THE SUN

INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS page Theft of food page Healthcare system
indicates dire approaching
2 economic situation 4 breaking point

ON FRIDAY JULY 9, 2021 CRAMPED QUARTERS ... A Labour

No. 7818 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my Department official speaking to a factory worker
yesterday during an inspection of staff hostels
provided by employers at an industrial area in
Pulau Indah, Selangor. – ASYRAF RASID/THESUN

Not the end yet
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI, ALISHA NUR oIrresponsible to have snap polls: Analyst
MOHD NOOR AND RAJVINDER SINGH
[email protected] “Therefore, Muhyiddin will remain as Wong said a lot of what will happen
prime minister,” he said, adding that if next also depends on the outcome of the
PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri there is a fight for the premier’s position, factional fighting within Umno in the
Muhyiddin Yassin may yet it would be “most worrisome” for the next few days.
survive an attempt to oust him, country. “For Muhyiddin, the best case scenario
but he may end up leading a would be for the pro-Bersatu faction
minority government. Wong pointed out that a formal defeat within Umno to seize control of the party. July 12, 2021
of the government can only be achieved
This is despite the fact that Umno is through a no-confidence vote, a rejection Even then, Ahmad Zahid could still pull six
gunning for him to be removed. of the royal address or a defeat of the or seven MPs out of the government,
budget. leaving Muhyiddin with a minority.” (3.00ItaamlyMvsalEaynsgialanntdime)
Short of calling for an early general Wong said it would be irresponsible
election, Muhyiddin is all that the nation “The first option is a dead-end as long and objectively improbable to have a snap
has for now, according several political as the Speaker can hold the fort for the election now.
analysts theSun spoke to yesterday. government, while the second and third “The prime minister will have to find a Get thuepdlaatteesst
options will not materialise in the coming solution quickly to restore his majority. He Euro 2020
Political scientist Prof Wong Chin meeting of the Dewan Rakyat,” he said. may co-opt Parti Warisan Sabah’s eight here
Huat said in the first place, the Perikatan seats into PN or strike a deal with PH,” he
Nasional (PN) government will not “While Umno can deny Muhyiddin a added.
collapse just yet because there is no majority, it cannot unseat him.” Sharing the same view is Malaysian
alternative. Council of Professors senior fellow Dr
He added that in any case, the Jeniri Amir.
The other major bloc in the Dewan appointment of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri He pointed out that any party
Rakyat is Pakatan Harapan (PH), but it Yaakob as deputy prime minister and the that wants to unseat Muhyiddin Turn to Download app now from
does not have a majority. Umno and DAP promotion of Datuk Seri Hishammuddin must be able to show the Palace
have made clear their detest for each Hussein to senior minister has weakened that it has the support of the —
other, making PH with Umno as a Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad
component next to impossible. Zahid Hamidi’s threat to get all the party’s page 3
38 MPs to stop supporting the
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia government. majority to form a government.
geostrategist Dr Azmi Hassan noted that
no party leader currently has enough
support to cobble together a majority in
Parliament.

2 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

King saddened by death of former Armed Forces chief

KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang Military Hospital, was 90. Armed Forces, highly appreciates Negri Sembilan. at the Eaton Hall Cadet School.
di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Istana Negara, in a statement on Mohd Ghazali’s service and sacrifices He was appointed army chief in Mohd Ghazali was a platoon chief
Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to the Armed Forces and the
has expressed condolences to the its official Facebook page, said the country.” 1984 and a year later, the eighth when he was with the 2nd Battalion
family of former Armed Forces chief King was saddened by Mohd Defence Force chief, before retiring in Royal Malay Regiment and was
Jen (Rtd) Tan Sri Mohd Ghazali Ghazali’s death and hoped his family Mohd Ghazali, born on Dec 17, 1987. awarded the Panglima Gagah Berani
Che Mat. would be patient and resolute in 1930 in Lenggong, Perak, joined the award. After retiring, he was
facing the situation. Armed Forces in 1953 after attending In 1954, Mohd Ghazali attended appointed as chairman of Boustead
Mohd Ghazali, who died on training at the Federation training at the Sandhurst Royal Holdings Bhd, and a local newspaper.
Wednesday at the Tuanku Mizan “The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as Military School in Port Dickson, Military Academy in England for 18 – Bernama
the supreme commander of the months, after completing six months

Perlis provides Stealing food sign of
RM5.24m desperation, say experts
in food aid
o Previously, people would steal high-value items to sell, savings, if any, to survive.
KANGAR: The Perlis government has says Mydin boss “I am not sure if people are resorting to
disbursed a total of RM5.24 million in
aid to 344,451 people impacted by █ BY ELWIN DAVA director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin said stealing to sustain themselves. If that is the case,
Covid-19 since the first movement [email protected] shoplifters have switched to stealing staples it is a reflection of the country’s current
control order (MCO) on March 18 last PETALING JAYA: When people resort to instead of big-ticket items like electronic economic situation.”
year, through its Basic Food stealing a basic item like fish, then the situation products.
Distribution Programme. is really dire, various stakeholders and experts He added that on the bright side, there are
told theSun. “Previously, people would come and steal many non-governmental organisations trying
Perlis state secretary Azman Mohd televisions. They go about stealing speakers. to help the poor, hungry and needy.
Yusof said those in need can get food “Indeed, it is very unfortunate that the They take high-value items in order to sell
supply from 15 distribution centres economic situation has worsened to such an them. But now, they are stealing ikan kembung Mah also lauded the white flag initiative.
statewide. extent that some people steal food to feed their (mackerel). It’s sad,” said Ameer Ali. “It is a genuine social reaction to current dire
families,” said Universiti Malaya economics times and there is nothing political about it. By
Azman, who is also chairman of professor Datuk Dr Rajah Rasiah. Rajah said those classified as hardcore poor raising a white flag, these people are screaming
the state disaster management should be offered government handouts like for help.”
committee, said during the first MCO, He said the movement control order and food coupons. Where rentals and servicing of Mah revealed that an SJAM committee he
RM3.3 million was spent to distribute enhanced movement control order have been utilities are involved, payments should be headed managed to raise more than a quarter
basic food aid fortnightly. debilitating for small and informal companies done by the government through clear million ringgit in 10 days to help the needy.
and their employees, individuals who have channels. “Our aim is to feed the poor, hungry and
“A total of 35,000 people received been laid off, and those whose earnings have needy, but not the greedy. We have covered
aid comprising rice, cooking oil, eggs, plummeted. Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selayang,
coffee, sugar, biscuits, noodles, commissioner Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, who is Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara as well as certain
sardines and other items according to He added that government stimulus also principal staff officer of St John Ambulance religious establishments.”
their needs. packages have been beneficial to some extent. of Malaysia (SJAM), said that he sympathised Malaysian Red Crescent Society secretary-
with the unemployed and the B40 group. general Hakim Hamzah said it is not surprising
This has helped to reduce the Rajah was commenting on a recent viral that people are stealing ikan kembung and
burden of those who had lost jobs or video in which Mydin Holdings managing He said daily paid workers do not get work if other staples because they are so desperate to
did not earn enough to feed their they cannot move anywhere and have to rely on put food on the table. “Some are even suffering
families.” from mental health issues, leading them to
commit suicide.”
Azman said that although Perlis
has transitioned into phase two
of the National Recovery Plan, the
state government will continue to
provide food aid to the B40 group, by
supplying 7,500 food baskets worth
RM50 each. – Bernama

HOLY Focus on the
CELEBRATION ... pandemic,
Church volunteers says PAS
in Bukit Mertajam
making KUALA LUMPUR: PAS has urged all leaders
preparations for the and the public to focus on managing the
annual St Anne’s pandemic.
Feast on July 26.
Due to the Its deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan
pandemic, the Ibrahim Tuan Man said full attention should
festival will be held be given to safeguarding lives and livelihoods
online. – MASRY of the people, regardless of race and religion.
CHE ANI/THESUN
He said the party wants the public
Reinvent tourism products for women: Minister to support the government’s National
Recovery Plan.
KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture “While the concept is driven by the faith- country have been recognised by ITC under
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri called on based needs and requirements of Muslim the MFAR programme. “May Allah grant patience and strength to
tourism industry players to look at ways of tourists, it also encompasses the safety, privacy all leaders, political parties,
reinventing what they have to offer to cater and comfort of women travellers.” Nancy said the centre’s efforts had non-governmental organisations and all
more adequately to women. Nancy said one of ITC’s key efforts is the contributed to Malaysia being ranked as the Malaysians (to fight Covid-19) and put an end
Muslim-Friendly Accommodation most popular Muslim-friendly destination for to the pandemic,” he said in a statement
Speaking at the virtual Islamic Tourism Recognition (MFAR) programme, which women in the 2019 Mastercard-Crescent yesterday.
Centre (ITC) Corporate Forum on “Women in highlights hotels and resorts catering to the Rating Report, “Muslim Women in Travel”.
Islamic Tourism Economy” yesterday, she needs of the Muslim tourist market, including PAS also congratulated Datuk Seri Ismail
commended the ITC for playing its role in provision of gender-separated facilities such as She said the ministry supported ITC’s Sabri Yaakob on his appointment as deputy
developing Malaysia as a safe tourist swimming pools and gyms. efforts to develop guidelines for other prime minister, and Datuk Seri
destination by championing the concept of She added to date, a total of 44 hotels in the Muslim-friendly tourism industry products Hishammuddin Hussein as senior minister
Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality. and services, adding that these guidelines will leading the Security Cluster, while retaining
benefit female travellers. – Bernama his portfolio as foreign minister.

Tuan Ibrahim hoped that the
appointments would help strengthen unity
among parties of the ruling Perikatan
Nasional government.

The country’s political scenario saw
another development when Umno president
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi issued a
statement early yesterday announcing that
the party had decided to withdraw its support
for Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin
with immediate effect.

Ahmad Zahid said the withdrawal was on
grounds that the government had failed to
fulfil the people’s aspirations, including
handling of the Covid situation.

He said the decision was made at a
supreme council meeting held virtually on
Wednesday night, which began at 8.30pm and
lasted more than four hours. – Bernama

3theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Investor-cum-philanthropist counts the costs of lockdowns

PETALING JAYA: A blog post by 126 hotels closed. Petaling Jaya closed down. 0 Casinos, entertainment (centres), (number of people who are in the)
investor and philanthropist Koon 0 Langkawi, Malacca City: 115 hotels 0 100% of tourist agencies are KTV, bars, spas, clubs, gyms construction (and building industry),
Yew Yin with a list of businesses closed. temporarily or permanently closed, temporarily or permanently closed. supermarkets, and temporary sales.
affected by the Covid-19 pandemic 0 KL: Parkroyal Hotel will be closed causing 370,000 people in the 0 (The lockdowns) Caused one 0 81% of legal firms are affected.
has been widely shared. for renovation for 15 months. country to lose their jobs. million people in the country to
0 KL: Plenitude closes 3 hotels. 0 100% of theatres are temporarily or suspend their businesses. The Malaysian Bar Council has
In the post dated June 27, he said 0 KL: Syeun Hotel closed down. permanently closed, making 43,000 0 National bubble milk tea chains more than 20,000 members. They are
the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be 0 Kinta River Front Hotel closure. people in the country jobless. also closed shop one after another, hit by the Covid-19 pandemic much
shocked by the damage done to the 0 Tower Regency Hotel closure. 0 70% hair saloons closed, affecting laying off some 25,000 employees. like most economic sectors. Some
economy. He said his list is from data 0 Hilton Hotel cuts 2,100 employees. the livelihoods of 100,000 people. 0 860,000 domestic college students have to downsize or even close shop.
collected from Sin Chew Daily, China 0 Four Points Hotel closure 0 Colleges, training centres, (affected), (their) employment
Press, and Oriental Daily News. 0 Expedia lay offs 3,000 workers. professional schools are suspended, opportunities are almost zero. We urge the government to
0 Tioman Resort closed. and more than 10,000 school buses 0 The list continues to increase, and strongly support those in the
The following is his blog post on 0 Cold storage supermarket in are idling. those affected include unstated professional categories, including
investor.com: law firms, because they constitute the
0 Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang: lifeblood of the national economy.

BRIEFS NOT ALLOWING WFH More could be done
TOPS COMPLAINT LIST to soften blow: Industry

PULAU INDAH: The Human o Pandemic the ultimate test of good implemented in March last year Ramon also explained that whilst
Resources Ministry has received governance and leadership, says Ramon and the end of November, 99,696 frontliners are working hard around
2,154 complaints since May on Malaysians had lost their jobs with the clock, those in charge are hiding
employers not allowing their staff █ BY HAKEM HASSAN as Terengganu and Perlis are not the hardest hit sectors being the behind closed doors and simply
to work from home (WFH). Deputy [email protected] facing massive numbers of service industry. taking the credit for the work done by
Human Resources Minister Datuk PETALING JAYA: While the Covid- infections and should not be those on the ground.
Awang Hashim said they were 19 virus may be blamed for the punished with lockdowns. Statistics Department data
part of 5,003 complaints received massive job losses following the showed that Malaysia’s This is shown by the recent white
on the Working for Workers (WfW) closure of many businesses, various Instead, Effendy urged the unemployment rate hit 5.3% last flag initiative which has seen citizens
application, an initiative by the industry players opine that the government to use targeted May, which was the highest level in take actions into their own hands.
ministry, during that period. government could have done more lockdowns to curb cases in a specific more than three decades
“Other types of complaints to reduce the blow. locality so that areas not under threat A recent post by investor and
include non-payment or delayed may proceed with economic Economist Tan Sri Ramon philanthropist Koon Yew Yin has also
salaries (1,180 cases) and 388 Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani, activities. “The federal government Navaratnam explained that those in highlighted the damage caused by
cases of unlawful wage deputy president of the Malaysian should delegate its powers to state government seem to be lacking the government’s mismanagement
deductions,”he told reporters after Trades Union Congress, told theSun governments to decide on their own empathy for the people. of the situation.
participating in a compliance that the various lockdowns have whilst the Health Ministry can set
operation at a plastic undoubtedly caused this individual benchmarks to allow “This stems from the makeup of In response to the post, tourism
manufacturing company here widespread job losses. some states to continue operating,” the government which is not and transport industry consultant
yesterday. Awang said some 793 he said. representative of the people, has Y.S. Chan noted that travel and tour
investigation papers have been “The government must look at hardly made any reforms and does companies have not been able to get
opened since February under the things with a ‘helicopter view’ and This will allow employers and not live up to their promises.” any business since the first MCO.
Workers’ Minimum Standards of should not just implement a employees to continue operating
Housing and Amenities Act 1990 nationwide blanket lockdown and to help stabilise the economy in He said the government has “There are no clear long-term
(Act 446) against employers for because not all states are facing a general. been too focused on political issues goals and back and forth decisions
various violations. - Bernama surge of Covid-19 cases,” he added. and has not prioritised the needs of have resulted in daily cases going up
The Human Resources Ministry the people, resulting in a hopeless and down like a yo-yo,” he said.
DED NUMBER PLATES He pointed out that states such reported that between the first future. “The pandemic is the
OPEN FOR BIDDING movement control order ultimate test of good governance This along with the throwing of
and leadership which we have seen money with no end in sight by the
KOTA BARU: The Road Transport from countries such as New government has led to the delay of
Department (RTD) is targeting a Zealand and Singapore but not the opening of economic activities
collection of more than RM1.7 here in Malaysia,” he said. which are much needed for the
million from bids for the vehicle tourism and travel industry.
registration number plates DED
when bidding is open for five days “Predators” and
from today to July 13. Kelantan “Black Panther”
RTD director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf surprise
said the targeted revenue would motorists with
be from bids for the numbers DED free food and
1, DED 8, DED 11, and DED 88. drinks.
Prices of the bids will follow a fixed – MASRY CHE
category, with the prime value ANI/THESUN
number starting from RM20,000,
attractive numbers at RM3,000,
popular numbers at RM800, and
current numbers at RM300. “Bids
can be placed at the
https://.jpjebid.jpj.gov.my portal
or the mobile application JPJeBid
from midnight today until 10pm
on July 13, and the results will be
announced on July 14. - Bernama

‘PM plays his
cards well’

Malaysia has not had a majority
government since last year.
“Umno is not officially a partner in
PN. It has merely agreed to support the
government,” Jeniri said.
Political commentator Dr Mohd
Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi said the
appointments of Ismail Sabri and
Hishammuddin was a
move by Muhyiddin to
stay in power. From ‘Superheroes’ help distribute free food in Penang
front
“It has nothing to do page
with the needs of the
country or the Covid-19
pandemic. It is everything to do with
power and Muhyiddin is playing his GEORGE TOWN: Three men the Royal Penang Hotel as they help the public affected by the number of new infections daily is
cards well.” wearing Predator and Black Panther distributed free breakfast packs. Covid-19 pandemic,” he said when worrying,” she said.
Tajuddin said Ismail Sabri is also in superhero costumes turned heads met by reporters yesterday.
uncharted waters, being deputy prime in front of a hotel near Jalan Larut A passer-by, Mohd Ali Mohd The act of kindness is a
minister in a government that does not here. Sharif, 55, who was riding pass the A private sector employee, collaboration between Penang
have the support of his own party. area with his son Mohd Rais on a Muzlifa Alias, 31, who was on her Adiwira Group and Hotel Royal
He added that snap polls may be The trio, Mohd Nor Hisham motorcycle, first thought that a way to work in Jalan Anson lauded Penang. The hotel, led by its general
the only way out of the quagmire. Awang Non, 48, Mohd Wan Hafizi street festival was going on. the initiative. manager Amran Taib, had prepared
“At least, it will give the people a Wan Zakaria, 40, and 64-year-old 400 packets of nasi lemak, 150
voice in deciding who will form the Azhar A.Rahman, who are members “After being told to stop, I “Little gestures like this should noodle packs and 200 packets of tea
next government.” of the Penang Adiwira Group, were realised the ‘superheroes’ were be continued because many people and coffee to be distributed to the
seen waving at passers-by in front of there to hand out breakfast for free. are badly affected by the (Covid-19) public for free. - - Bernama
Thank you for taking the trouble to pandemic, and the sharp rise in the

4 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021 Healthcare system Targeted MCO
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS near critical point at Ayer Keroh
industrial area
█ BY RAJVINDER SINGH o Moving non-Covid cases to private hospitals may help, but
[email protected] shortage of manpower, space and equipment also an issue MALACCA: A targeted movement control
order (MCO) involving eight factories at
PETALING JAYA: The public healthcare system He said the government declined the need to be aware that they have to help the Ayer Keroh industrial area has been
in the Klang Valley is at breaking point and donation, believing at the time that it did not themselves and not rely on healthcare workers implemented for 14 days, effective
experts say the government should consider need them. midnight on Wednesday.
sending non-Covid patients to private hospitals Subramaniam agreed that extra ventilators
so that the strain on public hospitals can be “We need those ventilators now, and I call have to be procured, but the main question is State standard operating procedures
reduced. on the Malaysian government to take up the where to get doctors and nurses trained to use (SOP) compliance committee chairman
earlier offer from the US as the need is urgent,” them. Ramli Mohd Ali said the move follows an
Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy he added. increase in Covid-19 cases in the area.
founder and chief executive officer Azrul Mohd He said as for home monitoring, general
Khalib said private hospitals can only act after Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor practitioners can help but they will need to be He said as of Wednesday, 354 workers
being permitted to do so by the Health Ministry. Hisham Abdullah said admissions of Covid-19 fairly compensated for their time. from eight factories, 237 of whom were
cases to intensive care units are still high, with foreigners, tested positive for Covid.
“The reality is that expertise for infectious bed occupancy rates surpassing 90%. Klang MP Charles Santiago said the Tengku
diseases is concentrated in the public healthcare Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang has Ramli said five clusters involving
system, not the private sector. The states that recorded the number of new exceeded its capacity to treat both Covid and workers at the industrial area were also
cases exceeding 12.2 cases per 100,000 non-Covid patients. detected, namely the Jalan Usaha 7
“Doctors trained in public health and population were Labuan, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Cluster, Jalan Usaha 2 Cluster, Ayer Keroh
infectious diseases and who are now working in Lumpur, Selangor, Malacca, Putrajaya, Sarawak He said beds placed outside the emergency Industrial Cluster, Jalan P1 Ayer Keroh
the private sector should be allowed to work in and Pahang. department showed the dire situation at the Cluster and Jalan Sri Raya Cluster.
the public sector,” he said. hospital, with a barrier put up to screen off the
He added that four states – Kuala Lumpur, area from public view. “Through this targeted MCO, factories
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Labuan – showed that recorded positive cases will be closed
president Datuk Dr M. Subramaniam said: “We an average of more than 38 new daily cases per “The issue of over-capacity at the hospital has for 14 days and all their workers will be
believe this is an option being looked into now. 100,000 population, which exceeds the been going on for years and the pandemic has quarantined and are required to wear a
However, even private hospital Covid beds are maximum capacity of hospitals for the past brought this issue to the forefront.” pink wristband.
full in the Klang Valley. It’s not easy transferring seven days.
patients to other states and anyway, most other Santiago called on the government to help by “Employers are required to ensure that
states are in a similarly bad position.” Azrul said those under home quarantine setting up a field hospital to treat patients at the their workers undergo a swab test and
hospital. must submit the test results to the Health
Azrul said nothing much can be done at this Ministry,” he added.
point as hospitals in the Klang Valley are nearly
full, adding that the priority is to stem the tide of “If there is an increase in cases, the
patients coming to the hospitals who are factory will be closed for another 14 days,”
seriously ill, needing critical care and dying, he told reporters after inspecting the
namely those in Category 3, 4 and 5. implementation of the targeted MCO at
the location.
“The Health Ministry is already taking
proactive measures to move the less ill Covid Ramli, who is also Invest Malacca
patients to hospitals in other states. But the general manager, said the cost of Covid-19
highest concentration of infectious disease screening tests must be borne by
specialists is in the Klang Valley.” employers.

Azrul said last year, the US government He said local factory workers who were
offered to donate 100 ventilators to Malaysia. found positive would be sent to the Covid-
19 low risk quarantine and treatment
SOP for prayers at centre at the Malacca International Trade
mosques, surau Centre in Ayer Keroh.

PUTRAJAYA: There must be strict compliance ON-SITE SHOTS ... Factory workers being inoculated yesterday at a special vaccination centre set up As for Covid-19 positive foreign
with standard operating procedures (SOP) within their workplace premises in Pulau Indah, Selangor. – ASYRAF RASID/THESUN workers, Ramli said they would be sent to
for the reopening of mosques in the Federal a private centre gazetted by the
Territories to prevent the spread of Covid-19, government.
said Minister in the Prime Minister’s
Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri “All the factories are also not allowed to
Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri. bring in workers from outside Malacca
and if they want to do so, prior approval
The Federal Territory Islamic Religious must be obtained from the state
Department (Jawi) yesterday made a new government to curb the spread of Covid-
ruling on the number of people allowed to 19,” he said.
perform Friday and obligatory prayers, as
well as prayers for the coming Aidiladha, at Meanwhile, Malacca Labour
mosques and surau in Kuala Lumpur, Department director Johana Bakar said in
Putrajaya and Labuan effective today. a statement yesterday that 257 worker
hostels statewide have been inspected
Jawi director Datuk Mohd Ajib Ismail said from June 1 until Wednesday.
in a statement yesterday that for areas
affected by the movement control under the She said during the period, a
National Recovery Plan, the number allowed compound of RM10,000 under the
for Friday and Aidiladha prayers is 300, and Prevention and Control of Infectious
100 for the obligatory prayers. Diseases Act 1988 was issued to an
employer for failing to ensure physical
For mosques and surau in areas placed distancing between workers. – Bernama
under an enhanced movement control order,
he said only three people are allowed for
obligatory prayers, while Friday prayers are
to be replaced with Zohor prayers.
– Bernama

1 PERLIS 135 KELANTAN C VID-19
360 KEDAH UPDATE
237 PENANG concTafiosrtemasled 808,658
As of noon yesterday
543 PERAK Total cNaesews 8,868
64 LABUAN active cases 952Tointal

TERENGGANU 68 77,275 ICU

4,152 SELANGOR Total
1,133 K.LUMPUR recoveries New 5,802
PAHANG 152 279 SABAH recoveries
SARAWAK 281 725,480

47 PUTRAJAYA Death
toll
897 N.SEMBILAN 135New
5,903
fatalities

183 MALACCA JOHOR 336

PROGRESS STATISTICS FOR THE NATIONAL COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
As of July 7
Registered Received first dose

17,452,973 6,999,554

5theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Report lodged over ‘fake Covid jab’

█ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN o Vaccine recipient claims he did not feel needle vaccine they administered. Is it not statements recorded.
[email protected] prick and alleges video he took shows empty their responsibility to explain the “The probe is currently being
PETALING JAYA: A 40-year-old syringe was used during his inoculation whole process to me?
business development director, who done as a police inquiry case. When
lodged a police report alleging a the jab and stepped out, it was barely what I wanted. They were silent “My question is, if I was indeed our preliminary stage of investigation
frontliner had faked his a minute. I felt no needle prick and about the video when I showed it to given the jab the first time, how is it is complete, we will refer the case to
Covid-19 immunisation by using an neither were there changes on my them. I told them that I wanted a they agreed to inject me a second police higher-ups. If there is an order
empty syringe at a vaccination centre, skin where the vaccine was proper immunisation. time just moments later? Is this not a to investigate the case further due to
said he went public with the matter administered. This puzzled me and I hazard?” Ng said. any wrongdoing, only then will we
out of concern for fellow Malaysians. decided to view the video and was “I am a father of four children and classify the provisions of the law we
shocked to see an empty syringe I have to protect them as I do not Later on Tuesday, Ng lodged a will apply,” he said.
Simon Ng of Kapar told theSun used.” want to carry the virus and pass it to police report in Kapar and the case
yesterday that he spoke up on the them.” was handed to Kuala Langat police Meanwhile, Selangor Health
matter as what he experienced raised Ng said he remained in the vicinity for investigations. Department director Datuk Dr
questions over the integrity of the of the centre and sent the video to Ng said the medical personnel Sha’ari Ngadiman said it is quite
vaccination programme. several relatives, including a doctor agreed to inject him again only after He said he was called up by police impossible for anyone to be injected
and a nurse. he erased the video and did not to have his statement recorded. with an empty syringe.
Recounting his encounter, Ng said record another one of the repeat
he travelled about 60km from his He said after receiving their vaccination. “To those who question and doubt He said the vaccination centres
house to the vaccination centre in response, he headed back to the me, ask why was I given the injection always ensure that standard
Banting on Tuesday to receive his medical assistant who gave him the He said he complied with their a second time?” operating procedures set by the
Covid-19 jab after getting his injection and questioned him on request before they injected the Health Ministry are adhered to and
appointment date earlier. what was captured on the video. vaccine. Ng said that while many showed the vaccination process is at an
support over the issue, there were optimum level.
He said when it was his turn, he “Several other senior medical “The second time felt like a real those who also criticised and
recorded a video of the procedure, personnel showed up and they yelled injection as I felt the needle prick and threatened him. “We wish to emphasise that
which was carried out by a medical and scolded me. They refused to there was fluid in the syringe, although various checks are in place as part of
assistant. watch the video and then asked me I have no idea what the liquid was. Kuala Langat police chief Supt best practices determined by the
They never showed me a bottle of the Ahmad Ridhwan Mohd Nor said Health Ministry and improvements
“I sought permission from the police have recorded a statement are made from time to time,” he said
medical assistant before taking the from Ng and the medical personnel in a statement uploaded on the
video. From the time I walked in for involved in administering the department’s Facebook page on
vaccine. Tuesday.

He said police will also summon ZAM ZAM WATER
several others to have their SMUGGLING FOILED

Two former entrepreneurs taste success in food business SHAH ALAM: The CustomsBRIEFS
Department Central Zone
KUALA LUMPUR: While other operating for 12 years when events making and selling kuih keria gula daging harimau menangis (crying Unit III foiled an attempt to
entrepreneurs struggle to keep their such as weddings were disallowed Melaka, a traditional Malay delicacy, tiger meat), which is grilled, smuggle zam zam water from
businesses afloat, two have boldly under the MCO. in the afternoon at her stall in thinly-sliced marinated beef. Saudi Arabia at West Port in
moved into unfamiliar territory. Simpang Empat, Balik Pulau, located Port Klang last Friday. In a
“For three months, I had no not far from her house. She began to promote it on statement yesterday, Central
Norlia Manap, 40, who used to run income and the salaries for my five Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and Zone Customs principal
a successful bridalwear boutique in staff and boutique rental alone came Norlia also promotes and sells to her surprise, the response has assistant director Datuk Zazuli
Bayan Baru, Penang, and Nur Dania to RM2,800 a month,” she said. Her cakes and other delicacies online. been encouraging. Johan said 27,500 litres of
Izzati Sedek Shah, 25, who had a boutique used to generate earnings zam zam water were seized
cosmetics dealership in Ipoh, have of RM30,000 to RM50,000 a month. She is now selling 600 to 1,000 “I then searched for ideas for other from a container and is
switched to selling food. pieces a day and has even hired four food products that would attract estimated to be worth
After the first MCO was eased last daily-paid workers to help. customers and created a new recipe RM206,250 with duty valued
Both saw their income plummeting year, she began to offer bridal for sticky rice with mango (a popular at RM66,000. “The modus
since last year when the first movement make-up services but with the Dania, who had been dealing in Thai dessert),” she said. operandi in smuggling zam
control order (MCO) was imposed. pandemic showing no sign of abating, cosmetics for seven years, is now zam water is to declare them
she realised that she had to look for a marketing Thai food products under The young entrepreneur’s hard as juices and drinking water
Norlia, a single mother of four, more stable source of income. her own brand name, Niase. work has paid off and her business to avoid higher tariff rates,” he
aged eight to 19, said she had to give has grown big enough for her to hire said. The investigation results
up the business she had been In May last year, she began She started with the Thai dish sua seven workers. – Bernama found that the seized zam
rong hai, better known in Malaysia as zam water was imported from
Saudi Arabia without a valid
Welfare home Muhammad (right) and Shah Alam district police chief ACP Baharudin Mat Taib (centre) inspecting the seized contraband import permit, with no tax
of abused teen during a press conference in Shah Alam yesterday. and duty payments.
girl not registered According to him, zam zam
Contraband liquor worth RM1.2m seized in Klang water is classified as a
SEREMBAN: A welfare home run by a prohibited import item under
non-governmental organisation in SHAH ALAM: The General nationals were detained. car were also seized in the raid, the third schedule of the
Kuala Lumpur, where a teenage girl Operations Force (GOF) central The men, aged between 25 and bringing the total seizure value to Customs (Prohibition of
with Down Syndrome was found brigade in Cheras seized almost RM1.66 million. Imports) Order 2017.
abused, is not registered with the 20,000 litres of unpaid duty liquor 57, are believed to be members of a “Importing zam zam water
Social Welfare Department. brands worth about RM1.2 million syndicate distributing contraband Muhammad said based on the without an import permit is
in a raid on a warehouse in Kg liquor around the Klang Valley. quantity, distribution operation and an offence under Section 135
Women, Family and Community Sungai Kandis in Klang on vehicles owned by the suspects, the (1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967
Development Minister Datuk Seri Wednesday. “During the raid, the suspects syndicate is believed to have been in and Regulation 30(1) of the
Rina Harun said she was informed were unloading liquor with between business for quite some time and Free Zone (Amendment)
that the management of the home Its commander SAC Muhammad 4% and 16.3% alcohol content at a investigations are underway to Regulations 2019,” he added.
had, however, submitted an Abdul Halim said in the raid warehouse, which was being used as determine the syndicate’s modus – Bernama
application to register it. conducted following a public tipoff, a storage and distribution centre,” he operandi and origin of the smuggled
three local men and five Bangladeshi told a press conference yesterday. items. – Bernama MORE ROADBLOCKS
She said the girl, aged 13, was IN SEREMBAN
approved for adoption to an individual He said three lorries, a van and a
and not to the welfare home. SEREMBAN: No barbed wire
fences will be installed in
“There are still occupants at the Seremban during the
home and welfare officers are implementation of an
monitoring the place pending a court enhanced movement control
order and outcome of police order until July 22, police said
investigations on the case,” she told yesterday. Seremban district
reporters after a visit to a welfare home police chief ACP Mohd Said
for the disabled, Taman Sinar Harapan Ibrahim said instead, two
Tuanku Ampuan Najihah, where the more roadblocks would be
girl is now staying. mounted at the Rantau
border heading towards Port
Meanwhile, she said a total of 2,040 Dickson. “Before the addition
children, who were suspected victims of the two roadblocks, there
of abuse, had been rescued by the were eight roadblocks in the
Social Welfare Department between Seremban district. The police
January and April. will ensure proper movement
control and so far, there is no
The case of the abused girl was need to erect barbed wire
uncovered following a viral Facebook fences,” he told reporters after
post by a woman, who claimed the girl presenting Op Bantu aid to
was splashed with hot water and tied several members of the public
up when under the care of the welfare affected by the Covid-19
home. pandemic. Mohd Said said the
roadblocks would be manned
According to her, the matter came by 300 personnel, including
to light when the owner, staff and soldiers. – Bernama
inmates at the welfare home, including
the girl, were infected with Covid-19
and treated at the Kuala Lumpur
Hospital for 10 days. – Bernama

BRIEFS6 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021 Indonesians rush to
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS buy ‘miracle cure’ for Covid

300,000 VACCINE DOSES o Masses throw caution to wind as infections mount after “Many people are saying that it can cure
RUSHED TO SYDNEY politicians, influencers advocate drug for treatment of lice Covid-19 so I bought it,” said the 66-year-old,
while conceding some had raised concerns
CANBERRA: Australia’s prime JAKARTA: Indonesians have ignored health “We are out of supplies at the moment after about unspecified side effects.
minister said yesterday 300,000 warnings to stock up on a “miracle cure” for many people came to buy it.”
coronavirus vaccine doses will be Covid-19 backed by leading politicians and “I’m not a doctor, but in the midst of
rushed to Sydney, as the country’s social media influencers, as an out-of-control Enthusiastic praise from popular online desperation and difficulty, I think anything is
largest city struggled to bring a virus surge sweeps the country. personalities are helping drive demand. worth a try,” said Susi Pudjiastuti, a popular
Delta outbreak under control. As a former fisheries minister who has 2.5 million
citywide lockdown entered its third Authorities are reporting hundreds of “Ivermectin is one of the safe and effective followers on Twitter.
week, there were signs of the deaths every day as the world’s fourth-most keys to ending the pandemic from various
outbreak spiralling, with a record populous nation struggles with its worst doctors, with lots of scientific evidence,” Reza Fuelled by anti-vaccine and pandemic
increase of 38 new cases in the last outbreak since the pandemic began. Gunawan, a self-described “holistic health conspiracy theories online, there has been a
24 hours. Scott Morrison said the practitioner”, wrote to his 350,000 Twitter surge in demand for the drug from Brazil to
situation was “very serious” and Pharmacies across the country are running followers. South Africa to Lebanon.
urged five million Sydneysiders to out of ivermectin, an oral treatment normally
obey stay-at-home orders and not used to treat lice and other parasitic infections, Iman Sjafei, the co-founder of popular But manufacturer Merck has said there was
give in to fatigue. “We have come so thanks in part to viral social media posts Indonesian media outlet Asumsi, used the “no scientific basis for a potential therapeutic
far over these last 18 months, and touting its potential as a Covid-19 treatment. same platform to say five of his acquaintances effect against Covid-19” and warned of
now’s the time to keep pressing had recovered from Covid after taking the possible safety issues if the drug is
forward. Now is not the time to give “Those who come bring a screenshot drug. administered inappropriately.
in to that frustration,” he said. – AFP showing that ivermectin could cure Covid,”
said Yoyon, head of a pharmaceutical sales “Maybe placebo. Maybe. But it might be Scientists, the World Health Organisation,
VIRUS OUTBREAKS group at a market in Jakarta, who like many true too.” and several drug regulators – including
IN MYANMAR JAILS Indonesians goes by one name. Indonesia’s own – have also stressed there is a
Sylvie Bernadi, who lives on Jakarta’s lack of credible evidence to show it works
YANGON: Forty prisoners have He said the shortage had pushed the price outskirts, said she purchased ivermectin for against Covid-19.
tested positive for Covid-19 in of the drug up from around 175,000 to 300,000 infected relatives after seeing WhatsApp
Myanmar’s main jail where some of rupiah (RM50 to RM88) a bottle. messages and social media posts promoting The US Food and Drug Administration has
the thousands of anti-coup the drug. even warned of the risks of taking ivermectin
protesters who have been arrested following reports of people being hospitalised
by the junta are being held, BBC after ingesting a version of the drug meant for
reported yesterday, citing a prison horses. – AFP
official. Authorities at the
colonial-era jail have stopped Aerial view of
sending prisoners to attend court a Muslim
hearings either at a special facility burial area
inside the jail or to courts in Yangon, provided by
said Zayar Lwin, an activist and the
former political prisoner who was government
freed from Insein in April. The BBC for Covid
report said authorities at jails in victims in
other parts of the country, including Jakarta. –
in Myaungmya and Taungoo, were REUTERSPIX
also taking action to contain the
spread of the virus. – Reuters Rajapaksa family tightens grip on Sri Lanka Face recognition used
to snag child gamers
Canadian COLOMBO: A brother of Sri Lanka’s Gotabaya now has five members of the
bank robber President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday Rajapaksa family. BEIJING: Chinese tech giant Tencent has rolled
jailed in became finance minister, tightening the out a facial recognition “midnight patrol”
Singapore family’s grip on power in the South Asian Eldest brother Chamal, 78, is minister of function to root out children masquerading as
nation as it confronts growing economic irrigation while the prime minister’s eldest adults to get around a government curfew on
SINGAPORE: A Canadian man who troubles. son Namal, 35, is the youth and sports underage gamers.
staged a rare bank robbery in Singapore minister.
has been sentenced to five years in jail, Basil Rajapaksa, 70, took over the China bans people under 18 from playing
but will escape a caning due to an finance portfolio from another brother, Several Rajapaksa family members hold online games between 10pm and 8am, part of a
agreement that allowed his extradition. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. junior minister positions and other key raft of rules introduced to weed out the excesses
positions in the administration. of gaming culture among the youth, from
David James Roach, who robbed a The 72-year-old president has put worsening eyesight to online addiction.
Standard Chartered Bank branch in Mahinda in charge of a newly created but Basil was described as “Mr Ten Percent”
2016, was extradited to Singapore last lower level Economic Policies and in a 2007 US embassy cable published by But many young players have navigated the
year from Britain after the city-state Planning Ministry. the WikiLeaks organisation because of restrictions by using gaming accounts
offered assurances he would not be commissions he allegedly took from registered by adults.
flogged. Mahinda, 75, was the country’s government contracts.
president for a decade up to 2015, and Tencent this week moved to close those
The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to one Basil, who is known as the family’s political He has denied any wrongdoing and loopholes by implementing facial verification
charge of bank robbery and another strategist, managed the economy then. inquiries failed to find any evidence to checks on anyone playing with an adult ID after
charge of money laundering for taking back charges he syphoned off millions of the curfew.
the stolen money out of the country. Basil takes charge now after the dollars from state coffers.
economy recorded a coronavirus-inflicted The gaming giant also said it would start
A court on Wednesday handed down 3.6% contraction last year, the worst since As a dual US-Sri Lankan citizen, Basil requiring users to pass a facial recognition test
the jail term and six strokes of the cane – independence from the United Kingdom was prohibited from standing in the 2020 when changing safety settings designed to let
a mandatory punishment in the in 1948. election, but Gotabaya removed parents limit their children’s game usage. – AFP
city-state for robbery. constitutional provisions which prevented
With his entry, the cabinet headed by his entry to the legislature. – AFP
But Singapore’s Interior Ministry and
Attorney-General’s Chambers said they
were working “through the necessary
procedures to fulfil the assurance given
to the UK government” that Roach will
be spared caning.

Roach strolled into the bank and took
S$30,000 (RM93,000) after presenting a
threatening note.

He fled to Bangkok, where he was
jailed on charges related to bringing the
stolen cash into Thailand but authorities
refused to send him to Singapore as the
countries do not have an extradition
treaty.

After his release, he was detained at
London’s Heathrow Airport while in
transit en route to Canada, and
Singapore requested that he be deported
to the city-state.

Singapore and Britain have an
extradition treaty, but London would
only deport Roach if the city-state agreed
he would not face corporal punishment.

Britain abolished caning as a
punishment for criminals decades ago.
– AFP

7theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
* NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Haiti police hunt president’s assassins

o Four ‘mercenaries’ after the overnight attack on the Joseph declared a national “state of Magistrate Carl Henry Destin told but hid in a bedroom.
killed, two arrested president’s private residence. siege” and said he was now in charge. the Nouvelliste newspaper that the He said a maid and another
president’s body had twelve bullet domestic staff member had been tied
PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haitian police Four gunmen were killed and two Charles, the head of Haiti’s wounds in it, from large caliber rifles up by the commandos who allegedly
were yesterday hunting for more more taken into custody while other national police, vowed to catch the and smaller 9mm weapons, to the shouted “DEA operation” as they
gunmen behind the assassination of members of the hit squad were at perpetrators. forehead, chest, hips and abdomen. burst in.
President Jovenel Moise after killing large, said police chief Leon Charles. Joseph said the president was
or capturing six “mercenaries”, with “We are chasing them so that “His office and bedroom were “assassinated at his home by
the nation under a state of siege. Officials have not identified the either in the exchange of fire they will ransacked. We found him lying on his foreigners who spoke English and
suspects or said what their motives be killed or we will apprehend them.” back in blue pants and a white shirt Spanish”.
Security forces engaged in a fierce were for shooting dead Moise and smeared with blood, his mouth open, Haiti’s ambassador to
shootout with the suspected wounding his wife Martine, who He said three police officers who his left eye gouged out.” Washington, Bocchit Edmond, also
assailants in the capital survived. had been taken hostage had been said the killers were “professional”
Port-au-Prince early on Wednesday rescued. Joseph said Moise’s wife was “out mercenaries disguised as US Drug
The assassination has pitched the of danger”, later adding that “her Enforcement Administration agents.
already impoverished and The attack took place at about situation is stable”. – AFP
violence-plagued Caribbean nation 1am at Moise’s home.
into further turmoil. The couple’s daughter Jomarlie
Shell casings could be seen on the was in the home during the attack
Interim Prime Minister Claude street outside as forensics experts
combed the scene for evidence.

BRIEFS JOHNSON CLEARED
OF CONDUCT BREACH
FUELLING
ANGER ... LONDON: A British parliamentary
Women committee yesterday cleared
holding Prime Minister Boris Johnson of
liquified breaching a lawmakers’ code of
petroleum gas conduct over a luxury Caribbean
cylinders as holiday, but criticised his handling
they take part of the matter. The House of
in a protest Commons Committee on
against a hike Standards concluded Johnson
in petrol, diesel had accurately declared how he
and cooking paid for the trip with his then
gas prices in fiancee – now wife – Carrie
the Indian city Symonds to the island of
of Amritsar Mustique over Christmas in 2019.
yesterday. However, the cross-party panel of
– AFPPIX MPs said it was “regrettable” that a
full explanation of the opaque
Heat wave ‘impossible’ without climate change arrangements that saw a
Conservative Party donor fund
LONDON: The suffocating heat given the unprecedented heat in The research by 27 scientists is It was far beyond the norm for the their holiday accommodation had
wave that killed hundreds of people early summer. still awaiting peer review but uses Pacific Northwest. not been provided earlier. – AFP
across the Pacific Northwest last peer-reviewed rapid attribution
week would have been “virtually But if current greenhouse gas methods to produce findings quickly For that, the authors suggested AFGHAN GOVT
impossible” without climate change, emissions continue, an event so after extreme events. two possible explanations: Either SENDS IN COMMANDOS
a study has found. extreme could start occurring every many factors came together to
five to 10 years by the 2040s, they “Heat waves are really changing produce a very rare event that was KABUL: Plumes of smoke billowed
Reporting the first research warned. so much more and so much faster worsened by climate change, or over an Afghan provincial capital
attributing the event to climate than all other extreme events. climate change has altered the yesterday as fighting raged
change on Wednesday, scientists “People need to realise that heat atmospheric conditions so that this between the Taliban and
said climate change had made such waves are killers, and they are by far “Heat preparation and type of heat wave is now more government forces for a second
a heat wave in the region 150 times the deadliest extreme event,” said preventing death during heat waves common than previously straight day. The government flew
more likely. co-author Friederike Otto, a climate need to be a No. 1 priority for every understood. hundreds of commandos into
scientist at the University of Oxford city authority,” said Otto. Qala-i-Naw, in northwestern
The scientists estimated the and co-leader of the World Weather Either way, industry-driven Badghis province, the first
extraordinary temperatures were a Attribution, an international The heat wave gripped parts of climate change played a key and regional capital to face an all-out
one-in-a-thousand-year event, but scientific collective that published the United States and Canada for considerable role, according to the assault by the Taliban since the US
noted this was difficult to quantify the study. days at the end of June, smashing study. – Reuters stepped up its troop withdrawal.
records in dozens of cities. “The Taliban have resumed their
attacks from several directions,“
South Africa’s ex-president starts serving jail term for contempt Badghis Governor Hessamuddin
Shams said. “Our security forces
JOHANNESBURG: Jacob Zuma the ruling African National Former corruption buster and laundering that proliferated are bravely fighting them.” – AFP
yesterday began a 15-month Congress. ex-ombudsman Thuli Madonsela under Zuma, it said.
sentence for contempt of court, hailed it as a “glorious day, in that it Dubai authorities
becoming post-apartheid South South Africa’s top court on June says that the rule of law prevails”. The Nelson Mandela Foundation probe port blast
Africa’s first president to be jailed 29 slapped Zuma with a 15-month struck a similar note.
after a drama that campaigners said term for refusing an order to appear If he had not gone to prison, “it DUBAI: Authorities here were
ended in a victory for rule of law. before a probe into the corruption would have sent shock waves to the “His legal strategy has been one investigating an explosion on a
that entangled his nine years in system”, she said. of obfuscation and delay, ultimately container ship carrying flammable
Zuma, 79, reported to prison power. in an attempt to render our judicial materials that unleashed a fireball at
early yesterday after mounting a “The law cannot be mocked and processes unintelligible. one of the world’s busiest ports and
last-ditch legal bid and stoking As police warned he faced arrest challenged with impunity. If the sent shock waves through the city.
defiance among radical supporters from 12am yesterday, Zuma handed leader can go to prison, then so can “It is tempting to regard Zuma’s
who had rallied at his rural home. himself in to a jail in the rural town of anyone,” said opposition party arrest as the end of the road. But this Firefighters rushed to the scene at
Estcourt in his home province of Democratic Alliance. is merely another phase in what we Jebel Ali Port to tackle the blaze that
His battle transfixed the country, KwaZulu-Natal. believe will be a long and fraught broke out on Wednesday night on
placing a spotlight on the issue of But the contempt sentence did journey. It is vital that Zuma and his Comoros-flagged MV Ocean Trader,
impunity and tensions within Many hailed his incarceration as not address the wider corruption, supporters be held accountable which authorities said had been
a watershed moment. fraud, racketeering and money every step of the way.” – AFP preparing to dock.

Flames and smoke poured from
the ship but authorities said the blaze
was doused within 40 minutes and
there were no casualties, with all 14
crew evacuated in time.

Police said that the summer heat,
already hovering above 40°C in the
Gulf city, may have been a factor.

“Jebel Ali Port authorities are
continuing an extensive investigation
on the cause of the fire and its
circumstances,” said the Dubai Media
Office in a statement yesterday.

Residents of apartment towers
that line the city’s coast reported
hearing a loud bang and then felt
windows and doors shaking after the
fireball shot into the sky. – AFP

8 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Ameen Kamal

Vaccination key to national recovery
NATIONAL Covid-19 Immunisation
Programme Coordinating Minister variants in other countries to guide vaccine type, sequencing results (linking to restrictions. The excruciating pain of the
Khairy Jamaluddin said the next three procurement decisions for Malaysia’s current virus variants) and other patient information economic sector is understood and empathised
months will be crucial for the and future vaccine pipeline. If there is the can potentially help provide guidance for but it would be unwise to open up fast and
vaccination campaign. EMIR Research luxury of time and options, then of course, vaccine procurement decisions, development enjoy what could be a temporary economic
supports this view and presents some strategies vaccines that work best against new and of other pandemic management strategies and relief or being temporarily higher up in some
and success factors that must be given attention emerging variants, help reduce infection and serve as a basis for vaccine passports monthly ranking.
to complement the effort. transmission (not only disease severity and implementation which can help open up
deaths), and provide high levels of protection borders and the economy. Such hasty moves may only be fuelling the
Khairy pointed out that the vaccination rate even with one dose, would be preferred. Extrapolating the experience of other next wave, and another total blanket lockdown
is going well at the moment, with average daily Given that updating vaccines may take time countries, it is crucial to ensure people will only result in more business closures, job
doses surpassing earlier targets. Slight dips in and the above-mentioned vaccinated with only one dose do losses and mental health issues. We may not be
daily rates that are not prolonged should not be strategies may not work in the not become careless and start to able to economically afford another major
an issue as long it is part of an overall increasing “In treading thisimmediate term, perhaps mixing forego physical distancing rules, nationwide restriction but we certainly cannot
trend and the overall average rate meets the proper hygiene practices and bring back the dead either.
target. different vaccines should also be
studied (through primary and delicate balance, other standard operating Therefore, in treading this delicate balance,
More importantly, the effectiveness of the secondary data) for efficacy against it is only procedures (SOP). This was it is only reasonable that vaccination campaigns
various initiatives to ramp up vaccination pace variants of concern, such as the reasonable that reported as one of the main factors should increase prioritisation of the economic
will largely rely on consistent vaccine supply, in Delta variant. Thus, genetic vaccination for Chile to experience a strict sector in the coming months to safely
which more doses are expected to arrive soon. sequencing has to be increased campaigns lockdown despite vaccinating complement the gradual reopening of phase
accordingly. nearly 60% of its people. two of the National Recovery Plan.
As supply bottleneck is expected to be
alleviated for the next few months, potential Although we expect an increase There have been reports of low Aligned with EMIR Research’s
local hiccups must be ironed out. Authorities in vaccine supply, there could be single-dose effectiveness against recommendation to shift focus on the
are getting ready to handle this surge in supply hiccups and any number of doses the Delta variant, which is economic sector in its “Exit strategy building
but the people must also be ready to support should increaseis still valuable. In this regard, increasingly becoming the blocks for Malaysia” published on June 17,
this by registering and showing up at dominant variant globally. Khairy reported that the next few weeks of the
vaccination appointments. recent studies by researchers from vaccination programme shall start to focus on
prioritisation ofthe University of California Officials at vaccination centres the manufacturing, transport, construction and
We must realise that things may not go as should practise reminding this plantation sectors, involving the target of
planned and we have to be mentally and supported the notion of the 300,000 workers to be vaccinated.
strategically prepared for this. the economicsufficiency to give only one dose to issue to people coming in to get
their jabs. We would like to restate our call to shift focus
Upon observing experiences in other people that were infected by to as many economic sectors as possible in the
countries that have vaccinated a significant sector in theCovid-19 before. This could free up It is worth reminding that even following months, ensuring mid-tier
percentage of their population, we have to take if we get vaccines (even updated companies and micro, small and medium
note of the likelihood where vaccines may not additional doses for others. enterprises be prioritised (not just limited to the
be working as well as they should or as well as coming monthsThat said, such studies, as well ones), vaccinated people may still essential sectors). These are the companies that
we would need it to. This may include shorter carry and transmit the virus. It may are most affected, and therefore, most in need
immunity retainment and/or lower as cases of reinfection amongst of protection.
effectiveness than expected. vaccinated individuals indicate the to safely not have to be this way in the
need for booster doses for all. The complement the future, but that is for a separate Understandably, it will take time to
This is compounded with the potential said study is also limited to mRNA gradual discussion. vaccinate the economic sector, so it is crucial to
impact of virus variants bypassing vaccine- vaccines and it remains to be reopening of ensure as many businesses stay afloat through
induced immunity. That is, mutation is faster verified if other vaccine types phase two of The point is that the improving and increasing safety nets, such as
and significant enough to circumvent immunity would elicit a similar response. combination of more those recommended by EMIR Research’s post-
to parental or other strains, even if immunity is Also, it is uncertain if the strategy is transmissible variants such as the review of Pemulih stimulus package.
retained longer. sufficient to protect against new Delta variant and waning
variants. immunity magnifies the impact of Time will tell if current vaccines would
Combining these potential factors with lax the NationalGlobal experiences also appear increased human interaction. It is perform as well as we need it to or if virus
human behaviour (leading to higher intensity of also important to keep in mind variants would throw a wrench in the recovery
careless human interactions) after only to indicate that we cannot just that no vaccines are 100% plan. In the meantime, we focus on what we can
receiving one dose could generate the perfect Recovery Plan.assume everyone receiving effective, and these unlucky control.
recipe for a surge in new cases and a new, more individuals that are not
uncontrollable wave. These factors may have vaccines will develop sufficient If we can learn from other countries, stay
contributed to some countries reinstating immunity and retain it for a long successfully immunised can move united as a society, make the vaccination
movement restrictions despite a relatively large time. The potential need for a about and infect others. programme successful and be disciplined in
vaccinated population. booster shot (which could be The recent rise in local cases adhering to the SOP even when vaccinated,
within months of the second dose) indicate a and R-naught value could be attributed to a then we can safely (and sustainably) loosen
Nevertheless, vaccines appear to be the only response to declining immunity levels. Thus, combination of human interaction and/or internal restrictions, open up borders and the
option for now and it is important to widen all pharmacovigilance post vaccination needs to more transmissible viruses – something that a entire economy. Our actions in the next few
sources of vaccines to be procured. In view of account for monitoring and measurement of “total” lockdown could have prevented or months will shape Malaysia’s trajectory towards
new and emerging variants, it is crucial that immunological status. minimised, saving us from the recently recovery.
authorities insist that the purchase of new It is noted that the US Food and Drugs enforced enhanced movement control order. It
vaccine batches (perhaps even batches that Administration (FDA) currently does not would appear some people have the propensity Ameen Kamal is the Head of Science &
have not arrived) be an “updated” version, if recommend testing immunity levels post to learn things the hard way, and only now are Technology at EMIR Research, an independent
possible. vaccination, but the information could be the authorities rejecting International Trade
stored by health authorities for its own internal and Industry Ministry’s permission letters. think tank focused on strategic policy
Authorities must diligently take into account use, instead of public self-management. Despite Bloomberg’s weightage on recommendations based on rigorous research.
findings relating to vaccine types and virus As more research on Covid-19 antibody tests economic and border openness, we should not
emerge, combining this information with blindly rush into subsequent phases and ease Comments: [email protected]

Malaysians raise white flag for hope

LETTERS which can be accessed via any web browser, to initiatives, which are not for now! They do not Depression. I believe, we will survive this
further boost this campaign. care or understand the graphs, charts or the situation if we are truly honest with our
[email protected] mathematics of it all. intentions and have well-thought-out
The White Flag is precedented by other mechanisms in place.
WE stand at what may be the most ironic outreach programmes where several Neither can they survive a one-time
moment in modern history. Although we are in businesses and non-governmental handout. They want to go back to work. The In times like this, it is tempting to be
isolation, we must reach out to a fellow organisations have been providing food aid to workers should be vaccinated. The employers pessimistic and fearful, particularly if we do not
Malaysian who is desperately hoping that a those in need. The “Free Makan Campaign” by can pay for the vaccination if they want to open have confidence or hope for recovery. More so,
white flag hoisted outside his home will speak Brickfields Asia College (BAC) raised RM400,000 up their factories. The nationwide lockdown if the view from where we are locked down, is
of his dilemma. and helped feed 40,000 people, in the last two was tightened further on Saturday, banning further blurred by political and leadership crisis.
months. Petronas stations across have begun a people in certain areas from leaving their Present leaders and opposition parties should
And that lone and disabled man, Mohamad “Community Food Box” at their petrol stations. homes except to buy food and necessities. Food not be exploiting the present dynamics of the
Nor Abdullah’s white flag was spotted by Individuals, who are not doing well themselves, truck operators selling nasi lemak, burgers and period for their self-interest.
strangers who instantaneously came to his have gone with packets of self-cooked food and rojak, who depend on the daily sales will tell
rescue with food and cash. distributed them to the needy. you the realities of their struggle. The issues are real. This is surely not the time.
There is an obvious difference between
It has come to this. A white flag in surrender. On June 28, Malaysia announced its latest Overcoming starvation is not a task of what the State of the Day is actually doing now
The white flag or #benderaputih was economic stimulus package, named Pemulih, in charity. It is an act of moral justice. The problem and what it is capable of doing. If individuals
initiated by Izat Abu Talib, a soup kitchen response to the indefinite extension of the of hunger does not exist in isolation. It is can care enough to bring change for one
veteran, and his friends to help those who are national lockdown. The RM150 billion package wrapped up with a host of other maladies. If left person at one time, establishments should be
starving during this Covid-19 pandemic. The included RM10 billion in direct fiscal spending unchecked this will spin off yet another surely be able to do better. Looks like at this
team had made a pledge to provide food by the government in the form of wage multitude of related problems and issues. point, the smallest form of kindness is worth
provisions to those who display a white flag. subsidies, unemployment assistance, and cash more than the grandest of intentions.
Other morally responsible Malaysians have aid. Covid is going to be here for a while. We The white flag is not only for those who need
driven around their neighbourhood looking for cannot magically wish it away altogether. The food. Today, every Malaysian is raising a white
white flags and responded directly. If this phenomenal amount of money did disease or the consequences will not disappear flag hoping for a defined, durable, resilient and
Appeals for help have gone viral on social not reach a disabled desperate starving person, for a while. We should work around it. The sustainable plan that will save us all.
media platforms. Three students, Sidharrth then we seriously need to re-look at the intent disease started as a health crisis, and then a
Nagappan, Cornelius Pang and Shaun Mak, and facilitation of our compensatory vicious cycle of economic stagnation, and now Vasanthi Ramachandran is an author,
developed a web application Sambal SOS, mechanisms. it is a silent pandemic of hunger and starvation. brand strategist and runs the NGO
Helping Hands.
People in need cannot fathom the The world has survived world wars,
magnitude of billion ringgit packages or future pandemics and even the 1930s Great

ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021

The Joy of Reading

>>> Page S3

What you can do @ home during this lockdown period Ativa: Fun, naughty
>>> Page S4&S5 little SUV

>>> Page 6

S2 Buzz

theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021

o Here are some of the best escape/prison break films to watch
during this enforced lockdown period

█ BY ADELINE LEONG She soon realises she is being begins a new life at the Shawshank prison escape film revolving around Evans) takes charge to lead a
forced to relive the day of her murder, maximum security prison, forming a three siblings played by Channing revolution against the elite class. The
IT’S ironic to watch films about over and over again. The only way to close friendship with an older inmate Tatum, Adam Driver and Riley popular film has been made into a TV
people trying to get out while break the time loop is to find out who named Red (Morgan Freeman). Both Keough. The Logan siblings plan to series starring Jennifer Connelly,
we’re all under a lockdown. killed her. men bond over a number of years rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway Daveed Diggs and Sean Bean.
However, the genre is packed and find eventual redemption though during a NASCAR race but in order to 0 Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
with enough thrills and twists to give The first film earned itself a sequel acts of common decency. do so, they need to recruit a pro Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is the
you an ‘escape’ from your daily grind. titled Happy Death Day 2U, with a 0 Holes safecracker to help. The guy they third instalment to the Jumanji
0 Escape Room: Tournament of third film – Happy Death Day To Us – After being wrongfully convicted of want, Joe Bang (Daniel Craig), is franchise, and a direct sequel to
Champions currently in development. stealing a pair of sneakers, Stanley currently serving a prison sentence Jumanji (1995). Twenty-one years
This sequel picks up from the events Yelnats IV is sent to a brutal juvenile and they soon hatch a plan to break after the events in the first film, the
of the first film, which followed a 0 Toy Story 3 detention camp named Camp Green him out of jail. Jumanji boardgame transforms itself
group of people who were kidnapped Woody and his friends are donated to Lake. At the camp, Stanley is quickly into a video game and traps a group
and forced to navigate a deadly a daycare and are excited to try put to work digging cylindrical holes 0 Out of Sight of teenagers in a video game quest.
escape room game until only one something new. When they realise with the other inmates. When asked Directed by Steven Soderbergh, Out of
person survived. This time, the evil the daycare is run by a tyrannical why, they are just told digging holes Sight has been touted by film critics The film starring Dwayne
and mysterious organisation named teddy bear named Lotso, the gang will help them build character. As for showing the best performances of Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black,
Minos has gathered all of the past desperately devise a plan to break out time goes by, Stanley gradually learns George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez to Karen Gillan and Nick Jonas received
‘champions’ – and really put them to and return to their beloved Andy. the mystery of the tunnels – and how date. much praise for its performances and
the test. it might even help break his family’s Jack Foley (Clooney) is the most overall storytelling. The success of the
What makes this particular film a generational curse. successful bank robber in the country film spawned a sequel, with a third
The first film was praised for its standout for adults as well are the and he manages to film currently in development.
clever traps and smart twists. To ramp numerous references to the other 0 King of Devil’s Island burst out of jail. Hot on
up the thrill, director Adam Robitel great escape movies before it, such as This thriller tops many film lists his tail is Federal
said there will be new escape rooms, The Great Escape and Escape From simply because it’s based on a real Marshal Karen Sisco
and brand new traps. The film will be Alcatraz. Toy Story 3 is also seared prison colony for young boys on the (Lopez) who’s
released on July 16, 2021. into the minds of many fans until cold Bastøy Island in Norway. In the enamoured by Foley.
today due to a terrifying scene near prison camp, the youths are abused The cat and mouse
0 Happy Death Day the end of the film. and used as cheap labour by the chase comes to a head
Happy Death Day is a 2017 black 0 The Shawshank Redemption sadistic guards and officials of the when they decide to
comedy slasher film praised for its The Shawshank Redemption (1994) school. But when a new boy arrives take the risk to find out
fiendishly fresh sci-fi premise. remains one of the most iconic and on the island, it sets off a series of if there’s more between
College student Theresa Gelbman emotional prison break films today. events that kicks off a rebellion, and them.
(Jessica Rothe) wakes up on her The film is based on a novella by an audacious escape plan.
birthday, with some minor memory Stephen King, and details the story of 0 Logan Lucky 0 Snowpiercer
loss. She goes about her day but is an innocent man who is sent to Logan Lucky is a half-heist, half- Directed by Bong Joon-
suddenly killed by a mysterious prison for life. ho, the story set aboard
masked figure. the Snowpiercer train
Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is is brought to life by a
framed for his wife’s murder and star-studded cast.
Earth has suffered a
devastating climate
change event, and the
last remnants of
humanity are forced to
survive on a large train
which travels all over
the globe. Life on the
inside is divided by
class and status.

Sick of receiving
poor treatment in the
lower-class tail-section,
Curtis Everett (Chris

Buzz S3

theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021

█ BY ADELINE LEONG o Here are our picks for books that can make Readers will enjoy diving into the lush adventures. If you’re looking for a
NUMEROUS this lockdown period a little more bearable world of the Grishaverse. good dose of historical adventure like
studies The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ the Da Vinci Code or Indiana Jones,
conducted last year found Klune Reilly’s Jack West Jr series is a good
that the number of people The House in the Cerulean Sea is an pick. The story revolves around Jack, a
reading books surged enchanting story about discovering former Australian SAS specialist, and
during the global locakdown caused family in an unexpected place. his team as they race around the
by the Covid-19 pandemic. globe and explore the secrets of the
And no wonder, considering that Linus Barker works as a Case ancient kingdoms in order to save the
larges swathes of the population were Worker at the Department in Charge world from corrupt and violent forces.
trapped indoors and looking for of Magical Youth. He’s tasked with
various ways to entertain themselves. overseeing the wellbeing of children There are already six books to
Reading habits also underwent a who are housed in government- binge read while waiting for the last
change, with more people reporting sanctioned orphanages. book in the series to be released in
that they had developed an appetite October this year.
for thrillers and light-hearted fiction One day, he’s given a curious and Mind Platter by Najwa Zebian
stories. Interest in dystopian fiction highly classified assignment to travel In these trying times, Najwa Zebian’s
plummeted, perhaps spurred by the to Marsyas Island Orphanage where Mind Platter offers some solace to
fact that such books were hitting a six dangerous children reside. everyone who feels like they’re
little too close to home. struggling. Her collection of musings
Now, as Malaysians are well into a However, secrets begin to unravel about life, love, friendship, hurt,
third lockdown, many are looking for the longer he stays on the island, and motivation, honesty, integrity and
new titles to sink their teeth into. Here he’ll soon have to make a difficult and more provide much needed
are some of our favourites: damning choice: destroy a home – or reassurance to those who feels
watch the world burn. unheard and misunderstood.
Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia
Quinn What drew most readers, even
The Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn those who don’t like self-help books,
is a good read for those who are is how her thoughts give readers hope
looking for something light and that life will and can get better.
romantic to lift the pandemic blues. If Emotional Detox: 7 Steps to Release
the title sounds familiar, it’s because Toxicity and Energize Joy by
the book has been adapted into a Sherianna Boyle
popular TV series, too. Bad news seems to be everywhere
lately, and with the never ending
Readers get to mingle with high Covid-19 pandemic, it can be hard to
society while saucy narrator Lady tune out negative thoughts and
Whistledown spills the gossip and feelings of despair. In this book, Boyle
stirs the pot. The books chiefly follow has created a revolutionary 7-step
each sibling in the Bridgerton family C.L.E.A.N.S.E. method to help
in their quest to find true love. everyone get rid of negativity, fear,
worry, anger and doubt. The method
The Bridgertons are a family of also helps guide you back towards a
nine – eight siblings and a widowed natural, energised state of pure joy
mother – and they are a well and acceptance.
respected and favoured family in
British high society. Fortunately, If you want to start practicing new
there are nine books in the series for positive habits in your life, this book
readers to obsess and fawn over. will help you on your journey of self-
Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew improvement.
Reilly
Australian author Matthew Reilly
writes fast-paced action thriller

KL Noir: Magic McCray Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
After a long hiatus, the KL Noir series Cheyenne McCray’s Magic series The popular book has been adapted
is back with a bang! Featuring stories showcases an award-winning into a critically acclaimed TV series of
from 20 local writers – including combination of romance and fantasy the same name. Shadow and Bone is
theSun’s former entertainment writer to sweep readers off their feet. The part of a trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
Bissme S. – readers get to explore the paranormal romance story follows which tells the journey of Alina
fictional (or is it?) underbelly of our Silver Ashcroft, a D’Anu witch, who Starkov, a teenage orphan who grows
beloved city. Readers will be witnessed demons attacking her up in a Russia-inspired land called
entertained with stories about coven. Ravka.
vampire slayers, well-dressed
pontianaks and a bar hostess with a The only warriors who have During a dangerous excursion
secret. defeated these demons in the past are with the army, she unexpectedly
Becoming by Michelle Obama the Tuatha D’Danann, and she can harnesses a rare, legendary power she
Have you been putting in the work only summon them using grey magic. never she knew she had when she
but don’t seem to see the results and However, there is a problem. The tries to protect her best friend, Malyen
aren’t sure where it all goes? Michelle more she uses grey magic, the harder Oretsev.
Obama felt the same way, and tells it it is to avoid using dark magic. Using
all in this autobiography. Told in a grey magic also draws the enemies This power quickly put her in the
conversational style, she shares closer to her. crosshairs of several dangerous
stories about her childhood, her people, such as the ever handsome
upbringing, the values instilled in her There are six books in the Magic Aleksander Morozova, who may not
and how her own family rose to series to keep readers hooked. have her best interests in mind.
become one of the first families of the
United States of America.

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths
The Crossing Places is the first book in
Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway murder
mystery series. Set in Norfolk, the first
book follows Dr Ruth Galloway, a
forensic archaeologist and academic
at a university who gets called to
investigate an old case.

The police find the bones of a
child on a desolate beach and believe
them to be the remains of a child who
went missing a decade ago. The
abductor continues to taunt
authorities with bizarre clues and the
police need all the help they can get
to contain the panic.

With 13 books in the series,
readers will be happily occupied in
this long lockdown.

Forbidden Magic by Cheyenne

S4 Buzz

theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021

o If you’re feeling a little lost, here are 20 productive
things to do to chase the lockdown blues away!

█ BY ADELINE LEONG now, it only makes sense to give it a thorough to switch jobs in this job climate. Before making that you would not be able to listen to music.
clean, because we don’t know when we’ll any hasty decision, it’s advisable to take stock of When you’re working from home or stuck indoors
ARE you feeling lethargic after staying have the chance to do so again. It’s also a and update your resume, CV and other during a lockdown, you can listen to anything you
at home for months? You may be good time to reorganise the kitchen professional accounts. This is so you know what want. Why not spend some time going over music
limited to four walls during this cupboards and chuck out whatever that is skills you need to add and brush up on, before albums and discover something new?
pandemic, but it doesn’t need to be unneeded anymore. checking in with your professional network.
boring. Here are some productive activities Sharpen cooking skills Take an online course With YouTube and Spotify you can listen to new
you can do to inject some spark and Give your Maggi noodles a rest, and start It’s also a good time to brush up on your music from your favourite genres, or find a list of
excitement into your life. learning how to cook proper meals. Even professional portfolio and gain new skills, or pick best albums for the genre and listen to them all!
Learn a new language celebrities such as David Beckham, John up a new hobby. Either way, it’ll help kill boredom Create your own playlist and share it with friends
Learning a new language can open many Legend and Henry Cavill are using their free while you learn something new, such as picking and family members, or even have impromptu
doors for you, especially when it comes to time to improve their cooking skills. You can up sign language. With online learning courses singalong sessions. Music is a brilliant way to
your career. With this extra time under easily learn how to cook or bake using online available, we can learn anything we want from the chase away the lockdown blues.
lockdown, you can brush up your command recipes, cook books and even through comfort of our own home. If you’re hard up for Experiment on social media
of a second language you’ve learned, or pick Youtube videos. cash, you can find a treasure trove of information You might use Facebook to connect with friends
up another language. Thanks to technology, Organise the wardrobe on websites like Youtube. and family, and LinkedIn for your professional
we can easily learn new languages by using After cleaning the house, you can move on Make the dream bucket list profile, but you can do so much more than that.
an app such as Duolingo, or enrol ourselves and start organising the wardrobe. You’ll The idea of travelling may seem miles away, but Why not join the online communities like Reddit
in an online class. definitely realise that there are some clothing it’s better to have an idea right now rather than and Pinterest and connect with like-minded
Enrich the mind through podcasts items which you’ll never wear again. These wait until much later. List down the things you people from around the world on subjects that
Are you bored of watching films and TV clothes should be packed and given away. want to do or places you want to go once the matter to you. From discussions on your favourite
shows? If so, listening to podcasts may be well Soon, the wardrobe will look neater with lockdown is over and it’s safe to travel. Marvel TV series character to parenting, there is a
worth your time. Listening to podcasts which more space to boot. whole wide world waiting to be discovered.
hold great discussions about interesting Repair old clothes Making a bucket list in this prolonged
topics can help enrich your mind and You might find old clothes you still love but it lockdown can also help lift up the mood a little Or you might want to try something a little
worldview. Since podcasts can come in any just require a minor repair. It could be a stitch and spark an inspiration, which is better than more fun and creative like TikTok and Snapchat.
genre, there’s something for everyone. You to close up a hole in the jacket pocket or to get moping around daily. The possibilities are endless!
can tune in to comedy shows and crime a zipper unstuck. With just a few minutes of Listen to more music Keep in touch with family and friends
stories, or even start your own podcast. concentration and work, your old clothes will While in a normal working environment, it is likely Despite being isolated from the people we usually
Read a book look brand new again, with strangers none spend time with, we also have more means to
During this long period of self-quarantine, it’s the wiser of the ‘magic’ you performed. remain connected to them than ever before. Make
the perfect time to tackle your ever-mounting Perfect the art of the manicure
pile of unread books. Reading can help With nail salons prevented from operating,
improve your vocabulary, provide your manicure addicts have no choice but to
imagination with an escape to other worlds, perfect the art of painting their nails with
and teach you something new. With the salon-like quality. You can take the free time
availability of ebooks online, you can resume now to learn how to draw nail art at home. For
your joy of reading without worrying about nail art inspiration, hit up Pinterest or watch
bookshelf space. video tutorials online. Manicure supplies can
Learn to play a music instrument be easily ordered online too.
Many do not realise that playing a musical Start a herb garden
instrument helps to stimulate the brain and Starting a herb garden at home will pay off in
help improve memory and abstract the long run. With a herb garden at home,
reasoning skills. In other words, playing a you’ll never run out of herb and spices, and
musical instrument helps make us smarter. there’s no need to run to the store to stock up.
It’s time to dust off your piano or re-tune your Having herbs on hand will also enhance the
guitar, and start playing. If you don’t know flavours of your cooking in a healthy manner.
how, it’s never too late to learn. There are Some of the herbs to plant include basil,
numerous online classes now ranging from rosemary, cilantro and mint.
beginner to advanced levels. Update your resume and CV
Clean the house Some of us might be out of a job or planning
Since we’re spending a lot of time at home

Buzz S5

theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021

time to catch-up and have a virtual drink with your your thoughts is a good way to destress and
friends and family. From Zoom to Microsoft potentially get a fresh perspective to a problem
Teams, there are a ton of apps you can use for this you’re facing.
purpose. Subscribe to a streaming service
Get Artistic While watching a stimulating TV series on the
If DIY and gardening is not your thing, but you’d streaming service of your choice is a great way to
still like to do something creative, you might want pass the time, it can also lead to prolonged periods
to consider art and crafts. Give yourself room to of unproductivity as you find yourself binge-
express yourself and channel your creative juices watching on the sofa all day long. What you can do
via painting. You can paint canvasses, doodle on a is split your watching habits equally between your
sketchpad or rope your kids in for a fun time with favourite shows and something educational like
colouring books. documentaries, biographies and the like.
Meditate
Going a step further, you can also try knitting, While taking up a new self improvement project or
candle-making or jewellery-making. Explore learning something new during this lockdown
various websites that provide guides and ideas on period keeps you productive, mental stress can
arts and crafts activities you can undertake during also quickly build up, especially during these
this period of increased downtime. uncertain times. As such, you should also be
Start a blog, vlog or journal mindful of your surroundings as well as your
Keeping track of your thoughts, activities and wellbeing whilst in quarantine, and meditation is
learnings is always a good idea – and a highly an excellent way to help you get a bit of peace of
productive one at that. You might look back at this mind.
time and process your memories or even process
your thoughts for the day or the week that has Find a quiet space, light some candles and clear
passed. your mind with some therapeutic meditation
music. Meditation is one of the best things you can
You can do this privately on your computer, do right now to relieve stress and improve your
smartphone or even a notebook. Challenge wellbeing.
yourself and take it step further by setting up a
personal blog and share your thoughts with the Headspace.com is a good place to start if you
world! Taking 10 to 15 minutes a day to pen down are new to meditation and mindfulness.

RED ROAD SAFETY

MEANS YOISUR
STOP! RESPONSIBILITY
ON FRIDAY A Community Campaign

NOVEMBER 2J3U,L2Y0198, 2021 by

Fun, naughty
little SUV
o Despite its deceivingly small engine, Perodua’s Ativa easily lives up to its name...

█ BY AZLAN RAMLI and exiting the company’s premises, I floored asthma from the vehicle. I was actually drive it through the Rawang Bypass to return to
the accelerator and whoosh, we lurched delighted. This one “got power lahhh!” Petaling Jaya and feel whether those “just”
JUST a thousand cc?? With three cylinders forward almost immediately. It felt like driving 998cc and three cylinders could do a decent job
for an SUV?”, “Can go up the highlands ah? those super-compact, turbocharged 660cc The first few kilometres upon leaving in hauling the SUV around Malaysia.
Not enough power lahh!” – those were the Japanese kei cars. Those of you who many years Perodua’s HQ did not reveal a lot more of the
common initial reactions by my colleagues ago replaced your poor little Kancil engines Ativa’s performance, due to the busy traffic. From the trunk road, we went up the bypass’
and friends to the Perodua Ativa’s engine type with turbocharged 660cc Daihatsu Mira units viaduct along a short and exhilarating ascend;
and displacement, when details of it made the (or at least being in or have driven such a car However, once I was on the main road which the Ativa’s stable of horses and torque range
rounds before its launch on March 3 this year. belonging to a friend) will know what I mean. was part of the old Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh trunk more than sufficient to power us all the way to
road, the SUV showed promising enthusiasm, the highest point, which is the highest roadway
Even with a turbocharged engine, making it There were no complaints from the engine, despite its 1,035kg kerb weight (excluding the viaduct in Malaysia too.
the first blown Perodua – and a name that no long wait for the speedometer numbers to go garish Perodua in-house developed optional
means “active” in Portuguese – a large number up and up and certainly no symptoms of bodykit and interior accessories you can see in Obviously, the turbocharging in the Ativa
of the public, including Perodua users too, till these photos here). I was looking forward to adds a very significant advantage to its
today are still sceptical of its capability, where
the old Kembara SUV comes to mind. As it is,
the Aruz MPV turned off many who were
considering a compact MPV, looking at it as
“underpowered”. Those people somehow
overlook the fact that the Kembara and Aruz do
not have turbocharging, unlike the Ativa.

It shows how test drives (aside from very
attractive looks and pricing!) are the ultimate
seller for many if not all cars, since many people
out there will forever not fully understand what
forced induction actually does and what to
make of those power and torque figures given
out by car companies in their press releases,
brochures and advertisements.

Despite my not attending Perodua’s media
sneak preview and sampling of the Ativa before
its official launch, I was expecting its
turbocharged, three-pot 1.0-litre unit to
sufficiently haul the SUV, as if it has a non-
turbocharged, four-cylinder 1.5-litre engine.
But I did not expect it to exceed my expectation.

After all, it has very close power figures to the
seven-seater, four-cylindered 1.5-litre Aruz,
with the Ativa putting out a maximum of 97hp at
6,000rpm and 140Nm of maximum torque
between 2,400rpm and 4,000rpm, as compared
to the Aruz’s 100.5hp at 6,000rpm and 133Nm at
4,200rpm.

What I forgot to take into account was that
the Ativa is about 275kg lighter than the Aruz.
That, plus its higher maximum torque along a
wider rev range give the SUV a very significant
power-to-weight advantage, i.e. it has a whole
lot more grunt than its MPV colleague and also
the old Nautica SUV (remember this one?).

Right after picking up an Ativa 1.0L Turbo H
variant from Perodua at its HQ near Rawang

Out & About theSun on friday 7
JULY 9, 2021

UMW Toyota to
mass-produce
hybrid EVs
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) on
Monday announced its direction over the past 20 years.
and “exciting” plans for the future In April this year, Toyota announced an
of the automotive industry in the electric vehicle strategy that will result in 15
country, as it champions carbon neutrality to new BEVs released by 2025.
pave the way for the mass production of In total, Toyota is committed to have 70
hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). electrified vehicle models by 2025, including
vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel-cell
electric, battery-electric and hybrid electric,
‘Global vision, Malaysian effort’ towards offering a range of “diverse choices”
The initiative is driven by Toyota Motor for its customers.
Corporation’s (TMC) global commitment to In Malaysia, UMWT will invest a further
deliver “mobility for all” and produce RM270 million locally into expanding its
“happiness for all” through its commitment current manufacturing operations and
towards a “Clean, Safe and Secure Society”. facility. This amount includes, amongst
To realise this, TMC has committed to others, the introduction of a new and
carbon neutrality by 2050, in a practical and technologically-advanced generation of
sustainable manner. It is also part of the plan HEV.
to produce a full line-up of low-emission That investment is on top of an earlier
vehicles through its electrification plans; this RM2 billion that went into the construction
will meet diversified mobility and commissioning of its new plant
demands all over the world. (pix) in Bukit Raja, Selangor.
UMWT deputy Regarded as one of the
chairman Akio most modern, most
Takeyama said: advanced and most
“This is indeed an efficient Toyota
exciting time for plants in Asia, the
the Malaysian Bukit Raja facility
automotive is already well
industry and positioned at the
UMW Toyota forefront of
Motor is fully Malaysia’s aspiration
charged and ready to to becoming a
champion this regional automotive hub
Malaysian dream. In order in energy efficient vehicles
to achieve this, the most realistic, (EEV).
practical and immediate solution is Toyota The plant’s environmental footprint
hybrid electric technology and vehicles. includes the installation of 2MW of solar
“The mass production and growing panels and in its ability to collect and recycle
acceptance of HEV will lead to the entire 156 cubic metres of rainwater.
automotive eco-system evolving to embrace It also holds the distinction of featuring
a more conscious and concerted effort in the lowest volatile organic compound
reducing Malaysia’s carbon footprint. emissions in Asia with the installation of a
regenerative thermal oxidiser.
HEV is ‘immediate way forward’ “Toyota hybrid electric vehicles (HEV)
Toyota is one of earliest pioneers of hybrid are at their most advanced today, and
electric technology and has evolved and presents itself as the most realistic,
advanced the technology over the last 20- immediate, economical and practical
plus years. solution for mass market production and
performance, if you are still wondering whether now detect two-wheeled vehicles as well as sale in terms of reduced CO2 emission,
the SUV is slightly more powerful than the non- function at night – consists of pre-collision As of today, it has sold more than 17 convenient usage, and price acceptance by
turbocharged three-cylinder Peroduas – the warning, pre-collison braking, front departure million HEVs, plug-in HEVs (PHEV), customers,” said Takeyama.
1.0-litre Bezza variant, Axia and the older Viva, alert and pedal misoperation control. battery-electric vehicles (BEV) and For Malaysian car buyers, the local
Kelisa and Kenari. hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) manufacturing of Toyota HEVs would
The Driving Assist packages lane departure worldwide. translate into advancing into a new era of
The first truly smart partnership between warning, lane departure prevention, adaptive motoring, one that gives them access to the
Perodua and its technical and technology cruise control, lane keep control and blind spot Toyota’s cumulative contribution to CO2 latest and most innovative technologies, at a
partner Daihatsu, the Ativa is Perodua’s first monitor. reduction equates to 17 million cars that has price point that is practical and accessible to
turbocharged vehicle, its first to use a resulted in removing 140 million tonnes of the greater masses.
continuously variable transmission and its first The Parking Assist system has front corner CO2 or approximately 1.5 million
to satisfy Autonomous Driving Level 2 sensors**, rear corner sensors, reverse camera** conventional passenger vehicles per year
standards (only in the 1.0L Turbo AV variant). and rear cross traffic alert* systems, while the
Speedy fun the Headlamp Assist has auto high beam *** and
With two cousins, I drove the Ativa on a joyride adaptive driving beam** systems.
to Morib, Selangor, from Kuala Lumpur, along
mostly highways. Most of the time, we travelled The Ativa variants, colours and final prices
at a above illegal speeds in relative comfort, with (on-the-road before insurance for Peninsular
the Ativa’s engine singing an enthusiastic-but- Malaysia) are:
not-angry tune all the way. It was also a delight 0 X: Glittering Silver/Granite Grey/Cobalt Blue
that its fuel consumption was not a concern, (metallic colours), RM61,500
despite my heavy right foot. 0 H: Glittering Silver/Granite Grey/Cobalt Blue
(metallic colours), RM66,100
On some parts where we had to travel on 0 H: Pearl Diamond White/Pearl Delima Red
urban narrow and bumpy roads to get to Morib, (special metallic colours), RM66,600
the Ativa’s suspension and handling handled 0 AV: Glittering Silver/Granite Grey (metallic
them well. No complaints from my passengers colours), RM71,200
and certainly no issues for Perodua’s latest SUV. 0 AV: Pearl Diamond White/Pearl Delima Red
I was even fantasising owning an Ativa, albeit (special metallic colours), RM71,700
briefly before snapping out of it. That was odd, 0 AV: Pearl Diamond White/Pearl Delima Red
since I never dreamed of owning any SUV. (two-tone special metallic colours), RM72,000.
*AV variant only
The Ativa has a full suit of Smart Drive Assist **H and AV variants only
system, comprising the Advanced Safety Assist ***X variant only.
(ASA*) 3.0, which is standard across the range
for the first time; Driving Assist, Parking Assist Note: Perodua reminds us all that ASA is a
and Headlamp Assist. driver assistance system that helps to reduce

ASA 3.0 – which works at higher speeds (up the risk of collisions and is by no means a
to 120km/h for vehicles, up to 60km/h for substitute for safe driving. “Always be alert
pedestrians) versus the current ASA 2.0 and can
and cautious behind the wheel.”

8 theSun on friday Out & About
JULY 9, 2021

New Michelin D-Max sales booms in line
lorry tyre with global trend
SALES of the all-new, third-generation Isuzu towards convincing customers to switch or with buyers nationwide, making up 17% of the
THERE are now new sizes for the lorry D-Max in Malaysia has flourished, with over a upgrade to this all-new D-Max model,” said total volume.
tyre market with the introduction of the 100% rise in orders since it made its recent Isuzu Malaysia’s chief operating officer
Michelin X Multi Z 2 (pix) – the latest debut, mirroring a similar global phenomenon Masayuki Suzuki (pix). Despite a premium on its road tax, more
addition to Michelin’s best-selling range that has witnessed a huge rise in demand for than half of all the X-Terrain sales have come
in the East Asia and Australia region. this vastly-improved pick-up truck. Combining excellent value and a generous from the Peninsular, where it is particularly
suite of features, the 1.9-litre Premium (Auto) popular with lifestyle buyers.
Packed with the latest revolutionary An average monthly booking of over 1,200 has been the top choice with close to 36%
technologies, this all-position tyre units have been received for it, since its launch percent of buyers picking it as their next pick- While the new D-Max has made inroads
fitment for regional and highway in April this year, recording a generous leap up truck. into the lifestyle segment with its improved
operations continues to offer market- over the previous average monthly bookings of design and ergonomics, 81% of new owners
leading longevity and improved 500 units. Offering the lowest engine displacement in have stated that they would utilise their D-
performance – one year since its first the market yet producing a hefty amount of Maxes for both work and pleasure underlining
introduction. This trend emulates an identical euphoria performance, the 1.9-litre Premium model is the inherently robust nature of Isuzu products.
in such markets as Australia, New Zealand and particularly popular in West Malaysia, where
Michelin Malaysia says thanks to Thailand, where sales growth have also the benefits of the low road tax is best “The response to this new model has been
three revolutionary technologies, the X multiplied with buyers eagerly snapping up the appreciated. extremely positive considering the limited
Multi Z 2 brings to the brand’s targeted new D-Max due to its fresh and sporty design, opportunities prospects have had to fully
customers uncompromised safety enhanced ergonomics and improved In fact, 61% of sales were chalked up here, experience the new model due to the strict
performance and helps meet their engineering. reversing the traditional 60/40 balance where movement controls and safety protocols,” said
delivery timing and efficiency – thus, East Malaysia absorbed a bigger share of Suzuki.
leading to increased productivity and “This all-new D-Max phenomenon that has vehicles.
improved cost-effectiveness for their swept the various markets has been somewhat “Our current aim is to ensure the smooth,
businesses. overwhelming. Needless to say, the attractive The new flagship model – the X-Terrain – safe and timely delivery of vehicles to our
design, new and improved features and proven powered by an improved 3.0-litre engine that customers despite the various administrative
The three major technologies Isuzu reputation contributed significantly offers significantly more refinement and and logistical concerns faced domestically and
introduced via the X Multi Z 2 are: performance has also been a popular choice globally.
0 Regenion: Differently shaped
grooves that ensure minimal tread We all need the new Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae
deformation, which lowers rolling NO, it’s not a typo – it is spelled performance of the SVJ and their longitudinally-mounted and reaches a top speed of
resistance and leads to less fuel Ultimae, since that’s how the intensifies the sophisticated 6.5-litre V12 engine sends 769hp 355km/h.
consumption. Italians say it. elegance of the Aventador S, at 8,500rpm to permanent four- The coupe model comes in a
Automobili Lamborghini has converging design and wheel drive. two-tone, grey-on-grey
With the ground-breaking 3D metal announced the new Aventador dynamism into a decisive configuration – matt Grigio
printing techniques, the longitudinal LP 780-4 Ultimae, “a celebration collector’s piece in both coupe The coupe version, weighing Acheso and Grigio Teca, while
grooves regenerate as the tyre wears, to of the iconic V12 super sports car and roadster forms.” 25kg less than the Aventador S, the roadster variant is launched
deliver a high level of grip and traction and combustion engine in a final delivers the same weight-to- in Blu Tawaret and Blu Nethuns,
throughout its lifecycle in all weather production model, Produced in a numbered power ratio as the SVJ, with the roof panels in high gloss
conditions, and lower wear rate – thus, concentrating the purest series of 350 units in coupe and accelerating from 0-100km/h in black carbon fibre.
providing greater longevity by more features of all Aventador editions 250 roadster (pix) There are no prices
than 20%, compared to its predecessor editions, 2.8 seconds
X Multi Z*.
0 Infinicoil: Reinforced tread plies with into a perfect finale”. announced yet for
a continuously wound steel wire of up to “The Aventador LP 780-4 Malaysia.
400 meters long, depending on tyre size, harnesses the
inside the casing. The high tensile steel
wire increases tyre strength and thus
optimises the ground contact patch and
delivers high mileage potential.

This technology provides greater
stability throughout the tyre’s lifetime,
help reduce risk of sudden pressure loss
for better vehicle control, extend
mobility even when punctured, and
improve uneven wear as it flattens the
contact patch – thus, contributing to
longer mileage and less unexpected
breakdown incidences.
0 HT Nylon: Strengthened bead
endurance that helps not only reduce
tyre damage linked to long-
distance/high-speed usage and
continuous usage cycle by 10%**, but
also increases retreadability.

The new X Multi Z 2 is now available
in two more new dimensions:
295/80R22.5 and 12R22.5 – along with
the original 11R22.5, at all Michelin
authorised lorry tyre dealers across
Malaysia.

*Based on internal Michelin mileage tests
conducted with various fleets within
Thailand. Tyre fitment started Feb 2017
to Dec-2017 and ended within Q1 2019.
Tests conducted between X Multi Z 2
(test tyre code: M327) 295/80 R22.5
TL152/148M and X Multi Z 295/80 R22.5
TL 152/149M, under nominal conditions.
**Based on internal Michelin tests con-
ducted between two Michelin lorry tyre
products – one with HT Nylon and one
without. Tests conducted in Ladoux,
France on Jan 21, 2014 and Feb 15, 2014
on dimensions 11R22.5 TL 148/145L
based on nominal conditions.

9theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021

Court of Appeal dismisses BRIEFS SCANWOLF TO BOOST
CGDB’s judicial review request OUTPUT CAPACITY
OF LUXURY VINYL TILES
█ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI o Three-member bench reaches unanimous was unbefitting of the claims made by
[email protected] decision to uphold High Court’s ruling last year on CGDB, which is a subsidiary of one of PETALING JAYA: Scanwolf Corp
PETALING JAYA: The Court of tribunal’s award of damages for late delivery China’s top developer – Country Bhd wants to increase the
Appeal has struck out Country Garden Group. production capacity of its
Garden Danga Bay Sdn Bhd’s In response to the latest ruling, award damages after the developer luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) by 30%
(CGDB) request for a judicial review CGDB said it respects the court’s had failed to complete the properties In 2018, he lodged a case to the to 1,460 boxes per day in the
of the decision by the Kuala Lumpur decision, but revealed that it is in within 48 months from the day the tribunal and was awarded over near future, from 1,100 boxes
High Court to uphold the late delivery discussions with legal experts and buyers paid the deposits. RM30,000 in damages, to which per day, in view of the
claims awarded by the Homebuyers will reserve its right to seek leave to CGDB had appealed via a judicial prospects of this business
Claim Tribunal. appeal to the Federal Court. In its suit with the Court of review in the High Court and Court of segment. Scanwolf executive
Appeals, CGDB had sought a judicial Appeal. director Ng Chee Wai said
The appellate court arrived at the Previously, the tribunal ruled in review to quash the awarded Scanwolf is also eyeing to
decision unanimously. The three- the favour of the buyers and awarded damages as well as a declaration that In the ensuing legal proceedings, expand its export markets,
member bench – led by Datuk Yaacob them a sum ranging from the period of delivery of vacant he was frustrated by the protracted which currently take up less
Md Sam, alongside Datuk M Gunalan RM13,780.10 to RM32,682.26 as their possession begins from the date of legal process which was exacerbated than 10% of its capacity. Ng
and Datuk Ghazali Cha – on Tuesday liquidated ascertained damages the sales and purchase agreement. by the developers’ various calls for said the LVT flooring market
agreed with the High Court’s ruling (LAD) claims. adjournment. A sentiment that is has experienced growth due to
last year which supported the One of the buyers Justin Leong, shared by overseas buyers, who had its durability, affordability and
tribunal’s decision to award damages In turn, the Kuala Lumpur High who had purchased an apartment in to travel to the country several times its simplicity to install and
to buyers after the developer had Court’s decision on July 17, 2019 the Johor project in 2013, expressed for the litigation. maintain. Scanwolf claims it is
failed to complete the properties supported the tribunal’s decision to that the handover of the unit in 2017 currently the largest and only
within 48 months from the date the Following his experience, Leong luxury vinyl flooring
deposit was paid. urged other prospective home buyers manufacturer in Malaysia.
to thoroughly review a developer’s
background and track record before LBS VACCI-NATION
making a decision. BONANZA OFFERS
CASH, OTHER GOODIES
Outlook for Malaysia’s residential real estate market improving
PETALING JAYA: LBS Bina
PETALING JAYA: Home prices are HOME PRICES AND RENTS and foreign buyers have lost seven Group Bhd has launched its
expected to climb 3% over the 12 percentage points of market share. latest marketing campaign
months ahead and then surge by 12% National Q4 2019 Q1 2020 Q3 2020 Q3 2022F Q3 2023F called Vacci-Nation Bonanza.
in the following 12 months, according Prices 12% First-time buyers have surged to Under the campaign, home
to a Juwai IQI’s agent survey “Property Rents 5.1% 1.1% -5.2% 3% 8.6% take the largest share of new home and buyers of LBS participating
Survey and Index Malaysia Q3 2021”. subsale transactions so far in 2021. properties can enjoy over
5.7% 1.7% -4% 0.8% RM565,000 cash incentives.
“The outlook of real estate agents Agents expect first-time buyers to LBS will also be giving out extra
across Malaysia continues to improve. their increased savings due to their Perak, where they account for 18% of continue their strong performance cash incentives of up to
A year ago, agents forecast significant lower overall spending. new home sales, Sarawak at 15% and and account for more transaction RM282,000 for home buyers
declines in both home prices and Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, where growth than any other buyer group. who have registered for their
rents. Today, they expect modest First-time buyers account for at foreign buyers account for 13% of all 56% of agents believe first time buyers Covid-19 vaccination or those
growth in prices and rents over the least one-third of new home new home purchases. will complete more transactions in who have been vaccinated.
next four quarters,” the survey said. purchases in nearly every state. They the remainder of the year than in the The campaign period is from
have the highest market share in Johor For the new homes market, first-time prior quarter. July 1 to Sept 30. LBS is offering
Rents over the coming 12 months and Sabah, accounting for 42% and buyers have seen their share of the eight deals under Vacci-Nation
will be flat with just 1% growth and 39% of transactions. Other states with subsale market rise to its highest level on First-time buyer growth is likely to Bonanza which includes Home
will then bounce up to 8% growth strong first-time buyer activity include record and higher than that of any other be especially strong in Penang and Ownership Campaign goodies,
from the third quarter of 2022. Penang, where 37% of new home sales buyer group. First-time buyers account Perak, with three-quarters of agents in free legal fees, LBS Fabulous 20-
go to first-time buyers. In Kuala for 31% of all subsale transactions. those states projecting first-time buyers 21 Lucky Draw, low booking
Agents’ current sentiment shows a Lumpur and Selangor, they account will increase their pace of transactions fees, loyalty rewards, flexi
significant improvement from about for 35% of new home purchases. In the subsale market, first-time in the remainder of the year. payment scheme, zero exit fee
one year ago in 2020, when we last buyers have the largest share of and home furnishing package.
surveyed them. At that time, the Local investors’ and upgrading transactions in Johor, where they In comparison to first-time buyers,
outlook was entirely negative, with buyers’ market share is little changed, account for two out of every five the forecast for the other buyer OPTIMISTIC VIEWS
agents projecting a 5% fall in home at 26% of transactions in a new home purchases. They account for 34% of groups is weak. Just 41% of agents ON LOGISTICS,
prices and a 4% decline in rents. market. transactions in Sabah and 32% in expect local upgrade buyers to HEALTHCARE SECTORS
Sarawak. The state where first-time increase their pace of transactions in PETALING JAYA: Key players in
“By January 2022, we believe the Foreign buyers have fallen to the local buyers have the smallest share the remainder of the year. That is six the commercial property
market will have turned the corner, lowest share of the new development of the subsale market is Perak, percentage points lower than in the industry are optimistic on the
transactions will rebound, and prices market on record, with just 13% of accounting for 26% of transactions. prior survey at the same time in 2020. logistics and healthcare sectors
in specific segments will firm up and new home purchases. Foreign buying but remain cautious on the
even increase. The survey reveals that activity will likely not rebound The subsale market shares of local Just 35% of agents expect local traditional retail and office
the outlook of real estate agents significantly until the borders reopen. upgrade buyers and local investors investors to increase their pace of segments as well as on the
across Malaysia has continued to are little changed, at 29% and 27%, transactions, down 19 percentage hotel/leisure industry,
improve. A year ago, agents only Foreign (new development) respectively. Over the past two years, points from the last survey. Today, according to Knight Frank
forecast doom,“ said Juwai IQI group buying has hit particular lows in the market shares of local upgrade only 14% of agents expect foreign Malaysia. It said the severe
co-founder and CEO Kashif Ansari. Johor at just 8% of all transactions. In buyers and local investors have been buyers to increase their transactions disruptions to supply chains
Sabah, one of every 10 transactions stable. During the same time, first- in the remainder of the year, down globally which revolutionised
At 35%, first-time buyers account involves a foreign buyer. The states time buyers have gained six from ⅓ in the prior survey. e-commerce services continue
for a larger share of new home where foreign buyers make up the percentage points of market share, to drive the logistics sector
transactions than at any time on highest share of transactions are Juwai IQI conducted the survey whilst the critical need for
record. They have found support in online in May and June 2021. A total good medical and healthcare
government stimulus policies and of 397 Malaysian real estate agent support amid the pandemic
panellists participated in the survey. coupled with attractive tax
incentives is expected to see
growth in the healthcare
sector.

Tropicana launches bespoke customised homes T.Living

PETALING JAYA: Tropicana Corp palettes to choose from for Freesia The T.Living premium packages are The Alba theme carries the radiant and refreshing shades of spring, with clean
Bhd has unveiled its first bespoke Residences – Alba and Oberon. split into two options: Silver and Gold. lines accentuated by elegant cream and bright accents.
home personalisation series called The Silver package costs an additional
T.Living. T.Living also provides a selection RM16,800 and adds on to the basic
of fittings between basic and feature set with additional shower
Currently, this bespoke solution is premium packages. The basic screen doors in all other bathrooms,
rolled out for Freesia Residences, the package is free of additional costs and additional Bluguard smoke detectors,
latest launch of two-storey lake and adds master bathroom shower an air-conditioning IR blaster control,
park villas offering 5+1 bedrooms and screens with glass doors, a Bluguard Yale digital door lockset, an emergency
bungalow-style living within the 863- Z-Wave Gateway Smart Home Hub remote control button, and an
acre township of Tropicana Aman, Kota encompassing CCTV, video intercom, Amazon Alexa voice-controlled smart
Kemuning. T. Living offers customised motion sensors, and alarms as well as home system. The premium Gold
choices ranging from colour palettes of magnetic and vibration sensors for package costs RM45,800 and has all
walls and floorings, sanitary ware fitting the ground floor. The package also the above plus an additional 3.7kW
designs, home security systems, and includes a 300L solar water heater, a electric vehicle car charging station
smart home features. water booster pump, and an outdoor and additional Daikin air-conditioning
water filter for the home, as well as units at the dining room, family area,
The T.Living home customisation one 3.0 horsepower air-conditioning and all other rooms.
concept of “your home, your choice” unit in the living area.
features a choice of two colour

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ FRIDAY
JULY 9, 2021
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Email: [email protected]
Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888
8/07/2021 Fax: 03-7784 4424

Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected]
RM m
% RM m RM m

43.0 Institutions 1556.9 1490.7 66.2

38.5 Retail 1430.2 1296.9 133.3

18.5 Foreign 555.2 754.7 -199.5 21.44 34.01 807.49 28.21 248.92 32.66
KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI KOSPI
100.0 3542.3 3542.3 0 1,508.71 3,107.59 28,118.03 15.40 3,252.68 14.57
27,153.13 3,525.50 TSEC S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 17,866.09
Source: Bursa Malaysia 7,341.43

KL MARKET SUMMARY Room for improvement in
JULY 8, 2021 listed firms’ board practices

INDICES 10,988.70 CHANGE
FBMEMAS -177.30
FBMKLCI 1,508.71 -21.44
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 588.09 -9.89
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 186.26 -3.96
CONSTRUCTION 162.03 -3.30
FINANCIAL SERVICES 14,876.80 -173.30
ENERGY 775.68 -27.48
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 686.95 -18.19 o Need to professionalise governance; human resource, culture and assist in determining board remuneration,”
HEALTH CARE 2,748.00 -43.00 roles for better performing succession; communications and public he said.
TRANSPORTATION 853.07 -21.81 companies and stronger relations; marketing and sales; branding and
PROPERTY 699.96 -8.90 stakeholder trust reputation; business, e-commerce, treasury Bursa Malaysia CEO Datuk Muhamad
PLANTATION 6,276.84 -96.10 and actuarial sciences,” it said. Umar Swift said boards need to continually
FBMSHA 12,013.40 -200.20 █ BY JUNE MOH evolve and improve to properly discharge
FBMACE 7,063.52 -377.20 [email protected] ICDM president and CEO Michele Kythe their role as effective stewards.
TECHNOLOGY 80.07 -1.86 PETALING JAYA: Personal network Lim said a company’s board architecture
referrals remain the most common director and composition are critical to ensure “The regulatory framework that we have
TURNOVER VALUE sourcing method (74%), following by boards are able to effectively and put in place is intended to support the good
5.348 BIL RM3.542 BIL nominations by major shareholders or successfully direct or guide a company governance of our public listed companies
parent companies (14%), and only 8% of through increasingly volatile, uncertain, (PLCs). It aims to inculcate the right culture
5 MOST ACTIVES companies used independent, third-party complex and ambiguous environments. and approach, from the rigour of governance
JULY 8, 2021 search institutions, which is the best practices put in place, to the maturity of the
practice recommended in the Malaysian “Companies need to adapt the current market and PLCs in recognising the need for
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG), culture and approach to their board competence, diversity and independence
SERBADK 370,022,100 44.0 -4.0 according to the Institute of Corporate composition, first by expanding their from their board leadership as they do for
ASB 121,125,200 17.0 +1.0 Directors Malaysia (ICDM). director sourcing methods, next through their management team.
PELIKAN 119,994,900 38.5 -7.0 vigorous internal and external evaluations
DNEX 106,133,000 66.5 -4.5 The findings came after ICDM’s study of the existing board, and thirdly, by driving “The review offers valuable insights and
MTRONIC 105,986,200 4.5 +0.5 entitled Malaysian Board Practices Review, the ongoing development and competency a clear call to action that companies need to
which was conducted in collaboration with levels, balancing technical-based with rethink their current approaches to their
5 TOP GAINERS Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) and performance- and behavioural-based board selection and evaluation practices
JULY 8, 2021 Bursa Malaysia Bhd, that explored feedback trainings to build sustainable and effective and ongoing development to remain
and insights from more than 100 local listed boards,” she told reporters at the virtual competitive and sustainable,” he said.
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM companies. media briefing on the Malaysian Board
HIGHTEC 21,714,800 4.34 0.63 Practices Review 2020. Meanwhile, on family businesses that
WIDETEC 1,636,100 4.20 0.52 Other key observations showed only 25% still do not have independents on their
Y&G 3,403,200 1.65 0.37 of companies had independent external RRA managing director Stephen Langton boards, Lim said as family businesses move
STELLA 1.16 0.30 board evaluations in the last 10 years. said the study highlighted an important up the ladder to listing, they have to start to
HSI-HMH 636,500 0.84 0.285 observation that companies are generally adopt better governance.
19,000 “The majority of programmes undertaken compliant with MCCG and listing
(91%) were based on individual director requirements for board composition. “Better governance leads to better
5 TOP LOSERS requests. There is lack of adequate structure, However, it also highlighted that 19% of performance which leads to cheaper
JULY 8, 2021 planning or pathway to ensure holistic, independent directors have been on their funding; it leads to share price not being
consistent and long-term development of respective boards for over nine years. hammered by shareholders.”
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM directors.
GENETEC 1,708,500 17.00 0.98 “This brings to question the RRA board and CEO advisory consultant
NESTLE 133.00 0.60 “The gaps in board skills and knowledge independence of the board, a significant Alvin Chiang said having an independent
KLK 69,700 19.68 0.40 call for greater and more effective adoption of factor in allowing for more considered board gives ideas and perspectives to the
KESM 998,100 10.92 0.28 skills such as digital, social media, technology decision-making and protection of family business to evolve. “When a company
AIRPORT 30,500 5.82 0.27 and innovation; environmental, social and shareholders’ interests. It is also vital for starts to mature and has additional
3,142,500 companies to conduct periodic board shareholders, it needs to have people who
evaluations by professional, experienced can represent multiple perspectives and
and independent parties, where the independent points of view.”
objective insights gained will facilitate better
board-management relationships, director The review explored feedback and
nomination and appointment, as well as insights from more than 100 local PLCs,
covering 799 board members, across large
(39%), mid (9%) and small (52%) market
capitalisations and industries.

EXCHANGE RATES JULY 8, 2021 Local and foreign financing for 5G rollout, says DNB

Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy PETALING JAYA: The financing of network More than 60% of the spend on the network progress” in rolling out the 5G network and
equipment for Malaysia’s fifth generation infrastructure will directly benefit bumiputra infrastructure starting with the nationwide
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD (5G) network and infrastructure will be interests in the telecommunications industry engagement of industry participants
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2310 4.1060 4.0960 sourced from foreign and domestic and bumiputra contractors. including the MNO tower and fibre owners.
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1800 3.0550 3.0390 institutions, which Ericsson (Malaysia) Sdn
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1340 3.0440 3.0360 Bhd has undertaken to arrange, as part of DNB said the design, build and DNB and Ericsson are on track to launch
1 EURO 3.3840 3.2930 3.2810 the agreement to supply, deliver and maintenance of the Malaysian 5G network Malaysia’s 5G network in areas within Kuala
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.9970 4.8360 4.8160 manage the entire 5G network, according to managed by Ericsson is estimated to cost Lumpur, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya by
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9760 2.8660 2.8500 Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB). RM11 billion, RM700 million lower than the December 2021.
1 STERLING POUND 3.1340 3.0440 3.0360 total cost of ownership of the next closest bid.
1 SWISS FRANC 5.8450 5.6630 5.6430 “DNB will securitise future cashflows Meanwhile, DNB dispelled queries and
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.5580 4.4530 4.4380 from its wholesale business with MNOs “Ericsson’s network equipment , misinformed narratives on social media
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 116.5400 110.5200 110.3200 (mobile network operators) via sukuk to deployment services, and ongoing regarding the tender process.
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0820 4.7590 4.5590 finance its other network operating maintenance and network management
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 65.4000 62.9000 expenditure and meet its obligations to cost of RM4 billion was the lowest. The “The tender process was structured by an
100 INDIAN RUPEE 55.0500 52.3200 N/A repay financiers when it becomes due. balance of RM7 billion will cover network independent professional services firm,
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.7500 5.4000 52.1200 Accordingly, there will be no government infrastructure costs from other parties Ernst Young Consulting Sdn Bhd according
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0302 0.0274 5.2000 funding required for the 5G network comprising primarily tower rental and fibre to global standards and involved four panels,
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.8320 3.7130 0.0224 rollout,” it said in a statement yesterday. leasing over a 10-year period.” comprising some 50 local and international
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 16.2000 3.7030 experts from across 10 countries with current
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 2.7200 N/A DNB said it has made “considerable 5G network rollout experience.”
100 QATAR RIYAL 8.6100 2.5200 N/A
100 SAUDI RIYAL 115.6100 8.1200 2.3200 Margma relays concerns of glove buyers worldwide over shutdown
100THAI BAHT 114.0700 109.7500 7.9200
13.6600 108.2900 109.5500 PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Rubber Due to the implementation of the item for the healthcare sector.
12.1200 108.0900 Glove Manufacturers Association ( Margma) enhanced movement control order, medical Since then, Margma members have
11.7200 has again pleaded with the government to glove makers in Selangor were instructed to
immediately reinstate the operations of all suspend production from last Saturday. received expressions of concern from their
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama medical glove manufacturers in Selangor buyers across the world.
amid concerns expressed by healthcare Manufacturers were shocked over
sectors across the world. development as gloves are regarded as an Margma assured the authorities that its
essential personal protective equipment members will adhere to all the protocols
prescribed by the Health Ministry.

BRIEFSBNM KEEPS OPR AT 1.75% 11theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
* SUNBIZ
PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia
has maintained the Overnight Policy Rate AOB revokes registration of
(OPR) at 1.75% at the Monetary Policy audit partner, fines audit firm
Committee meeting yesterday. It said
better-than-expected economic activity o Board also fines Hilmy; bars Jamal, Amin and Partners from effective June 30.
in the first quarter of 2021 continued into accepting and auditing any PIE or schedule fund for 12 months Separately, the AOB imposed a fine of
April, but the reimposition of nationwide beginning June 30
containment measures will dampen the RM150,000 and RM50,000 on JAP and Hilmy
growth momentum. The growth PETALING JAYA: The Securities Commission services such as preparing financial statements respectively for breaching the relevant
outlook, however, remains subject to Malaysia’s (SC) Audit Oversight Board (AOB) for its audit client. requirements of the International Standards
significant downside risks, due mainly to recently took action against audit firm Jamal, on Auditing in relation to its audit engagement
factors that could lead to a delay in the Amin and Partners (JAP), and its partner Hilmy was the engagement partner for the of a PIE client. JAP is also prohibited from
easing of containment measures or Ahmad Hilmy Johari for failing to comply with audit of five public interest entities (PIEs) when accepting and auditing any PIE or schedule
imposition of tighter containment AOB’s registration condition, which among he prepared the financial statements for these fund for a period of 12 months effective from
measures, and a weaker-than-expected others, require registered auditors to meet PIEs and its subsidiaries. June 30.
global growth recovery. international auditing and ethical standards.
The AOB views this non-compliance of As the engagement partner of a PIE, AOB
MELIMA CONSORTIUM JAP and Hilmy breached the Malaysian ethical standards as a serious offence as it found that Hilmy had failed to perform
SUES TURNPIKE SYNERGY Institute of Accountants (MIA) By-Laws on undermines the auditor’s independence and sufficient audit procedures and obtained
Professional Ethics, Conduct and Practice poses a self-review threat. sufficient audit evidence to support the
PETALING JAYA: Melima Consortium, relating to the provision of prohibited services. conclusions reached in the area of fixed
the group of four subcontractors left Under Section R601.6 of MIA By-Laws, an audit In this respect, the AOB revoked the deposits, share capital and other reserves,
out of pocket by almost RM100 million firm or its audit partner is prohibited from registration of Hilmy and imposed a fine of provision for defect liabilities, revenue and cost
as a result of a legal dispute between providing accounting and book keeping RM400,000 on JAP. The firm is also prohibited of sales and group consolidation. In most
the Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated from accepting and auditing any PIE or instances, the audit evidences in the audit file
Expressway (Dash) project’s turnkey schedule fund for a period of 12 months are either incomplete or inadequate to support
contractor Turnpike Synergy Sdn Bhd the audit work performed, the basis of
and the main contractor Panzana judgment applied and the conclusions
Enterprise Sdn Bhd, has filed legal reached.
proceedings against Turnpike Synergy
to claim for payment for works done on Pelikan selling
the Dash project and is seeking a German logistics
restraining order against Turnpike hub to US-based
Synergy and its representatives from Hillwood Group
dealing with materials belonging to
Melima left on-site following the PETALING JAYA: Pelikan
termination of its contract. International Corp Bhd’s (PICB)
subsidiary Pelikan Group GmbH
WCT-CCCC JV ACCEPTS (PGG) is disposing of its logistics
SAPANGAR BAY PORT JOB centre at Falkensee, Germany, to HE4
Falkensee 1 S.à r.l. and HE4 Falkensee
PETALING JAYA: WCT Holdings Bhd’s 2 S.à r.l.for €81 million (RM399.33
WCT-CCCC Joint Venture (WCT-CCCC million).
JV), an unincorporated joint venture The purchasers are wholly owned
between wholly owned subsidiary subsidiaries of HWE Investor GP S.à r.l,
WCT Bhd and China Communications part of the Hillwood Group
Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd headquartered in Texas, US.
on a 60:40 basis, yesterday executed a The Hillwood Group is a developer of
letter of acceptance issued by the industrial, commercial and residential
Malaysian government (represented real estate and has its primary
by Sabah Economic Development and operations in the US, with international
Investment Authority) – accepting operations in Britain, Germany and
WCT-CCCC JV’s tender offer as main Poland.
contractor for the proposed expansion PGG entered into a conditional sale
of Sapangar Bay Container Port project and purchase agreement with the
in Kota Kinabalu for RM899.81 million. Atrax Group is the world leader in the design, manufacture and support of a full range of weighing, purchasers on Wednesday for the
dimensioning and related control systems for the airport and logistics industries. – T7 GLOBAL exercise. PGG and HE4 Falkensee 2
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WEBSITE also entered into a conditional lease
AT 4.5% IN MAY agreement for PGG to remain as a
T7 Global appointed distributor of Atrax tenant of the property for a five years
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s unemployment products for airport, logistics sectors lease period at an annual gross lease
rate in May 2021 was 4.5% or involving fee of €4.15 million.
728,100 persons, according to the PICB is expected to realise an
Department of Statistics Malaysia estimated one-off gain of RM184.83
(DOSM). In its Statistics of Labour Force, PETALING JAYA: Energy solutions 140 countries. Its market proven million in the exercise. The proceeds
Malaysia, May 2021 published yesterday, provider T7 Global Bhd’s wholly owned products are manufactured under of €81 million will be utilised mainly
DOSM said the unemployment rate in subsidiary T7 Aero Sdn Bhd has been ISO9001 quality management system for the repayment of bank
May 2021 was slightly lower as compared appointed as distributor for Atrax and have gained approval by regulatory borrowings, working capital
to 4.6% in April. In May last year, Malaysia Group NZ Ltd’s weighing and bodies all around the world. requirements and internal
experienced an all-time high monthly dimensioning products in Malaysia. reorganisation related cost.
unemployment rate of 5.3% with 826,100 “Presently, we are working with Atrax The proposed disposal will enable
unemployed persons. – Bernama With the appointment, T7 Aero will Group to supply its weighing systems to the group to unlock capital resources
be able to sell and market the full range our existing customer PTS Resources from being tied up as long term assets
CTOS Digital’s IPO of Atrax products in Malaysia with full Sdn Bhd. This appointment will further and realise the worth of the property at
oversubscribed technical and service support from solidify our partnership with Atrax to a fair market value whilst
by 27.6 times, Atrax Group. continue pursuing more clients in the strengthening its financial position.
highest since 2013 logistics sector as we aim to tap into the In addition, the proposed lease will
Atrax Group is the world leader in the booming logistics business following ensure that the group’s ongoing
PETALING JAYA: CTOS Digital Bhd saw a design, manufacture and support of a the growth in e-commerce via Atrax operation is not significantly
whopping 27.6 times oversubscription for full range of weighing, dimensioning Group,” he said in a statement disrupted in the near term and that the
its initial public offering’s (IPO) retail and related control systems for the yesterday. group will continue its operations at
tranche, which translates to RM1.38 billion, airport and logistics industries. the existing location.
the largest retail demand since 2013. The appointment is expected to The proposed disposal and lease
T7 Global chairman Datuk Seri Dr contribute positively towards the future are subject to approval of the
It elaborated that the bumiputra portion Nik Norzrul Thani N Hassan Thani said earnings of the group. shareholders of PICB at an EGM to be
of the exercise was oversubscribed 14.37 the appointment by Atrax Group and convened. The board expects the
times with 14,192 applications for 338.1 the full support will help the company T7 Global had recently teamed up proposed disposal to be completed by
million issue shares received, while the in its tenders for logistics contracts. with Singapore-based Siemens Logistics last quarter of 2021.
other public portion was oversubscribed by Pte Ltd to collaborate in business
40.77 times, with 37,302 applications for He said Atrax Group’s products and opportunities in Malaysia, especially
918.9 million issue shares received. systems are installed and utilised in the growing logistics sector.
over 800 airport sites across more than
The institutional offering of 936 million
IPO shares to Malaysian and foreign
institutional and selected investors have
been fully subscribed. A total of 23
cornerstone investors subscribed to 54.4%
of the institutional offering and the
remaining shares available for
bookbuilding saw an overwhelming
demand of over RM6.5 billion.

12 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
SUNBIZ

Telenor sells Myanmar operations to Lebanon’s M1 Group for US$105m

OSLO: Norwegian telecoms operator Telenor its mobile business severely restricted following the sale to M1 group will guarantee continued in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, and Malaysia
has sold its Myanmar operations to Lebanese the Feb 1 military coup. On March 15, the junta operations, Telenor CEO Sigve Brekke said. as well as Myanmar.
investment firm M1 Group for US$105 million ordered a nationwide shutdown of mobile data.
(RM438.9 million), Telenor said yesterday, “There are three reasons why we think a sale Telenor has had a commercial presence in
announcing its retreat from a country that slid The transaction corresponds to an implied is necessary: it is the safety of our employees, Myanmar since 2014 and employs a workforce
into chaos after a military coup in February. enterprise value of about US$600 million, and but also the regulatory conditions and also that of around 750 in the country. It has around 18
there is good compliance,“ Brekke told Reuters. million customers in Myanmar, serving a third
“Further deterioration of the situation and of its 54 million population. Myanmar
recent developments in Myanmar form the “When we wrote off the business in May, we accounted for 7% of Telenor’s earnings last year.
basis for the decision to divest the company,” felt we could still operate in the country,
Telenor said in a statement. although it was challenging. But after that, it M1 Group was founded by former Lebanese
has worsened.” prime minister Najib Azmi Mikati and his brother.
Telenor wrote off the value of its Myanmar It holds a major stake in the MTN mobile
unit in May, booking a loss of 6.5 billion The Norwegian state-controlled operator operator that is a leader in Africa and which is
Norwegian crowns (RM3.1 billion), after seeing has operations in the Nordics as well as in Asia, also active in Asia. – Reuters, AFP
where 95% of its 187 million customers reside –

China’s LinkDoc shelves BRIEFS ABU DHABI: US$500M
plans for US listing TO INVEST IN EDGEPOINT

o Medical data company triggered a sell-off in U.S.-listed Chinese stocks. The sources declined to be identified as the DUBAI: A subsidiary of the Abu
first to do so since Beijing LinkDoc's decision to suspend its US$211 information has not yet been made public. Dhabi Investment Authority
crackdown LinkDoc did not immediately respond to a (ADIA) has acquired a significant
million (RM2 million) IPO, first reported by request for comment. minority stake in Southeast Asia-
HONG KONG: Chinese medical data group Reuters, is likely to be followed by others, focused digital infrastructure
LinkDoc Technology Ltd has shelved plans for analysts said, although they noted that US Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and China platform EdgePoint Infrastructure,,
an initial public offering (IPO) in the United listings were not barred per se. International Capital Corp Ltd (CICC) were the ADIA said in a statement
States due to Beijing's clampdown on overseas investment banks on the deal and all declined to yesterday. ADIA has committed
listings by domestic firms, according to three “For companies applying for a US listing, they comment to Reuters. up to US$500 million (RM2.09
sources with direct knowledge of the matter. may have to wait for further clarification, stricter billion) to invest in EdgePoint and
scrutiny and pre-approval from different US capital markets have been a lucrative source to support the future growth of
It is the first Chinese firm known to have pulled regulators and authorities,” said Bruce Pang, of funding for Chinese firms in the past decade, the platform, which is expected
back from IPO plans since China's cybersecurity macro & strategy research head at China especially for technology companies looking to to include both acquisitions and
regulator toughened its approach to oversight last Renaissance Securities. “The new rules may benchmark their valuations against listed peers the development of new towers.
week with an investigation into ride-hailing giant impose long waiting periods on any companies there and tap an abundant liquidity pool. EdgePoint was formed by
Didi Global Inc just two days after its New York hoping to list abroad which will hit investor DigitalBridge Group, Inc. It has
debut. That was soon followed with an order for sentiment, depress valuations for IPOs in the US So far this year, a record US$12.5 billion by secured over 10,000 sites across
Didi's app be removed from app stores. and make it more difficult to raise funds overseas.” Chinese firms has been raised from 34 US Indonesia and Malaysia. – Reuters
listings, Refinitiv data shows, well up from the
Beijing also said on Tuesday it would Backed by Alibaba Health Information US$1.9 billion from 14 deals in the same period a EU SLAPS VW, BMW
strengthen supervision of all Chinese firms listed Technology Ltd, LinkDoc filed for its IPO last year ago. WITH ANTITRUST FINES
offshore, a sweeping regulatory shift that month and was due to price its shares after the
US market close on Thursday. It had planned to Eight Chinese companies including home BRUSSELS: The European Union’s
sell 10.8 million shares between US$17.50 and service platform Daojia Ltd and Atour Lifestyle antitrust authority yesterday
US$19.50 each. The book closed one day earlier Holdings have made public filings with the fined German auto giants
than planned on Wednesday, one of the three Securities and Exchange Commission to list in Volkswagen and BMW €875
sources and a separate person said. the US later this year, a review of the filings million (RM4.3 billion) for
showed. – Reuters colluding on the development of
anti-pollution technology for
diesel cars. It found that while
they had not formed a formal
cartel, they had made illegal
agreements to limit the
introduction of “AdBlue” or urea to
diesel engine exhaust gases,
reducing its effectiveness as a way
to produce cleaner emissions. – AFP

Rules applied to Ant Group are for other payment service firms too THAI CONSUMER
CONFIDENCE DIVES
BEIJING: China’s central bank said yesterday imposed a sweeping restructuring on the fintech few years but at the same time, there were
that anti-monopoly measures applied to e- giant, forcing it to turn itself into a financial “monopoly and excessive capital expansions BANGKOK: Thai consumer
commerce giant Alibaba’s financial technology holding firm and to cut links between its during (its) development”. confidence dropped to a record
affiliate Ant Group will also be imposed on other payments app, Alipay, and its other businesses. low in June, dented by the
payment service companies. China’s online payments ecosystem is biggest coronavirus outbreak up
“Monopolistic behavior does not only exist in dominated by Alipay and Tencent’s WeChat Pay. to date. The consumer index of
China suspended the planned US$37 billion the Ant Group but also in other institutions,“ Fan the University of the Thai
(RM154 billion) listing of Ant Group in Yifei, vice governor of the People’s Bank of China In 2020, the PBOC urged the top antitrust Chamber of Commerce fell to
November amid growing concerns over banks (PBOC), told a media conference in Beijing. agency to look at whether to launch an 43.1 in June from 44.7 in May.
using third-party technology platforms like Ant investigation into Alipay and WeChat Pay, Slow vaccine rollout and sluggish
for underwriting loans amid fears of rising Fan said measures would be revealed soon. Reuters reported, prompted by the duopoly and economic recovery combined with
defaults and a deterioration in asset quality. He did not elaborate. their market influence. political uncertainty have also
undermined consumer confidence,
Regulators, led by the central bank, in April Fan said the speed of development of China’s Tencent did not immediately reply to a university president Thanavath
payment industry had been rapid over the past request for comment. – Reuters Phonvichai told a briefing. – Reuters

322 Notices 13theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
* SPORTS

TOUR DE FRANCE overall Pogacar shows first signs of weakness
leader Tadej Pogacar showed a
322 Notices first sign of weakness in the after Australian Ben O’Connor,
ascent of the awe-inspiring who had started the day in
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES 322 Notices Mont Ventoux yesterday and second position, cracked in the FROMLEFT: Team Jumbo Visma’s Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark, Team Ineos
ACT, 2016 even though he still extended Ventoux. Grenadiers’ Richard Carapaz of Ecuador and Team UAE Emirates’ Tadej Pogacar of
AND IN THE MATTER OF his advantage, the Slovenian Slovenia, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, cross the finish line at the end
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 has not yet wrapped up the “I’m lost for words. It’s stupid of the 11th stage of the 108th edition of the Tour de France cycling race
IN THE MATTER OF title. to say but I didn’t expect to win between Sorgues and Malaucene. – AFPPIX
L J FUNG HOLDINGS SDN. BHD. AND a stage on this Tour de France
IN THE MATTER OF ALAM RIA CONSORTIUM Belgian Wout van Aert until yesterday when I felt I
Company No. 200001029971 claimed a solo win in the 11th could win one. It’s one of the
(532578-W) SDN. BHD. stage, a 198.9km trek from most iconic climbs on the Tour,
(REGISTRATION NO. 199301016253 Sorgues, while defending maybe it’s my best victory
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY champion Pogacar was ever,” said Van Aert.
WINDING-UP) (270993-H) distanced 2km from the top of
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) the second ascent of the “It’s the first mountain I
At an Extraordinary General Meeting At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the moonscaped Ventoux by climbed, when I was 10.”
of the Members of L J FUNG members of ALAM RIA CONSORTIUM SDN. BHD. Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard.
HOLDINGS SDN. BHD. duly convened duly convened and held at Unit 20-05, Level Van Aert’s Jumbo Visma
at No. 23, Jalan Sulam, Taman 20, Q Sentral, 2A Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Vingegaard opened up a teammate Vingegaard had the
Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor on Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. 40-second gap before best legs on the feared Ventoux
28th June 2021 the following Special Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 29 June 2021 the eventually being caught by and even though he did not
Resolution was duly passed:- following Special Resolution was duly passed:- Pogacar, Colombia’s Rigoberto gain time on Pogacar, the Dane
1) That the company will be THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily Uran and Ecuador’s Richard showed he could hurt the
liquidated by way of members’ by way of Members’ Voluntary Winding Up Carapaz in the long descent to Slovenian in the Pyrenees.
voluntary winding up; pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies the finish.
2) That Chai Min Yeaw (Nric No: Act 2016 AND THAT Agnes Wong Ling Lee “In the second ascent of the
720112-01-5385) of No. 23, Jalan (NRIC. No. 720710-13-5598) of Unit 20-05, Overall, Uran moved up to Ventoux the tempo was not
Sulam, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Level 20, Q Sentral, 2A Jalan Stesen Sentral second, a massive 5:18 behind too high but it was not easy
Johor Bahru, Johor be appointed as 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Pogacar with Vingegaard in and I exploded in the end,”
Liquidator to act for the purpose of W.P. Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed third, a further 14 seconds back Pogacar said. – Reuters
winding-up the Company’s affairs as Liquidator of the Company for the purpose of
and distributing its assets. such winding up, with all the powers given by No silver lining BRIEFS
Dated this: 28.06.2021 Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016. Hamilton warned even Mercedes Sha’Carri ban get attention
FUNG LEE JEAN AGNES WONG LING LEE from White House
COMPANY DIRECTOR Liquidator
Kuala Lumpur upgrades ‘won’t be enough’ to catch Max THE White House yesterday said it may be
L J FUNG HOLDINGS SDN. BHD. 9 July 2021 JUAN PABLO MONTOYA believes Lewis worthwhile to review anti-doping rules in
Company No. 200001029971 Hamilton and Mercedes face an almost it will be enough. I don’t see how they can sport after American sprinter Sha’Carri
(532578-W) IN THE MATTER OF impossible task to beat Red Bull and turn this around.” Richardson tested positive for cannabis use.
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 Max Verstappen this season, even if they USA Track & Field (USATF) on Tuesday
WINDING-UP) arrive at Silverstone with upgrades. Mercedes have already said their focus is declined to select Richardson to the relay
AND now on developing their car for 2022, and team for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo
NOTICE IS hereby given that the IN THE MATTER OF ALAM RIA CONSORTIUM that they would only be bringing a handful of after she accepted a one-month ban for the
creditors of L J FUNG HOLDINGS Verstappen now holds a comfortable 32- upgrades to the W12 over the season. prohibited substance, which she said she
SDN. BHD. which is being voluntarily SDN. BHD. point lead over Hamilton heading into the Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed used to cope with the death of her mother.
wound up, are required on or before (REGISTRATION NO. 199301016253 British Grand Prix, with Red Bull leading the during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend that “We know the rules are where they are,
28th June 2021 to send their names way in the Constructors’ Championship by the team would be bringing just one more maybe we should take another look at
and addresses and the particulars of (270993-H) 44 points after 10 rounds. package in time for the British GP at them,”White House Press Secretary Jen
their debts or claims, and the names (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) The Briton is without a win since round Silverstone next time out on July 18. Psaki said in a CNN interview, adding that
and addresses of their solicitors (if NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors President Joe Biden had paid particular
any) to the undersigned, the liquidator of the abovenamed Company, which is being attention to her after the tragedy she
of the company, and, if so required in wound up voluntarily, are required, on or before endured. “We certainly have to respect the
writing from the liquidator, are by the Monday, 9 August 2021, being the day for role of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)
their solicitors or personally to come that purpose or fixed by the undersigned, the and the US Olympic Committee and the
in and prove their debts or claims Liquidator of the said Company, to send their decisions they make,” said Psaki. “But it is
at such time and place as shall be names and addresses with particulars of their sad, and we do wish her luck and look
specified in such notice, or in default debts or claims, and the names and addresses forward to seeing her running, running as
thereof they will be excluded from of their solicitors, if any, to the undersigned, the fastest woman in the world, and for
the benefit of any distribution made and if so required by notice in writing from years to come.”
before such debts and claims are the said Liquidator, either by their solicitors or
proved. personally are to come in and prove their said Thompson, Kang to skip
Dated this: 28.06.2021 debts or claims at such time and place as shall Evian major
CHAI MIN YEAW be specified in such notice or in default thereof,
Liquidator they will be excluded from the benefit of any FIVE of the top 20 players in the world
23, JalanSulam, distribution made before such debts or claims rankings, including Lexi Thompson and
Taman Sentosa, are proved. Danielle Kang, will not play in the Evian
80150 Johor Bahru, Johor. AGNES WONG LING LEE Championship, the fourth major of the
Liquidator LPGA Tour season. The Evian, played
DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN Unit 20-05, Level 20, Q Sentral four in Spain, with Red Bull dominating the Hamilton is looking to beat Michael annually in France at a resort of the same
DI SELAYANG 2A Jalan Stesen Sentral 2 past five races, and Verstappen hoping to Schumacher’s record and become an eight- name, is scheduled for July 22-25. This year’s
Kuala Lumpur Sentral make it four wins in a row to extend his lead time world champion, the most any driver tour schedule packs in two majors (the
DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR 50470 Kuala Lumpur even further. has ever won in the history of F1. Evian and the Women’s Open at Carnoustie)
DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA W.P. Kuala Lumpur and the Tokyo Olympics in the span of a
GUAMAN NO : BD-A52-6-04/2021 9 July 2021 month, July 22 to Aug 22. The deadline to
commit to the event was Tuesday, according
ANTARA 322 Notices Over the past three races, Red Bull have But as Mercedes fall further back race by to Golfweek, and Kang and Thompson do
not appear in the official field list. They have
ROJANA PROPERTIES SDN BHD. IN THE MATTER OF introduced many upgrades, including a new race, Montoya believes the champagne may not publicly said why; however, Kang and
(NO. SYARIKAT: 957794-H) THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 front wing, a new floor, a new rear wing, and have to be put on ice for Hamilton this Thompson are two of the four women
who’ll compete at the Olympics for Team
... PLAINTIF AND USA, so the tight schedule may have
IN THE MATTER OF TALIWORKS HOLDINGS factored into their decision.
DAN a new power unit, all while Mercedes have season.
SDN. BHD. Two years prison for Angel
PENGHUNI-PENGHUNI DAN / ATAU (REGISTRATION NO. 199301004993 brought nothing new to the races. It has left “It’s much easier to be completely in
ORANG-ORANG YANG TIDAK DIKENALI Hamilton demanding the seven-time world control when you have the fastest car and ARGENTINE golf champion Angel “Pato”
YANG MENDUDUKI DI PREMIS (259730-V) champions make improvements if they’re to everything is falling your way,” said Montoya. Cabrera was sentenced to two years prison
LOT 46176, SUNGAI TUA, MUKIM BATU, (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) continue in the fight for the win. “Then it’s easier to keep a cool head, to yesterday for assaulting his former partner
DAERAH GOMBAK, 68100 BATU CAVES, At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the and stealing her mobile phone. The 51 year-
SELANGOR members of TALIWORKS HOLDINGS SDN. BHD. old golf star – who won the 2007 US Open
duly convened and held at Unit 20-05, Level and 2009 Masters – was found guilty of
... DEFENDAN 20, Q Sentral, 2A Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala striking Cecilia Torres Mana, 37. The two
Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. were partners between 2016 and January
NOTIS Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 29 June 2021 the “In my view, it will be very difficult for execute flawlessly, in fact everything 2019. During the trial Torres Mana described
following Special Resolution was duly passed:- incidents of violence against her that were
Kepada: THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily Mercedes,” Montoya told Motorsport.com. becomes easier. confirmed by witnesses. Video from security
by way of Members’ Voluntary Winding Up cameras also showed Cabrera threatening
PENGHUNI-PENGHUNI DAN / ATAU pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies “At this stage, Max and Red Bull have “I don’t think it’s about Hamilton being her. Cabrera was arrested in Rio de Janeiro
ORANG-ORANG YANG TIDAK Act 2016 AND THAT Agnes Wong Ling Lee clearly gained momentum. Max is doing under pressure. Lewis is still a great driver in in January at Argentina’s request. He was
DIKENALI YANG MENDUDUKI DI PREMIS (NRIC. No. 720710-13-5598) of Unit 20-05, great, he’s there week in week out. I don’t my view but Red Bull just have the faster car. extradited to Argentina in early June. The
LOT 46176, SUNGAI TUA, MUKIM Level 20, Q Sentral, 2A Jalan Stesen Sentral really see how they are going to beat him. Especially in the hands of Max, that Red Bull fallen golf star – one of the most successful
BATU, DAERAH GOMBAK, 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Latin Americans to play the sport –
68100 BATU CAVES, SELANGOR W.P. Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed maintains his innocence, and Cabrera’s
as Liquidator of the Company for the purpose of lawyer has vowed to appeal.
AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu such winding up, with all the powers given by “The only aspect that still speaks in favour is on a different level.
tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016.
kamu di Mahkamah Sesyen Selayang AGNES WONG LING LEE
oleh Rojana Properties Sdn Bhd (No. Liquidator of Mercedes is that they will get upgrades at “If you look at how things are going now,
Syarikat: 957794-H) yang mana tuntutan Kuala Lumpur
Plaintif ialah untuk mendapatkan milikan 9 July 2021 Silverstone. unless something special happens, you
kosong premis yang dikenali sebagai Lot “Hopefully, that step is big enough to get would assume Max should win this
46176, Sungai Tua, Mukim Batu, Daerah IN THE MATTER OF
Gombak, 68100 Batu caves, Selangor, THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 closer to Red Bull, but I honestly don’t think championship.” – Express Newspapers
melupuskan barangan yang ditinggalkan
di premis tersebut, menuntut gantirugi AND
pencerobohan berserta faedah, kerugian IN THE MATTER OF TALIWORKS HOLDINGS Frustrated Tokyo 2020
untuk ditaksirkan dan kos tindakan ini
dan Mahkamah ini telah memerintahkan SDN. BHD.
bahawa sesalinan Writ Saman dan (REGISTRATION NO. 199301004993
Pernyataan Tuntutan yang kedua-
duanya bertarikh 16.4.2021 dan Perintah (259730-V)
Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 16.6.2021 (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) sponsors cancel booths, parties
ini disampaikan kepada kamu dengan NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the creditors
menampalkan sesalinan Writ Saman, of the abovenamed Company, which is being
Pernyataan Tuntutan dan sesalinan wound up voluntarily, are required, on or before
Perintah Penyampaian ganti di Papan the Monday, 9 August 2021, being the day for
Notis Mahkamah Sesyen di Selayang that purpose or fixed by the undersigned, the
dan di premis Lot 46176, Sungai Tua, Liquidator of the said Company, to send their JAPANESE Olympics sponsors are of the sources described as “impromptu”
Mukim Batu, Daerah Gombak, 68100 names and addresses with particulars of their cancelling or scaling back booths and decisions by organisers, particularly the
Batu Caves, Selangor dan dengan debts or claims, and the names and addresses promotional events tied to the Tokyo 2020 months-long delay on whether spectators
mengiklankan sekali satu Notis di dalam of their solicitors, if any, to the undersigned, Games, frustrated by “very last minute” would be allowed.
akhbar tempatan “The Sun Daily” dan and if so required by notice in writing from decisions by organisers and a delay on
bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan the said Liquidator, either by their solicitors or whether spectators would be allowed, Organisers had banned overseas
tersebut hendaklah dianggap personally are to come in and prove their said sources told Reuters. spectators and planned a cap on domestic
penyampaian sempurna dan cukup Writ debts or claims at such time and place as shall viewers at 50% of capacity, or up to 10,000
Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan ke atas be specified in such notice or in default thereof, The moves by more than a dozen people.
Defendan tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh they will be excluded from the benefit of any companies, including Canon, Tokio Marine
akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan distribution made before such debts or claims & Nichido Fire Insurance and Ajinomoto, But now just two weeks away from the
tersebut dan bahawa kos permohonan are proved. highlight the delicate situation for sponsors, start, Japan is likely to ban all spectators as
penyampaian ganti ini ditanggung oleh AGNES WONG LING LEE who have tied themselves to a Games now it prepares to declare a state of emergency
kamu. Liquidator hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and public for Tokyo that will run through its hosting of
Unit 20-05, Level 20, Q Sentral opposition. the event. Tokyo recently reported 920
Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela diri 2A Jalan Stesen Sentral 2 coronavirus cases in one day, the most since
tindakan ini, kamu mestilah memasukkan Kuala Lumpur Sentral Some 60 Japanese companies paid a May.
kehadiran dalam masa tujuh (7) 50470 Kuala Lumpur record of more than US$3 billion (RM12.5b)
hari selepas tarikh penyempurnaan W.P. Kuala Lumpur for sponsorship rights and then another “We are finally making decisions on our
penyampaian ganti ini. Jika kamu 9 July 2021 US$200 million (RM836m) to extend their own, without waiting for the organisers’
ingkar dan/atau gagal untuk contracts after the Games were delayed last cue,” said one source, an employee at one
memasukkan kehadiran dalam tempoh year due to the pandemic. sponsor, who, like other people interviewed,
yang ditetapkan, Penghakiman boleh declined to be identified because the
dikeluarkan terhadap kamu. Unlike “worldwide partners” with multi- information is not public.
year deals, domestic sponsors are only
Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan involved in the Tokyo Games. “It’s a ‘damned if you do and damned if
ini boleh diperiksa oleh kamu melalui you don’t’ situation for sponsors, but
permohonan kepada Mahkamah ini. They have been frustrated by what one everyone is starting to take action.”

Bertarikh 1 Julai, 2021.

t.t.
……………………………………

Peguamcara Plaintif

Notis ini ini difailkan oleh Tetuan
K.Harikrishnan & Co., peguamcara Plaintif
yang dinamakan diatas yang mempunyai
alamat penyampaian di 7-3A-1, Jalan
Metro Perdana Barat 1, Taman Usahawan
Kepong, Jalan Kepong, Kepong, 52100
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03-62597239; Fax : 03-62597240,
Ref: H.452.2020(L); Email: khari1634@
yahoo.com

14 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
SPORTS

I’m not a bad guy, says Djokovic

WORLD No. 1 and five-time Should he win a sixth title, career grass court win. head-to-head advantage over 22- understanding of how well he’s
champion Novak Djokovic reached Djokovic will go level with Roger “I’m not chasing anybody. I’m year-old Shapovalov into their match serving, if he’s serving well, you
his 10th Wimbledon semifinal and Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 today. know, how difficult it is to play
41st at the Grand Slams yesterday major titles. making my own path and my own against him.”
before facing down a journalist who journey, my own history. I’m The Canadian left-hander will be
asked him what it felt like being the Despite his success, the Serb then privileged to be part of history of this playing in his first Grand Slam Djokovic became only the third
“bad guy” of the sport. faced the first questioner at his post- sport that I love. semifinal. man to capture all four majors more
match news conference who asked than once with his second French
Djokovic, chasing a record- “what has it been like to be “As I said on the court, I know “We played a tight two-set this Open victory last month.
equalling 20th Grand Slam title, something of the ‘bad guy’ chasing about a lot of stats. I don’t know year in the ATP Cup, which was the
defeated Hungary’s Marton after Roger and Rafa all these years?” about all of them. But they do first opening official match for him Now he is halfway to becoming
Fucsovics 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and will face motivate me even more to play my and I of the season,” added Djokovic. the first man since 1969, and only
Denis Shapovalov of Canada for a “I don’t consider myself a bad guy. best tennis at the events that count the third in history, to complete a
place in Sunday’s final. I mean, that’s your opinion,” said 34- the most in our sport.” “The courts at the Australian calendar Grand Slam of all four
year-old Djokovic after his 100th Open are pretty quick this year so I majors. – AFP
Djokovic will take a 6-0 career could get a little bit of an

SHORTS Fed Ex uncertainty
Shapovalov has learned
his lesson

CANADA’S Denis Shapovalov reached Has Federer played his last match at Wimbledon?
his first Wimbledon semifinal
yesterday in an epic five-setter against WHENEVER Roger Federer has exquisite shots have wowed and thrilled fans
Russia’s Karen Khachanov and said he stepped onto Centre Court over for over two decades.
had learned from the bitter the past nine days, there has
experience of losing at the same stage been a lingering fear that this “I don’t know if we will ever see the great
in last year’s US Open. might be the last time Wimbledon’s favourite man again here,” former champion Boris
son will be seen in action at the All Becker said, voicing the fears of many
The 22-year-old beat Khachanov 6- England Club. millions.
4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in an engrossing Yesterday, Hubert
tussle that lasted 3hrs 26 mins. Hurkacz, a man A despondent Federer could not rule it out
either.
The joy he felt contrasted to the
despair at the end of a five-set loss to “I don’t know. I really don’t know,”
Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta in the admitted the 39-year-
US Open quarterfinals after the old Swiss, who
Canadian had taken the fourth 6-0.
Switzerland’s who had been bidding to become the
“I knew going into the fifth set I’ve Roger Federer had won only four oldest man in the Open Era to
got to leave everything I have on the in action matches on grass before this reach the last four at Wimbledon.
court for every single point that I play,” during his fortnight, could well have
he said. quarter final made those fears a reality “I’m not used to that kind of situation,
match against especially not here.”
“I really felt like I was really in every Poland’s Hubert after he produced an
single return, every single shot. Hurkacz at the inspired display to hand his It had been 18 months since Federer last
Wimbledon All childhood idol a 6-3, 7-6(4), played five matches at the same tournament
“That’s the difference I made. England Lawn 6-0 mauling in the as two surgeries on his right knee kept him
Actually after the fourth set, I told Tennis and quarterfinals. out of the sport for more than a year after his
myself, just using that experience from Croquet Club in semifinal loss at the 2020 Australian Open.
the US Open, this is what I want to London – Before yesterday, the
change and really start the set off REUTERSPIX eight-times champion had For him, the decisions he made with his
well.” contested 404 sets at 40th birthday looming in August – to go under
Wimbledon since making the knife, or spend many hours in rehab, or
Shapovalov will play defending his debut in 1999 and never pull out of last month’s French Open after he
champion Novak Djokovic in today’s before had he lost one 6-0 had won his third-round match – were all
semifinal. at the grasscourt major. because he wanted to hold up the pineapple-
topped Challenge Cup for a record ninth
“Obviously he’s the best player in If the 407th set he time.
the world but I think anything is contested at the All
possible,” Shapovalov said. England Club does turn The fact that the dream ended in a 0-6
out to be his final hurrah, nightmare must hurt, and hurt bad.
“When you look at the scoreboard it will be a sad ending to
first thing it will be 0-0. the Wimbledon career of “I feel horribly exhausted. I could go for a
nap right now. That’s how I feel,” said Federer,
“Nothing else matters. It’s a tennis a man John McEnroe who missed out on winning a record 21st
match and it can go either way. I have describes as a Grand Slam title in the same arena two years
full belief in myself and my team. “tennis god” ago after squandering two match points in
Anything is possible.” whose the final against Novak Djokovic.

Osaka exhorts girls to “You put everything on the line, and when
embrace being‘different’ it’s all over you could just go sleep because
you’re so exhausted mentally. The last 18
JAPAN’S Naomi Osaka, a self- months have been long and hard.”
confessed introvert who withdrew
from the French Open and When things go wrong in the manner they
Wimbledon on mental health did yesterday, the Swiss great will leave
grounds, has encouraged girls around Wimbledon with more questions than
the world to embrace what makes answers about his future.
them different.
Facing a Polish opponent who had never
Osaka, 23, one of Japan’s best gold previously strung together more than two
medal prospects at the Tokyo wins at a Grand Slam, not many had thought
Olympics, used her spot in the Federer’s pursuit of a 14th Wimbledon
International Olympic Committee’s semifinal, and 47th across all four majors,
(IOC) “Stronger Together” campaign to would come unstuck in the way that it did. –
say the definition of an Olympian is Reuters
broader than sometimes thought.
Berrettini stays on course to reach semis
“People might think I’m quiet.
Different. That I don’t fit the box of MATTEO BERRETTINI’S quest to Italian to reach the last four at “You know, like before this women’s quarterfinals, and her
what an Olympian should be,” Osaka become the first player since Boris Wimbledon after Nicola Pietrangeli tournament I just felt that I’m a cousin Nina Ghaibi, who is dating
says at the start of the video released Becker in 1985 to win Queen’s on in 1960. better player now. I have more Auger-Aliassime.
yesterday. “But I’m proof that the debut and then Wimbledon moved experience.
definition is bigger than people think.” a step closer as he beat Felix Augier- For Berrettini it is his second “He’s probably one of my best
Aliassime 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 to reach Grand Slam semifinal having “Everything that I am achieving, friends on tour, so it’s never easy to
The minute-long vignette begins the semifinals yesterday. reached the last four of the 2019 US it’s great, but it’s not something that play against him,” said Berrettini.
with an overhead shot of Osaka about Open. I didn’t expect.”
to serve on a tennis court before The 25-year-old Italian will play “We know each other pretty well.
jumping to footage of her dancing in Hubert Hurkacz today for a place in He says though that whereas The match was played in a great Today was really tricky. Good luck to
Tokyo’s central Shibuya district and the Wimbledon final after the Pole that run came as a pleasant surprise spirit befitting of two players who him but I’m really happy for me.
laughing in front of a mirror with her stunned eight-time champion he has different expectations this are close friends.
sister. Roger Federer in straight sets. time round. “Felix today played some parts of
Both their girlfriends were the match better than me. I asked
The video, which also shows Osaka Berrettini is only the second “In this tournament, I knew that I watching – Berrettini’s Ajla myself to be tough. I just cared
signing a TV lens after a win and at a could do it,” he said. Tomljanovic, who lost in the about the win.”– AFP
tournament representing Japan,
depicts girls of all ages playing
softball, rugby, tennis, football and
fencing, plus breakdancing.

“I want to inspire the girls out there
watching right now. The ones that
some people think are too different.
Too quiet. Too something,” said Osaka.

SIDENETTING 15theSUN ON FRIDAY | JULY 9, 2021
* SPORTS
Mo insults
Sterling show
ALVARO MORATA and his family were once again
the target of insults from social media trolls after Penalty or no penalty, England star is contender for player of the tournament
the striker scored for Spain but missed his spot-
kick against Italy duringWednesday’s Euro 2020 █ MARK CRITCHLEY
semifinal clash. At the centre of the criticism was
Morata’s wife, Alice Campello, who is Italian by RAHEEM STERLING’S
birth and was insulted on social media by her name will be mentioned
compatriots. Campello shared the insulting often in the print and
messages, which even attacked the couple’s broadcast media many
children.Things like“Your kids are going to have a times between now and Monday,
heart attack”or“Don’t you dare post pictures of both in his home country and
Morata’s goal or I’ll come to your house and burn abroad, and perhaps in
you”had to be endured. Morata’s wife lamented disparaging terms by some.
the messages she received and warned of the
consequences if she was a“more fragile”person. The penalty that he won in
“I’m honestly not suffering from any of these yesterday’s semifinal made the
messages,”Campello said.“Let’s remember that it’s difference, after all. That penalty
a sport to unite and not to give rise to frustrations.” secured England’s place in their
first major tournament final for 55
Ramos joins PSG years, angering Denmark and England
forthcoming opponents Italy in forward Raheem
SERGIO RAMOS, the former Real Madrid one fell swoop. Sterling (centre)
stalwart considered one of the best defenders in fights for the ball with
the world, has signed a two-year contract with “Football’s diving home,” were
Paris Saint-Germain, the French club said reportedly the words – delivered
yesterday. Ramos, 35, won the Champions in English – of one Italian
League four times with Real and is a World Cup commentator.
winner and a two-time champion of Europe with
Spain. The veteran arrives with PSG desperate to It was indisputably a soft
add experience to their squad for another assault decision, less of a foul than the
on an elusive first Champions League title.“It’s a challenge on Harry Kane by
big change in my life, a new challenge and a day I Christian Norgaard which went
shall never forget,”Ramos said. unpunished before the end of the
90 minutes.
RESULT Denmark Thomas
Less of a foul than most of Delaney (left) and Andreas
those to have been called all Christensen during
evening, in a refereeing display yesterday’s Euro 2020
from official Danny Makkelie that semifinal –mAatFcPhPaIXt Wembley
was not always in-keeping with Stadium.
the tournament’s high standard.
SEMIFINALS penalty,” Sterling insisted in his willingness to shoulder the playing particularly well for
Some of football’s greatest post-match interview. Simple as burden, to take responsibility, to Manchester City, but then he was
2-1 minds were in agreement over it. that. be the senior figure that he now is not playing much at all for
AET within this group of players at the Manchester City either. With
“It was never a penalty,” said It was the game’s decisive relatively young age of 26-years- England, there are no doubts over
ENGLAND DENMARK Jose Mourinho later. “Especially at moment and, for some, will old. That felt like something new. whether or not he will be trusted
Kjaer 39-OG Damsgaard 30 this level, the semifinal of a Euro. I colour perceptions of Sterling’s to play, and his performances
Kane 104 don’t understand the decision.” performance. It may even colour The run inside the box, have improved as a result.
perceptions of his entire dancing around Danish feet and
Arsene Wenger felt similar. “I tournament, but it should not, as daring them to challenge him, Sterling’s performances in this
don’t know why they didn’t ask even with that contentious was one of several that he made tournament - and his goals, with
the ref to take a look. In a moment moment, this was another display from the very first minute. three to add to eight scored in
like that it’s important that the of poise, maturity and authority. qualifying - have dismantled the
referee is absolutely convinced, it Sterling was asking so many idea that he is in any way
was not clear enough,” he said. It was yet more evidence that questions of Maehle and Jens competing for his place with the
“VAR has let the referee down.” he should be considered a Stryger before him on the rest of England’s many attacking
contender to be named the player opposite flank that it was only options.
There was the small issue of a of the tournament. really a matter of time before one
second ball being on the pitch, would miscue their intervention He is as certified a starter as
too. Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark’s Sterling did not score against slightly, leaving themselves at risk Kane, as trusted by Southgate too,
head coach, was understandably Denmark but was England’s most of conceding a spot-kick. and his willingness to take the
disappointed. consistent, constant threat, as he initiative and responsibility
has been in practically every game It has been a long summer during this tournament has
Sterling’s defence of himself for the past three-and-a-half already but it is less than a month opened many people’s eyes to his
was brief, defiant and abrupt weeks. since Sterling’s place in this line- substantial – and yet still growing
enough to arouse suspicion in up was heavily questioned. – importance. – The Independent
those who felt he had exaggerated There was something else here
the contact from Joakim Maehle, too, though. There was his It is right that he was not
whose attempt to win possession
is late but not exactly full-blooded.

“Yeah, I went into the box and
he stuck his right leg out and it
touched my leg, so it’s a clear

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FRIDAY • JULY 9, 2021 or go to www.thesundaily.my

Hjulmand upset with penalty decision as Euro dream ends

█ NICK MASHITER Hjulmand was unhappy there was these feelings. It’s a bitter way to He said: “I can’t describe how are an amazing squad and they have
DENMARK boss Kasper Hjulmand a second ball on the pitch at the time leave the tournament. much I admire the technical staff done an amazing job. They have
admits he is bitter after England of the foul but also insisted it was not “The way we lost makes it harder behind these players, they have been made Denmark proud.”
ended his battling side’s Euro 2020 a penalty. to understand why we lost. I have to through so much. We have two Hjulmand also congratulated
dream. be careful with what I say. We have people from the staff who saved the victorious England boss Gareth
He said: “It was a penalty which an amazing group and we definitely life of one of our best players. Southgate after the Three Lions
Harry Kane’s extra-time winner should not have been a penalty. It is can do something great again. “We have been fighting like crazy reached their first major tournament
sunk the Danes and earned the Three something which annoys me right “Maybe it is easier for me to say and played good football and I am final for 55 years.
Lions a 2-1 semifinal win at Wembley now. We are very disappointed. how I feel in a few days.” grateful for Denmark, the entire He said: “I want to congratulate
Defeat marks the end of nation. my colleague Gareth. I followed what
Kane scored after England were “You cannot pass by the ball on Denmark’s campaign which started “We needed the empathy when the FA has done and how he works
awarded a penalty by referee Danny the pitch which has so much in horrific fashion when Christian that happened with Christian, we with the young players, gets involved
Makkelie when Raheem Sterling influence on the game. Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest in have been receiving a lot of love and and how he behaves with the values
went down under Joakim Maehle’s their first game against Finland, support and it was amazing to feel. he has.
challenge. “I know it sounds weird right now which they lost 1-0. “Unfortunately we did not get to “How he represents and
but I cannot help having these The Inter Milan midfielder was the final but we will attack again and communicates is outstanding.
Kasper Schmeichel saved Kane’s feelings. One thing is to lose a game, revived on the pitch and is now out our future is full of hope and belief. Congratulations Gareth, you are
spot-kick – only for the striker to it happens, but losing this way is of hospital and Hjulmand revealed “These guys are outstanding and doing a great job in a difficult job.” –
convert the rebound and send disappointing because these guys his pride in his staff and squad. the whole nation can be proud, they The Independent
England through to a final with Italy have fought a lot. Rock solid
on Sunday.
“It feels bitter but we have to
digest this before we can discuss

Southgate shows clear head with Grealish
to get England over the line

█ MIGUEL DELANEY Southgate went to explain his decision to
Grealish, the forward had the best response
IN the moments just after the most jubilant possible. “Gaffer, it doesn’t matter. I’m not
of victories, Harry Kane went over to salute bothered. We’ve got to the final!”
the crowd behind the goal, only to realise
something bigger was going on. Some of That glorious simple fact is something worth
the staff were the same. reflecting on and celebrating, even if it is
The players and extended squad had entirely natural to immediately start wondering
gathered near the halfway line for a collective about winning that final.
rendition of Sweet Caroline.
It was touching. It was joyous. It was To just be in it is a real feat, though. It fully
something few had ever seen with England signals England’s return to the peak of the
before. There was almost an innocence to it so game. It is the level they were long desperate to
far removed from the indulgence of the golden reach, and so eluded them.
generation, the angry inquests into so many
failures. They have finally been able to go the
You couldn’t have a better picture of what distance in a tournament, ensuring Southgate
Gareth Southgate has done with this team. The and his squad are part of a highly distinguished
man himself had never seen anything so good – group.
pun on Neil Diamond’s famous line
unintended – at this stadium. That was also because this team were able to
“I’ve never known the new Wembley like do more than go the distance in the game.The
this,” Southgate enthused afterwards. Few have contrast in energy between England and
known an England team like this. Denmark became so notable long before the
The spirit of togetherness was illustrated by end.
one little exchange after the game. Jack Grealish
is one of a number of players who could have That is down to more than the fact
been slightly put out, given how he was put on, Southgate’s side have played most of their
and then taken off. games at home, or the fact Denmark travelled
There are some in football who consider so much more. It is also where we are seeing the
that a huge insult, real advantage of the strength of that squad,
even if that would why it really matters.
never have been
the case with It is not just about the “best XI”, which was
Southgate. There such a point of focus before Euro 2020 began. It
is still the is that it allows Southgate various strong XIs, to
danger a suit almost any situation.
player reacts
in the That’s also why the debate over Grealish has
wrong been someway misplaced. Southgate didn’t
way, but quite show why he has been reluctant to use
not here. him as much as people wanted, in the way he
When hauled him off, but instead displayed the
rationale behind his selections. Southgate
England coach needed to pick a slightly different option for the
Gareth Southgate circumstances.
celebrates after
winning “We needed to keep pressure on at the front
yesterday’s Euro but to have the numbers there to deal with the
2020 semifinal balls with the box,” Southgate said.
match against
Denmark at “Raheem (Sterling) was so difficult to play all
Wembley. night it was going to have to be Phil or Jack to
– AFPPIX come off. Jack has totally understood it.

There was something else that is different
about this England. They didn’t recede, or
suffer the “slow death” that Southgate had
noticed in his studies of so many past knock-
outs. This team instead offered a sense of life,
and then a true celebration.

“They can see what it’s meant to the whole
country tonight and what it’s meant to the fans
in the stadium,” Southgate beamed.

It means the final. It means a new level. It
may yet mean even more. – The Independent

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