, buy groceries and clothes, and give away ang pows to them along with some cash donation for the homes to meet other basic needs.” Anyone who wants to contribute to the charity organisation may contact Amalah at 012-4451512 or via the organisation’s Facebook page “Pertubuhan Kebajikan Nagarethnam”. A resident enjoying a meal during a Chinese New Year event for senior citizens. oTwo welfare associations bring cheer to residents of old folks homes by providing gifts and lunch in conjunction with upcoming festival █ BYARINA MUSTHAFA [email protected] Meanwhile, social activist Kuan Chee Heng, popularly known as “Uncle Kentang”, continues to help the community, especially the poor Chinese who could not afford to celebrate CNY, through his charity organisation Pertubuhan Amal Uncle Kentang Malaysia. Kuan told theSun that he has been giving out mandarin oranges and CNY snacks such as pineapple tarts and kuih kapit to poor Chinese families around the Klang Valley. “Giving oranges and cookies is a small but meaningful gesture for those who do not have the money to buy these snacks, which are synonymous with CNY. “I would still mobilise any other form of aid that requires more funds such as free ambulance services through Ambulance Rakyat Uncle Kentang, paying rent for those who are financially stuck and providing education funds for poor students.” His association is contactable at 018- 2683999 and Kuan’s Facebook page: “Kuan Chee Heng (Uncle Kentang)” for donations and sponsorships.

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 and any winnings are directly deposited into the punters’ bank accounts.” Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said the Kedah government’s decision to no longer issue licences for NFO premises will lead to a more active illegal 4D market. He said the state’s policymakers do not realise the consequences on the well-being of the people and did not consider that the “sin tax” received by the federal government is distributed to all states, including Kedah. “So, Kedah should not ask for any taxes from 4D gaming since they have deprived legitimate businesses from operating in the state. The ban is a boon for the 4D black market. “What many do not see is the mindset of 4D punters, a majority of whom do not see the game as a hardcore gambling habit in the same vein as going to a casino. “As this sub-culture has been around for more than half a century, punters come from various socio-economic backgrounds. Hence, 4D betting enthusiasts who regularly place bets with NFO will continue to do so on the black market even more so now, since it is more convenient to do so and the legal option no longer exists. Former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said while the Kedah government banned 4D betting in the state as it follows Islamic teachings, which forbids gambling, it should also ensure such activities do not flourish in the black market. He said stern action should be taken against illegal bookies and civil servants who are found to be working with illegal betting syndicates. “To curb illegal gambling activities, police need to carry out some serious enforcement efforts, including identifying syndicate bosses and bringing them to book. Those working with these illegal bookies should also be arrested and prosecuted. “ T h e s e syndicates are protected by thugs and are prepared to bribe the authorities to keep the illegal business alive.” Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who imposed the ban, said the gaming sector had c o n t r i b u t e d RM400,000 to state taxes in 2021. He was reported to have said he will not budge on calls to reverse the ruling “even if the state earned RM400 million in taxes from the gaming sector”. KUALA LUMPUR: The Kedah government’s move to ban 4D gaming outlets in the state will present an enormous windfall for illegal lottery syndicates operating there, said industry players. While the move serves to deter Kedahans from being involved in gambling, illegal lottery syndicates stand to double their takings with the latest decision. The black market will now monopolise 4D gambling in the state, with Kedahans continuing to bet on 4D numbers, if the authorities turn a blind eye to illegal gambling activities. The three legal number forecast operators (NFO) – Magnum, Damacai and Sports Toto – are oMove will be boon to illegal lottery syndicates, say industry players █ BYCHARLES RAMENDRAN [email protected] Rules for hiring foreign workers relaxed PUTRAJAYA: The government is implementing a plan to make it easier and faster to hire foreign workers in five critical sectors and sub-sectors, said Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar yesterday. He said the planned relaxation of conditions for migrant worker recruitment covers the manufacturing, construction, plantations, agriculture and services (restaurants only) sectors and sub-sectors. He added that employers in these five industries could submit applications for hiring foreign workers through the Foreign Worker Centralised Management System platform under the FWe Approval Module with immediate effect. “The Human Resources Ministry will process and approve applications for hiring foreign workers within three working days from the date the applications are received.” Sivakumar added that employers who had previously applied through the FWe Approval Module and eQuota Module before Jan 17 should submit fresh applications through the FWe Approval Module to enable their applications to be considered under the plan. – Bernama ‘Sarawak crops have potential for mass production’ KUCHING: Sarawak’s indigenous fruits and vegetables have potential for commercialisation and mass production, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg. He said indigenous crops like the “Terung Asam” which is popular in Sarawak, could be further developed on a large scale with added value. Abang Johari said the state government had also established the Sago and Nipah Development Board of Sarawak to further spur the expansion of the industry of both commodities. “The modern agriculture community must identify these indigenous products that can be mass produced but at the same time, we must maintain the quality of our products,” he said in his speech at the First SarawakDutch Food Security Workshop here yesterday. The workshop was also attended by the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Malaysia, Jacques Werner. Abang Johari said the adaptation of technology was vital for modern farmers to change the process of farming, especially in producing higher yields. – Bernama expected to lose between RM120 million and RM150 million collectively in annual revenue, while the federal government will suffer losses of over RM20 million in gaming taxes. Industry players estimate the syndicates will rake in more than three times the revenues of legal NFO, up to RM500 million annually, after the 45 NFO outlets in Kedah were shuttered on Jan 1. The better fortunes of the illegal monopoly are evident as checks showed illegal operators have lowered prize payouts by about 10%, which indicates they no longer have to attract punters with higher payouts. However, it must be noted that despite the reduction, illegal syndicates still have higher prize money payouts compared with legal gambling operators. A former operator of a 4D outlet in Kedah, who spoke to theSun on condition of anonymity, said while legal NFO were forced to shut down on Jan 1, it was business as usual for illegal 4D operators. “On Jan 1, the authorities inspected all 4D outlets to ensure they complied with the state ban. “However, illegal 4D syndicates that operate from cellphone shops, sundry shops, coffee shops, hardware stores and other outlets continued to operate. “Punters are walking in and out of these premises daily. The illegal gambling business has boomed and illegal operators have assumed the market share previously held by legal NFO.” He said illegal 4D syndicates are now expanding and offering punters more locations at which to place bets. “It is so openly carried out that the authorities can’t be unaware of the illegal activities. Apart from the higher prize payouts, illegal bookies are luring punters by making it easier and more convenient for them to place bets. “There was a time they offered free snacks and cigarettes to those who walked in. “The syndicates have also gone digital, offering e-betting services where punters can buy their 4D numbers online and get paid the same way when they win.” A 36-year-old resident of Sungai Petani said he is aware of the widespread illegal betting activity in the town. The self-employed man, who declined to be named, said he had friends who regularly placed bets with illegal 4D operators due to the convenience. He told theSun that illegal 4D syndicate runners also regularly visited punters at home to accept bets and deliver winnings. “With smartphone apps, bets are placed via text ‘Kedah ban on licensed 4D gaming counter productive’ Previous exclusive front page report in theSun.

6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS China population shrinks for first time since 1961 oDemographers lament that country will get old before it gets rich BEIJING: China’s population fell last year for the first time in six decades, a historic turn that is expected to mark the start of a long period of decline in its citizen numbers with profound implications for its economy and the world. The National Bureau of Statistics reported a drop of roughly 850,000 people for a population of 1.41175 billion in 2022, marking the first decline since 1961, the last year of China’s Great Famine. That possibly makes India the world’s most populous nation. UN experts predicted last year India would have a population of 1.412 billion in 2022 although they did not expect the nation to overtake China until this year. However, India only collects population figures every 10 years and its latest census, originally scheduled for 2021, has been delayed due to the pandemic. Long-term, UN experts see China’s population shrinking by 109 million by 2050, more than triple the decline of their previous forecast in 2019. That caused domestic demographers to lament that China will get old before it gets rich, slowing the economy as revenues drop and government debt increases due to soaring health and welfare costs. Vietnam president quits, blamed for ministers’ ‘violations’ HANOI: Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has resigned after the ruling Communist Party blamed him for “violations and wrongdoing” by officials under his control while prime minister, the government said yesterday. Phuc, 68, who was premier from 2016 to 2021, has held the largely ceremonial position of president for less than two years and is the highest-ranking official targeted by the party’s corruption crackdown. Vietnam has no paramount ruler and is officially led by four “pillars”: the powerful party’s secretary, the president, the prime minister and the chair of the legislature. “Fully being aware of his responsibilities before the party and people, he submitted an application to resign from his assigned positions, quit his job and retire,” the government said in a statement, citing the party’s powerful Central Committee. There had been speculation in recent weeks that Phuc would quit following January’s dismissals of two deputy prime ministers who had served under him, as the party doubles down on a “blazing furnace” anti-corruption drive led by the its long-serving chief, Nguyen Phu Trong. The raft of investigations and dismissals signal an intensification of the crackdown, despite concerns it is paralysing routine transactions as officials fear being entangled in probes. Last year alone, 539 party members were prosecuted or “disciplined” for corruption and “deliberate wrongdoings”, including ministers, top officials and diplomats, according to the party, while police investigated 453 corruption cases, up 50% from 2021. – Reuters Indonesia court hears suit over cough syrup deaths JAKARTA: Families of Indonesian children who died because of tainted cough syrup demanded restitution as a court started hearing yesterday their class-action lawsuit against government agencies and pharmaceutical firms. About 200 children have died of acute kidney injury in Indonesia since last year and authorities have said two ingredients, ethylene glycol and diethyelene glycol, found in some syrup-based paracetamol medications are linked to the illness. The two ingredients are used in antifreeze, brake fluids and other industrial applications, but also as a cheaper alternative in some pharmaceutical products to glycerine, a solvent or thickening agent in many cough syrups. They can be toxic and can lead to acute kidney injury. Twenty-five families are suing the Health and Finance Ministries, the drugs regulator and at least eight drug companies. Awan Puryadi, the families’ lawyer, told Reuters they each wanted compensation of up to 3.4 billion rupiah (RM968,000). Solihah, 36, who was at the court in Jakarta, said her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with the acute kidney injury after consuming a syrup medication and died a few days later. She said she wanted the government to be held accountable. “If my daughter had not consumed the drug, maybe she would still be here,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “I hope all parties involved are held responsible for the conditions of the children who died and are still sick.” Representatives of the Finance Ministry and five pharmaceutical firms named in the suit did not respond to requests for comment. Another three companies could not be reached. Drugs regulator BPOM said it would respect the ongoing legal process while the Health Ministry declined to comment. Authorities have banned several cough syrups and mounted legal action against several pharmaceutical companies whose products allegedly contained the dangerous ingredients. – Reuters B R I E F S TAIWAN WOMEN TO JOIN RESERVIST TRAINING TAIPEI: Taiwan’s military announced plans yesterday to include women in its reservist training for the first time this year. The Defence Ministry said it would allow around 200 discharged female soldiers to enrol in voluntary reservist trainings from the second quarter of this year, as part of efforts to boost the overall back-up force. “We will plan the training capacities according to the number of applicants,” said Maj-Gen Yu Wen-cheng from the ministry’s All-Out Defence Mobilisation Agency. Currently, only Taiwanese men are required to do mandatory military service and reservist training, although women can volunteer to serve in the armed forces. – AFP BEIJING WELCOMES VISIT BY BLINKEN BEIJING: China welcomes a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the country, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said at a regular news briefing yesterday. “China welcomes Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to China. Both China and the United States are in communication now over the specific arrangements,” Wang Wenbin said, responding to a question on an American media report that Blinken is visiting China on Feb 5. “(China) also hopes the United States will adopt a correct view of China, uphold dialogue rather than confrontation, win-win rather than zero-sum (thinking),” he said. Politico website reported that Blinken will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing on Feb 5. – Reuters LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING ... Visitors looking at plants and flowers on the opening day of the flower markets on Monday in Hong Kong ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit, which falls on Jan 22. – AFPPIC “China’s demographic and economic outlook is much bleaker than expected. China will have to adjust its social, economic, defence and foreign policies,” said demographer Yi Fuxian. China’s birth rate last year was just 6.77 births per 1,000 people, down from a rate of 7.52 births in 2021 and marking the lowest birth rate on record. The number of Chinese women of childbearing age, which the government defines as aged 25 to 35, fell by about four million. The death rate, the highest since 1974 during the Cultural Revolution, was 7.37 deaths per 1,000 people, which compares with a rate of 7.18 deaths in 2021. Much of the demographic downturn is the result of China’s one-child policy imposed between 1980 and 2015 as well as sky-high education costs that have put many Chinese off having more than one child or even having any at all. The one-child policy and a traditional preference for boys have also created a deep gender imbalance. The latest data shows China with around 722 million males compared to 690 million females. The imbalance, which is more pronounced in rural areas, has led to fewer families being formed in recent years. The data was the top trending topic on Chinese social media after the figures were released yesterday. Chinese netizens have previously complained about pressure on newlyweds to have offspring as soon as possible, reporting regular calls from their local government asking when they can expect a pregnancy. – Reuters Rohingya refugees suffer widespread police abuse: HRW DHAKA: An elite Bangladesh police unit is engaged in the rampant extortion, harassment and wrongful arrests of the Rohingya refugees it has been tasked with protecting, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said yesterday. The Armed Police Battalion (APBn) operates in camps housing nearly one million members of the stateless minority, most of whom fled Myanmar after a military crackdown that is now the subject of a UN genocide investigation. Refugees and humanitarian workers told the New York-based watchdog that safety had deteriorated after the unit took charge of camp security in 2020, with some Rohingyas saying abuses had become “a regular occurrence”. “Abuses by police in the Cox’s Bazar camps have left Rohingya refugees suffering at the hands of the very forces who are supposed to protect them,” said HRW Asia researcher Shayna Bauchner. The group said it had spoken to dozens of Rohingya refugees living in the sprawling and overcrowded camp network in the country’s southeast, documenting 16 cases of serious abuse by APBn officers. Police demanded hefty bribes of refugees under threat of arrest, HRW’s report said, adding that families were often forced to sell gold jewellery or borrow money to free unjustly detained relatives. Battalion commander Syed Harunor Rashid said the report was “questionable”. “Criminals are telling them false facts and (HRW) are reporting them. This is like giving comfort to criminals.“ Several Rohingya refugees said police abuses were “rampant”. “A few days ago I was returning to the camp with my brother’s medical report from a hospital. APBn officers stopped me, interrogated me and slapped me,” said Ali Jaker, 20. Ali said they took a mobile phone and some cash from him. Sitara Bibi, 45, said police extortion was “a regular occurrence”. “I had to pay 3,000 taka (RM130) to them during my son’s marriage. If we didn’t pay them, the police would file a drug-smuggling case against my son.” – AFP

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 US politician nabbed over shootings at rivals’ homes WASHINGTON: A former Republican candidate for New Mexico’s state legislature has been arrested and charged with paying gunmen to shoot up the homes of four Democratic politicians, police said on Monday. Solomon Pena, who lost the race for a House seat in the US state, “is accused of conspiring with, and paying four other men to shoot at the homes” of four Democratic politicians, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina tweeted. Pena was in police custody after a brief standoff with a SWAT team at his home in the southwestern part of the city, CBS News reported. Pena is accused of organising the shootings, which took place over several weeks and targeted the homes of two county commissioners and two state legislators. oFormer Republican candidate believes he lost in November polls due to fraud: Police No one was injured in the shootings. “It is believed that he is the mastermind behind this, and was the one who organised this,” Medina told a news conference. Police said the homes had been targeted by gunfire between Dec 4 and Jan 3. In the Jan 3 shooting, shots rang out at the home of Democratic state representative Linda Lopez and three bullets pierced her 10-year-old daughter’s bedroom window while she was sleeping. Police spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said Pena believed he lost last November’s election to an incumbent due to fraud. “He had complaints about his election he felt being rigged,” Gallegos said, according to NBC News. Police said they expected to file charges against other men who allegedly were paid to carry out the shootings. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old mother and her six-month-old child were among six people killed on Monday when gunmen opened fire at a home in California. Sheriff Mike Boudreaux of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office described to reporters a grisly crime, a “targeted” attack that he said may be linked to gang and drug violence. Police said they believed two people attacked the home around 3.30am on Monday, firing multiple shots. A neighbour called the police, who arrived seven minutes later to find dead and dying people both inside and outside the home. “This whole situation is tragic, but we have a 17-year-old mother and (her) six-month-old child, both of whom were shot in the head,” Boudreaux said. Two people survived the assault by hiding inside the building, while several of the wounded were given emergency medical attention by first responders. One of the wounded died shortly after being rushed to hospital. The attack appeared to be drugs-related, the sheriff said. – AFP MOUSING AROUND ... Performers dressed as Disney characters Minnie and Mickey Mouse waving to greet guests during a press preview for the theme park’s new entertainment programme ‘Minnie, We Love You’ at Tokyo Disneyland yesterday. – AFPPIC London police facing questions after officer admits serial rapes LONDON: Britain’s largest police force was on Monday facing fresh scrutiny about its vetting procedures after an officer admitted 24 counts of rape and a string of sexual assaults over nearly two decades. David Carrick’s crimes – described by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office as “appalling” – is the most high-profile police case since a fellow officer kidnapped, raped and murdered a young woman in 2021. Then, as now, background checks by the Metropolitan Police in London were found lacking, leaving it battling to regain dented public confidence. Carrick, 48, appeared in court in London on Monday and pleaded guilty to four counts of rape, as well as false imprisonment and indecent assault against a 40-year-old woman in 2003. Reporting restrictions were lifted on his admission at a previous hearing last month of 43 charges involving 11 other women, including 20 counts of rape, over a 16-year period to September 2020. He will be sentenced over two days from Feb 6. The Met, which polices a population of more than eight million people in the British capital, called Carrick a “prolific, serial sex offender”. Met Commissioner Mark Rowley apologised to Carrick’s victims, saying he “abused women in the most disgusting manner” and went unpunished due to “systemic failures”. “We have failed and I’m sorry. He should not have been a police officer,” Rowley said in a statement. The Met revealed that a thorough review of ex-soldier Carrick’s service and complaints record was conducted in October 2021, after he was first charged with rape. That found he was already on police systems for a series of off-duty incidents before and after he joined the force. Yet none of those complaints of rape, domestic violence and harassment had led to criminal sanctions or internal disciplinary proceedings. The Met “failed in two respects”, Rowley admitted. It “should have been more intrusive and joined the dots on this repeated misogyny over a couple of decades” and “should have been more determined to root out such a misogynist”, he said. The police watchdog is now reviewing the Met’s handling of Carrick, while a wider probe is under way into other potential misconduct of other officers. They include more than 1,600 cases of alleged sexual offences or domestic violence, the Met said. – AFP Fiji military warns against ‘sweeping changes’ SUVA: Fiji’s military chief warned lawmakers yesterday against making “sweeping changes” less than a month after an election that removed the government of Frank Bainimarama, who ruled the Pacific island for 16 years after taking power in a coup. Fiji has a history of military coups, including two staged by current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in 1987. Rabuka became prime minister on Dec 24 after a coalition of parties narrowly voted to install him as leader of the strategically important Pacific nation. Republic of Fiji Military Forces commander Maj-Gen Jone Kalouniwai said yesterday the military would “like to raise its concerns with regard to the sweeping changes of the current government to establish a firm transition of power and democratic control as the government of the day”. After making the statement, he was called to a meeting by Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who holds responsibility for the military in the new government. Tikoduadua said later in a statement on Facebook he had “assured the commander that all the government’s actions have been guided by the law”. They had exchanged views frankly, Tikoduadua said, and “we both believe in the rule of law, democracy ... and respecting the will of the people through the outcome of the 2022 general election and protecting that decision, let come what may”. Fiji’s democratic values had been eroded under the previous government, he said, and “our institutions are absorbing the impact of a new government with different ideas and new priorities”. “Some say change is occurring too fast. Others say not fast enough.” – Reuters Pakistan premier offers talks with India counterpart ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered his Indian counterpart talks over all outstanding issues, including disputed Kashmir, which he believes could be facilitated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “My message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is let’s sit down at the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning issues, like Kashmir,” Shehbaz said in an interview with Al-Arabiya news channel that was telecast yesterday. Shehbaz said he had taken up the issue with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in his recent visit to the Emirates. “He’s a brother of Pakistan. He also has good relations with India. “He can play a very important role to bring the two countries on the talking table.” The two rival nuclear powers have fought three wars since independence from British rule in 1947. Two of the wars were over Kashmir, a disputed Himalayan region, which both the nations claim. Tensions rose high when India unilaterally revoked the autonomous status of its part of Kashmir later in 2019, which Shehbaz said resulted in “flagrant” human rights violations. Ever since, official talks between the two countries have been suspended. Shehbaz said the wars between the two countries brought nothing except misery, poverty and unemployment. “We want to alleviate poverty, achieve prosperity and provide education, health facilities and employment to our people, and not waste our resources on bombs and ammunition.” – Reuters B R I E F S11 SOLDIERS KILLED IN SOMALIA ATTACK MOGADISHU: Eleven soldiers, including a senior commander, were killed yesterday in an attack on an army camp north of the capital that was claimed by Al-Shabaab militants, said a militia commander in the area. “Eleven members of the army, including a senior military commander, died in the attack, and dozens of the terrorists were killed,” Mohamed Osman, a local clan militia commander allied with the government, said by phone of the attack in Hawadley. He said the militants detonated a car packed with explosives outside the camp 60km north of Mogadishu before armed men stormed the compound. “The terrorists have been repelled and the Somali army are in full control of the area,” local military commander Ahmed Mohamud said. – AFP IRAN RELEASES CELEBRITY CHEF TEHRAN: Iran has released a prominent chef and Instagram influencer who was detained earlier this month in its crackdown on nationwide protests, human rights groups and supporters said. Navab Ebrahimi, known for his videos promoting Persian cooking, was arrested in Tehran on Jan 4 and taken to the city’s Evin prison. Nik Yousefi, an Iranian filmmaker and photographer who was himself arrested in October as part of the crackdown and then freed, wrote on Twitter that Navab had been released on bail. The Human Rights Activists News Agency also said Navab had been released on bail, adding there was still no word on the charges levelled against him. – AFP

8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 SPEAK UP AS technology advances, there are many different types of devices that can be used as evidence in court to support or refute specific claims or allegations. The use of video evidence, including dashcams, closed-circuit television, and body cameras, is one that is rising in popularity. Recently, the government approved RM30 million in funding for the purchase of body cameras for use by on-duty police officers. This is a good move as it will promote accountability and transparency among our law enforcement personnel. At the same time, using body cameras will also increase public confidence and trust in our enforcement personnel. In today’s world, the use of video evidence has become a matter of urgency, especially when there is an issue or allegation involving misconduct. Body cameras can be vital in providing evidence to support or refute any issues or allegations raised. It is important to note that video documentation is not limited to body cameras. With the increase of other devices, people can also capture videos using a mobile phone or digital camera, which sometimes can be used as evidence. However, there are strict procedures for them to be admissible in court. Videos can be used as evidence and is provided for by law in our country. Section 3 of the Evidence Act 1950 [Act 56] states that the definition of evidence includes: (a) All statements which the court permits or requires to be made before it by witnesses in relation to matters of fact under inquiry, which are called oral evidence; and (b) all documents produced for the inspection of the court, which are known as documentary evidence. It is crucial to note that the word “includes” means that any item can be given as evidence in order to support or substantiate a case. This view is based on the case of Chin Seow Noi v PP [1994], where the court said: “The use of the single word ‘includes’ in Section 3 is clearly intended to make the definition an extensive one”. This means that the word “evidence” in the section goes beyond the narrow statutory meaning as explicitly set out. As such, evidence is not confined to only oral or documentary, but The use of dashcams as video evidence in court is gaining popularity. Nurturing talents from young IDENTIFYING young talents and developing them into world-class champions is not an easy task. I have read about the pyramid system, which is applied in schools, where students are groomed to compete at the basic level in primary schools, right up to the national level in secondary schools. Outstanding athletes represent their schools, moving up from the district to the state level. At the pinnacle is the national level, governed by the National Schools Sports Council Athletics, where the top students will vie for a place as the nations best in selected sports. It is essential that physical education be reviewed to offer students an overall education and foundation in healthy living. Physical activity can yield benefits for mental and cognitive health. It also improves social behaviour, enhances sportsmanship, self-efficacy and emotional intelligence. Schools should employ former athletes and those with coaching certificates as coaches and trainers to assist the schools in various districts and states to help produce more champions as part of our National Sports Vision 2030. The pyramid system ensures that the best athletes, who are identified from young, are trained to excel. We have a former world squash champion running a programme called “Little Legends” to teach children the basics on physical, mental and various exercises, as well as aspects on discipline. We also have sports schools in Johore and in Bukit Jalil offering leadership programmes. According to a report, 50 Olympians were produced from five sports schools since the first one, Bukit Jalil Sports School, was opened in 1996. The Education Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry and parents all have a role to play in providing children with a balance in academics and sports. If sports do not pan out, there is always education for children to rely on as a career path. This is where both ministries can work hand in hand to chart an all-rounded education for students. A fine example is Azeem Fahmi, who was given a scholarship to pursue a degree at a university in the US. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek should work together to get investments for sports schools, which is a platform for young athletes to advance while they pursue their studies. To be a world-class athlete, students need to have a world-class mindset. They need to excel physically and mentally, and sports schools can play a crucial role. The more students who are uncovered at the grassroots and youth levels, the more champions can be produced if nurtured and developed from young. C. Sathasivam Sitheravellu Seremban LETTERS [email protected] Using technology responsibly includes videos. As long as the evidence tendered is relevant, it will be accepted by the courts. Additionally, videos can also fall under the category of documentary evidence as provided under Section 3 of the same Act, which is extensive and includes video evidence from body cameras, closed-circuit televisions and dashcams. Subject to the authentication process of documentary evidence provided under Sections 61 until 66 of the Evidence Act, submission of videos as documentary evidence can also help build a legal case in court. Video evidence can also fall under the category of digital or electronic evidence under the same Act. Admissibility of digital or electronic evidence is governed by Sections 90A, 90B and 90C of the Evidence Act, and is commonly known as a document produced by a computer. The acceptance of digital or electronic evidence can be seen in many decided cases like Gnanasegaran Pararajasingam v PP [1997], CA, Hanafi Mat Hassan v PP [2006], CA, Ahmad Najib Aris v PP [2009], FC, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) v Khoo Nee Kiong [2003], PP v Ong Cheng Heong [1998], and many more. Though the use of video evidence has become prominent in many countries, including here, we should also prevent any misuse of such devices. With today’s advanced technology, it is easy for criminals or perverts to hide cameras or spy cams in fitting rooms or public restrooms. Videos should not be used for crimes or infringe peoples’ privacy. Thus, it is important for the government to enforce the stalking law, which was passed by Parliament last year. In early October 2022, the Dewan Rakyat approved a law which makes stalking an offence. The public should constantly be educated and reminded to not misuse any devices for criminal activities. High-tech devices should be used cautiously, wisely and responsibly. Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow, Associate Professor, Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Comments: [email protected] COMMENT by Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow “The public should constantly be educated and reminded to not misuse any devices for criminal activities. High-tech gadgets should be used cautiously, wisely and responsibly.

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 Urban farms hold key to food security MALAYSIA’S urban population is expanding as a result of rural-urban migration, immigration, the development of new townships and the expansion of municipal boundaries. Urbanisation increases population density and can cause shortages of fresh food, especially fruits and vegetables. Natural calamities such as flooding and landslides, and man-made adversities such as war and pandemics have the potential to disrupt food supplies. For example, when Covid-19 spread globally, it severely restricted travel, transit and logistics. It disrupted food supplies for various communities, especially in metropolitan areas, where locally produced fresh food and imports were distributed. Transportation delays caused a lot of perishable food, especially vegetables that were locally produced, to spoil during the initial movement control order (MCO). These restrictions hindered urbanites from accessing food and made distribution of agricultural produce difficult, causing short-term food shortages, and even spurring panic buying of food supplies. The food supply chain was severely impacted by the stringent MCO measures at local and international borders, that was aimed to stop the spread of the virus. The economic fallout from the pandemic can still be felt until today. Many people lost their jobs or worked from home, and thus turned to gardening in their free time. To prevent future food crises, appropriate actions must be taken. Malaysians now realise the necessity of food production, evident with the fact that urban agricultural involvement has jumped from 18,687 in 2019 to 40,219 in 2020. City inhabitants started growing vegetables in pots in their yards, verandahs and rooftops out of necessity and boredom. Urban farming can be sustainable and offer food security to communities and households. It has environmental, social and economic benefits. It can feed locals, reduce import dependence, create jobs and improve the environment. Urban farming is promoted as a means to feed people healthy and fresh food in countries like Brazil, the US and Africa. Before Covid-19, most of the Malaysian urban population had not joined a community garden before. However, urban farming has become more popular due to increasing stakeholder support. When communal life and office work return to normal, will urban farming participation grow or be sustained? A social media study shows that several towns increased their community garden awareness and activities during and after the pandemic. Before the pandemic, in an effort to get more people involved in urban farming, the government and a number of NGO launched campaigns, organised programmes and provided subsidies but the lack of knowledge, area and space available limited these activities. However, post-pandemic, the government and NGO have been promoting and transferring knowledge to preserve and grow urban farming. As a leader in urban community prosperity and sustainability, the Housing and Local Government Development Ministry introduced the urban community farming policy in August 2021. The policy promotes organised, methodical, organic and sustainable community gardens. It also supports Malaysia’s goal to meet the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 by integrating economic, social and environmental development. The ministry wants to help urbanites develop open spaces around their homes with cultivation that will benefit the community, contribute to sustainable development and help address numerous other concerns. To strengthen this undertaking, the ministry must address a few key issues. Management and organisation of communal gardens and farms, as well as arrangements for the guaranteed sale of produce in the form of contract farming agreements and equitable sharing of earnings, are all essential. The government may need to build permanent food production parks to address shortage of land for food production, where growing fruit and vegetables can be made permanent. It can help trainee entrepreneurs from the Agricultural Technology Centre find project sites. Potentially, urban biodomes with IR4.0 and Internet of Things can be built to safeguard plants in the permanent food production parks. We should also look at our neighbours in Singapore as an example, where residents of Sky Greens get their food from vertical farming units at the rooftop. Even though traditional farming is the norm in most parts of the country, basic hydroponic systems are still being widely used in urban and community gardens. Youths in Malaysia typically do not have a favourable outlook towards urban agriculture since it is time consuming and lacks modern conveniences. This and the success of other initiatives will depend on the ability to stimulate the interests of young people and inspire them to get involved in urban agriculture programmes, which were viewed as an exclusive purview of retirees and the elderly. Attracting the attention of the youth and elderly will depend on incorporating cutting-edge technology, like those described above, and other innovations already in the market that will make urban farming less labour intensive and more fruitful. Modern urban agriculture, which places a focus on cutting-edge agricultural technologies, can only thrive with the support of a well-educated populace; and schools, colleges and universities play a crucial role. Covid has undoubtedly revealed challenges and gaps in urban food security, highlighting the need of urban agriculture in crisis times in Malaysia. Government agencies, NGO and educational institutions must work together to promote this policy, especially for urban food security. Long-term partnerships between agencies, the education sector and corporates are needed to develop new agricultural technology and learning approaches that will keep communities interested in urban agriculture. Stakeholder engagement, especially with our youth, is essential for the success of providing safe and reliable food sources for everyone. Suzie Haryanti Husain is a lecturer in the School of Biosciences at Taylor’s University. Her areas of research include agronomy, plant nutrition, plantation management and urban farming. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. Comments: [email protected] New health and safety laws in workplaces THE amendments introduced by the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) Act 2022 (Osha) was gazetted on March 16, 2022 and is expected to be enforced in the first quarter of 2023 after the lapse of the normal one-year grace period granted by the authorities. Osha has been amended to apply to all places of work, except in the armed forces, onboard ships and for domestic helpers. In this respect, employers should take note that employees working from home are similarly protected under Osha. It is imperative that employers and organisations know the details of the amendments so that they may not run afoul with the law. There are few salient amendments that have immediate ramifications for employers and organisations if they do not comply. Among them are the duties of the employers that are now extended to include contractors, subcontractors and their employees they engage. In order to ensure workers of the contractors work safely in the premises, it is mandatory for the employer to conduct a Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control on how work is to be performed. Companies that are currently excluded from engaging safety and health officers are subject to a statutory duty to appoint a safety and health coordinator at the workplace. Only organisations with less than five employees are exempted from this requirement. To be a safety coordinator, the appointed person must undergo a three-day safety training from accredited training providers. He then has to register with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) as a safety coordinator. Osha now allows employees to proactively safeguard their safety and health. They have the statutory right to remove themselves from the workplace if there is imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to them. However, they have to first let the employer know of the danger. He can remove himself from the workplace if the employer fails to take any action to remove such danger. The above are some of the provisions with immediate ramifications for employers. On a longer-term, employers and organisations have to embark on self-regulation on safety and health. This is the philosophy of Osha 1994 since its inception. Self-regulation is the controlling of a process or activity by the people and organisation rather than depending on the authorities. The onus to implement self-regulation is placed on both employers and employees. In this respect, DOSH is envisaged to issue guidelines and conduct seminars to assist industries on implementation of self-regulation. Employers should also note that Osha will impose greater penalties compared with the old regime. Employers found to have contravened their obligations will be liable to an increased fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment of two years, or both. Furthermore, Osha stipulates that every person who at the time of the commission of an Osha violation is a director, manager, secretary or other equivalent officers of the corporation, may be charged jointly in the same proceedings with the company. In conclusion, employers and organisations have to stay abreast with the changes. Some may have to consult professionals to implement the laws and regulations. COMMENT By Suzie Haryanti Husain Urban farming can be sustainable and offer food security to communities and households. – REUTERSPIC Take care of our poor I REFER to the article headlined “Welfare of poor top priority of unity govt, says PM” in theSun on Jan 13, where Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared the need for strong or good governance. Critically, it focuses on needs-based policies and programmes. Hence, his administration must address the issues plaguing the poor, including helping them deal with the rising cost of living, gaining access to healthcare and education. It is clear that the welfare of the poor is becoming a gowing concern. A survey conducted by the Department of Statistics in 2020 found that 20% of households from the M40 group had fallen into the B40 category due to the repercussions from the Covid-19 pandemic. The lower end of the M40 income earners are now the “new poor”, with many battling financial woes and debts, especially those in urban areas due to the increasing cost of living. The International Monetary Fund recently concluded that the poor have been left further behind in many nations following the pandemic. In Malaysia, the wealth gap between the “haves” and “have nots” have widen. Government aid must, therefore, be methodically and appropriately directed towards this group. This assistance should include tax breaks for medical services, child care, and educational expenses, as well as related IT costs. Cutting financial waste and leakages from public projects and government agencies may help finance the increase in social and welfare spending. Failure to provide assistance will only serve to show our lack of compassion for the poor. As Mahatma Gandhi said “true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members”. Sze Loong Steve Ngeow Kajang COMMENT By Wong Soo Kan LETTERS [email protected] “Modern urban agriculture, which places a focus on cutting-edge agricultural technologies, can only thrive with the support of a well-educated populace; and schools, colleges and universities play a crucial role.

10 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 MEDIA & MARKETING Setting the tone for the year ORGANISED by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As), the Putra Aria Brand Awards is an offshoot of the Putra Brand Awards. Its inaugural awards show was held on Jan 12 at One World Hotel, one day before the Putra Brand Awards show held its 13th instalment. The Putra Brand and Putra Aria Brand Awards are designed to encourage companies to invest in their brands and stay at the top of the consumers’ mind, while staying relevant to the industry’s niche market. Ipsos Malaysia was the official research partner responsible for the research findings, getting more than 25,000 responses for the online research survey that went on for a month, which further lends credibility to the awards recognition as the people’s choice awards. The survey saw more than 360 brands across 24 categories, including media, communications, banking, investment and insurance, e-commerce, entertainment and tourism, and was held across 60 mainstream media throughout Malaysia. Measured by consumer preference and growth, the Putra Aria Brand Awards recognises brands’ excellence within the marketing and advertising landscape, and aims to efficiently and inclusively serve the creative industry by highlighting branding efforts across all theSun takes home the Silver Award in the Media Networks category at the Putra Aria Brand Awards 2022. – ADIB RAWI/THESUN othe Sun wins the Silver Award for Media Networks category at Putra Aria Brand Awards 2022 segments. The Award is also one of the two recognitions endorsed by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) as its Brand Champion Partner and is supported by the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA), the Media Specialists Association (MSA) and the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA). “The idea for the inaugural award was conceived out of respect and honour for marketers and brand builders, as well as agencies to help build the industry,” YBhg Dato Johnny Mun, Organising Chairman 2022 Aria Awards said during his welcome speech. He continued: “The award is here to celebrate every marketer, brand and company that should be celebrated.” Every year, only the top 15 brands of the country in each category will be voted by the consumers, with over 150 winners across 24 categories. For the Media Networks category, theSun won the Silver Award at Putra Aria Brand Awards 2022, setting the tone for an amazing 2023 ahead. Adam Ong, Executive Director for theSun, Eddie Hoo, Managing Editor, Anafiah Omar, General Manager of Marketing, and Paul Ng, Entertainment & Lifestyle Editor received the Silver award on stage on behalf of theSun. The award serves as a testament to the collective effort and dedication that the brand has worked towards, especially after successfully trudging through the years during the pandemic, which has been tough on most publishing medias. Congratulations to theSun for pushing through and emerging as a winner for the Putra Aria Brand Awards 2022. New York Couture Fashion Week Grand Gala 2023 BEING one of the most prominent events and the most well-known fashion show in the world, Couture Fashion Week New York delivers a series of couture and luxury fashion shows in New York City, Cannes, France. The event feature VIP dinners, performances by top celebrities, exhibitions of fine art, accessories, and other products, as well as remarkable designers from across the world. On Feb 25, 2023, the Wyndham Acmar Klang hotel will play home to the New York Couture Fashion Week Grand Gala 2023 with the theme Uniting Cultures, Promoting Tourism Through Fashion. Celebrity models Layla Murugova and Daiana Canalas, award-winning designer Andres Aquino, and several more local and international designers and models will exhibit a fashion spectacle of elegant couture creations during the Fashion Week. On Jan 6, Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi Ibni Y.A.M. Tengku Azman Shah Al-Haj honoured and officially launched the event at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus’ Mayamode Fashion Studio, which seeks to promote cultural harmony, textile arts, and regional tourism. Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin expressed his gratitude that Malaysia had been chosen as the venue for the worldwide event and as a centre for the Southeast Asian international fashion industry. He said: “Couture Fashion Week is a highly regarded event in the fashion world, and I am proud to hear that its first venture into South East Asia is in my home country. Malaysia is full of talent, and having an opportunity to demonstrate that to the world represents a big step in the right direction.” More than 1200 visitors, including a number of VVIPS, Dignitaries, Celebrities, and honourable guests, will be invited to attend the event, according to Ziinine A. Britshi, Director and Organizer of New York Couture Fashion Week in Malaysia. Britshi said: “We are proud we are going to host this big international event, New York Fashion Week Grand Gala, here and turning Malaysia into a hub for splendid, classiest shows in the Southeast Asia. (from left) Andrew Jackson, Dato Aamar, Tengku Hishamuddin, Ziinine, Wak Dayok, Hafizah from Wyndham and Dr David, Dean of Taylor’s University. – MALAYSIA WORLD NEWS “By hosting this event in Malaysia, we will not only be giving an opportunity to our southeast Asia and Malaysian designers and models to go to the international level or promote Malaysia fashion industry, but we will also help to bring together two different countries, Malaysia and USA, through this international show.” Andrew Jackson, Couture New York Fashion Week’s Southeast Asia representative said: “This is a firm step in the right direction for local designers and models to be recognized at the pinnacle of the fashion world with the winning designer, selected on the night, getting the opportunity to showcase 6 of their designs at the 2024 Couture Fashion Week in New York. “Furthermore, the best model, will be able to bypass the screening process and receive an invitation to walk at the Couture Fashion Week New York 2024 or at the highly prestigious GSF Awards, during the Cannes Film Festival.” The occasion will also provide an opportunity for the participating students from Taylor’s University’s The Design School to exhibit their collection, National Costume, which features 11 plus-size models who are also Miss Plus World Malaysia 2022/23 finalists, at the New York Couture Fashion Week Grand Gala in 2023. Through creative design, this collection will contribute to a sustainable and body positivity. According to Professor Dr. David Asirvatham, Executive Dean of Taylor’s University Faculty of Innovation & Technology, the multi-project collaboration between Miss Plus World Malaysia and Taylor’s Fashion Design Technology programme has been successful so far. theSun questioned Ziinine A. Britshi about their experience preparing for the New York Couture Fashion Week Grand Gala 2023 during the press conference. “This is really a dream come true,” he stated. “Choosing the models, the designers, and of course each and every person’s commitment to being a part of this event was a process that was undoubtedly difficult. “This event aims to bring cultures together, promote textile arts and regional tourism via fashion, and provide Malaysian and Southeast Asian fashion designers, models, and filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their collections on a renowned, international runway and compete on a worldwide scale. We’re really happy we did a great job of pulling it off.” He claimed that there would be further events in the future and that this is not a onetime thing. “We would absolutely conduct more fashion events if we had the support we needed. Our major objective is to promote Malaysia as an excellent place to start and highlight the incredible talents of Malaysian designers and models.” Tickets for the grand gala of New York Couture Fashion Week in 2023 are now available for purchase at tsasia.sales. ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/91816. – by Thashine Selvakumaran

KLCI 1,832.15 14.18 STI 3,512.18 22.73 HANG SENG 21,577.64 SCI 3,224.24 NIKKEI 26,138.68 20.47 TSEC 14,932.93 5.92 KOSPI 2,379.39 S&P/ASX200 7,386.30 316.36 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18, 2023 Editorial: Tel.: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email : [email protected] Advertising: Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] 5 MOST ACTIVES January 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) KITACON 15,669,700 75.0 +7.0 SERBADK 11,291,900 2.0 +0.5 DNEX 11,277,300 58.5 +2.5 NATGATE 94,345,000 109.0 +4.0 SAPNRG 75,584,500 5.0 UNCH EXCHANGERATES JANUARY 17, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.3820 4.2490 4.2390 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0670 2.9460 2.9300 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.3160 3.2200 3.2120 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.2650 3.1780 3.1660 1 EURO 4.7500 4.5970 4.5770 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8110 2.7080 2.6920 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.3160 3.2200 3.2120 1 STERLING POUND 5.3530 5.1840 5.1640 1 SWISS FRANC 4.7180 4.6090 4.5940 100 UAE DIRHAM 120.6500 114.4200 114.2200 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.2850 4.0200 3.8200 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.5000 62.7300 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 56.6800 53.8700 53.6700 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.4500 5.1200 4.9200 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0301 0.0273 0.0223 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.4130 3.3050 3.2950 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.9500 1.8300 1.6300 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.1500 7.6900 7.4900 100 QATAR RIYAL 121.2200 115.0800 114.8800 100 SAUDI RIYAL 117.9300 111.9500 111.7500 100 SOUTH AFRICA RAND 26.6500 24.0600 23.8600 100 THAI BAHT 13.8600 12.2800 11.8800 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY January 17, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,825.07 +30.58 FBMKLCI 1,499.38 +5.82 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 597.54 -0.69 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 188.64 +1.71 CONSTRUCTION 157.31 -0.04 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,546.32 -13.00 ENERGY 820.57 -0.32 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 592.38 +6.23 HEALTH CARE 1,695.58 +1.58 TRANSPORTATION 923.87 -0.61 PROPERTY 659.24 +2.71 PLANTATION 6,901.84 +2.51 FBMSHA 11,065.27 +52.92 FBMACE 5,483.24 -16.74 TECHNOLOGY 66.64 -0.24 TURNOVER VALUE 2.819 BIL RM1.976 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS January 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM PETGAS 439,500 17.38 +0.32 HEIM 202,500 26.78 +0.28 RAPID 25,600 16.26 +0.28 DIN045801028 30 102.25 +0.25 CARLSBG 98,600 23.66 +0.18 5 TOP LOSERS January 17, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM MPI 49,500 32.50 -1.48 F&N 73,700 23.80 -0.70 HEXTECH 49,900 24.52 -0.58 AJI 20,000 14.04 -0.18 PETDAG 313,900 22.26 -0.18 169.08 3.35 1.90 Razer Fintech arm’s merchants can now offer Apple Pay PETALING JAYA: Razer Merchant Services (RMS), the B2B arm of Razer Fintech, now supports Apple Pay for merchants across online and offline channels, which enable merchants to offer their customers mobile payment service Apple Pay. Customers can hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. “RMS’ merchants can now offer Apple Pay as a checkout option for customers for purchases online, in-app and in-store across Malaysia. Our merchants’ customers can now use Apple Pay to pay, improving convenience, while transacting securely,” said Razer Fintech CEO Lee Li Meng. Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make purchases in apps or on the web in safari without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information – they can pay with just a touch or a glance. Apple Pay can also be used to make payments in apps on Apple Watch. Apple Pay said security and privacy are at its core. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique device account number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the secure element – an industrystandard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device. DNeX unit in 2 production sharing deals with Petronas CYBERJAYA: Dagang NeXchange Bhd’s (DNeX) subsidiary Ping Petroleum Sdn Bhd (PPSB) yesterday signed two production sharing contracts (PSC) with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) for discovered oil and gas resources in Malaysia. The first PSC is for the development and production of oil and gas resources in the Meranti cluster located 80km offshore Kuala Terengganu. PPSB is the operator of the Meranti Cluster with 60% participating interest, while Duta Marine Sdn Bhd (DMSB) holds the remaining 40%. The second PSC is for the development and production of oil and gas resources in the A Cluster located 290km off the coast of Miri, Sarawak, offshore Malaysia. PPSB is the operator of the A Cluster with 70% participating interest, while Petroleum Sarawak Exploration & Production Sdn Bhd (PSEP) holds the rest. Petronas awarded the contracts in its Malaysia Bid Round 2022. The PSC were signed earlier yesterday by Ping Petroleum Limited managing director Zainal Abidin Jalil and representing Petronas was senior vice-president of Malaysia Petroleum Management Mohamed Firouz Asnan. DNeX executive chairman Tan Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the company will expand its portfolio onto the Malaysian shores with the maiden awards secured from Petronas. He added, “The inclusion of the Meranti Cluster and A Cluster in PPSB’s portfolio will reestablish the company’s position in our home territory, build on our proven track record for low-cost developments and operations in the UK and allow us to diversify our revenue stream and operations across multiple geographies. The total development cost for the two clusters will be determined after the development concepts have been finalised.” He said the two clusters can contribute to the material increase of PPSB’s contingent resources and support further growth. “We thank Petronas for giving us the opportunity to benefit from the MBR 2022. We look forward to developing the local assets in Malaysia and working towards progressing the development of the oil and gas resources within the two PSC,” said Syed Zainal Abidin DNeX through its oil and gas upstream exploration and production unit Ping Petroleum currently has two assets namely the Anasuria and the Avalon fields in the North Sea, UK. The company focuses on shallow water production and development opportunities and is currently the joint operator of the Anasuria cluster (production) and sole operator of Avalon (development). Syed Zainal Abidin said DNeX’s energy unit is in a unique position to capitalise on its proven track record of being amongst the lowest-cost upstream producers of late-life assets in the UK North Sea. “This will ensure we can continually remain profitable in the event of oil price fluctuations. The demand side is also expected to remain broadly favourable despite a global economic slowdown, heightened recession risks in Europe and the US, as well as lingering concerns over growth in China,” he added. Coway’s Neo Plus Water Purifier receives NSF cert PETALING JAYA: Coway Malaysia yesterday announced that it has been certified for its water filtration ability in low-water pressure areas with the NSF-JWPA P508 certification from NSF, awarded to the Neo Plus Water Purifier CHP-264L (pix). This makes Coway the world’s first water purifier manufacturer to receive the NSFJWPA P508 certification. The NSF-JWPA P508 protocol evaluates point-of-use (POU) system performance in low water pressure areas. NSF-JWPA P508 was introduced in November 2022 by the NSF and Japan Water Purifier Association (JWPA) to devise household water purifier filtration performance standards according to varying regional water supply conditions and infrastructures. To earn the NSF-JWPA P508 certification, products must undergo rigorous testing for the safety of materials in contact with drinking water and contaminant reduction oThe CHP-264L is capable of filtering water to the highest standard, even with low pressure and flow performance, as well as a technical review by NSF. Additionally, NSF audits the company’s manufacturing facilities to verify compliance with the protocol’s requirements. As the world’s first product to earn the certification, the Coway Neo Plus Water Purifier CHP-264L is proven to filter water to the highest standard, even in regions with low-water pressure and flow. This is the result of Coway’s continued effort to develop custom filter systems suitable for low-water pressure areas like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Coway Neo Plus Water Purifier is one of Coway’s best-selling models that has been popular across South Korea and Southeast Asia markets due to its excellent water purification performance. Coway Neo Plus Water Purifier is equipped with the Coway Reverse Osmosis Membrane Filter System, which has the best contaminant removal performance among household water purifiers. The innovative system filters out water contaminants down to 0.4 nanometers, a ten-thousandth of the size of human hair, while providing abundant purified water. Coway Neo Plus Water Purifier has also acquired certifications for removing 100 types of harmful substances including perfluorinated compounds, natural radioactive materials such as uranium, environmental hormones, and algae toxin. “As the Best Life Solution Company, Coway is committed to providing safe and clean water to global consumers all over the world. The NSF-JWPA P508 certification gives our customers confidence in the Coway Neo Plus Water Purifier CHP-264L,” said Chan Jung Park, CTO of Coway R&D center, Seoul Korea. Participation 51.6 29.7 18.7 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 987.7 576.4 412.5 1976.6 Sold RM m 1052.0 597.5 327.1 1976.6 Net RM m -64.3 -21.1 85.4 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) 17/01/2023

12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 SUNBIZ Weaker ringgit lifts rubber market KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian rubber market continued to end higher yesterday tracking positive sentiments in the regional rubber futures market and as the ringgit weakened against the US dollar, said a dealer. She said the ringgit was lower as traders remained cautious ahead of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) two-day monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting starting today. “Nevertheless, further gains were capped by falling crude oil prices amid weaker China economic growth in 2022,” she added. The Malaysian Rubber Board’s (MRB) price for Standard Malaysian Rubber 20 (SMR 20) rose 12 sen to 602 sen a kg and latex-in-bulk was up by 3 sen to 508 sen a kg. At 5pm yesterday, MRB’s closing price for SMR 20 stood at 596.5 sen a kg, while latex-in-bulk was at 510 sen a kg. – Bernama F&N: Business climate remains challenging KUALA LUMPUR: Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) expects the business environment in 2023 to be as challenging as last year, with increasing prices of raw materials, potential instability in global supply chains, and the risk of a recession that will have repercussions across the entire commodity landscape. CEO Lim Yew Hoe said the group would continue to strengthen its cost management measures amid expected inflation for commodity goods and raw materials, as well as lingering effects from the Covid-19 pandemic such as supply chain disruptions and heightened freight costs. Nevertheless, he highlighted that this would not remove the focus on business building, especially in capitalising on the synergies that Cocoaland Holdings Bhd and Ladang Permai Damai Sdn Bhd’s businesses bring into the group. Lim said F&N successfully navigated 2022 to remain resilient and had good reason to look forward to a reinvigorated financial year 2023 (FY2023). “Our overall performance in FY2022, especially in the fourth quarter (Q4), had given us ample reasons for optimism. “In Q4, we began to see improved margins, attributable to the effective strategies we have put in place in response to the challenging marketplace,” he said in a statement issued following the company’s 61st annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday. Lim said F&N is also beginning to see the results of the group’s unwavering focus on its long-term strategies for growth and efficiency. “We had been able to follow through by completing our acquisition and capital expenditure (capex) plans in 2022. The investments we made in recent years are bearing fruit today,” he added. Citing an example, Lim said the completion of several capex projects such as the integrated warehouse and solar photovoltaic system, had contributed to savings and cost efficiencies in FY2022. F&N chairman Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail said the group is also entering a new and exciting era as it expands into new sectors such as dairy farming, confectionery and halal food products. Meanwhile, shareholders at the AGM approved the payment of a final singletier dividend of 33 sen per share, bringing the total dividend to 60 sen per share for FY2022, payable on Feb 10, 2023. The entitlement date of the dividend is on Jan 20, 2023. – Bernama Realtors urged to promote digital transformation in M’sia KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, founder of Country Heights Holdings Bhd, urges the new generation of real estate agents to work together to build a new paradigm in the real estate industry and move towards the digitalization of real estate investment. Lee who recently invited real estate elites to attend a Chinese New Year gathering at The Mines Resort and Golf Club said that a new year brings new hopes and changes, and in this digital era, real estate investment needs to move towards digitalization as the application of blockchain technology will create a revolutionary business model and build a new paradigm for the real estate industry. He pointed out that new ideas and concepts for the future of our economy, especially the digital transformation of the real estate industry, will be promoted and made possible by the new generation of young people. Believing that the future will be built by the younger generation who has ideals, integrity and high moral character, Lee invited all the real estate elites to transform themselves to be digital real estate agents. The topics of digital currencies, virtual currencies and blockchain have been very popular in recent years and have been widely discussed on different platforms and Lee sees huge potential and business opportunities in it and plans to make full use of blockchain technology to create digitalized real estate projects. Through blockchain technology, he said physical assets can be tokenized and brought online, allowing investors to perform real estate investment and transactions online via blockchain exchange platform in an efficient, secure and transparent way, giving them peace of mind. Lee sees huge potential and business opportunities in digital currencies and plans to make full use of blockchain technology to create digitalized real estate projects. oIn this era, real estate investment needs to move towards digitalisation, says Country Heights founder Lee reiterated that “Blockchain is the most trustworthy technology, as all the data stored on the blockchain is immutable. Blockchain can also be applied in various fields, including real estate and medical fields, driving the digital transformation of different fields and industries”. Lee who shared his journey in the real estate industry with real estate elites revealed his plans to establish brand new real estate development and investment projects in the future using advanced technology. Country Heights Holdings Bhd will be launching smart city projects by utilizing the 5S concept, which stands for Sport, Solar, Security, Service, and Smart living at multiple locations in Malaysia. Lee also disclosed that its digital investment bank has now been renamed to L1 Bank and the bank will be launching the world’s first capitalprotected investment model, which will be backed by its US$250 million (RM1.1 billion) paid-up capital to provide security for all investors and to ensure no risk in loss of capital. At the Chinese New Year’s gathering, Lee and the founder of HomeDopt Tang Kiah Ming, signed a collaboration to mark the working together on the digital transformation of the real estate industry. MGTC, Volvo Trucks Malaysia team up to spur green energy adoption by commercial vehicle sector SHAH ALAM: Volvo Trucks Malaysia (Volvo Trucks) and Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy by the commercial vehicle sector in Malaysia. Working closely with the relevant government agencies Volvo Trucks has been leading the nation’s progress towards embracing electromobility and renewable energy in the commercial vehicle space in Malaysia. “All parties must work together to make the sustainability vision a reality. It’s important as industry leaders to push and integrate government support for our customers to take the first leap in adopting green technology. As truck manufacturers, Volvo Trucks will also play our part to ensure a smooth transition in leading the charge towards sustainability that will benefit the nation by future-proofing its transportation industry,” said Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Anthony O’Connell. Volvo Trucks will now join hands with MGTC to accelerate the adoption of green technology by promoting green logistics through EV adoption, providing hands-on training, and registering under the MyHijau directory, which is a government initiative led by MGTC to promote the sourcing and purchasing of green products and services by various industry players in Malaysia. Being part of the MyHijau mark, companies purchasing Volvo Electric O’Connell (right) and Shamsul Bahar at the siging ceremony. Trucks would be eligible to benefit from green technology tax incentive programmes such as Green Investment Technology Allowance. MGTC COO Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor said, “The collaboration proves that more corporate entities are working to move their business strategies in adopting sustainability approaches. MGTC welcomes more companies across all industries in Malaysia to meet and work with us in supporting the circular economy and reap the benefits of tax incentives and investment allowances the government provides to boost its green agenda. Collaboration with key partners, especially with an established brand such as Volvo, will inspire other companies to embrace sustainability in their business to realise Malaysia’s mission to be a net zero GHG emission nation by 2050”.

13 * SUNBIZ theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Maxis, Mardi work together to bring technology to agriculture industry PETALING JAYA: Maxis Bhd inked a memorandum of understanding with Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) recently to collaborate and co-develop agricultural and agrifood-based solutions, whereby both parties will leverage each other’s capabilities to integrate engineering as well as information and communications technology (ICT) in projects for a sustainable and competitive agricultural industry. As a pilot, both parties will work on precision farming for ginger at Mardi’s facilities across the country using automated systems to utilise fertigation with drip fertilisers, big data analytics as well as 24/7 surveillance. The pilot aims to roll out the technology to more than 400 ginger agroprenuers to enhance efficiency and equip Mardi with useful data on how to use technology in addressing food security challenges. Over the next two years, both parties will work on projects including capacity-building programmes, research, seminars, conferences and pilot studies on smart agricultural solutions. Mardi director general Datuk Dr. Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani said, “Our partnership with Maxis is timely as we look forward to the modernisation of agricultural practices through the implementation of new approaches based on modern technology and sustainable development, in line with the IR4.0 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030.” Meanwhile, Maxis acting chief enterprise business officer Claire Featherstone said the potential to modernise the agricultural sector is immense and Maxis is excited to collaborate with Mardi to develop and co-pilot smart solutions through IoT applications and higher bandwidth to assist with everyday farming practices. Kitacon opens at 99 sen for 45.6% premium in Main Market debut PETALING JAYA: Construction services provider Kumpulan Kitacon Bhd made its debut on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities yesterday, opening at 99 sen per share, above its initial public offering (IPO) price of 68 sen per share, chalking up a 31 sen or 45.59% premium. The stock closed at 75 sen with a total of 156.697 million shares changing hands. Kitacon raised a total of RM51.74 million in proceeds through an offering of 76.09 million new ordinary. Upon listing, Kitacon’s market capitalisation is RM340 million, based on its enlarged share capital of 500 million shares. Of the total proceeds raised, RM24 million has been allocated for the purchase of construction equipment while RM20 million is earmarked for the purchase of land and construction of a storage and refurbishment facility. The group has allocated RM3.28 million and RM4.46 million for working capital and listing expenses respectively. For the nine-month financial period ended Sept 30, 2022, the group reported an unaudited combined net profit of RM35.2 million on the back of RM350.8 million revenue, which was mainly contributed by its residential segment with about RM306.6 million. Managing director Tan Ah Kee said the group will continue to work hard with the same resolute focus to deliver sustainable growth. “We believe Kitacon will grow in strength over the coming years and aim to reward our shareholders for their trust and confidence in accordance with our dividend policy to pay out at least 25% of the profit after tax,” he said in a statement yesterday. Established in 1990, the group is a G7 contractor involved in the construction of both residential and non-residential buildings, which include commercial, industrial, purpose-built and institutional buildings. It specialises in township construction and the quality of its construction work is demonstrated by its ISO accreditations and supported by QLASSIC and SHASSIC awards. RHB Investment Bank Bhd is the principal adviser, sole underwriter and sole placement agent for this IPO exercise. JOHOR BARU: Johor Corporation (JCorp), the principal development institution and a leading economic enabler for Johor, yesterday launched JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG) to focus on expanding its real estate and infrastructure capabilities as one of its core businesses. This follows JCorp’s transformation strategy to streamline business activities and service offerings of its subsidiaries, where JLG emerges as the investment holding company to capitalise on the growing demand for strategic and sustainable real estate ventures in the region. The event was officiated by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who is also chairman of JCorp. JCorp president and CEO Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim who is also chairman of JLG, said: “As part of our sustainable growth strategy, we recognise the opportune timing to tap into new growth areas in real estate and infrastructure, by leveraging on our strengths and addressing evolving market needs in these sectors. “For JCorp, the future of real estate is to build a leading entity focused on technologyenabled real estate and infrastructure in the New Economy. JLG is our platform to galvanise greater innovation and capital efficiency, therein futureproofing our value chain competencies for a sustainable business ecosystem.” JLG’s core businesses encompass four strategic pillars – real estate development, asset lifecycle management, real estate investment, and Infrastructure and utilities. These core pillars serve to streamline its business activities and operations, which in turn unlock the value of its assets across diverse industry presence locally and in the region. Leveraging the collective strengths of the group’s established subsidiaries, resources, infrastructure, and strong sectoral links, JLG has core competencies to own, build, operate and monetise across the real estate and infrastructure value chain. To date, JCorp through JLG’s strategic collaborations spanning across high growth potential sectors of logistics, data centres and renewable energy, has garnered RM45.6 billion in investments in 2022. Syed Mohamed said, “Guided by our ethos of ‘Build. Create. Thrive’, our mission at JLG is to be the one-stop real estate solutions provider, driving competitive edge for businesses as we cater to the rapidly evolving needs, aspirations, and lifecycles of businesses, industries, and future generations. By creating an integrated solutions ecosystem across our core business pillars, JLG is wellpositioned to capture real estate market opportunities, not just in Malaysia but also the larger Asia-Pacific region.” Building on the group’s property development capabilities, JLG is aiming for strategic portfolio expansion and growth in industrial and township developments to tap into local and regional markets. On top of developing and managing high-quality property portfolio, JLG will work closely with industry players through synergistic partnerships to identify, pilot, and adopt new technologies and solutions across the real estate and infrastructure sector. JLG is also expanding its real estate investment arm to encompass full-fledged services, including real estate investment trusts as well as asset and fund under management, whereby JLG will specialise in structuring and executing value-add impact investments. JLG seeks to enhance efficiencies through advanced technology, capital deployment for scalable investment strategies as well as a multi-disciplined approach to value creation and risk mitigation. “As we continuously build upon decades of proven expertise and track record in selective key industries, strengthening our venture in real estate and infrastructure will improve JCorp’s overall growth trajectory and unlock new forms of value for our stakeholders,” said Syed Mohamed. oUnit to capitalise on new growth areas and drive sustainability of group’s property and infrastructure operations in the New Economy JCorp launches JLand Group to boost real estate business From left: Kitacon directors Nooriah Hassan and Chang Sua Yean, chairperson Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, director Steven Teow Choo Hing, Tan, executive director and COO Gam Boon Tin, executive director and CFO Lawrence Goh Yin Huat, and director Low Chin Ann during the listing ceremony. Sunway Group notches five wins including Brand of the Year at Putra Brand Awards 2022 KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway Group dominated the Putra Brand Awards 2022 with five wins, including the most prestigious honour of being named the Putra Brand of the Year. Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah also won the prestigious Putra Personality of the Year award for his accomplishments in building one of Malaysia’s most iconic brands that recognises his lifelong commitment and contributions to nationbuilding through education, healthcare and sustainable development. The five awards won were the group’s largest haul at the annual brand awards since its inception in 2010, bringing Sunway’s total awards won to 32, a reflection of the group’s continuous product innovation, steadfast commitment to brand building through effective communication, and a strong demonstration of a genuine sense of corporate social responsibility. The Putra Brand Awards 2022 saw Sunway Education Group bag the coveted Platinum award in the education and learning category, while Sunway Lagoon and Sunway Property took home the Bronze award in the entertainment and the property categories respectively. “It has been a long journey, with many ups and downs since the brand’s founding in 1974. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work, dedication and resilience of the entire Sunway family, who shaped the group into a brand that is here to stay. “On behalf of everyone at Sunway, thank you Malaysia for standing by us and placing your trust in us all these years,” said Cheah, who is also the founder and trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, which has awarded RM618 million in scholarships and grants to qualified Malaysians to date. “I owe a great debt to my country for the opportunities it has given me. The success and growth of Sunway enabled me to set up a foundation dedicated to nation-building and giving back to society in an impactful manner. Everything we do now is for the future generation.” Sunway Group wins big at the Putra Brand Awards 2022

14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME China’s 2022 economic growth slowest in 4 decades oFull-year expansion comes in at 3% but Q4 reading tops forecasts, providing upbeat sentiment for 2023 BEIJING: China’s economy grew last year at its slowest pace in four decades as it was hammered by Covid-19 lockdowns and a property crisis but the forecast-beating reading raised hopes for a strong recovery as it reopens. Beijing’s rigid adherence to its zero-Covid strategy of strict containment that effectively shut the country off from the world hammered business activity last year and threw supply chains offline, rattling the global economy. The measures meant the growth came in at just 3% last year, the worst reading since a 1.6% contraction in 1976 – when Mao Zedong died – excluding pandemic-hit 2020. National Bureau of Statistics official Kang Yi told reporters yesterday the world’s number-two economy had in 2022 “faced storms and rough waters in the global environment”, and warned “the foundation of domestic economic recovery is not solid as the international situation is still complicated and severe”. The figure missed the government’s 5.5% target and was well down from the previous year but it was better than the 2.7% predicted in an AFP survey of analysts. The fourth-quarter reading also topped forecasts, providing some optimism for 2023. Retail sales shrank just 1.8% in December, compared with the 9% estimated, as the lifting of restrictions allowed consumers to go back to the high street. Industrial output and fixed-asset investment also beat expectations, Indonesia close to EV deals with BYD Group, Tesla JAKARTA: Indonesia is finalising agreements with China’s automaker BYD Group and US carmaker Tesla to invest in electric vehicle (EV) production facilities in the Southeast Asian country, a senior cabinet minister said yesterday. Indonesia is aggressively promoting investment into batteries and EVs at home to take advantage of its rich nickel resources. Once a major nickel ore exporter, it has banned exports to ensure enough raw materials for investors. “All the biggest (electric) car makers in the world will invest here. BYD Group, the number one in the world, Tesla, the number two, Hyundai and so on, they are all finalising deals with Indonesia,” Coordinating Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said in a meeting with provincial governments. He did not disclose further details at the meeting. BYD Group and Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment. South Korean carmaker Hyundai launched its plant in Indonesia in March last year to produce the country’s first locally assembled EV. – Reuters Renault, Geely said to be looking to bring Aramco on board engine venture BEIJING/PARIS: Renault SA and China’s Geely Automobile Holdings are working to finalise a deal to bring Saudi Arabian state oil producer Aramco in as an investor and partner to develop and supply petrol engines and hybrid technologies, three people with knowledge of the talks said. The Saudi oil producer has been involved in advanced discussions to take a stake of up to 20% in a previously announced but still-unnamed GeelyRenault powertrain technology company that the automakers are working to establish, the three people told Reuters. According to a document prepared by the companies and viewed by Reuters, the aim is to establish this year a powertrain company with a production capacity of more than five million “lowemission and hybrid engines and transmissions” annually. That investment by Aramco would leave Renault and Geely with 40% each in the joint venture, which would combine a carve-out of the French carmaker’s existing combustion engine production with Geely’s petrol and hybrid technology and related assets, the people told Reuters. Renault and Geely both declined to comment. Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. The new joint venture – codenamed “Horse” by Renault and “Rubik” by Geely – is aiming to develop more-efficient petrol engines and hybrid systems at a time when the focus of much of the automobile industry has been on the capital-intensive transition to purely electric vehicles, two of the people said. The financial terms of the potential investment by Aramco in the joint venture were not immediately known. According to the document, Aramco’s investment would be used to support development of decarbonisation technologies for petrol engines. Aramco would also contribute to research and development of powertrain technologies, especially synthetic fuel solutions and next-generation hydrogen technologies, the document said. A strategic focus for the jointventure will likely be on an advanced four-cylinder engine, two of the sources said. – Reuters B R I E F SSINGAPORE EXPECTS FULL TOURISM RECOVERY BY NEXT YEAR SINGAPORE: International arrivals into Singapore beat forecasts in 2022, paving the way for its tourism sector to recover to prepandemic levels by 2024, its tourism authority said yesterday. The city-state saw 6.3 million visitors last year, exceeding the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) forecast of between 4 million and 6 million, while revenue from their spending was estimated to reach S$13.8 billion to S$14.3 billion (RM45.1 billion to RM46.76 billion). STB’s director of communications Terence Voon said these numbers were achieved even though Singapore had quarantine measures in the first quarter of 2022. Tourism contributes about 4% to Singapore’s annual gross domestic product, according to the STB. – Reuters UK JOBLESS RATE STABLE BUT REAL WAGES SHRINK LONDON: UK unemployment is steady but wages have tanked further, official data showed yesterday, as sky-high inflation sparks a cost-of-living crisis and growing industrial unrest. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7% in the three months to the end of November compared with the three months to the end of October, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement. However, wages in real terms sank 2.6% as runaway inflation continued to bite. – AFP From left:Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and World Economic Forum founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab at the forum in Davos yesterday. – REUTERSPIC while unemployment fell last month from November. “The good news is that there are now signs of stabilisation, as policy support doled out towards the end of 2022 is showing up in the relative resilience of infrastructure investment and credit growth,” Louise Loo, senior economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note. China’s economic woes last year sent reverberations across a global supply chain already struggling with waning demand caused by surging inflation and central bank interest rate hikes. Strict lockdowns, quarantines and compulsory mass testing prompted the abrupt closures of manufacturing facilities and businesses in major hubs – including Zhengzhou, home of the world’s biggest iPhone factory. Beijing abruptly loosened pandemic restrictions in December in the wake of some of the biggest protests in years but the move has sent infections soaring across the country, sparking concerns about the near-term effects on the country’s economy. The World Bank has forecast China’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth will rebound to 4.3% in 2023 – still below expectations. Problems in the property industry are also still weighing on growth. The sector, which along with construction accounts for more than a quarter of China’s GDP, has been hit hard since Beijing started cracking down on excessive borrowing and rampant speculation in 2020. The government appears to be taking a more conciliatory approach to reviving the sector. Measures to promote “stable and healthy” development were announced in November, including credit support for indebted developers and aid for deferredpayment loans for homebuyers. Jing Liu, chief economist for Greater China at HSBC, said the “normalisation path is likely to be bumpy”, warning of a “big setback in the near term” followed by a strong rebound. – AFP Country’s reopening fuels global optimism: WEF panel FRANKFURT: China’s reopening from Covid-19 pandemic restrictions could drive global growth beyond expectations and help avoid a broader recession even as some of the world’s largest economies struggle to overcome a downturn, top finance officials at the World Economic Forum (WEF) said. China has lifted many of the most debilitating restrictions after abruptly jettisoning its strict “zero Covid” policy, fuelling hopes that the world’s second largest economy can resurrect global growth even as the United States, the eurozone and Britain flirt with a recession over the coming quarters. “The reopening of China has to be the major event and it will be a key driver for growth,” Laura M Cha, the chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, told the forum in Davos, Switzerland. “Asia is where the growth factor will be, you know, not only China, (but also) India, Indonesia; these are all emerging and very strong economies.” Her comments were echoed by others who saw China as the key to the global recovery. “There’s pent-up savings, there’s pent-up demand, so we think that China will see very strong growth, especially as you get later in the year,” Douglas L. Peterson, the president and CEO of S&P Global told a panel discussion. Peterson said he still expected a “very mild” recession in the US, Europe and Britain, but full year net growth was still going to be positive. “Strong labour markets are not consistent with what we see with a recession and the labour markets are strong almost everywhere in the world,” he added. Credit Suisse chairman Axel Lehmann said he even hoped the US could avoid a recession, but he too put his bets on China. Fuelling a bit of optimism about the 20-nation eurozone, one of the weakest economies this year because of its excessive reliance on Russian gas, European Central Bank policymaker Mario Centeno said a recession is not a foregone conclusion. “I also think that the economy has been surprising us quarter after quarter; the fourth quarter in Europe will be most likely still positive,“ Centeno said. “Maybe we’ll be surprised also in the first half of the year.” – Reuters

1 8 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 W E D N E S D A Y Terror in the skies HAVING to deal with a fear of flying is one thing, but what happens when you are trapped on an airplane – with nowhere to run – during an emergency? That is the dilemma facing the passengers and crew of Korean Flight 1501, when a crazed bioterrorist is discovered to have boarded the plane, along with a deadly virus. On the ground, law enforcement must figure out what to do about the situation, including a detective whose wife is on the flight. Eventually, the authorities realise that they have to get the plane to the ground by any means necessary. The film is written and directed by Han Jae-rim, who has crafted films covering a variety of themes, and who is trying his hand at a disaster movie with a difference. Bringing the high-stakes drama to life are a talented cast that includes Song Kang-do as Detective Gu In-ho, who was originally meant to board the flight along with his wife; Lee Byung-hun as Jae-hyuk, a passenger with a fear of flying who is taking his daughter overseas for treatment; and Kim Nam-gil as co-pilot Hyun-soo, who must land the plane safely at all costs. Yim Si-wan plays the bioterrorist Jin-seok, the man at the centre of the disaster. Yim’s chilling performance won him several South Korean acting awards. The film endured many challenges, as shooting began in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement, the film’s director Han said that he hoped the film could “provide a small measure of comfort and hope to those who suffered in this tragedy, to those who bravely fought against it, and to all of us who at this moment are exhausted from dealing with the pandemic.” Their efforts paid off when the film premiered in South Korea last August and immediately became a hit with audiences, managing to become the 6th highest-grossing film of 2022 in the country. In this interview transcript provided by tvN Asia, Han also spoke about his experience on the film. What made you think to make a movie about a disaster set on a plane? Han: “I’ve often thought about making a movie in which, although the characters are important, the situation takes primary importance. When focusing on personal histories, viewers’ interest in the story may depend on their own tastes and backgrounds, whereas a dramatic situation is something that all people can relate to in the same way.” Have you ever felt any sort of horror Song plays a detective whose wife is on the flight. – TVN ASIA oThis latest South Korean thriller plays upon everyone’s worst fears about being trapped on an airplane during an emergency situation █ BYANANSA JACOB Lee has an emotional role as a passenger protecting his daughter. – TVN ASIA Yim as the unhinged bioterrorist Jin-seok. – TVN ASIA Things get tense for the passengers on the endangered plane. – TVN ASIA in the enclosed space of an aircraft? Han: “I think an airplane is like a microcosm of the world at large. There is also the claustrophobia and sense of isolation that comes from being in an independent space. “I thought that these things could make the emotions in a disaster situation even more extreme. Plus, the fact that I personally have a fear of flying helped me to develop this story.” How did you prepare with such a large group of actors? Han: “To be honest, in a film like Emergency Declaration the director has no choice but to rely on talented actors to express the horror and “I wanted the audience to feel like they were watching something close to a documentary. “Because my goal was not to make a rollercoaster sort of disaster movie, but to make the audience feel as if they were experiencing a real life disaster, it was important to focus on realistic details. From using a real plane as the set, to the ways in which camera placement, lighting and editing were planned, we wanted to make Emergency Declaration feel like something that had really happened.” What is your message for fans looking forward to this film? “I tried to make this film as real as possible. I want viewers to watch this film and think: ‘It feels like reality. It seems like I am experiencing a real disaster. The tension is overwhelming.’ All of the crew and cast tried their hardest to make this possible.” Emergency Declaration premieres Jan 23, 10pm on tvN Movies (Astro CH416 & Astro GO, unifi TV CH201 & unifi playTV, and Tonton). confusion of that situation. “So we did a tremendous amount of preparation, carrying out five rounds of auditions to choose actors who could realise the image and acting tone of each passenger. And not only the passengers, but all the characters in the control tower, emergency task force etc. were chosen by audition for their ability to deliver detailed, realistic performances. “In this way I wanted to transmit to audiences the sense of being in a disaster.” What sort of consultation did you do with pilots and other specialists? Han: “Because our aim in making this film was to provide as realistic and convincing an experience as possible to the audience, we received advice from many areas. “From the screenwriting stage and beyond, we consulted pilots and copilots as well as airline employees, detectives in charge of terrorism, the Air Force, profilers and more, and tried to use their advice to make the situations as realistic as possible. “Since much of the film takes place inside of the airplane, we tried not to overlook any details regarding the make of the plane, its size, appearance, the look of the cockpit and so on.” Why did you focus so much making the film realistic?

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 KEVIN Spacey picked up a career award in Italy on Monday, despite controversy over allegations that have tarnished the reputation of the Oscar-winning American actor. The Museum of Cinema in Turin said it handed the prize in recognition of Spacey’s “personal aesthetic and authorial contribution to the development of the art of drama.” For the occasion, the 63-year-old was invited to speak at the museum. “I am surely blessed and grateful and humbled and my heart is very full tonight toward the Museum of Cinema for having had le palle (the guts) to invite me tonight,“ he said. Spacey won Oscars for performances in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, but his career largely ended a few years ago, after more than 20 men accused him of sexual misconduct. In the run-up to the award ceremony, the Turin-based La Stampa newspaper ran an editorial headlined “Italy, land of plenary indulgence”. Last week, Spacey appeared by video link before a court in London, pleading not guilty to several charges of misconduct against one man about 20 years ago. In another case that played out in the United States, Spacey defeated in October a claim brought against him by actor Anthony Rapp. – Reuters /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME ITALIAN actor Gina Lollobrigida, one of the last icons of the Golden Age of Hollywood, has died aged 95, culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano announced Monday. “Farewell to a diva of the silver screen, protagonist of more than half a century of Italian cinema history. Her charm will remain eternal,” Sangiuliano wrote after Italy’s ANSA news agency reported her death. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also paid tribute to Lollobrigida, famed when younger for her biting wit and sensual beauty, describing the actor as a “great talent, passionate, intense, enthralling”. She was “one of the most important performers of her generation, who contributed to the diffusion of the Italian image in the world”, Meloni said in a statement. Lollobrigida had undergone an operation in a Rome clinic in September after breaking her femur, ANSA reported. Her funeral will be held on Thursday in one of the churches in Piazza del Popolo in Rome, it said. Best known for Luigi Comencini’s 1953 classic Bread, Love and Dreams, and Jean Delannoy’s 1956 The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Lollobrigida starred with many of the leading men of the time, including Errol Flynn, Burt Lancaster and Humphrey Bogart. Born on July 4, 1927, in Subiaco, a mountain village 50km east of Rome, her big breakthrough came in 1953 starring alongside Bogart in John Huston’s romp Beat the Devil. Bogart said at the time Lollobrigida made “Marilyn Monroe look like Shirley Temple”. Lollobrigida won seven David di Donatello awards during her career, Italy’s Oscar equivalent. But by the 1970s she had turned from acting to sculpture and photojournalism, including getting a scoop interview and photo shoot with Cuban leader Fidel Castro. She was back in the spotlight in 2021, amid a bitter legal battle with her son over her fortune. Italy’s Supreme Court ruled that she needed a legal guardian to stop people preying on her wealth, because of a “weakening” in her perception of reality. – AFP Lollobrigida attending the 1991 Cannes Film Festival. – AFP Italian film legend Gina Lollobrigida dies Spacey’s award win was a surprise to all. – REUTERS Kevin Spacey picks up career award THE last time British actor Idris Elba was in Davos during the World Economic Forum, it was to perform as a DJ at a party with R&B superstar Mary J. Blige. Almost a decade later, the versatile artist is back in the Swiss Alpine village with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, in a very different role: as an advocate for food security and efforts to combat climate change. During his previous gig in 2014, “messaging was, you know, ‘have a good time guys’,” Elba, who has been spinning discs since age 14, told AFP in an interview on the sidelines of this year’s WEF. “There were some very, very interesting people as my audience, but it’s nothing compared to being here this time,” said Elba, as there is “way more” responsibility. “There’s no comparison,” said the artist, whose talents range from spinning discs at the Coachella festival to playing South African anti-apartheid hero and president Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. The Elbas, who are goodwill ambassadors for the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), are in Davos to urge the world’s corporate and political elite to do more to help small farmers in Africa. “We have specific goals and specific targeting and messaging to do while we’re here,” Elba said, adding that “it has been a very different experience from the first Man on a mission oActor Idris Elba swaps the red carpet for a green agenda in Davos, where he and wife Sabrina are advocating for food security and climate change time” he was in Davos. Bad guys and good guys The couple was awarded the WEF’s Crystal Award for their advocacy work on Monday at an event where Elba told the audience that the poor of this world are looking for investments, not just aid and handouts. “People are listening, governments are stepping up, but not enough,” Sabrina Dhowre Elba, a Somali-Canadian model, told AFP. “That’s why we’re here and continue banging doors ... because we need to step up twice, three times, four times, five times as much because the need is there,” she said. “We need to have long-term solutions that help people step themselves up in an entrepreneurial way, get them out of poverty, give them a sense of pride and work,” she said. Her husband said: “I think the next challenge for us is to get private sector to to participate.” The man who played a ruthless drug gang leader in the TV show The Wire or an African warlord in Beasts of No Nation cuts a different image from those fearsome characters in Davos. “What drives me is the unjustness of half the world eating and half the world not eating, and half the world causing considerable damage to our planet and the other half not contributing (to climate change) but starving and suffering from that damage the most,” Elba told AFP. “That’s unjust. If this is a movie, those are the bad guys and these are good guys, you know, and so that’s what drives me,” said Elba. Not just about giving aid In Davos, the star couple are accompanied by a man whom Elba describes as their “fearless leader”, IFAD president Alvaro Lario. “You can see it in the passion they transmit, they’re just not building a message out of nowhere. They really believe in it,” Lario said. The Elbas have now taken their advocacy to another level by creating the Elba Hope Foundation late last year to further their work on food security, climate change, and gender and youth issues. “It’s not just about giving aid. It’s about offering solutions. It’s about supporting startups. It’s about supporting legal aid,” Elba said. “These are all things that people overlook.” – AFP Elba and his wife Sabrina were in Davos to advocate for their two philanthropic causes. – AFP Elba giving a speech after the couple earned a Crystal Award for their work. – AFP

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 old as Ang Lee’s classic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and as recently as Hou Hsiao-hsien’s The Assassin. The action choreography and stunts are often done with wire work that allows the actors and stuntmen to fight and engage in martial arts by seemingly ‘floating’ in and across the air. Where it looked natural in those films, in Sakra, it becomes comical. Actually, almost everything is comical. Yen abandons the largely practical action filmmaking in his earlier films and goes nuts with the ‘high fantasy’. As Qiao Feng, he breaks every rule of gravity. Each time he jumps at an angle anywhere, he launches himself into orbit. Feng also mainly uses two modes of transportation throughout the film; horseback riding, and running-jumping across roofs. Whenever the latter happens, the camera is locked on Feng for several seconds. Nothing else is going on. Yen’s literally just running-jumping across rooftops. This happens a lot. And then, there’s the ‘magic’. Very early in the film, Feng demonstrates his ability over the ‘Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms’, a fictional martial arts discipline that allows him to ... do things without actually doing anything. It’s Sakra’s version of the force push from Star Wars or the airbending from the Avatar cartoons. As much as I like ‘magic’ in films, Sakra is advertised as a martial arts film and Yen is a genuine martial artist. So, why is the final fight in the climax a big, loud CGI mess with Feng and the secret villain force pushing each other into sticks and sand like its the third act of a Marvel film? Though it adapts modernity, and departs classical wuxia storytelling and filmmaking, Yen’s Sakra dares to be different, and in a way, that makes it unique. Sakra is currently showing in local cinemas. READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME WHAT! THE HEIST is director Matt Lai’s caper-comedy helmed by comedians from Singapore and Malaysia, Mark Lee and Jack Lim. The movie is a collaboration between the two countries for this coming Chinese New Year period, and among the popular ASEAN stars starring in the movie are Patricia Mok, Jaspers Lai, Choo Hao Ren, Gan Mei Yan, Yuan Teng, Henry Thia, Ahirine Ahirudin, and Grace Teo. The comedy crime is about a criminal nicknamed Godfather (Lim) who breaks out of jail to complete a mission given to him by his boss, Big Boss (Thia). The mission involves a lottery heist whereby they swap out lotto balls to win the jackpot, a prize worth US$100 million. After recruiting an unsuspecting actor (Lee) desperate for money to help his sick daughter, they begin to execute their grand plan. As they work through things stepby-step, it soon comes to light that Godfather’s boss plans to kill everyone involved after the mission is completed. Godfather and his new team now have to plot to save their lives and keep the money for themselves. The movie is very much a parody of the Netflix series Money Heist, but only superficially. For example, Godfather is clearly the stand-in for the Professor, and Ahirine plays the character named Bangkok. Other than that, the plot of the storyline is original and written by Lai, who plays the foolish sidekick YaGood in the movie. The movie is presented by ecoBrown and Chek Hup, with cosponsors NewMe Live and OLOIYA, and distributed by GSC Movies. This movie is backed up by many sponsors, with promotion partners like Petron and AEON Mall. In the movie, it’s obvious that the sponsors were involved, and some might even say it felt like a long advertisement. Director Lai wasn’t subtle with the product placement either, almost excessively incorporating products into various parts of the movie. Fortunately, the audience seemed able to overlook that component for the humour. Although the humour in the movie isn’t my kind humour, I really enjoyed the funny chemistry among the cast during the press conference. That said, I think it might be worth watching the movie with your family during Chinese New Year if they’re looking for some lighthearted movie. Catch the movie in theatres which is set to be released before Chinese New Year on Jan 19 2023. – by Marietta Mu The group is tasked to commit a lottery heist. Mark Lee and Jaspers Lai star as sidekicks in the movie. The heist to strike gold Jack Lim as Godfather. – ALL PIX BY ASIA TROPICAL FILMS I N Chinese fiction, wuxia (meaning ‘martial arts heroes’) is a literary genre that is defined as having stories based around ancient warriors from China, mixing elements of history, politics and romance. In recent decades, wuxia stories that have endured the test of time have been adapted into television series and films. One of the most popular, and most dense, is Louis Cha’s Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils novel from the early ‘60s. The upcoming film Sakra, which is directed and co-produced by and starring Donnie Yen – will be focused on one of the novel’s three main protagonists, the folk hero Qiao Feng (played by Yen). In the two-hour film, Feng – the chief of the Beggars’ Sect – is cast out when he is accused of several murders and his ancestry is revealed to be Khitan during a time when the Han Chinese-led Song Empire is warring against the Khitan’s Liao Empire. Feng, forced to leave the, seeks out the truth behind the murders. At the same time, he falls in love with Azhu (Chen Yuqi). The original novel reportedly has almost 1,000 characters and is several volumes long. It was a behemoth of a task to condense and trim it for a film that’s 130 minutes long, and for the most part, it does a decent job of telling a coherent story, sans the terrible English and Bahasa Malaysia subtitles. That said, Sakra is easy to understand by just following what is going on the screen. Yen and the rest of the cast work well together, particularly him and Yuqi, around whom the bulk of the film’s “humanity” is based around. While they are definitely the heart of the film and both have chemistry with each other, the romance feels bogged down, or not clearly conveyed. The love can be seen, but not felt. And this is largely due to Sakra’s screenplay juggling various different elements, while at the same time, trying to be yet another action film vehicle for Yen, as well as a franchisestarter. Blunder Fu For films that adapt classic wuxia stories, the high fantasy plot is accompanied by the beautiful action choreography that showcases a multitude of Chinese martial arts. We’ve seen this is in something as oSakra is a modern take on a wuxia classic Don’t expect the grounded fighting Yen is known for. – ALL PIX BY MANDARIN MOTION PICTURES When Qiao Feng isn’t on a horse, he’s on a roof. The ‘1-vsmany’ group fights are the highlights of the film. █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR 0Cast: Donnie Yen, Chen Yuqi, Wu Yue 0Director: Donnie Yen E-VALUE 5 ACTING 6 PLOT 6 A martial arts mixed bag

18 FASHION theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 “Are you wearing the clothes, or are the clothes wearing you?” Currently, his small collections are available at the CollabStore at Shoppes at Four Seasons Place. Breaking all the rules with Behati Behati’s latest CNY-themed collection will stop you in your tracks. It’s not your run-of-the-mill cheongsam; instead, it has a unique design that, we believe, is appropriate for the younger generation. It’s a modern take on traditional attire. It has traditional features like a traditional collar but with a modern and trendy silhouette, and the brand has a range of different pieces for women and men. Instead of one-piece Cheongsam dresses, they have come up with crop tops with mandarin collars or puffy sleeves and corset boning, and this is just surprising. We really like a crop top with puffy sleeves and small flower prints. It’s fun and youthful and easy to “mix and match” with any other pieces in the closet for the celebration and even as casual wear. Even the colours are different from the typical bright red; they are mostly pink and have a playful yet fashionable feel to them. “The new style that Behati is serving for traditional wear is oversized aesthetics, corsets and cropped cheongsams, and Chinese traditional brocades,” revealed Kel Wen, the designer, in a written reply. He revealed that the theme for the collection was inspired by Cyber-Retro which is futuristic in concept, nostalgic in style. “We are combining old traditions with new silhouettes and the latest fashion trends of this digital era to form a new tradition.” “This year, our collection offers a new range of lighter materials and more casual styles to wear for CNY, like printed cotton and plaids,” said Wen. The designs are housed at CollabStore, at Shoppes at Four Seasons Place. According to Richard Tsen, the brainchild fashion entrepreneur of CollabStore, the Behati brand celebrates all cultures. “What Behati does is modernise the cheongsam and make it more youthful. “Chongsams are not just for mums, but also for daughters,” added Tsen. Unique rainforest prints If you want something totally different from the classic cheongsam, but one that still blends traditional CNY elements and is easy to wear, an iron-free wrap dress would be flattering for all body shapes and sizes. Florette The Label, or florettethelabel.com, was established in 2018 and sells wrap dresses with traditional Mandarin collars in beautiful colours such as blush, pink, pastels, and some with prints. The label has come up with a custom print for the Ruyi Cheongsam series – cheongsam silhoutte with delicate floral prints with pencil skirt cuts at the bottom and a side slit. These evergreen pieces are just so beautiful. Meanwhile, a one-of-a-kind opulent brocade pencil skirt matched with an Oriental Pankou knot satin top is just gorgeous! There is a stylish wrap dress inspired by unique leaves in the Rainforests series. Made with foliage prints inspired by Bornean rainforests, the series is an homage to nature, and delightful prints can be seen on Rainforest Batik Mandarin Collar Wrap (Sumatra, Borneo, and Datai). It looks like a casual modern dress, pretty, and it will make you stand out. “We have prints that not only symbolise the rainforest but also have batik elements that resonate with Malaysian women,” said Goh Ai Phing, the owner of the label. We also like the strikingly coloured-limited edition Rafflesia Batik Mandarin Wrap Dress with hand-drawn batik motifs and a similar print wrap top in vibrant colours. The wrap dresses are made with stretchable jersey material. Get ready to dazzle your family and friends this Chinese New Year by wearing pretty and modern cheongsams to reunions, family gatherings, and parties. If you are having trouble picking your style, we suggest you go for either a classic or contemporary cheongsam; traditional dress that fits your curves or a modern cheongsam, or perhaps ‘mix and match’ top and bottom, which is more fashionable these days. Do you prefer auspicious red or maroon shades, trending colours like pastel pink, or something completely different like sage or icy blue? Don’t forget the print: floral motifs, geometric prints, or just plain ones. There is so much to consider. So, we have picked three homegrown brands offering CNY-inspired pieces that are not only beautiful and elegant, but also fashionable for the occasion and wearable after the CNY celebration. Comfort is the key Fashion designer Peter Lum’s collection comprises a range of elegantly designed tops, modern cheongsams, and CNY-themed dresses that are comfortable to wear. For example, a stunning gold volumnous dress with slightly puffy sleeves – a contemporary and elegant dress with sufficient space to move and feel comfortable. We were drawn to an attractive red cheongsam top with a peplum cut and a peony print, as well as a red wrap dress with similar motifs! The prints are bold, but the peplum designs and wrap dress style are so trendy. Another cheongsam piece has a quite uncommon print; green and grey horizontal lines, but it flatters the body and has a sophisticated look that can be worn throughout the year. Lum’s collection can be considered exclusive as he only makes a few pieces, one piece for each size, but not every design is made in several sizes. However, a custom-made order for a particular size or design is available, and his pieces are selling fast. “I make dresses for real women,” said Lum, adding that he focuses on creating timeless and flawless pieces. “I want to create clothes that don’t age in time. A flawless and elegant piece. I can go wild with design, but I want my creation to look beautiful and elegant on the women who wear it,” Lum explained. Flawless, according to him, meant that a woman wearing his clothes should be able to move freely and not have to adjust her clothes every five minutes. His designs are not the type of super-tight-fitting dress that restricts movement which you’d typically find in stores. The former senior buyer at a department store, who wears many hats – fashion stylist, PR consultant, and grooming consultant – also shared a tip for picking the right dress. He says an important question one should ask themselves before purchasing a cheongsam is: Celebrating CNY in style oReady to celebrate? But first, get your perfect CNYinspired outfits made by local designers to look stylish Qipao Pong Maple top. – BEHATI Ruyi’s Custom Print Cheongsam. – RUYI From elegant classic to modern chic ... Peter Lum designs for comfort. – INSTAGRAM Behati ‘s corset boning top. – BEHATI Batik series Mandarin Collar wrap. – RUYI

19 FEATURE theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 a brisk walk are all enjoyable ways to hit this target. Avoid tobacco products. This includes secondhand smoking as well. When it comes to the chemicals in tobacco smoke, they actively harm your blood cells and damage the function of your heart. This damage increases your risk for atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. From there, you could see a domino effect as the plaque builds up and causes more issues, potentially resulting in death. Reduce stress. While this sounds like a no-brainer, this is probably one of the most important steps to maintaining your improved heart health. Figure out what makes you tense, then try to change what you can. Talk over your problems and worries. Get enough sleep. Do things that are fun, especially with people you like. Learn to appreciate and enjoy life’s many little pleasures. I T’S the beginning of the year when we have started making (and are trying to keep to!) our resolutions for a new year. For many, the events of 2022 may have caused them to realise that they should pay more attention to their health and wellbeing. And therefore, their New Year’s resolutions for 2023 might be the perfect opportunity to make changes that can have a real impact in their lives. One of the best ways to ensure good health is to take better care of your heart. After all, the purpose of a New Year’s resolution is to improve your life. And improving your heart health can play a crucial role in achieving that goal. It’s true that making real changes in your life can be challenging, especially at first. But with the right mindset, effort, and support, you can incorporate it your daily life. If you ease yourself into your new routine, you can improve the likelihood of sticking to your goals. If you are unsure, be sure to talk to your doctor about setting reasonable goals for your needs. TIPS FOR A BETTER HEART Eat a healthier diet. While this might sound like common sense, it is not always easy to stick to in the street food paradise that is our country with its food-filled festive seasons, like the upcoming Chinese New Year period. However, there is no need to completely cut out the majority of the dishes and cuisines available – as long as you follow a few simple rules. 0 1. Cut down on saturated fat and cholesterol by limiting meat, whole-fat dairy products, and eggs. Eat more fish. 0 2. Avoid trans fats in stick margarine, fried foods, and many snack and “junk” foods. Cut down on salt. 0 3. Choose olive and canola oils. 0 4.Load up on whole-grain products instead of refined grains and simple sugars. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Exercise more often. You probably have heard this advice before, or even thought to yourself that you need to get into shape. However, this goes beyond signing up for a gym membership or training for a marathon. The simple fact is that any form of physical activity will do, as long as you are able to maintain it regularly. Adults should get at l e a s t 150 minutes per week of m o d e r a t e - i n t e n s i t y aerobic activity. To eventually reach this goal, start with a brief activity that can get your heart rate up for about 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is to work your way up to doing it for about five days a week. Biking, gardening, and TRACKING YOUR PROGRESS In order to be sure that all these changes are truly making an impact on your heart health, make it a part of your daily routine to measure your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. To ensure that you get an accurate reading, it is important to remember a few simple rules: Take readings at the same time each day. Your blood pressure can vary throughout the day, and the readings you take in the morning can be significantly different from your readings at night, especially after a day of activity. Ensure you are well rested. Wait for at least 30 minutes after exercising, eating, smoking, drinking alcohol or bathing before taking readings, as these activities can affect your blood pressure. You should also sit quietly with both feet on the ground for at least 5 minutes before taking your reading. Take multiple readings for better accuracy. Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results, which can provide a timely and more accurate assessment of your ongoing health status. EASY AND CONVENIENT Blood pressure monitoring is made even easier with OMRON Healthcare’s blood pressure monitors that are tested and clinically-validated to ensure that they meet the highest standards of precision and reliability. This is a crucial feature, as the accurate measurement of blood pressure is essential for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. In addition, the HEM-7156 blood pressure monitor is equipped with the 360° Accuracy IntelliWrap Cuff, which is simple to put on using just one hand, fits most arm sizes (22cm42cm) and allows you to get accurate readings effortlessly, regardless of how the cuff is worn at home. HEM-7156 is also equipped with Intellisense™ Technology that enables the devices to inflate and deflate at the optimum level for each individual user, applying the right amount of pressure to prevent discomfort due to overinflation of the cuff while offering precise readings. OMRON Healthcare is a trusted and innovative brand from Japan. For more information, visit www.omronhealthcare-ap.com/my. Registered under Act 737 Medical device registration number: GB8793220-41739 Advertisement Approval Number: MDAMD 0006/2022 YOUR body needs vitamins and minerals, and vegetables provide all this and more. Be it a vision-related issue or desire for glowing skin or weight loss journey, vegetables play a massive role. But a lot has been said about the way vegetables should be cooked. One can think of eating carrots or radish raw, but what about other vegetables? Will steaming vegetables kill the nutrients needed by our body? According to the Journal of Zheijang University Science, a study was done on the nutrients and healthpromoting compounds of broccoli. The results showed that all cooking methods, except steaming, caused significant losses of vitamin C and chlorophyll. There was a significant decrease of total soluble proteins as well as soluble sugars too. Even aliphatic and indole glucosinolates were significantly modified by all cooking methods but not by steaming. This clearly shows that steaming vegetables, especially broccoli, is much better for health. Here are some of the benefits of steaming vegetables: 1. Quicker cooking method According to most nutrition experts, steaming vegetables is a safer and quicker cooking method as compared to other methods of cooking. It is also good to reduce frying, as most of the nutrients get lost when you cook food in a lot of oil. Steaming vegetables takes just a few minutes. 2. Steaming retains most of the nutrients Steaming retains most of the key nutrients like niacin, beta carotene, pantothenic acid as well as Vitamin C (benefits of Vitamin C) that are found in vegetables. Since they are water soluble, steaming helps leaching them in water and getting absorbed. Boiling and frying both cause substantial loss of these healthy compounds. A large portion of the water-soluble vitamins (i.e. vitamins B and C) are leached out of the vegetable during boiling, burnt to a crisp during frying, but are actually better preserved in their natural state during steaming. 3. Steamed vegetables ease digestion Digestion becomes easier, especially in the case of some of the vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Steaming makes the vegetables soft, so it doesn’t take long to digest food. Raw vegetables, on the other hand, is not accepted well by everyone’s digestive system. 4. Steaming retains colour and texture of the vegetables When you steam vegetables perfectly, the colour and texture remain intact. Some enzymes need to be activated by cooking methods like steaming to enhance the texture, flavour and digestive quotient. Here are some quick tips to get the most nutrition from steaming: 0 Try to minimise the amount of steaming time to less than five minutes. 0 Arrange the most thin parts of the vegetable toward the outside of the steamer with the toughest parts in the middle (e.g. asparagus). 0 Add herbs and spices to give your veggies more flavor and antioxidants. 0 Replace water with broth for additional flavour. – Agencies Should you start steaming your veggies? Make your heart your main focus in 2023

20 WELLNESS theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 Flexible working hours are good for business: UN FLEXIBLE working arrangements like those introduced during the Covid-19 crisis are not only good for employees but also boost productivity and potentially a business’s bottom line, the United Nations said Friday. In its first report focusing on work-life balances, the UN’s International Labour Organisation evaluated the effects of working time, working hours and working time arrangements on the wellbeing of staff and also on business performance. “This report shows that if we apply some of the lessons of the Covid-19 crisis and look very carefully at the way working hours are structured, as well as their overall length, we can create a winwin, improving both business performance and work-life balance,” Jon Messenger, lead author of the report, said in a statement. The report examines the crisis response measures governments and businesses used as the pandemic spread, aimed at keeping organisations functioning and workers employed. It found that the larger proportion of workers on reduced hours helped to prevent job losses. And it determined that the “large-scale implementation of telework” put in place around the world had “changed not only teleworking but also the nature of employment, most likely for the foreseeable future.” The Covid measures provided powerful evidence, the ILO said, that giving workers more flexibility in how, where and when they work could be positive not only for them but also for businesses, including through increased productivity. On the flip side, restricting flexibility increased costs, including because of increased staff turnover, the report found. “There is a substantial amount of evidence that work–life balance policies provide significant benefits to enterprises,” it said. The ILO emphasised that teleworking and other flexible working arrangements helped maintain employment while encouraging more employee autonomy. But it said regulation, including so-called “right to disconnect” policies, was needed to avert negative effects. According to the report, far from everyone in the global workforce works a standard eight-hour day, or 40 hours a week. More than a third regularly work more than 48 hours each week, while 20% work fewer than 35 hours per week. – ETX Studio There is substancial evidence that work-life balance policies bring significant benefits to employers. – 123RF Stay in shape while working A NEW generation of more sustainable and eco-friendly workstations is emerging. This trend is illustrated perfectly by a new bike desk presented at the CES 2023 consumer tech show in Las Vegas, allowing you to exercise and recharge your computer, all while working. It is Taiwanese manufacturer Acer that is presenting this hybrid workstation of a whole new kind. Called the eKinekt BD 3, it has been designed to keep people active even while working at a computer. Two pedaling modes are available. The “working” mode proposes an upright sitting position with the desktop close, while in “sports” mode, the desktop is positioned a little more forwards, leaving more free space to lean into a racing position and pedal harder. An accompanying mobile application helps users track the progress of their performance over time, with information on exercise time and calories burned. Note that the energy produced while pedaling is used to charge laptops or other devices connected to the desk via its three integrated USB ports (2 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C). As you pedal, the bike converts kinetic energy into an electrical charge. Pedaling for an hour at 60 rpm can generate up to 75 watts of power, which is sufficient to charge a computer and/or other devices. Finally, this bike desk also boasts sustainable credentials since it is made, in part, of recycled plastic, used both for the desktop and the frame. After an exclusive release in Taiwan in April, the eKinekt BD 3 will be available worldwide from June, priced at US$999 (RM4,330). – ETX Studio Acer presents a bike desk that recharges electrical devices as you pedal. – ACER Getting in shape FOR fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike, there’s an almost infinite number of workouts and activities to choose from. However, some are more popular than others. Recent research from the British health club chain PureGym ranked the 20 most popular workouts for 2023, ranked by % increase in Google searches from July to Sept 2021 vs July to September 2022. With a strong increase in search interest, up 308% year-on-year, the 12-3-30 method tops this ranking of top fitness trends for 2023. The numbers in the name 12-3-30 refer to the settings to be entered on a treadmill. The incline is set to 12, the speed to 3 and the session lasts 30 minutes. Created by the influencer Lauren Giraldo, this workout, to be performed five times a week, is very popular on the social network TikTok. “Walking is a fantastic cardiovascular activity and adding the incline will help to increase the heart rate – improving cardiovascular Crossfit is expected to be one of the top workout choices for 2023. – 123RF oWhich workouts are tipped to be the most popular going into 2023? health and endurance. This exercise is also much gentler on the joints than running or jogging, making this an excellent choice for different age groups and fitness levels,” explains PureGym personal trainer, Laura Eaton, in a statement. In second place is Crossfit, with a search interest increase of 173.21% in one year. Created in the early 2000s in California, this high-intensity workout can be practiced alone, but usually the “WOD”, or “Workout Of the Day”, is done in groups. This makes it possible to build a community around the training sessions. The promised effects of this activity include fat loss, building muscle and gaining strength. More moderate forms of exercise Far from the pursuit of performance, more moderate forms of exercise also are well represented in this ranking. In fourth place, is “75 soft”, with an increase of 124% in search interest compared to the previous year. Launched as a response to the “75 Hard Challenge”, a physical and mental program including high intensity exercise and a strict diet, to be followed for 75 days, the “75 soft” approach allows more freedom. It is based on four rules: do 45 minutes of exercise per day, eat healthily and drink alcohol only on special occasions, read 10 pages of a book per day, and finally drink three liters of water per day. Elsewhere in this top 20 of fitness trends for 2023, interest in Pilates is up 83.60% and searches for yoga are up 49.72%. One of the big losers in this ranking is the world of virtual fitness. After booming during the Covid-19 pandemic, online classes appear to be losing their shine. In fact, “virtual fitness challenges” have seen a 45.76% fall in search interest year-on-year, and searches for “virtual fitness classes” fell by 45.45%. Still, that hasn’t stopped Netflix and Nike from pairing up to offer fitness classes as of the beginning of 2023. The full list of incoming and outgoing fitness trends for 2023 is available here. Methodology: PureGym compiled 125 different fitness trends by tracking all of those mentioned in news articles covering “fitness trends” over the 2019-2022 period. The trends were then analysed using Google Keyword Planner. Monthly global search volumes on Google in July-September 2021 and July-September 2022 were studied, and the percentage increase/decrease for each trend was calculated to provide the final ranking. – ETX Studio

21 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1965 AND IN THE MATTER OF EMINENT GARDEN SDN. BHD. 200601018657 (738410-V) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 272(2) of the Companies Act, 1965, a Final Meeting of the members of the Company will be held at No. 9, Jalan 1/114, Kuchai Business Centre, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 28th February 2023 at 10.30 a.m. for the following purposes:- 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and the property of the Company disposed of and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 284(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 1965, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company shall be disposed of. PHOON SOW CHENG Liquidator 18th January 2023 322 Notices PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-553-10/2022 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2013037057 (bertarikh : 25/09/2013), 0799SC2016024079 (bertarikh : 22/07/2016) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah GRN 162659, Lot 4222 Seksyen 1, Mukim Bandar George Town, Daerah Timor Laut, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA Public Bank Berhad (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ... PLAINTIF DAN Yeoh Siak Kok (No. Kad Pengenalan : 571105025175) Goh Saw Wah (No. Kad Pengenalan : 580710075992) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 18 November 2021 dan 14 Disember 2022, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Rabu, 8 Februari 2023, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK Dl LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan agar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanggungan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelongan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : GRN 162659 No. Lot : Lot 4222 Seksyen 1 Mukim/Daerah/Negeri : Bandar George Town / Timor Laut / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/No. : Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 2120.000000 kaki persegi : 197.000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Yeoh Siak Kok, Goh Saw Wah Syarat Nyata : (FIRST GRADE) The Land comprised in this title: (a) shall not be affected by any provision of the National Land Code limiting the compensation payable on the exercise by the State Authority of a right of access or use conferred by Chapter 3 of Part Three of the Code or on the creation of a Land Administrator’s right of way; and Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : No Pers 0799B2019001050 Kaveat Persendirian atas Tanah oleh GOH SENG LIANG No. Kad Pengenalan : 740324-07-5505 No. 46-4-2, Jalan Sungai Ara Satu Desa Ara 11900 Pulau Pinang didaftarkan pada 31 Januari 2019 jam 08:59:41 pagi LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah “The plot of land is a three-storey shophouse bearing assessment address No. 28, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Pulau Pinang” yang beralamat pos di No. 28, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 2,880,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: DUA JUTA LAPAN RATUS LAPAN 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-HL/2020-116D/YSK(RS/j) IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES WINDING UP NO: WA-28NCC-936-11/2022 In the matter of Section 466 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of Kelkatu Pintar Sdn Bhd (Company No: 201701037684(1251855-H)) And In the matter of Company Winding Up Rules 1972 Between ATLAS CSF SDN BHD (Company No: 199101014078 (224390-X)) …Petitioner And KELKATU PINTAR SDN BHD (Company No: 201701037684 1251855-H)) …Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Notice is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 23rd day of November, 2022, presented by the said company and that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur High Court, Insolvency Court, Level 5, Left Wing, Kompleks Mahkamah Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Duta, 50592, Kuala Lumpur at 9.30 o’clock in forenoon, on the 5th day of July, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at CSF TelcoHub 1, 3552, Jalan Teknokrat 6, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s solicitor is Messrs AMIR & RAJPAL GHAI of Suite 2012, Level 20, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong off, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51100, Kuala Lumpur. ......................................... Solicitors for the Petitioner Messrs AMIR & RAJPAL GHAI NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs AMIR & RAJPAL GHAI, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve o’clock noon of the day 4th July, 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the petition) (Ref : ARG/CSF/L/307/2022/Rs) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.:BA-28NCC-688-12/2022 Dalam perkara Jeffrey Wong [No. K/P: 680110-05-5419]; Dan Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1)(e) Akta Syarikat 2016; Dan Dalam perkara Kaedah-Kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972; Dan Dalam perkara Brecon Synergy Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat: 201501036025 (1161345-M)); ANTARA JEFFREY WONG (No. K/P: 680110-05-5419) …PEMPETISYEN DAN BRECON SYNERGY SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 201501036025 (1161345-M)) …RESPONDEN PENGIKLANAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERIKAN bahawa sesuatu Petisyen untuk menggulungkan Syarikat Responden yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur telah pada 15 Disember 2022 dikemukakan oleh Jeffrey Wong (No. K/P. 680110-05-5419). Dan bahawa Petisyen tersebut telah diarahkan untuk dibicarakan di hadapan Mahkamah yang akan bersidang di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan pada 14 Mac 2023 pukul 9.00 pagi. Dan mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang kepada syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu Perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan tersebut. Sesalinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada manamana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Pempetisyen adalah beralamat di 136, Jalan Zuhrah U5/151, Taman Subang Murni, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Peguamcara Pempetisyen adalah Tetuan Amos Ho, Sew & Kiew, peguamcara dan peguambela yang mempunyai alamat penyampaian di D-5- 7, Blok D, Tingkat 5, Megan Avenue 1, No. 189, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur. t.t …………………………… PEGUAMCARA PEMPETISYEN TETUAN AMOS HO, SEW & KIEW NOTA- Mana-mana pihak yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut mestilah menyampaikan pada atau mengirim melalui pos kepada Peguamcara yang dinamakan di atas sini sesuatu notis bertulis mengenal niat beliau untuk berbuat demikian. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak tersebut atau sekiranya sesuatu firma, nama dan alamat firma tersebut dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh orang atau firma atau Peguamcara beliau atau mereka (sekiranya ada) dan mestilah disampaikan atau diposkan mestilah diposkan dalam tempoh masa yang mencukupi untuk sampai kepada Peguamcara yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 petang, 13 Mac 2023 PENGIKLANAN PETISYEN ini adalah difailkan oleh Tetuan Amos Ho, Sew & Kiew, peguamcara dan peguambela bagi pihak Pempetisyen yang mempunyai alamat penyampaian di Unit No. D-5-7, Blok D, Tingkat 5, Megan Avenue 1, No. 189, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur. Tel. No.: 03-2181 0358 Faks. No. : 03-2161 0109 E-mel:[email protected] No. Ruj.: ASK/A/L22.015/LIT/JF IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING UP) NO. WA-28NCC-1018-12/2022 In the matter of Section 464(1) (b) and Section 465(1)(e) of the Companies Act 2016 And In the matter of PROQUALEA SDN BHD (Company No. : 202101031948 (1432248-K)) BETWEEN SYNERGY OIL & GAS ENGINEERING SDN BHD (Company No.: 829468-A) …PETITIONER AND PROQUALEA SDN BHD (Company No. : 202101031948 (1432248-K)) …RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was on the 28th day of December, 2022 presented by Synergy Oil & Gas Engineering Sdn Bhd. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur on the 16th day of August, 2023 at 9.00 a.m. and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for the purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is No. 31, Jalan Serendah 26/41, Kawasan Perindustrian Hicom, Seksyen 26, 40400 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s solicitors is Messrs Yusuf Khan & Fong of No. 97B, Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Messrs Yusuf Khan & Fong Solicitors for the abovenamed Petitioner NOTE – Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Yusuf Khan & Fong, Advocates & Solicitors, No. 97B, Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan notice in writing of his intention to do so. The Notice must state the name and address of the person or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later that twelve (12) o’clock noon of the 15th day of August, 2023. This Advertisement of Petition is issued by Messrs. Yusuf Khan & Fong, solicitors for the abovenamed Petitioner whose address for service is at No. 97B, Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel : 79561900 & Fax : 79581900 [Ref. : SOG/5543/SL/22 (Lit)] 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG DALAM NEGERI PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA DALAM KEBANKRAPAN NO. PA – 29NCC – 362 – 10/2021 Per: MOHD AZRIN BIN ALIAS (No. K/P: 811128-07-5239) …Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-Parte: RHB BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat: 196501000373 (6171- M) …Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS (Dalam perkara Petisyen Pemiutang bertarikh 12hb Julai, 2022) Kepada:- Mohd Azrin Bin Alias No.102, Flat Taman Pandan Jalan Raja Uda 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang. Dan/atau, Mohd Azrin Bin Alias PT 46, Bagan Jermal 12300 Butterworth Pulau Pinang. Mohd Azrin Bin Alias No. A-10-15, Lorong Seri Pinang 4 Taman Seri Pinang 13020 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Petisyen Pemiutang telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah ini oleh RHB Bank Berhad (No. Syarikat. 196501000373 (6171-M) yang beralamat di Level 8, No.75, Jalan Tun HS Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Petisyen Pemiutang yang diserahkan kepada Mahkamah pada 12-07-2022 ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut dengan sesalinan meterai Perintah Penyampaian Ganti pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi di Pulau Pinang dan dipremis terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman di alamat No.102, Flat Taman Pandan, Jalan Raja Uda, 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang dan/atau PT 46, Bagan Jermal, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang dan/atau No. A-10-15, Lorong Seri Pinang 4, Taman Seri Pinang, 13020 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang juga dengan pengiklanan Notis ini sekali dalam satu suratkhabar berbahasa Inggeris “The Sun” dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut adalah merupakan penyampaian yang cukup dan memadai akan Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut kepada Penghutang Penghakiman yang dinamakan di atas dalam tempoh tujuh (7) hari tarikh akhir penampalan atau pengiklanan tersebut dilaksanakan. DAN SELANJUTNYA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut akan didengar di Mahkamah ini pada 15hb Februari, 2023 jam 9:00 pagi yang mana pada hari tersebut kamu dikehendaki hadir, dan jika kamu tidak hadir, Mahkamah akan membuat satu Perintah Kebankrapan terhadap kamu atas ketidakhadiran kamu. Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut itu boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan kepada Mahkamah. Bertarikh pada 15 DISEMBER 2022 ………………………… Notis ini difailkan bagi pihak Pemiutang Penghakiman oleh Tetuan Toh Theam Hock & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 155, Tingkat 1, Medan Kikik Satu, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Prai. (Ruj: TTH/RHB/25/2020/OSY/NA) AKTA INSOLVENSI 1967 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. PA-29NCC-396-09/2022 Per: RAVENTHIRAN A/L ALAGOO (No. K/P: 620904-07-5281/6877311) … Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-parte: HONG LEONG BANK BERHAD [NO. SYARIKAT: 193401000023 (97141-X)] ...Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS (Dalam Perkara mengenai Notis Kebankrapan dikeluarkan pada 22- 09-2022) Kepada: RAVENTHIRAN A/L ALAGOO No. 22, Lorong Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang. Dan/Atau RAVENTHIRAN A/L ALAGOO No. 484, Jalan Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang. Dan/Atau RAVENTHIRAN A/L ALAGOO No. A 14-8, Kampong Melayu Flats, 11500 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Pulau Pinang ini oleh Hong Leong Bank Berhad [No. Syarikat: 193401000023 (97141-X)] yang beralamat di Pungutan Konsumer-Operasi Undang-undang, Level 2, Tower A, PJ City Development, 15A, Jalan 219, Section 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan tersebut diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan satu salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta dengan satu salinan Perintah yang dibuat di sini di Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Pulau Pinang, di premis alamat terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman di No. 22, Lorong Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang dan No. 484, Jalan Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang dan No. A 14-8, Kampong Melayu Flats, 11500 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang dengan mengiklankan satu Notis sekali di mana-mana suratkhabar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris iaitu The Sun untuk satu terbitan dan penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut disifatkan baik dan memadai bagi penyampaian Notis Kebankrapan terhadap Penghutang Penghakiman tersebut selepas tamat tempoh tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut. Notis Kebankrapan boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan di Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 12 Disember 2022 t.t ………………………… TUNKU INTAN NADIAH BINTI TUNKU MOHAMMED NAZARIN Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Georgetown Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Murad & Foo yang beralamat di Suite 10.01, Tingkat 10, MWE Plaza, No. 8, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Pulau Pinang Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman tersebut di atas. [Ruj: TLN/HLBB/F.164/2019(BN1)/ina] NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai(81)1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini yang mana sandaran-sandaran itu telah di-gadaikan dalam tempoh seperti di bawah Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di No 124-A Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Penang. Pada Hari 2hb Feb 2023, Waktu 2.00pm. NEGERI PULAU PINANG No. NAMA PAJAK GADAI TEMPOH GADAIAN SANDARAN ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI YANG AKAN DILELONG 1 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon (Bayan Baru) Sdn Bhd Feb 2022 - Apr 2022 54 Jalan Tengah, Taman Sri Tunas, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 2 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Jelutong) Okt 2021 – Apr 2022 124 Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Georgetown, Penang. 3 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Bukit Jambul) Nov 2021 – Apr 2022 88Q Jalan Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Bukit Jambul, Penang. 4 MCG Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Okt 2021 - Feb 2022 2952 Jalan Perai, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Seberang Perai, Penang. 5 Hoong Goon Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Dec 2021 - Dec 2021 4-D Jalan Bayan Lepas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 6 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Sdn Bhd Okt 2019 - Mar 2022 500 Jalan Dato Keramat, 10460 Penang. 7 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Fettes Sdn Bhd Jan 2022 - Mar 2022 16 Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang. 8 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Farlim Sdn Bhd Okt 2021 - Mar 2022 63 Jalan Pisang Embun, 11500 Farlim, Penang. 9 Pajak Gadai Cheng Chang Sdn Bhd Apr 2022 – Apr 2022 8, Jalan Penanti 1, Taman Penanti, Bukit Mertajam, 14000 Penang. Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 18hb Jan 2023 sehingga 24hb Jan 2023, pukul10.00 Pagi sehingga 4.00 Petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Neoh Boon Hooi Licensed Auctioneer Pelelong Berlesen In The Matter of The Companies Act, 2016 And In the Matter of T & P MOULD INDUSTRY SDN. BHD. (Registration No. : 199501039984 (369187-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the members of the company shall be held at the 18-22-A1 Gurney Tower, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Georgetown, Penang on 20 February 2023 at 11.00 am for the following purpose: 1) To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2) To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company shall be disposed of. 3) To approve and accept the resignation of the Liquidator pursuant to Section 513(3) of The Companies Act, 2016. Ewe Lay Khoon Liquidator Date : 18 January 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016. AND IN THE MATTER OF PANSKY LAND SDN BHD (Company No. 199201007549 (239053-W)) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 459 (2) of the Companies Act 2016, that the Final Meeting of the Members of the above-named Company will be held at Conference Room, Unit C-6-5, Block C, 6th Floor, Megan Avenue II, No. 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur on 20th February 2023 at 10.30 a.m. for the following purposes:- (1) To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Statement of Receipts and Payments showing the manner in which the winding up of the Company has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon. (2) To resolve, pursuant to Section 518(3) (b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the books, accounts and records of the Company be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of filing of the Return by Liquidator relating to Final Meeting. ONG LAI @ ONG KONG LAI WONG CHAM MEW (LIQUIDATORS) c/o ONG & WONG, Chartered Accountants (AF 0241) Unit C-20-5, Block C, 20th Floor, Megan Avenue II, No. 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Dated: 18th January 2023 NOTE : 1. A member entitled to attend and vote at the General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his stead. 2. A proxy may but need not be a member of the Company. 3. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at the Company’s Liquidators’ Office at Unit C-20-5, Block C, 20th Floor, Megan Avenue II, No. 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or any adjournment thereof. LOOKING FOR LEE CHEE YIN / KATIE LEE, mother and the father to a child named as JIMMY CHAN SOON DE with regards of matter for adoption / applying for guardianship. Please contact Lee Yit Yong at 0165951737 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1965 AND IN THE MATTER OF EMINENT GARDEN SDN. BHD. 200601018657 (738410-V) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 272(2) of the Companies Act, 1965, a Final Meeting of the members of the Company will be held at No. 9, Jalan 1/114, Kuchai Business Centre, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 28th February 2023 at 10.30 a.m. for the following purposes:- 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and the property of the Company disposed of and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator; and 2. To determine pursuant to Section 284(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 1965, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company shall be disposed of. PHOON SOW CHENG Liquidator 18th January 2023 322 Notices PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-553-10/2022 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2013037057 (bertarikh : 25/09/2013), 0799SC2016024079 (bertarikh : 22/07/2016) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah GRN 162659, Lot 4222 Seksyen 1, Mukim Bandar George Town, Daerah Timor Laut, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA Public Bank Berhad (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ... PLAINTIF DAN Yeoh Siak Kok (No. Kad Pengenalan : 571105025175) Goh Saw Wah (No. Kad Pengenalan : 580710075992) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 18 November 2021 dan 14 Disember 2022, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Rabu, 8 Februari 2023, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK Dl LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan agar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanggungan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelongan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : GRN 162659 No. Lot : Lot 4222 Seksyen 1 Mukim/Daerah/Negeri : Bandar George Town / Timor Laut / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/No. : Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 2120.000000 kaki persegi : 197.000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Yeoh Siak Kok, Goh Saw Wah Syarat Nyata : (FIRST GRADE) The Land comprised in this title: (a) shall not be affected by any provision of the National Land Code limiting the compensation payable on the exercise by the State Authority of a right of access or use conferred by Chapter 3 of Part Three of the Code or on the creation of a Land Administrator’s right of way; and Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : No Pers 0799B2019001050 Kaveat Persendirian atas Tanah oleh GOH SENG LIANG No. Kad Pengenalan : 740324-07-5505 No. 46-4-2, Jalan Sungai Ara Satu Desa Ara 11900 Pulau Pinang didaftarkan pada 31 Januari 2019 jam 08:59:41 pagi LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah “The plot of land is a three-storey shophouse bearing assessment address No. 28, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Pulau Pinang” yang beralamat pos di No. 28, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang. HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 2,880,000.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: DUA JUTA LAPAN RATUS LAPAN 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-HL/2020-116D/YSK(RS/j) IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES WINDING UP NO: WA-28NCC-936-11/2022 In the matter of Section 466 (1) (a) of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of Kelkatu Pintar Sdn Bhd (Company No: 201701037684(1251855-H)) And In the matter of Company Winding Up Rules 1972 Between ATLAS CSF SDN BHD (Company No: 199101014078 (224390-X)) …Petitioner And KELKATU PINTAR SDN BHD (Company No: 201701037684 1251855-H)) …Respondent ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Notice is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 23rd day of November, 2022, presented by the said company and that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur High Court, Insolvency Court, Level 5, Left Wing, Kompleks Mahkamah Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Duta, 50592, Kuala Lumpur at 9.30 o’clock in forenoon, on the 5th day of July, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at CSF TelcoHub 1, 3552, Jalan Teknokrat 6, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s solicitor is Messrs AMIR & RAJPAL GHAI of Suite 2012, Level 20, Plaza Pengkalan, Jalan Tiong off, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51100, Kuala Lumpur. ......................................... Solicitors for the Petitioner Messrs AMIR & RAJPAL GHAI NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs AMIR & RAJPAL GHAI, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve o’clock noon of the day 4th July, 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the petition) (Ref : ARG/CSF/L/307/2022/Rs) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.:BA-28NCC-688-12/2022 Dalam perkara Jeffrey Wong [No. K/P: 680110-05-5419]; Dan Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1)(e) Akta Syarikat 2016; Dan Dalam perkara Kaedah-Kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972; Dan Dalam perkara Brecon Synergy Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat: 201501036025 (1161345-M)); ANTARA JEFFREY WONG (No. K/P: 680110-05-5419) …PEMPETISYEN DAN BRECON SYNERGY SDN BHD (No. Syarikat: 201501036025 (1161345-M)) …RESPONDEN PENGIKLANAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERIKAN bahawa sesuatu Petisyen untuk menggulungkan Syarikat Responden yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur telah pada 15 Disember 2022 dikemukakan oleh Jeffrey Wong (No. K/P. 680110-05-5419). Dan bahawa Petisyen tersebut telah diarahkan untuk dibicarakan di hadapan Mahkamah yang akan bersidang di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan pada 14 Mac 2023 pukul 9.00 pagi. Dan mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang kepada syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu Perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan tersebut. Sesalinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada manamana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Pempetisyen adalah beralamat di 136, Jalan Zuhrah U5/151, Taman Subang Murni, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Peguamcara Pempetisyen adalah Tetuan Amos Ho, Sew & Kiew, peguamcara dan peguambela yang mempunyai alamat penyampaian di D-5- 7, Blok D, Tingkat 5, Megan Avenue 1, No. 189, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur. t.t …………………………… PEGUAMCARA PEMPETISYEN TETUAN AMOS HO, SEW & KIEW NOTA- Mana-mana pihak yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut mestilah menyampaikan pada atau mengirim melalui pos kepada Peguamcara yang dinamakan di atas sini sesuatu notis bertulis mengenal niat beliau untuk berbuat demikian. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak tersebut atau sekiranya sesuatu firma, nama dan alamat firma tersebut dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh orang atau firma atau Peguamcara beliau atau mereka (sekiranya ada) dan mestilah disampaikan atau diposkan mestilah diposkan dalam tempoh masa yang mencukupi untuk sampai kepada Peguamcara yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 petang, 13 Mac 2023 PENGIKLANAN PETISYEN ini adalah difailkan oleh Tetuan Amos Ho, Sew & Kiew, peguamcara dan peguambela bagi pihak Pempetisyen yang mempunyai alamat penyampaian di Unit No. D-5-7, Blok D, Tingkat 5, Megan Avenue 1, No. 189, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur. Tel. No.: 03-2181 0358 Faks. No. : 03-2161 0109 E-mel:[email protected] No. Ruj.: ASK/A/L22.015/LIT/JF IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING UP) NO. WA-28NCC-1018-12/2022 In the matter of Section 464(1) (b) and Section 465(1)(e) of the Companies Act 2016 And In the matter of PROQUALEA SDN BHD (Company No. : 202101031948 (1432248-K)) BETWEEN SYNERGY OIL & GAS ENGINEERING SDN BHD (Company No.: 829468-A) …PETITIONER AND PROQUALEA SDN BHD (Company No. : 202101031948 (1432248-K)) …RESPONDENT ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court was on the 28th day of December, 2022 presented by Synergy Oil & Gas Engineering Sdn Bhd. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur on the 16th day of August, 2023 at 9.00 a.m. and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for the purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is No. 31, Jalan Serendah 26/41, Kawasan Perindustrian Hicom, Seksyen 26, 40400 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s solicitors is Messrs Yusuf Khan & Fong of No. 97B, Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Messrs Yusuf Khan & Fong Solicitors for the abovenamed Petitioner NOTE – Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Yusuf Khan & Fong, Advocates & Solicitors, No. 97B, Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan notice in writing of his intention to do so. The Notice must state the name and address of the person or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later that twelve (12) o’clock noon of the 15th day of August, 2023. This Advertisement of Petition is issued by Messrs. Yusuf Khan & Fong, solicitors for the abovenamed Petitioner whose address for service is at No. 97B, Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel : 79561900 & Fax : 79581900 [Ref. : SOG/5543/SL/22 (Lit)] 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG DALAM NEGERI PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA DALAM KEBANKRAPAN NO. PA – 29NCC – 362 – 10/2021 Per: MOHD AZRIN BIN ALIAS (No. K/P: 811128-07-5239) …Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-Parte: RHB BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat: 196501000373 (6171- M) …Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS (Dalam perkara Petisyen Pemiutang bertarikh 12hb Julai, 2022) Kepada:- Mohd Azrin Bin Alias No.102, Flat Taman Pandan Jalan Raja Uda 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang. Dan/atau, Mohd Azrin Bin Alias PT 46, Bagan Jermal 12300 Butterworth Pulau Pinang. Mohd Azrin Bin Alias No. A-10-15, Lorong Seri Pinang 4 Taman Seri Pinang 13020 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Petisyen Pemiutang telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah ini oleh RHB Bank Berhad (No. Syarikat. 196501000373 (6171-M) yang beralamat di Level 8, No.75, Jalan Tun HS Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan supaya Petisyen Pemiutang yang diserahkan kepada Mahkamah pada 12-07-2022 ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan sesalinan Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut dengan sesalinan meterai Perintah Penyampaian Ganti pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi di Pulau Pinang dan dipremis terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman di alamat No.102, Flat Taman Pandan, Jalan Raja Uda, 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang dan/atau PT 46, Bagan Jermal, 12300 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang dan/atau No. A-10-15, Lorong Seri Pinang 4, Taman Seri Pinang, 13020 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang juga dengan pengiklanan Notis ini sekali dalam satu suratkhabar berbahasa Inggeris “The Sun” dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut adalah merupakan penyampaian yang cukup dan memadai akan Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut kepada Penghutang Penghakiman yang dinamakan di atas dalam tempoh tujuh (7) hari tarikh akhir penampalan atau pengiklanan tersebut dilaksanakan. DAN SELANJUTNYA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut akan didengar di Mahkamah ini pada 15hb Februari, 2023 jam 9:00 pagi yang mana pada hari tersebut kamu dikehendaki hadir, dan jika kamu tidak hadir, Mahkamah akan membuat satu Perintah Kebankrapan terhadap kamu atas ketidakhadiran kamu. Petisyen Pemiutang tersebut itu boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan kepada Mahkamah. Bertarikh pada 15 DISEMBER 2022 ………………………… Notis ini difailkan bagi pihak Pemiutang Penghakiman oleh Tetuan Toh Theam Hock & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 155, Tingkat 1, Medan Kikik Satu, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Prai. (Ruj: TTH/RHB/25/2020/OSY/NA) AKTA INSOLVENSI 1967 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. PA-29NCC-396-09/2022 Per: RAVENTHIRAN A/L ALAGOO (No. K/P: 620904-07-5281/6877311) … Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-parte: HONG LEONG BANK BERHAD [NO. SYARIKAT: 193401000023 (97141-X)] ...Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS (Dalam Perkara mengenai Notis Kebankrapan dikeluarkan pada 22- 09-2022) Kepada: RAVENTHIRAN A/L ALAGOO No. 22, Lorong Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang. Dan/Atau RAVENTHIRAN A/L ALAGOO No. 484, Jalan Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang. Dan/Atau RAVENTHIRAN A/L ALAGOO No. A 14-8, Kampong Melayu Flats, 11500 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Pulau Pinang ini oleh Hong Leong Bank Berhad [No. Syarikat: 193401000023 (97141-X)] yang beralamat di Pungutan Konsumer-Operasi Undang-undang, Level 2, Tower A, PJ City Development, 15A, Jalan 219, Section 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan tersebut diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan satu salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta dengan satu salinan Perintah yang dibuat di sini di Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Pulau Pinang, di premis alamat terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman di No. 22, Lorong Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang dan No. 484, Jalan Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang dan No. A 14-8, Kampong Melayu Flats, 11500 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang dengan mengiklankan satu Notis sekali di mana-mana suratkhabar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris iaitu The Sun untuk satu terbitan dan penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut disifatkan baik dan memadai bagi penyampaian Notis Kebankrapan terhadap Penghutang Penghakiman tersebut selepas tamat tempoh tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut. Notis Kebankrapan boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan di Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 12 Disember 2022 t.t ………………………… TUNKU INTAN NADIAH BINTI TUNKU MOHAMMED NAZARIN Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Georgetown Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Murad & Foo yang beralamat di Suite 10.01, Tingkat 10, MWE Plaza, No. 8, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Pulau Pinang Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman tersebut di atas. [Ruj: TLN/HLBB/F.164/2019(BN1)/ina] NOTIS JUALAN SECARA LELONG AWAM Akta Pemegang Pajak-Gadai(81)1972 Sandaran-sandaran yang tidak ditebus Pemegang Pajak Gadai yang tersebut dibawah ini yang mana sandaran-sandaran itu telah di-gadaikan dalam tempoh seperti di bawah Akan Di-jual Dengan Lelong Umum Di No 124-A Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Penang. Pada Hari 2hb Feb 2023, Waktu 2.00pm. NEGERI PULAU PINANG No. NAMA PAJAK GADAI TEMPOH GADAIAN SANDARAN ALAMAT PAJAK GADAI YANG AKAN DILELONG 1 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon (Bayan Baru) Sdn Bhd Feb 2022 - Apr 2022 54 Jalan Tengah, Taman Sri Tunas, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 2 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Jelutong) Okt 2021 – Apr 2022 124 Jalan Jelutong, 11600 Georgetown, Penang. 3 Pajak Gadai Sheng Lon Sdn Bhd (Bukit Jambul) Nov 2021 – Apr 2022 88Q Jalan Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Bukit Jambul, Penang. 4 MCG Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Okt 2021 - Feb 2022 2952 Jalan Perai, Taman Inderawasih, 13600 Seberang Perai, Penang. 5 Hoong Goon Pawnshop Sdn Bhd Dec 2021 - Dec 2021 4-D Jalan Bayan Lepas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang. 6 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Sdn Bhd Okt 2019 - Mar 2022 500 Jalan Dato Keramat, 10460 Penang. 7 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Fettes Sdn Bhd Jan 2022 - Mar 2022 16 Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang. 8 Pajak Gadai Wangmax Farlim Sdn Bhd Okt 2021 - Mar 2022 63 Jalan Pisang Embun, 11500 Farlim, Penang. 9 Pajak Gadai Cheng Chang Sdn Bhd Apr 2022 – Apr 2022 8, Jalan Penanti 1, Taman Penanti, Bukit Mertajam, 14000 Penang. Sandaran-sandaran tersebut boleh diperiksa dengan Pemegang Pajak Gadai berkenaan diatas pada 18hb Jan 2023 sehingga 24hb Jan 2023, pukul10.00 Pagi sehingga 4.00 Petang sebelum tarikh jualan lelong itu. Neoh Boon Hooi Licensed Auctioneer Pelelong Berlesen In The Matter of The Companies Act, 2016 And In the Matter of T & P MOULD INDUSTRY SDN. BHD. (Registration No. : 199501039984 (369187-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of the members of the company shall be held at the 18-22-A1 Gurney Tower, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Georgetown, Penang on 20 February 2023 at 11.00 am for the following purpose: 1) To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2) To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company shall be disposed of. 3) To approve and accept the resignation of the Liquidator pursuant to Section 513(3) of The Companies Act, 2016. Ewe Lay Khoon Liquidator Date : 18 January 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016. AND IN THE MATTER OF PANSKY LAND SDN BHD (Company No. 199201007549 (239053-W)) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 459 (2) of the Companies Act 2016, that the Final Meeting of the Members of the above-named Company will be held at Conference Room, Unit C-6-5, Block C, 6th Floor, Megan Avenue II, No. 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur on 20th February 2023 at 10.30 a.m. for the following purposes:- (1) To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Statement of Receipts and Payments showing the manner in which the winding up of the Company has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon. (2) To resolve, pursuant to Section 518(3) (b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the books, accounts and records of the Company be destroyed after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of filing of the Return by Liquidator relating to Final Meeting. ONG LAI @ ONG KONG LAI WONG CHAM MEW (LIQUIDATORS) c/o ONG & WONG, Chartered Accountants (AF 0241) Unit C-20-5, Block C, 20th Floor, Megan Avenue II, No. 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Dated: 18th January 2023 NOTE : 1. A member entitled to attend and vote at the General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his stead. 2. A proxy may but need not be a member of the Company. 3. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at the Company’s Liquidators’ Office at Unit C-20-5, Block C, 20th Floor, Megan Avenue II, No. 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or any adjournment thereof. LOOKING FOR LEE CHEE YIN / KATIE LEE, mother and the father to a child named as JIMMY CHAN SOON DE with regards of matter for adoption / applying for guardianship. Please contact Lee Yit Yong at 0165951737 JUSTIN THOMAS wonders if Netflix “knew something we didn’t” after its forthcoming documentary captured the inside story of the most dramatic season ever in men’s professional golf. The PGA Tour confirmed in January last year that the streaming service would have unprecedented behind-thescenes access to its tournaments, as well as the game’s four major championships. That means the series – entitled Full Swing – set for release on Feb 15 – will feature Thomas winning his second US PGA Championship and Matt Fitzpatrick’s US Open triumph, but, most intriguingly, the explosive fall-out from the launch of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf series. “Maybe they just knew something that we didn’t,” Thomas joked to the PA news agency. “It is mindblowing when it started at the beginning of the year and the amount of storylines just through players and what they’re trying to accomplish. “I don’t think anybody could have been sitting here at this time last year and said what was going to happen. “I’m excited to watch and it couldn’t have really drawn up a better year or situation as to what happened throughout the course of the year.” A number of players signed up for the documentary before joining LIV Golf, including Ian Poulter, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka. At one point in a recently-released trailer for the series, Poulter is shown throwing a golf club in the locker room at the WGC-Dell Match Play, although the reason why is unclear. Asked why he agreed to sign up for the series, Thomas said: “The main reason was to try to create and grow the audience and fanbase in terms of the Tour and the game of golf.” – The Independent Netflix hit jackpot filming 2022 season: Thomas INDIA player Rishabh Pant said yesterday that he has undergone successful surgery weeks after suffering multiple injuries in a car crash. Pant was heading to his home town Roorkee when the car he was driving hit a central divider, flipped over and caught fire in the northern state of Uttarakhand in the early hours of Dec. 30. “I am humbled and grateful for all the support and good wishes,” Pant wrote on Twitter. “I am glad to let you know that my surgery was a success. The road to recovery has begun and I am ready for the challenges ahead. Thank you to the BCCI, Jay Shah (BCCI secretary) and government authorities for their incredible support. From the bottom of my heart, I also would like to thank all my fans, team mates, doctors and the physios for your kind words and encouragement. Looking forward to seeing you all on the field.” Pant on ‘road to recovery’ Thomas

22 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 SPORTS Russian flags banned TENNIS AUSTRALIA yesterday banned Russian and Belarusian flags at the Australian Open after Ukraine’s ambassador demanded action when they were seen among the crowd. Moscow called the ban an “unacceptable politicisation of sports”. The red, white and blue stripes of Russia were held up by fans during Monday’s first-round clash between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on day one. Ukrainian fans reportedly called security and police to the stands. A Russian flag was also unfurled on Rod Laver Arena during Daniil Medvedev’s clash with American Marcos Giron. “Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned onsite at the Australian Open,” Tennis Australia said in a statement. “Our initial policy was that fans could bring them in but could not use them to cause disruption. Yesterday, we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside. “The ban is effective immediately. We will continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure the best possible environment to enjoy the tennis.” Giorgi denies seeking fake Covid certificate ITALY’S Camila Giorgi yesterday denied seeking a fake Covid-19 vaccine certificate after a doctor in Italy alleged she had never administered the vaccine to the player. Italian media reported that doctor Daniela Grillone was charged by Italian police last February and is being investigated for allegedly administering false Covid vaccines and providing fake vaccination certificates. In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere del Veneto, Grillone identified Giorgi as a patient, alleging that the player had not been vaccinated by her and that she had sought falsified documents of vaccination against Covid. Giorgi reached the third round of last year’s Australian Open, where proof of vaccination was a requirement for entry into the country. “No, not at all,” Giorgi told reporters in response to a question on whether she had sought a false vaccination certificate from Grillone. “I did vaccination with different places. This needs to be very clear. It’s not my problem, it’s her (the doctor’s) problem. “The doctor has been investigated, and she had troubles in this year with the law a few times.” Fernandez credits father for mental toughness LEYLAH FERNANDEZ said her early tennis education under her father Jorge had focused heavily on the mental aspects of the game, something she was thankful for yesterday after the Canadian won her first match at the Australian Open. The 20-year-old, who was runner-up to Emma Raducanu at the 2021 US Open, beat tricky Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 7- 5, 6-2 in searing conditions at Melbourne Park and faces fourth seed Caroline Garcia next. “For me, the mental to the physical is three to one. Mental is extremely important,” Fernandez told reporters. “I’m very grateful my parents, especially my dad, has reinforced that. “He hasn’t really taught me about tennis or technique but more of the mental side of the sport. Because it’s hard. You’re all alone out there on court. “You have to figure things out, you have to be your own cheerleader, own biggest critic, own biggest supporter. I’m just happy he taught me those values from a young age and that I was able to kind of implement that now.” SHORTS Pure grit from Murray ANDY MURRAY said he had silenced the doubters after defeating Italian 13th seed Matteo Berrettini in five gruelling sets to book a spot in the Australian Open second round yesterday. The three-time Grand Slam champion has battled major hip and abdominal injuries for half a decade but declared himself free of pain and fired up before the tournament. His renowned grit was on full display in saving match point to topple the Italian 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (10-6) in 4hrs 49mins under a closed roof on Rod Laver Arena due to extreme heat. It was a huge win for the 35-year-old Briton, now ranked 66, to knock out last year’s semifinalist. “I think the last few years I’ve certainly questioned myself at times,” said Murray, a five-time runner-up at Melbourne Park and former world No. 1. “There’s certainly a lot of people questioned me and my ability, whether I could still perform at the biggest events and the b i g g e s t matches. “I felt very proud of myself after the match. That’s not something that I generally felt over the years at the end of tennis matches. “I think I’m proud of the work that I put in the last few months,” added Murray. “I trained really, really hard over in Florida getting ready to play here. I’m really proud of how I f o u g h t through that match at the end, when it could have got away from me. “That’s the first time I’ve ever played one of those 10-point tie-breakers and it’s a bit different. He (Berrettini) came back really strong and I was a bit lucky at the end with the net-cord. “He was serving unbelievably and he’s a brilliant competitor as well, he always fights right to the end. I did well to get through.” It was Murray’s first victory over a top-20 player at a Grand Slam since defeating ninthranked Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals of the 2017 French Open. Victory also brought up his 50th Australian Open win, becoming only the fifth man in the Open era to achieve the feat alongside Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Stefan Edberg. Murray added having Ivan Lendl, who won the Melbourne Park title in 1989 and 1990, on his team made a big difference. “He’s certainly not going to let me get away with, well, not working hard,” he said. “He’s always going to push me as hard as he can to try and get the best out of me.” Berrettini called Murray – who plays with a metal hip following careersaving surgery in 2019 – a “great champion”. “It’s impressive what he could do after so many surgeries, after all the kilometres that he ran in his career,” the 26-year-old said. “It just shows how much he loves the game, how much he loves these kinds of matches. He’s a great champion. I said it so many times.” – AFP/The Independent Rublev ends Thiem’s campaign Down Under THE 2020 finalist Dominic Thiem’s Australian Open ended in the first round yesterday, with the former world No. 3 crashing out to fifth seed Andrey Rublev in a setback on his return from injury. While Russia’s Rublev held a clear advantage in terms of current ranking, Thiem had a far greater Grand Slam pedigree as the US Open champion in 2020. He is also a two-time finalist at Roland Garros. But the Austrian, ranked 98, was outplayed in 36°C heat as he continued his return from a wrist injury which kept him off court for nine months across the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Rublev banked a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win on John Cain Arena – his first of the year after two defeats in warmup events. “First of all I’m happy that I was able to get through in straight sets. It was super hot today so happy I can save some energy for future matches,” said Rublev, who reached the quarterfinals at Melbourne in 2021 and won four titles last year. “When you play against Dominic, it’s never easy. We are really good friends and I know he is going through not easy times, so I just want to wish him all the best to come back at the same level that he belongs as fast as possible.” Thiem said a rib problem hampered him against Rublev. “It happened at one serve in the second set. The sun was – I was in a tough position to serve, so I completely changed the toss, and something happened after at the abs or at the ribs,“ he said. Despite the defeat, Thiem said he remained confident of getting back to his best. “Yes, that’s the ultimate goal, and I hope that I can do it now during this season,” he said. “This tournament doesn’t change anything because I just had a really tough opponent.” – AFP SCORCHING HEAT halted outdoor matches, sent fans scurrying for shade and tested the endurance of players on day two at the Australian Open yesterday, before rain took over to stop play in the evening at Melbourne Park. Organisers invoked their Extreme Heat Policy about three hours into the day session as temperatures nudged 36°C and searing gusts of wind blew through the venue. The tournament’s Heat Stress Scale, which measures radiant heat, humidity and air temperature in the shade, crossed its highest threshold of 5.0, halting 10 outdoor matches at the Grand Slam. Play continued under the roofs of the main showcourts, however, with former world No. 1 Andy Murray sweating it out before getting past Italian Matteo Berrettini in a five-set thriller at the Rod Laver Arena. Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia, who beat Katherine Sebov 6-3, 6-0 on the main showcourt before Murray’s match, said she was not too badly affected by the heat. “I have to admit on Rod Laver Arena it was pretty nice. Obviously it was warm. It was nice to be able to walk in the shadow a little bit when you were able to serve but I didn’t feel that (it was) such warm weather,” Garcia said. “I don’t know in the crowd there is some AC or whatever, but it felt warm, but it felt okay.” Play on the outdoor courts resumed after three hours when conditions improved but there was more frustration in store for fans and delays for the players when the rain came down. The heat delay was not welcomed by all players, with Australian Jordan Thompson blowing his cool when his match on Court Three was halted when trailing American JJ Wolf 6-3, 1-3. “When does that ever happen?” world No. 88 Thompson barked at the chair umpire. “I’ve been here when it’s like 45°C.” Canada’s Leylah Fernandez was glad to see off French veteran Alize Cornet in straight sets in the first match on Court 3. “I think I did well to manage my emotions, and then especially manage the heat, try not to get too hot-headed,” Fernandez told reporters. “So I was happy with that.” – Reuters Heat and rain halt play in Melbourne Briton rolls back the years to win five-set epic against Berrettini Andy Murray reacts during yesterday’s match against Matteo Berrettini. – REUTERSPIX

23 * SPORTS theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18, 2023 BRUNO FERNANDES believes Marcus Rashford is one of the best footballers in the world and thinks he will improve again. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has branded Rashford “unstoppable” as he has gone on the best goalscoring run of his career and Fernandes, who also struck in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City, agrees. Rashford has struck in every match since the World Cup and has equalled a United club record by scoring in nine successive games at Old Trafford. And Fernandes said: “He’s always been unstoppable but he wasn’t getting his goals, his rewards. He’s always been like this. “The thing is now the ball is going in, he’s getting his goals, he’s getting his rewards for the effort he’s been giving for the team. Everyone is really happy for him, he deserves that. “He is one of the best players in the world, without doubt. Not just now – he was in the past – he will now be in the present and even better in the future. “We have a great belief in Rashy and he just has to keep his head down and work as he has been doing.” The forward was controversially involved in the equaliser in the derby as he ran through offside before leaving Fernandes to apply the finishing touch – before Rashford himself netted the winner a few minutes later. He now has 16 goals for the season in all competitions, having scored just five last season in 32 games. – The Independent /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Erring Erling PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted Manchester City must find a way to get Erling Haaland more involved in their play. The Norway international was a peripheral figure in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League derby defeat to Manchester United, having only a couple of halfchances and just 19 touches in the match. Haaland has now gone three games without a goal – hardly a crisis, particularly as he was only a second half substitute at Southampton, but a dip by the standards of a player who had 27 in his first 21 outings. But more n o t i c e a b l e has been the i m p a c t Haaland has had on City’s system after they became so accustomed to – and so successful at – operating with a false No. 9 in the past two seasons. Former City midfielder Didi Hamaan used social media on Sunday to claim City “were a better team without Haaland, even if he scores 40 goals this season”. Guardiola is unlikely to agree with that but he is still working to fully integrate his £51 million (RM270m) summer signing. “At the moment we have that process because when teams are sat in their 18-yard box, it is more difficult but we have to find him a little bit more, yes,” Guardiola said. “(Against United) he had enough touches but it’s true that when you are looking at areas and you have to look at him. But we will do it.” City have struggled for consistency this season, particularly since the World Cup, drawing at home to Everton on New Year’s Day and now suffering back-to-back defeats against Southampton in the Carabao Cup and United in the League. But Guardiola said the such inconsistencies were not down to the change in system that Haaland’s arrival has enforced. “I would say the inconsistency was in terms of results but not performances,” he said. “In general, (but) not against Southampton, we were consistent in our games. “Of course, against Everton we played better, but they had one shot on target and we drew. They punished you when before it didn’t happen, we always found a way to get the results. “If we play good or bad, we always had that chance. I think this is our strength and we have to improve but in terms of performance, I think we are consistent.” City took the lead at Old Trafford but crumbled after Bruno Fernandes’ controversial equaliser, allowing Marcus Rashford to score what proved to be the winner only four minutes later. But despite disappointment at the result and frustration with the decision to allow the Fernandes goal to stand, Guardiola was much happier with the performance. “We were there all the time, I could recognise my team,” he said. “That is all I can say. At Southampton… what is this? What is this team? “But this was the opposite. I recognise my team from many, many years.” – The Independent Rashford among the best players in the world, says Fernandes RECORD signing Alexander Isak was happy to be in the right place at the right time to keep Newcastle United’s bid for a top-four Premier League finish on track. The £60 million (RM318m) striker came off the bench to head the Magpies to a 1-0 victory over in-form Fulham on Sunday and send them back above Manchester United into third place in the table. It was the 23-year-old Sweden international’s third goal in four League appearances either side of a four-month injury lay-off, and it could hardly have been better timed with just a minute of normal time remaining. “It felt great and it was always special coming on and scoring a late winner. I could not miss that one,” he said. Isak’s winner was reward for the Magpies’ persistence on an eventful afternoon at St James’ Park. Referee Robert Jones did not point to the penalty spot for Dan Burn’s tug on Andreas Pereira or when Bobby Decordova-Reid went down under Kieran Trippier’s challenge. But a VAR review on the second incident handed former Magpie Aleksandar Mitrovic the chance to put the visitors ahead. Unfortunately the Serb’s spotkick was disallowed after his right-footed penalty had looped up off his left boot and into the net – meaning Isak’s point-blank header from Callum Wilson’s cross was enough to secure the points. “I just sensed that the ball was going to go in at some point because we had some pressure on them,” Isak said. “We knew eventually the ball would bounce right and I was there at the right time.” Fulham boss Marco Silva was aggrieved that Burn was not dismissed, a decision he felt would have changed the game. He said: “We can win, we can lose in the same way, but the game would be completely different if you play the game with 10 players. “I think you all agree with me, 10 will be completely different from that moment.” – The Independent Isak delighted to keep Newcastle on track █ IAN PARKER █ RICHARD JOLLY █ DAMIAN SPELLMAN LA LIGA: Cadiz 1 (Ocampo 7) Elche 1 (Ponce 81). SERIE A: Empoli 1 (Ebuehi 55) Sampdoria 0. ARSENAL strengthened their position at the top of the table with victory over north London rivals Tottenham, a day after secondplaced Manchester City slipped to defeat amid controversy in their derby at Manchester United. Here’s a look at what we learned from the weekend’s Premier League games. Derby spoils for Arsenal Arsenal’s bid for the title looks as convincing as ever after a 2-0 win at Tottenham that took them eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the summit. The Gunners benefited from a Hugo Lloris error to go in front and skipper Martin Odegaard then doubled the advantage for Mikel Arteta’s side with a 36th-minute strike. Spurs were unable to hit back after the break as Antonio Conte’s fifthplaced team were left five points outside the top four. Victory via VAR for Devils Arsenal had been left with the chance to extend their lead at the top by a Manchester derby on Saturday that saw City beaten 2-1 at United in dramatic and controversial circumstances. Jack Grealish’s opener for Pep Guardiola’s champions was cancelled out in the 78th minute by a contentious Bruno Fernandes goal after VAR cleared Marcus Rashford of interfering with play while in an in an offside position. Rashford then completed the turnaround with an 82nd-minute finish as the Red Devils delivered the most eye-catching result to date of their impressive revival under Erik ten Hag – a fifth successive League win – and moved them a point behind City in the table. Magpies march on Level on points with United in the top four, and ahead on goal difference, are Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who extended their own fine run in the League to a 14th match unbeaten with a 1-0 home win over Fulham on Sunday, sealed by a late Alexander Isak header. That came after Fulham’s top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic endured penalty frustration for the second time in three appearances – the ex-Newcastle striker, who had a spot-kick saved against Southampton on New Year’s Eve, this time converted from 12 yards, but the effort was ruled out for a double contact. Blues boost Chelsea went into Sunday’s home clash with Crystal Palace in considerable need of a lift, with the 2-1 loss at Fulham three days earlier having made it one win in nine League outings – and it proved a positive afternoon for Graham Potter’s men as the Blues beat Palace 1-0 courtesy of Kai Havertz’s second-half header. Merseyside misery While the weekend saw some respite for Chelsea, it was a different story for Liverpool, who, like the west Londoners, are 10 points adrift of the Champions League places. Jurgen Klopp’s men suffered a 3-0 defeat at Brighton, with the German afterwards saying he “can’t remember a worse game”. On the same afternoon, there was more woe for the Reds’ Merseyside neighbours Everton as they lost 2- 1 at home to Southampton, the only side below them in the table, to increase the pressure on boss Frank Lampard. The Independent Five things we learned in the Premier League RESULTS Pep admits Haaland shortcoming after City setback against Devils Erling Haaland. – AFPPIX

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] It is mindblowing when it started at the beginning of the year and the amount of storylines just through players and what they’re trying to accomplish… I’m excited to watch and it couldn’t have really drawn up a better year or situation…” Justin Thomas on the Netflix series Full Swing QUOTE OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 18, 2023 Klopp open to change but wants ‘better football’ from Reds LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp (pix) has set the clock ticking on significant change coming to his squad after insisting he is going nowhere. A sixth Premier League defeat at the weekend has left the German facing a considerable task to rediscover something close to their best form. And while that will not be solved by transfer activity this month, change is around the corner as Klopp, who denied he was too loyal to senior players, knows that is the only way forward. Only last April he signed a contract extension until 2026 and in contrast to his situation at former club Borussia Dortmund, who were facing a relegation battle at this stage of his seventh season, the 55-year-old stressed only the sack would prevent him seeing that through. “At Dortmund, it was clear when I left, I said ‘something has to change here’. It is a different situation,” he said. “Either the manager’s position changes or a lot of other things change. So, as far as I am concerned unless someone tells me I will not go. “So that means maybe there is a point where we have to change other stuff. We will see that, but that is something for the future. Like summer or whatever. Not now. “I have space and time to think about it, we have to play better football now.” While his admission that an overhaul is needed will be welcomed by fans who believe he should have addressed a perceived weakness in midfield sooner, it will not do much to stave off criticism he is overly-reliant on the old guard. Captain Jordan Henderson (32) and Fabinho (29) – who have won every club trophy during their time at Anfield – and the 31-year-old Thiago Alcantara, a later arrival but still a double cup winner last season, remain Klopp’s firstchoice midfield. However, they are starting to show their considerable miles on the clock with Henderson admitting Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton lacked energy. “Yes, of course I have heard it. I heard that before and I am not,” added Klopp when asked about the loyalty claim. “I am loyal. I think everybody should be loyal, but I am not too loyal.” James Milner, in the final six months of his one-year extension, turned 37 earlier this month while forwards Alex OxladeChamberlain and Roberto Firmino’s contracts end in June. The departure of some, or all, of those players would free up muchneeded space on the wage bill which has increased significantly after the successes of recent years. “The problem is too complex. You have a good player who did a lot of good things in the past and then in your mind (you think) maybe that’s it for him,” said Klopp of the need for rejuvenation. “If you can then and go out and bring in another player to replace (him) that makes sense. “If you cannot bring anybody in you cannot bring anybody out. That is the situation.” Klopp also rejected the suggestion, another levelled at him in his Dortmund final season, that longer-serving players had stopped listening to him. “I was not that often in a similar situation but I know exactly how it works when things don’t go well,” he said. “There is a list of things you go through and one of the things is the players aren’t listening to the coach anymore. “In Germany we say the manager doesn’t reach the team anymore. So I understand it looks like this sometimes but it is just not the case. You can take that off the list. “Everyone feels responsible. There is nobody sitting there thinking ‘I was OK but he wasn’t.’ It wasn’t there, I don’t see it, I don’t hear it, it’s not there.” – The Independent █ CARL MARKHAM MIKEL ARTETA saw his Arsenal side go eight points clear at the Premier League summit following a deserved win at Tottenham – but insists a successful title tilt will “demand almost perfection” for the rest of the campaign. A Hugo Lloris own goal and a long-range strike from Martin Odegaard had the Gunners 2-0 ahead at halftime and they saw out an attempted Spurs fightback to secure their first victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It means, on the back of Manchester City losing at Manchester United on Saturday, that Arsenal have widened their gap at the top of the table ahead of the visit of Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils on Monday (12.30am Malaysian time). Arsenal now have 47 points from their opening 18 games and, with five of the last six champions exceeding 90 points, Arteta knows they have to keep up their electric pace. Asked if he believes his side also need to surpass 90 points to win their first title since 2004, the Spaniard replied: “100%, yes I do. “I don’t want to do too much calculation, it’s just how we’re going to prepare (for) Manchester United and play well to win. “But if you ask me about the points, yeah it’s happened in the last few seasons so it will demand almost perfection.” Despite Arsenal’s impressive form this year, history would suggest that the Gunners have a tendency to slip-up at the most crucial point in the season. During the 2015-16 campaign, Arsenal were top of the Premier League table at the start of the new year – just like this season – but a significantly drop in form at the tail-end of the year – saw Leicester City winning the title. Arteta would not be drawn on an unsavoury incident at fulltime when a spat between Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Spurs forward Richarlison ended with a home fan kicking Ramsdale before running back into the crowd. He instead stressed the importance of his players keeping their heads during a fiery contest, having seen defender Rob Holding sent off less than half an hour into their defeat at Spurs in May. “To have the emotional control in these occasions is extremely important,” he added. “It’s something that we discussed in the week. They are young and they start to believe more and more and they start to have these experiences. “There is nothing better than winning and playing the way we played. It’s great and going in the dressing room and just feeling the joy and the togetherness around the team and how much it meant for them is special. “We know that we are here because of the way we play and the way that we are and the way that we live together and the unity that we have. “We must not forget that because tomorrow we have to do the same and we have to do exactly the same to carry on the form that we have at the moment.” Tottenham rallied in the second half but when they did get through on goal they were thwarted by Ramsdale. Things do not get any easier for Antonio Conte’s side as they face a trip to Manchester City on Friday (4am) – with the Italian claiming there are now only two teams in the title race. “About the performance, I’m not disappointed,” he said. “They (Arsenal) deserve to be title contenders. In my opinion, Arsenal and City are the two teams that can fight for the title. “I’ve seen a great reaction from my players in the second half and we showed a good intensity and created chances. “We have to move on, play another difficult game against City, another important team that can win the title.” – The Independent Arteta admits Arsenal’s title run will ‘demand almost perfection’ All Guns blazing Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (left) and manager Mikel Arteta celebrate after the match against Tottenham on Monday. – REUTERSPIX █ MARK MANN-BRYANS