TS 792021

INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS Thumbs up for Nail spas

pre-budget page hanging by a page
statement thread
2 3

ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

No. 7857 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195)

www.thesundaily.my

Unwise FOGGING CLOWN ...
█ BY RAJVINDER SINGH
[email protected] Shaharul Hisam, 43, whose full-time
job as a clown and emcee had been
PETALING JAYA: Enlisting Tan Sri jeopardised by Covid-19 as a result
Muhyiddin Yassin to take the lead of movement restrictions, has
in Malaysia’s economic recovery switched to offering door-to-door
strategy has been described as the sanitising services in Taiping, Perak.
biggest blunder by the new government.
move–BERNAMAPIX
Senior fellow at the Malaysian Council oIsmail Sabri takes flak for appointing
of Professors Dr Jeniri Amir sees it as a Muhyiddin as NRC chairman
conflict of interest given that Muhyiddin’s
first priority would be to protect his own experience to take the job?” said Jeniri. geostrategist Dr Azmi Hassan, it is
legacy. On June 15, Muhyiddin announced the difficult to understand how a man
who had already failed in the job be
“Apart from that, dynamism and introduction of the National Recovery Plan given the same task.
motivation, both of which are qualities (NRP), a four-phase strategy to exit the “Many people wanted Muhyiddin
essential for the job, have been thrown out Covid-19 crisis. A special Cabinet out because he failed to deliver
the window in favour of political committee was also appointed to oversee during his term as prime minister,” he
expediency,” he told theSun. the implementation of policies under the pointed out.
NRP. Azmi speculated that it could be
“It is down to the principle of ‘I scratch down to the fact that Ismail Sabri
your back, you scratch mine,’” he added. In July, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul needs the support of Bersatu, of
Abdul Aziz announced that the NRC, to be which Muhyiddin is president, to stay
Jeniri was commenting on the chaired by the prime minister, would take in office.
appointment of Muhyiddin as chairman of over from the special Cabinet committee. Bersatu has 31 of the new
the National Recovery Council (NRC) and government’s 114 seats in the Dewan
the deep misgivings and high level of Jeniri said that for the NRC to succeed, Rakyat, second only to Umno, which
criticism expressed by netizens. an open approach is needed when has 38. Given the razor-thin majority
recommendations are made to the the alliance has in Parliament, Ismail
The position is a ministerial-level Cabinet. “We also need experts to take on Sabri needs Bersatu on his side to hold
appointment, marking Muhyiddin’s return the task,” he said. on to power.
to the Cabinet just over two weeks after he “Just like when he
was replaced as prime minister by Datuk “Muhyiddin did not make a difference named members in his
Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. in his 17 months as prime minister. What new Cabinet, Ismail Turn to
can he do now that is going to work? This is Sabri had to please all
“The question is why did Ismail Sabri not good for the nation,” Jeniri said. parties in his coalition —
appoint Muhyiddin? Do we not have
people who have the capability and “But now that he has been appointed, page 2
he should be given the benefit of the
doubt. He will have to come up with a plan government,” Azmi said.
within two months,” he added.

For Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

BRIEFS IT’S NOW ISTANA SERI Pre-budget statement step
KINABALU in right direction: Experts

KOTA KINABALU: Istana Negri Sabah is o The break from tradition enables people to track economic “Let’s hope the finance minister’s initiative of
now known as Istana Seri Kinabalu, outlook, tax revenues and public expenses breaking away from the previous culture of
according to the Sabah state budget secrecy marks the beginning of a new
government gazette. The gazette was era of freedom of information in other areas of
issued by State Secretary Datuk Safar policy-making as well.”
Untong on Aug 5 and published on
Aug 26. The state government gazette, Sunway University professor of economics
volume LXXVI No. 35, also stated that Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the pre-budget
the Sabah state administrative centre statement gives the public an insight into the
building has been named Menara government’s thinking.
Kinabalu. The statements in the
gazette were published by order of the He said this will enable people to give more
Yang di-Pertua Negri Sabah Tun Juhar focused suggestions on what is needed.
Mahiruddin for public information.
– Bernama “This feedback will enable the government
to concentrate on key areas of concern. With
FIRE-HIT TELCO TOWER █ BY RAJVINDER SINGH debate next month. these areas mentioned in the statement, it will
REPAIRED [email protected] “By breaking from the previous practice of help set the tone for the budget.”
KUALA LUMPUR: Repair works on the PETALING JAYA: The release of a pre-budget
communication network tower statement gives people a glimpse of how complete silence until budget day, the minister He said it would also help the government to
involving the communication cabin at government policies are formulated. is following modern international practices of find ways and means to meet the people’s needs
Menara Felda Seberang Tayor, transparency and accountability on within its fiscal ability. “The government has
Kemaman, in Terengganu, which The statement by Finance Minister Datuk government spending and revenue plans, as already reached its fiscal spending limit but now
caught fire on Aug 30, were completed Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz marks a well as the Treasury’s thinking regarding it has to find ways to help the needy.”
on Saturday. Communications significant break from tradition, former strategies on fiscal policy.
and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Sheriff Yeah said whatever help the government can
Annuar Musa, in his tweet yesterday Kassim said. “With the minister’s pre-budget statement, provide must be within its fiscal limits.
said that the repairs were the market now knows what to expect on
successfully done two days earlier than “It’s a breath of fresh air,” he told theSun. taxation.” He said the main focus must be on reviving
scheduled. “This will allow local users Tengku Zafrul, who issued the statement on the economy while helping households and
to enjoy the communication network Aug 31 in the run-up to the tabling of Budget He said the people would now be able to businesses in distress.
and internet coverage as usual. I thank 2022, said it would enable people to track discuss the government’s plans for next year
the Malaysian Communications and specific metrics such as economic outlook, tax ahead of budget day. “That would enable the “Any help provided must be sustainable but
Multimedia Commission and all revenues and public expenditure. Finance Ministry to take into account people’s it must not hurt the confidence of investors.
service providers involved He said the statement also provided an views when finalising the budget proposal for Every action taken by the government must
who were committed to carrying out overview of the direction, approach and the Dewan Rakyat. place emphasis on fiscal sustainability.”
repairs as soon as possible.” expected benefits of the 2022 budget.
– Bernama Mohd Sheriff noted that previously “The minister’s openness should be Tengku Zafrul
“everything would be under lock and key” until emulated by other ministries to show their chatting with
budget day. Budget 2022 will be tabled for readiness to break from past culture, which employees of
under the Official Secrets Act reflected a Bank Simpanan
cloak-and-dagger attitude, as if the country is Nasional branch in
preparing for war. Putrajaya
yesterday, on the
Call for fresh plan first day of
to empower PwD Covid-19 special
community aid payouts.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government must High-speed internet for most of Sarawak ‘Sabri’s decision
present evaluations done on the Persons confusing’
with Disabilities Action Plan that expires KUCHING: The Sarawak government, opening the Sarawak Land and Survey
next year and begin the process of drafting a with the cooperation of various quarters Department’s Innovation and Integrity
more focused plan for 2023-2030. hopes to have at least 90% of areas in the Day.
state enjoy high-speed internet facilities by Abang Johari called on other government He said Ismail Sabri’s decision to appoint
Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, who 2022. agencies in the state to emulate the steps Muhyiddin was even more difficult to fathom
represents persons with disabilities (PwD) taken by the Sarawak Land and Survey given that just a few days prior, he had extended
in Dewan Negara, said the matter is among Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Department (JTS) in establishing strategic an olive branch to the Opposition by asking
16 proposals to the government to Openg said it would be implemented in cooperation with institutions of higher them to join the NRC.
empower the nation’s PwD community. collaboration with the Sarawak learning to carry out research and “It is mind-boggling. The people are
Multimedia Authority, Sarawak Digital development (R&D). From confused,” he added.
“I welcome the prime minister’s efforts Economy Corporation, Malaysian He was referring to the front He also noted that Muhyiddin had said
to ensure that all ministries prove their early Communications and Multimedia
achievements in the first 100 days. Commission and Sarawak Information memorandum of understanding page that he would continue where he had left
System Sdn Bhd.
“To realise the government’s signed between the Sarawak Land and off in his Covid-19 fight.
commitment through the Malaysian Family He said the importance of connectivity is Survey Department and Universiti “Muhyiddin thinks he had done a good
slogan, I hope that the government can emphasised in the implementation of Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to set job so far and that he was ousted only for
redouble its efforts in empowering the PwD Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development up the JTS-UTM Satellite Laboratory for political reasons,” he said. “He could not accept
community,” she said in a statement on Strategy, which he announced last July. R&D through the sharing of technology, the fact that he might have failed in tackling the
Sunday. expertise, training and research pandemic and that was the main reason he was
It should be utilised by civil servants in opportunities. ousted.”
She said other proposals are to upgrade delivering their services to the private sector “This cooperation will not only benefit Azmi said Ismail Sabri would have served
the PwD development department as one and the people. UTM in understanding the real situation in himself and the country better if he had
with full functions, expedite amendments the industry but will also provide appointed Muhyiddin as minister mentor.
to the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 by “This development strategy will enable huge benefits to JTS to conduct more For a start, he added, the minister mentor
incorporating enforcement elements, the people of Sarawak to experience rapid thorough and detailed research.” would not have much influence over the
introduce special insurance for the PwD development, thus improving their socio- – Bernama formulating of government policies.
community and establish the Malaysian economic wellbeing with more access to
PwD Development Foundation. economic opportunities,” he said when

Ras Adiba proposed that the
government expand the PwD category by
including rare diseases and albinism,
establish a Rare Diseases Trust Fund and
provide special allocations through Budget
2022.

She added that besides increasing the
Senate quota for those representing the
PwD community to two, the government
must also consider channeling special
grants to non-governmental organisations
to fund field activities, especially in rural
and remote areas.

“I am confident that all of the proposals
raised are important to ensure that the
welfare of the PwD community is well taken
care of, and that they can be implemented
within 100 days if all relevant ministries
show seriousness in matters concerning the
development and empowerment of
persons with disabilities.”

Ras Adiba also expressed hope that the
Women, Family and Community
Development Ministry will expedite the
registration process for unregistered PwD,
adding that as of June 20, only 580,633 in the
community are registered with the Social
Welfare Department. – Bernama

Nail biting wait for relief 3theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

RM38m for flood
repair works

o While hair and YAN: The Rural Development
beauty salons have Ministry will be providing an
resumed operations, additional allocation of RM38
manicurists have been million for repair of infrastructure
left in the lurch that was damaged due to floods
caused by a water surge here and in
Merbok on Aug 18.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir
Khalid said RM35 million would be
spent for upgrading of the Tupah
water treatment plant in Merbok to
provide clean and treated water
supply to 450 houses in the area.
█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR “Apart from that, RM1 million will
[email protected] be spent on construction of houses

PETALING JAYA: Manicurists are in for the hardcore poor or to repair
a nail-biting wait for relief. damaged houses, RM355,000 for
repair of village roads and
While the government does not RM500,000 for social amenity
consider enhancing the aesthetics of programmes, including repair of
finger and toe nails as essential, bridges.
those who provide the service are “There will also be RM1 million
struggling to stay afloat. for an alternative water supply
system and RM145,000 for the repair
Unfortunately for manicurists, of four child care centres under the
nail spas have been excluded from Community Development
the list of 11 types of businesses, Department (Kemas) in Yan,” he told
including hair and beauty salons, a media conference after visiting the
that were recently allowed to resume flood-affected locations yesterday.
operations. He said the additional allocation
was provided to enable repair works
As a result, many have been to be carried as soon as possible to
forced to pull the shutters down for ensure affected residents could
good. return to their normal life.
“Repair works on houses that
Owner of Avery Nails, Ooi Wei were damaged in the floods is being
Quan, closed his nail spa in Sri carried out by contractors appointed
Petaling in June but chose to hang by the Kedah Regional Development
on to another outlet, located in Bukit Authority,” he said, adding that it
Jalil. involved 35 houses.
On Aug 23, Prime Minister Datuk
Oddly, even the National Security Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced
Council (NSC) was at a loss on why an allocation of RM75 million for
manicurists were not allowed to repair of public facilities and
return to work when hairstylists are Business has been tough for nail salon operators as they are left in limbo regarding resumption of their operations. infrastructure damaged by the floods
already clipping away. – NORMAN HIU/THESUN in Yan and Merbok.
In another development, Mahdzir
Ooi, 27, said calls to the NSC operating procedures to ensure the insisted that it was fair.” “That is understandable, given said 8,580 of the 10,857 staff and
hotline have been met with either safety of their clients. He conceded that it was difficult that they have children to feed.” teachers of Kemas kindergartens and
confused silence or an admission childcare centres had completed
that they did not have an answer. Meantimewhile, Ooi sells pastries for a small industry like his to get the She considers herself lucky that their Covid-19 vaccination.
online but makes less than RM1,000 government’s attention. her husband still has a job and earns He expected all of them to be
“The people there just told us that a month, barely enough to cover the enough for the both of them. inoculated by end of the month.
they were only following rent at his Bukit Jalil outlet. Rather than complain, Jasmine – Bernama
instructions,” he told theSun. Chen, 28, has adapted to the But she said one of her relatives
For owners of nail salons, making restrictions by selling press-on nails. who is also a manicurist was not so Langkawi gears
Recently, the Malaysia Affiliation enough to cover the rent has been fortunate. She had to give up the up for reopening
of Nail Salons Industry (Mani) one of the major challenges. “I could have admitted customers business three weeks ago. Chen
appealed to the government to allow on the sly, but because of the expects more to suffer the same fate. KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia
its members to resume operations. Ooi said despite the economic emergence of the Delta variant, I’m Association Tour Agency (Mata) has
However, it has yet to receive a situation, his landlord raised the rent not taking the risk,” she said. While she does not make as reminded tourism industry players in
response from the authorities. by 10% when the lease was renewed much money selling press-on nails Langkawi, especially its members, to
recently. “Our job requires us to touch the as she would operating her nail spa, follow standard operating procedures
In a press statement on Aug 28, hands and face of clients for up to an she has managed to stay afloat.
Mani said it represented more than “We appealed for a reduction but hour. That’s scary.”
2,000 nail salons, which collectively our landlord told us he had to pay Chen sells the artificial nails at
employ more than 10,000 people. the instalments on the loan he had Chen added that she knows of RM58 to RM158 a set, through her
taken to purchase the shoplot. He some manicurists who have been Instagram account jsy_nailart.
Ooi said he had kept his second operating below the radar.
outlet in the hope the restrictions
would be lifted soon, adding that he
and his business partner are
prepared to observe standard

Three ministers enlisted for endemic phase discussion (SOP) when the resort island reopens
to local tourists on Sept 16.
Its president Datuk Mohd Khalid
Harun said the strict SOP set by the
government to prevent the spread of
KUALA LUMPUR: Senior Defence “It was decided at the Special Hishammuddin reiterated, as trying to revive the economy to Covid-19 in Langkawi would be used
Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Committee on Pandemic mentioned in a press conference on ensure people’s well-being.” as a yardstick for the opening of
Hussein said yesterday that a Management meeting, chaired by Sept 2, that the country is heading other resort islands such as Pulau
detailed discussion on the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail towards the endemic phase and that Hishammuddin said the SOP Redang, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Tioman,
adjustments and relaxation of the Sabri Yaakob on Sept 2, that I, as the transition into the phase would relaxation would include allowing Pulau Pangkor, Sipadan and Pulau
standard operating procedures senior minister entrusted to lead the begin by the end of next month. interstate travel and opening more Rawa.
(SOP) in preparation for the country’s pandemic management economic sectors. “Mata advises tourists to also
Covid-19 endemic phase will involve efforts under the National Security “As preparation for the endemic comply with the SOP in order to
three other ministers. Council, involve the three ministers. phase, the government is looking at “However, many factors have to break the chain of Covid
suitable measures to be relaxed, to be taken into consideration as it transmissions and revive the
He said they were Health “I will call them soon to allow the people to go about their involves people’s health and country’s economy,” he said in a
Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, commence a detailed discussion everyday lives with as much freedom national security.” statement yesterday.
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri and to make a joint decision on the as possible under the new normal. He added that Mata thanks the
Zafrul Abdul Aziz and SOP adjustment and other Hishammuddin also said that he Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry
Communications and Multimedia relaxation in preparation for the “At the same time, the had instructed the council to update for its efforts to make Langkawi a pilot
Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa. endemic phase,” he said. government will continue to protect the SOP and relaxation given to project a tourism bubble destination,
people’s lives and livelihood, while relevant ministries, so it is easy to
follow. – Bernama

Vaccination programme to be restarted which would bring relief to many
parties.
“Mata believes this
announcement is good news for
JELEBU: A vaccination outreach two weeks, especially at the People’s Federal Territories Minister Datuk vaccination in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysians and can provide relief for
programme will be implemented Housing Project and Kuala Lumpur Seri Shahidan Kassim to reinstate Putrajaya had exceeded 170% of the tourism industry players who have
again for residents who have been City Hall housing areas. the programme to curb the spread of data obtained by the ministry, more been affected following the closure of
left out in getting their Covid-19 Covid-19.” detailed information was needed to the entire tourism sector chain due to
vaccine shots in Kuala Lumpur and “Should cases hit 500 in the areas, facilitate the National Recovery Plan the pandemic.”
Putrajaya, said Deputy Federal we will send a vaccination mobile Jalaluddin, who is Jelebu transition phase. Last week, the ministry also
Territories Minister Datuk Seri unit there. So, city dwellers aged 18 member of Parliament, was announced approval for seven major
Jalaluddin Alias. and above who have not received speaking after meeting Jelebu He said the matter was discussed tourism activities in Langkawi to
their vaccine can immediately go to Undang Luak Datuk Maarof Mat in a recent Covid-19 coordination reopen, including snorkeling, scuba
He said the focus would be on the outreach location. Rashadin in Kuala Klawang and management committee diving and eco geo-adventure
areas which have recorded more yesterday, Bernama reported. meeting to bring the two regions to activities. – Bernama
than 500 positive cases in the last “Initially, the programme was phase two of the plan soon.
stopped, but I had discussions with Jalaluddin said although

4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

PM pledges additional cash aid

o Another initiative announced for individuals
affected by economic hardship due to Covid

PUTRAJAYA: Even as the current to collect the aid comply with the Senior citizens queueing
round of cash aid under the Bantuan standard operating procedures to at a Bank Simpanan
Khas Covid-19 is being dispensed to prevent Covid-19 transmission. Nasional branch in
the needy, the prime minister has Klang to receive the
promised yet another payout. Joining the video conference were Bantuan Khas Covid aid
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku payment yesterday.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who was at BSN – ASYRAF RASID/THESUN
announced yesterday that the new Putrajaya, and Deputy Finance
round of aid will be distributed to Minister Mohd Shahar Abdullah, Prihatin Rakyat aid package. N. Sembilan receives RM26.34m
eligible households from next who was at BSN in Bera, Pahang. Those in the M40 group who
month. SEREMBAN: The federal government following a sharp increase in
“Although what the government is report income tax with a total has channelled RM26.34 million to (Covid-19) cases in Negri Sembilan,
However, the prime minister, who giving may not be much, but at least household income of RM5,001 to Negri Sembilan between January and placing the state among the top five,
was speaking at a video conference it can help reduce the people’s RM9,000 and RM2,501 to RM5,000 June for operation and management with high daily cases.
with staff of Bank Simpanan Nasional burden,” Ismail Sabri said, adding for singles are also eligible. costs in addressing the Covid-19
(BSN), did not reveal details of the that more assistance for the people pandemic, the state assembly was “However, with continuous efforts
new aid package. was forthcoming, referring to Hardcore poor category told yesterday. and commitment, we managed to
information from Tengku Zafrul. households will receive RM1,300 move to Phase Three of the National
Ismail Sabri was speaking from while eligible senior citizens and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Recovery Plan on Sept 4,”he said in
his residence in Petaling Jaya, where Last Wednesday, Ismail Sabri singles will receive RM500. For the Harun said the amount included response to a supplementary question
he has been undergoing self- announced that the Bantuan Khas B40 category, households will receive RM6.84 million for operation of the from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa
quarantine since Aug 30, after he was Covid aid would be paid in stages, RM800, eligible senior citizens and Covid-19 quarantine and treatment (BN-Gemencheh), who wanted to
confirmed to have been in close with phase one payments credited singles will get RM200 while for the centres and quarantine stations, know the amount of aid channelled to
contact with a person who tested starting yesterday, and are expected M40 category, households will compared to RM4.4 million that was the state government to curb the
positive for Covid-19. to be completed by Friday, with receive RM250 and qualified senior channelled through the respective spread of Covid-19.
funds amounting to RM3.1 billion citizens and singles will get RM100. district and land offices.
He said the additional aid is to channelled to the relevant banking – Bernama To a supplementary question from
help ease the burden of the people institutions for payments. “The allocation also included Datuk L. Manickam (BN-Jeram
most badly affected by the pandemic RM9.56 million for operation of Padang), who wanted to know
and the eventual economic fallout. The aid is aimed to assist the vaccination centres, where RM6.5 whether the state government would
hardcore poor, B40 (Bottom 40 million had been spent as of August, set up vaccination centres specifically
“I hope all payment processes income group) households with total and RM10 million for a strategic for foreigners, including in plantations,
planned by the Finance Ministry will monthly income of RM5,000 and programme to empower the people Aminuddin said the matter would be
run smoothly. Hopefully, nothing below, and senior citizens as well as and the economy, and implementation forwarded to the Malaysian
untoward will happen that can cause singles with a monthly income of of small-scale projects. Investment Development Authority
delays and so on.” RM2,500 and below, based on the for consideration. – Bernama
eligibility criteria under the Bantuan “The allocation was provided
Ismail Sabri also advised BSN staff
to ensure that recipients who come

BPR recipients to also get BKC assistance

BERA: Individuals with Bantuan impacted by the Covid-19 On Sept 1, Prime Minister Datuk Johor keen on under-18 inoculation
Prihatin Rakyat (BPR) appeals pandemic will be assisted through Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced
pending need not worry as they will various methods, subject to that phase one of BKC is expected to ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor hopes the under 18 years old,” he said in
still receive the Bantuan Khas required conditions,” he said after benefit 10 million eligible B40 and federal government will expedite response to a supplementary
Covid-19 (BKC) aid once the checking on BKC payments at a M40 recipients, comprising 4.4 providing Covid-19 vaccines for those question from Yeo Tung Siong
outcome of their appeals is finalised bank in Triang. million households, 1.1 million aged 18 and below in the country to (PH-Pekan Nanas), who wanted to
at the end of the month. senior citizens and 4.5 million achieve wider herd immunity. know whether the state government
Mohd Shahar acknowledged singles. is planning to provide a booster dose
Deputy Finance Minister Mohd that the pandemic had resulted in a Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni for frontliners.
Shahar Abdullah said the situation in which some in the T20 Mohd Shahar also said the Mohammad told the state assembly
government is aware of concerns category have found themselves in payments were initially scheduled yesterday that providing the vaccine As of last Sunday, Hasni said Johor
over news that BKC eligibility the M40 bracket, which made them for August, but the delay was due to to the group was more important had achieved a vaccination rate of
for the B40 group was based on eligible for government aid as well if changes in the government than giving a third or booster dose to 83.1% for adults, who had received at
BPR data approval, especially they meet requirements. administration, before Ismail Sabri those already vaccinated. least a single dose, and 52.6% who
involving individuals with pending ordered payments to be expedited had completed their vaccination.
appeals. In this regard, he said the as soon as the new Cabinet was “What is more important is to – Bernama
ministry always implements the sworn in. provide vaccination for students
“If their appeal goes through, check-and-balance process to
they will also be eligible for BKC. If ensure those eligible are not left out. In total, the government has
they are not eligible, we will provided an allocation of RM17.1
cross-check with taxation data, and Mohd Shahar also urged BPR billion this year for the
if they meet the M40 criteria, then recipients to check their bank implementation of Bantuan
they will be eligible for the aid. accounts as many are unaware that Prihatin Nasional 2.0, BPR,
they may be eligible for BKC as well, Additional BPR, BKC and Income
“The government will do its despite having not applied for Loss Aid. – Bernama
utmost to ensure that those the aid.

PERLIS 38

1,862,187 KEDAH 1,599 KELANTAN 1,213 LABUAN 5
PENANG 1,558 TERENGGANU 700 1,844
PAHANG 463
252,668 1,591,028 18,491 PERAK 1,082 N.SEMBILAN 193
SELANGOR 2,126
17,352 20,201 272 295 SABAH
K. LUMPUR 398 JOHOR 2,101
PUTRAJAYA 23 SARAWAK 3,714

MALACCA

PROGRESS OF VACCINATION DRIVE UNDER As of September 5

975 THE NATIONAL COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME

Received rst dose Received second dose

20,543,016 15,926,601

ACCIDENT VICTIMBRIEFS 5theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
UNDERGOES SURGERY NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian student Odd jobs
Muhammad Haikal Ahmad Kabir, who
fractured his left arm and right leg in a Finding a niche in her vocals
road accident in Cairo, Egypt, has safely
undergone surgery costing 100,000 o Reading out information on different subject matters with told theSun.
Egyptian pounds (RM26,000). proper enunciation a challenging task, says voice-over artiste She said one of the scripts was a hard sell and
Education Malaysia Egypt on Sunday
said on its official Facebook page █ BY ELLY FAZANIZA Raja Akmar’s journey began three decades another was a narration, in Malay and English.
Muhammad Haikal was among five [email protected] ago when a client, who her advertising company Two weeks later, she was offered a job.
Malaysian students of Universiti AS a voice-over artiste, Raja Akmar Raja represented, offered her an opportunity to do a
Al-Azhar who were hit by a passing Biazad’s voice has been heard in most Southeast voice-over. However, Raja Akmar did not do a voice-over
motorcycle while crossing a road last Asian countries and the US even before she has for her first assignment.
Friday. The other students suffered travelled to these places. She uses her She did it with such aplomb that she asked a
minor injuries. “Muhammad Haikal is enunciation talent to not just extol qualities of a recording studio for an opportunity to work for “I was just asked to lip sync for a model. It
recovering, and family members of product, but also to help viewers understand them. was challenging but I managed to do it,”
those affected have been notified,” said documentaries they are watching. she said.
Malaysian Embassy education attache “They gave me a few scripts and asked me to
in Cairo Mohd Yasser Abdul Ghani on submit recordings of my voice on tape,” Raja Among the perks that come with the job are
Sunday. – Bernama Akmar, known in the industry as Kuti, opportunities to learn new things.

FISHERMEN HELD FOR Raja Akmar in her studio. “Every script is about a different subject
LICENCE VIOLATION – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN matter such as finance, engineering and even
soil manure. I have to speak like an expert and it
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu can be funny. I enjoy doing it,” she said.
Fisheries Department detained 27
fishermen, including five Myanmar There were times when she found it difficult
nationals, for violating licence terms as to express herself the way a client wanted.
they were fishing about 12 nautical
miles from Kuala Merchang near She said she was once given a script with
Marang on Sunday. Its director Ruzaidi “terrible grammar”.
Mamat said the fishermen on two Class
C vessels were nabbed in an operation “It was awkward. I suggested that they
carried out in the waters from Pulau rephrased some of the sentences but they
Kapas to Dungun between 1am and refused.” Fortunately, this rarely happens.
4.30am. The department also seized
4,000kg of marine resources, with an Raja Akmar said most people think that
estimated value of RM3 million. “The voice-overs are only done for commercials.
boats and crew based at Kuala Besut
and Kuantan in Pahang were taken to “They do not know that we also do
the Pulau Kambing Resources voice-overs for trailers, IVR (interactive voice
Protection Base for further action.” systems) and documentaries,” she said.
– Bernama
Her most challenging assignment was to
COUPLE CHARGED WITH deliver an 18,000-word script.
ABUSING BABY
“I had to talk for three to four hours non-stop
KUALA PILAH: A married couple was each day over a four-month period,” she said.
charged at the magistrate’s court
yesterday with abusing a 16-month-old As a voice-over artiste, she has to sound
baby boy. No plea was recorded from energetic and be engaging. She even has to
the husband, aged 23, and the child’s smile although she does not appear on screen.
17-year-old mother when the charge
was read to them before magistrate Raja Akmar said her first opportunity at
Saiful Sayoti as the case is under the recording a documentary came when a
jurisdiction of the sessions court. They production house approached her with a
were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of proposal to work with the National Geographic
the Child Act 2001 with abusing the Channel.
child and causing serious injuries to his
head, eyes, body and feet. They are “I was so excited. I had to submit a sample
accused of committing the offence at recording of my voice for their assessment and
an unnumbered house in Felda Bukit after some time, they told me I had the job.”
Jalor Aks in Tampin. – Bernama As a mother of three, she is also mindful of the
clients she selects. She once refused to do
Salesman in court voice-over for a gambling site.
over reckless driving
“It was rather dubious and I was not
LUMUT: A car salesman was charged at the comfortable doing it.”
Seri Manjung magistrate’s court yesterday
with three counts of driving in a reckless or Raja Akmar’s experience eventually led her
dangerous manner that resulted in the to another undertaking – that of a speech coach.
death of three individuals last month.
It began when she was approached by a bank
A.R. Sathiya Ganes, 38, pleaded not employee who had an acute stutter. To help her,
guilty to all charges, which were read Raja Akmar did research on the issue and
separately before magistrate Nurul Izalina applied what she learned during their weekly
Rajaai. sessions.

He was charged with reckless driving “The client was happy with the results and
which resulted in the death of motorcyclist that was reward enough for me.”
Mohd Suhail Zainal, 22, and his pillion rider
Hasrandy Bahrum, 27, and another Today, she doubles up as a speech coach for
motorcyclist Mohd Nur Hisham Hassan, 29, corporate executives.
at Km4, Jalan Kampung Acheh-Sitiawan at
about 5.30pm on Aug 21. “When speaking to customers, they must
give their best and have to be confident.”
The charge, under Section 41(1) of the
Road Transport Act 1987, carries a jail Perak association members Businessman loses
sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of discover ancient cave paintings RM65,000 in scam
between RM20,000 and RM50,000. He may
also be disqualified from driving for a period IPOH: A local heritage association has detail so as to gather more accurate information KUANTAN: A businessman was made
of five years for each offence. discovered cave paintings estimated to be about the paintings. poorer by more than RM65,000 after being
between 2,500 and 4,000 years old in Gua duped into paying the amount for a “winning
Sathiya also claimed trial to a charge of Kanthan in Chemor. “We have not done a scientific or special lottery number” that would make him a
self-administration of methamphetamine at study. Instead, we only conducted a general millionaire.
the narcotics criminal investigation division Various paintings on the walls and ceiling of study among association members, without the
office of the Manjung district police the cave were scribbled with charcoal and red involvement of archaeologists. Pahang commercial crime investigation
headquarters at about 4pm on Aug 23. colouring depicting boats, humans, the sun and department head Supt Mohd Wazir Mohd
animals. “We need to study the paintings and check Yusof said the 45-year-old victim claimed he
The charge, under Section 15(1)(a) of the the cave area using carbon dating,” he said. transferred a total of RM65,180 to an account
Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, carries a The team also found snail shells believed to provided by a man who said he could predict
maximum fine of RM5,000 or a jail sentence be of the “Brotia Spinola” type and the skeletal Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia Global a lottery number that would win him RM1.1
of up to two years. remains of a turtle. Archaeological Research Centre archaeologist million.
Saw Chaw Yeh said a thorough study is needed
Nurul Izalina allowed Sathiya bail of Perak Natural Heritage Geopark Tourist to estimate the age of the drawings. “The victim claimed to have found out
RM3,500 in one surety on each of the Guides Association advisor Ching Boon Tat said about the winning number prediction on
charges for reckless driving and RM2,000 for the paintings were discovered when he and two She said generally, red-coloured wall Facebook in March and called a number via
the drug offence. He was also ordered to of his colleagues were exploring the area two paintings have been found to be in existence in WhatsApp for more information.
report to the nearest police station every two weeks ago. These were the first cave paintings Southeast Asia since the Neolithic time when
weeks and not to intimidate witnesses in the found in Gua Kanthan that were still in good charcoal was used for paintings for hundreds of “A man who responded claimed he had
case. – Bernama condition. years. the winning lottery number and instructed
the victim to make payments, which
It is believed that the cave was used as a “We have not been able to identify the period included the purchase of lottery tickets, tax
settlement by humans of the Neolithic period. when the drawings were made. We don’t have payment and administrative costs, before the
an icon or symbol that can assist us in money could be credited into the victim’s
“We have found paintings in the shape of a determining the date of the drawings. account.
150cm long ship with 10 humans on it.
“Normally, humans in the ancient age would “However, the victim became suspicious
“There were also drawings in the shape of the use ‘hematite’, which is a type of stone when he did not receive the winning money
sun as well as animals such as huge lizards and commonly used in limestone caves in Malaysia. and lodged a report at the Bentong district
chickens,” he said. And most probably, at the time, they mixed the police headquarters on Sunday,” Mohd
stone with blood or fruits to draw,” she said. Wazir said. – Bernama
Ching added the association hopes – Bernama
archaeologists could study the findings in more

6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Philippines to lift lockdown in capital

MANILA: The Philippines will lift a The move to ease restrictions from building or street could be targeted. country’s economy, will enable many recently the country could not afford
stay-at-home order in the capital this tomorrow comes after nationwide “It will be literally a complete hard-hit businesses to reopen and more lockdowns, after previous
week as it trials “granular lockdowns”, daily cases exceeded 20,000 for the spur local tourism. measures shattered the economy.
an official said yesterday, in a bid to past three days – double the number lockdown if you are subject to
rein in coronavirus cases and revive at the start of the latest lockdown – granular lockdown – even the food Based on previous guidelines, But with only 19% of the targeted
the economy. straining hospitals as they grapple will be delivered to you.” restaurants will be allowed to accept population fully vaccinated and
with a shortage of nurses. diners and beauty salons permitted hospitals filling up fast, authorities
More than 13 million people in the There were no further details to operate at reduced capacity. have had few options to slow the
national capital region – the country’s “Localised lockdowns will be about how the more targeted spread of the coronavirus.
economic heartland – have been in piloted in Metro Manila,” said measures would be enforced. Limited numbers of faithful will be
lockdown since Aug 6 amid record presidential spokesman Harry allowed to attend in-person church The country’s infection caseload
infections fuelled by the Delta variant. Roque, explaining that a household, The lighter restrictions in the services. has passed two million, with over
national capital region, which 34,000 deaths. – AFP
accounts for about a third of the President Rodrigo Duterte said

Families of MH17 victims Be wary of ‘flashy’
promises: Taiwan

accuse Russia of lying TAIPEI: Taiwan warned Honduras yesterday
against “flashy and false” promises by China
o Dozens to testify in trial saying she was citing the late Soviet dissident government troops, has refused to extradite after the Latin American nation’s main
of suspects alleged to have writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn. the suspects. opposition party vowed to switch diplomatic
had key roles in rebel forces recognition to Beijing.
She was the first of dozens of relatives who MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to
AMSTERDAM: Relatives of the 298 victims of will be given an opportunity to speak or Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by what Presidential candidate Xiomara Castro said
Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) submit written statements over the coming international investigators and prosecutors she would “immediately open diplomatic and
yesterday accused Russia of lying about its three weeks. say was a Russian surface-to-air missile that commercial relations with mainland China” if
alleged role in the downing of the plane as originated from a Russian base just across the she wins elections in November.
they began testifying in the Dutch murder Van der Steen made the remarks about Ukrainian border.
trial of four suspects. lying in Russian, explaining that she did so Castro, the wife of ousted president Manuel
“for the benefit of those who are listening in Three Russians and a Ukrainian citizen, all Zelaya, is the candidate for the main left-wing
International investigators concluded that on behalf of the Russian regime today”. suspected of having key roles in the separatist opposition Liberty and Refoundation Party.
the passenger plane was shot down over forces, are on trial for murder.
eastern Ukraine with a missile fired by “I want it to be known that I know where Honduras is among only 15 countries that
pro-Russian rebels. the responsibility lies. After years of collecting evidence, a team of maintain formal relations with Taiwan, which
international investigators concluded in May China claims as part of its territory.
Moscow denies all responsibility. “Lying and falsehoods are a familiar 2018 that the launcher used to fire the missile
“They are lying, we know they are lying tactic in this game of cat and mouse through belonged to Russia’s 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile “Our side reminds Honduras that promises
and they know that we know that they are which we are aspiring to uncover the truth,” Brigade. by the Chinese government are usually flashy
lying,” Ria van der Steen, who lost her father she said. and false, and they are consistent ploys to
and stepmother on the flight, told the court, The fugitive suspects have been on trial for sabotage Taiwan’s diplomatic relations with our
Australian Vanessa Rizk, who lost both her a year and a half. allies,” said the Foreign Ministry in a statement.
parents in the crash when she was 22, also
pointed to Russian President Vladimir Putin Only one sent lawyers to represent him so The ministry said it was closely monitoring
and his government as part of the “political the case is not considered to be entirely tried the situation in Honduras and vowed to
nightmare” that led to the crash. in absentia under Dutch law. continue to strengthen their bilateral ties.

Russia, which maintains that it has not Judges said yesterday they expected to Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander
funded or supported rebels fighting Ukrainian issue a judgment late next year. – Reuters Yui told Honduran media last month that many
promises from Beijing were unfulfilled and had
ROBOCOP BRIEFSleft some countries in severe “debt traps”.
... A robot
patrolling a Latin America has been a key diplomatic
shopping and battleground for decades between Taiwan and
residential China since they split in 1949 after a civil war.
district in
Singapore Most recently, Taipei has accused Beijing of
yesterday, trying to lure away its allies in the region with
reminding “vaccine diplomacy”, using promises of badly
people to needed coronavirus shots.
observe
proper social Honduras’ chief cabinet coordinator Carlos
behaviour Alberto Madero said in May that his country
such as not wished to maintain ties with Taiwan but access
smoking in to vaccines was “much more urgent than
public and not anything else” and “this puts us in a very
to gather in difficult situation”. – AFP
groups of
more than five. BOY FOUND THREE DAYS
– AFPPIX AFTER GOING MISSING

Marchers walk 7,000 steps for detained Canadian duo CANBERRA: Australian emergency services
rescued a three-year-old boy yesterday,
OTTAWA: Hundreds of supporters of two them home and do everything possible to end extradition trial got under way last month. three days after he went missing from his
Canadian men being held in China on what this injustice,” she said at the start of the rally. No decision has been announced in family’s property. Video footage released by
Ottawa says are specious charges marched police showed the boy, Anthony“AJ”Elfalak,
7,000 steps through the Canadian capital on The two men were arrested in December Kovrig’s case. desperately scooping water into his mouth
Sunday to mark the pair’s 1,000th day of 2018 and accused of espionage in what The Ottawa rally was attended by in a creek in Putty, 150km northwest of
“unjust” detention. Ottawa has said was retaliation for its Sydney, just before his rescue. AJ was taken
detention on an American warrant of a Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau to hospital and was reported to have
Similar events in support of Michael prominent Chinese national, Huawei and several opposition MPs, as well as the US suffered some scrapes from a fall and a
Spavor and Michael Kovrig were held executive Meng Wanzhou. ambassador to Ottawa. nappy rash. Asked what had sustained him
elsewhere in Canada and across the world in during the ordeal, the boy’s relieved father
cities including Brussels, New York, A decision is expected in coming months Nadjibulla said her husband had Anthony Elfalak said: “Just to see my son,
Washington, Seoul and Singapore. on whether to send Meng to the United States described his ordeal in letters from prison, he’s named after me.”It was unclear why the
to face fraud charges related to alleged adding: “One of the things that he does in his boy had wandered away from his parents’
“These are unjust detentions,” said violations of Iran sanctions by the Chinese windowless, small cell every day is to pace home on Friday. – Reuters
Kovrig’s wife Vina Nadjibulla. tech giant. 7,000 steps.”
BELARUS JAILS PROTEST
“These marches are about solidarity with Spavor, a businessman, and former “He walks in circles, 7,000 steps, often LEADER FOR 11 YEARS
our Michaels, they’re about honouring their diplomat Kovrig went on trial in March. holding a book, reading, reciting songs,
strength and resilience and also calling for prayers – 5km of courage and contemplation. MINSK: A court in Belarus sentenced one of
action to finally break the stalemate, to bring Spavor was handed an 11-year jail And today, he will not be alone in that walk. the country’s most prominent opposition
sentence just as final arguments in Meng’s We will accompany him, all of us.” – AFP figures, Maria Kolesnikova, to 11 years in
prison yesterday after she led
unprecedented protests against President
Alexander Lukashenko last year.
Kolesnikova’s lawyer Maxim Znak was also
handed a 10-year sentence, according to
the press service of one-time presidential
hopeful Viktor Babaryko, whose campaign
was managed by Kolesnikova. She is the
only major leader of last year’s mass
protests still in Belarus and has been in
custody for a year after resisting
deportation from her own country by
ripping up her passport. The 39-year-old
former flute player in the national
philharmonic orchestra has become a
symbol of the protest movement. – AFP

*selected course 7theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
*terms and conditions apply * NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Taliban claim total control BRIEFS AIRLINE: SHIPMENT
over Afghanistan OF GUNS WAS LEGAL

o Resistance admits suffering major losses, anti-Taliban militia and former first be announced, allowing for ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian Airlines
calls for ceasefire Afghan security forces – on Sunday later changes. said yesterday its transport of
acknowledged suffering major weapons to Sudan was a “legal
KABUL: The Taliban yesterday “With this victory, our country is battlefield losses and called for a “Final decisions have been taken, and commercial” shipment of
claimed total control over completely taken out of the ceasefire. we are now working on the technical hunting guns, after reports the
Afghanistan, saying they had won quagmire of war,” said chief issues.” cargo had been confiscated by
the key battle for the Panjshir Valley, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. But the group said in a tweet the authorities in Khartoum.
the last remaining holdout of yesterday that its fighters were still Afghanistan’s new rulers have Sudan’s Suna news agency had
resistance against their rule. “Anyone who tries to start an present in “strategic positions” in the pledged to be more “inclusive” than said on Sunday that the weapons
insurgency will be hit hard. We will valley. during their first stint in power, with were seized by customs and an
Following their lightning-fast not allow another.” a government that represents investigation launched after they
victory in mid-August over the The NRF includes local fighters Afghanistan’s complex ethnic were flown in on an Ethiopian
former Afghan government’s The Taliban published a video of loyal to Ahmad Massoud – the son of makeup – though women are Airlines passenger flight. “There
security forces and the withdrawal their flag being raised over the the famous anti-Soviet and unlikely to be included at the top are suspicions that they were
of American troops after 20 years of governor’s house in Panjshir – anti-Taliban commander Ahmad levels. meant to be used in anti-state
war, the Taliban turned to fighting underscoring a historic win that has Shah Massoud – as well as remnants crimes,” Suna said. But the airline
the forces defending the seen the anti-Taliban bastion of the Afghan military that retreated Afghan women’s freedoms were said it had full documentation to
mountainous Panjshir Valley. defeated for the first time during 40 to the Panjshir Valley. sharply curtailed under the Taliban’s prove the legality of the
years of conflict. 1996 to 2001 rule. shipment, including a letter from
As the hardliners claimed The Taliban are yet to finalise Sudan’s Foreign Ministry. – AFP
victory, their chief spokesman It remained in the hands of their new regime after rolling into This time, women will be allowed
warned against any further attempts resistance fighters during Soviet the capital Kabul three weeks ago at to attend university as long as WESTERN MEDIA
to rise up against their rule while rule, a subsequent civil war and the a speed that analysts say likely classes are segregated by sex or at WEBSITES TARGETED
urging former members of the Taliban’s first regime of the late surprised even the hardliners least divided by a curtain, said the
security forces to join the regime’s 1990s. themselves. Taliban’s education authority in a LONDON: Western media news
ranks. document issued on Sunday. websites are being hijacked by
The National Resistance Front As they undertake a mammoth pro-Russian trolls to spread
(NRF) in Panjshir – made up of transition into overseeing key Female students must wear an propaganda and disinformation
institutions and cities of hundreds of abaya (robe) and niqab (face-veil), supporting the Kremlin,
thousands of people, Zabihullah as opposed to the more conservative according to research published
said an interim government would burqa mandatory under the by a British university yesterday.
previous Taliban regime. – AFP The Crime and Research Security
Institute at Cardiff University said
Military seizes power in Guinea, detains president it had unearthed evidence from
32 major news outlets in 16
countries that have been
targeted via manipulation of
their readers’ comments sections.
They include the Daily Mail and
The Times in Britain as well as Fox
News and Washington Post in the
United States. – AFP

CONAKRY: Guinean special forces People celebrating in the streets with soldiers after Conde’s arrest in Conakry on Sunday. – AFPPIX Ex-US army
seized power in a coup on Sunday, sniper kills four,
arresting the president and the capital Conakry’s Kaloum forces – provoking some of its highly “We are no longer going to including infant
imposing an indefinite curfew in the district, the government quarter, trained members to rebel. entrust politics to one man, we are
west African country. had reported hearing heavy gunfire. going to entrust politics to the WASHINGTON: A former sniper in
Guinea military’s special forces people,” he said. the US military went on a shooting
“We have decided, after having One Western diplomat in head Lt-Col Mamady Doumbouya spree in central Florida, killing four
taken the president, to dissolve the Conakry, who declined to be appeared on public television, “Guinea is beautiful. people, including an infant boy,
constitution,” said a uniformed named, suggested the unrest may draped in the national flag, saying “We don’t need to rape Guinea officials said on Sunday.
officer flanked by soldiers toting have started after the dismissal of a government “mismanagement” anymore, we just need to make love
assault rifles in a video sent to AFP. senior commander in the special prompted the coup. to her.” – AFP The suspect, identified as
33-year-old Bryan Riley, shot and
The officer also said that Guinea’s killed a 40-year-old man, a
land and air borders had been shut 33-year-old woman and her
and the government dissolved. three-month-old son in a residential
area in Polk County, Florida, said
An earlier video sent to AFP by County Sheriff Grady Judd.
the putschists showed President
Alpha Conde sitting on a sofa The fourth victim was the child’s
surrounded by troops. 62-year-old grandmother.

The 83-year-old refused to Riley, who was wearing full body
answer a question from one soldier armour, also wounded an 11-year-
about whether he had been old girl before surrendering himself
mistreated. to the police following an intense
gunfight, said Judd.
Later on Sunday, the junta
announced a nationwide curfew Riley, a veteran of the wars in Iraq
“until further notice” and said it and Afghanistan, told the police he
would convene Conde’s cabinet was a “survivalist” and that he had
ministers. been taking methamphetamine.

“Any refusal to attend will be He also told the police, without
considered a rebellion.” elaborating, “you know why I did
this”, according to a statement from
The country’s governors and Judd published on social media.
other top administrators will be
replaced by the military, said the Riley was wounded in the
statement. gunfight and was rushed to a local
hospital, where he again tried to
For their appearance on state attack police officers and had to be
television, members of the junta sedated.
were wearing berets and dressed in
fatigues, with no weapons apparent. It was not immediately clear what
prompted the attack, said Judd.
The nation of about 13 million – AFP
people – one of the world’s poorest
countries despite boasting
significant mineral resources – has
long been beset by political
instability.

Earlier on Sunday, residents of

Six Palestinians escape from Israeli jail

TEL AVIV: Six Palestinians broke out of an and Israelis, the IPS confirmed in a statement. In footage that recalled the iconic 1994 All 400 inmates detained at Gilboa over
Israeli prison yesterday through a tunnel dug Police, the army and agents from Israel’s prison escape film The Shawshank Redemption, “security offences” are being relocated in case
beneath a sink, triggering a massive manhunt the IPS released a video which showed agents additional tunnels have been dug beneath the
for the group. powerful internal security agency – the Shin Bet inspecting a narrow tunnel dug beneath a sink, facility, according to the IPS.
– joined the search effort, officials said. burrowing deep into the ground.
The Israel Prison Service (IPS) said an alert Hamas, the group that controls the Israeli
was sounded at roughly 3am by locals who Sniffer dogs were deployed and checkpoints The jail break occurred hours before Israel blockaded Gaza Strip, called the escape a
spotted “suspicious figures” outside the Gilboa set up in the area surrounding Gilboa. begins its High Holiday season, starting with “courageous and heroic act” and a “real defeat”
prison in the country’s north. Jewish New Year which begins at sundown. for Israel’s security system.
Israeli media reports said it was possible the
The group includes Zakaria Zubeidi, former escapees had already returned to the West Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Islamic Jihad, one of Gaza’s most powerful
head of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades and Bank, a territory occupied by Israel since 1967. the escape “a serious incident” and said he was groups after Hamas, lauded the jail break as “a
a well-known figure among Palestinians receiving regular updates about the search. powerful blow to the occupation forces”. – AFP
The army said its forces were deployed in the
West Bank as part of the operation.

8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
SPEAK UP

Low interest rate environment only natural

Arguably, asset bubbles as embodied by the succeeding the Great Crash propelled by QE.
Great Financial Crisis/Great Recession/Great Our local economists are in agreement as
COMMENT by Dr Rais Hussin and Jason Loh Crash (2008/09) weren’t caused by low
interest rates but by de-regulation and reported in “Risk of asset price inflation low in
SOME mainstream economists have lax/light touch approach of the authorities Malaysia”. To quote from this article:
been busy fanning the inflation hysteria envisioned by our new Prime Minister Datuk such as the Securities and Exchange
that’s supposedly upon us now and a Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in his inaugural speech Commission (SEC), the body that oversees “Asset price inflation, which is posing a
sign of things to come because of the on Aug 22, a sustained low interest rate and regulate the securities and financial threat in some Western economies, is unlikely to
environment is vital and natural. markets in the US. rear its ugly head in Malaysia amid the
sustained low interest rate environment. As highlighted in an EMIR Research article, The creation of new financial products country’s low interest rates and massive
Thankfully, central bankers are more “The Dynamic Tension Between Politics and such as mortgage-backed securities and stimulus packages. Even as the central bank
realistic and optimistic. Economics in Continuing to Steady the collateralised debt obligations escaped the has kept key benchmark interest rate at 1.75%
There’s a difference, though, between a low Economy Under the Covid-19 Era”, a higher scrutiny of the SEC prior to the Great Crash. for some time, coupled with a cumulative fiscal
interest rate like 1.5% and zero interest rate. interest rate would erode While it is true that low stimulus of RM380 billion since last year,
The latter is in a class of its own. profitability because of its interest rates would compel economists agree that asset-price inflation risk
Or even a negative interest rate policy, inclusion in the cost of Zero interest rate investors to search for is lower, thanks to the preemptive macro-
which Sweden’s Riksbank experimented for a production. higher yields or returns, this prudential measures and responsible bank
while off and on as the first central bank to do It also thereby hasn’t translated into lending practices introduced in late 2010,
inflation or a market following the 2008-2009 US subprime crisis”.
happensso. contributes to inflationary bubble.
Zero interest rate happens hypothetically pressure, the contemporary Instead, quantitative With the latest announcement by Finance
easing (QE) as the other tool Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz
hypotheticallywhen excess reserves (i.e., cash in the paradox of the positive of the central bank to flatten that the government is seeking to increase our
accounts of the commercial banks with the correlation between interest when excess the long-term yield curve debt-to-GDP ceiling from 60% to 65% for fiscal
central bank that exceeds statutory or rate and inflation, as policy purposes, no less, the monetary policy
regulatory requirement as a hangover from the empirically proven in the side can be coordinated by the lowering of our
gold standard days for withdrawal purposes) cases of e.g., the US, UK, EU, (such as the 10-year US OPR from 1.75% to 1.5% and to be left at that
Treasury bonds) has in turn for the long term.
reserves held byheld by commercial banks results in intense and Japan. compelled investors to
lending activities – on the back of the Core inflation in all of dump their holdings at the Such fiscal monetary policy coordination
commercial bankssubmissions of bids or quotations – ultimately these countries as well as should be deepened to extend to
driving the market interest rate down to near Malaysia remains low, results in intense secondary market with the synchronisation between issuance of BNMN
zero or zero. indeed. The EU is at 1.6% lending activities, Federal Reserve, in what’s by Bank Negara and Malaysian Government
(August) with UK’s tantamount to back-door Securities (MGS), for example, by the Treasury
And this is critical, all the while without the declining to 1.8% (August). debt monetisation. (Finance Ministry).
intervention of the central bank. The excess
reserves are caused by the deficit spending. Only in the US has In turn, investors This envisages an expanded role of BNMN
In Malaysia, this could be currently inflation spiked up to 4.5% invested heavily in as “market-measuring instrument/device” of
derivatives, another type of the magnitude of market sentiment and
on the back of therepresented by the Budget and totality of the in June from 1.4% in January speculative finance appetite for public sector bonds, playing a role
stimulus packages (with reference to direct this year, which strongly submissions of in shaping the rate and yield by which the
fiscal injection), including the money suggests the (sudden) bids or quotations, (“riskier” class of assets). MGS coupon can be set/determined (prior to
provided for SME lending. impact of reopening or The derivatives the fixing as well as the tendering and bidding
post-lockdown activities. manipulated the underlying or auction process) and the size of issuance.
In Malaysia, this inter-bank market lending stock and supply of
and borrowing among commercial banks is To repeat, headline commodities, for example, And hence, indirectly playing a role of
known as the Kuala Lumpur Inter-Bank inflation rises is the short by taking advantage of the moderating and “regulating” the size of
ultimately drivingOffered Rate (Klibor). government debt and by extension
term and due to supply-side futures contracts that locked influencing the government’s deficit decision,
Bank Negara can intervene by: resumption, cost-push “reverse transmission mechanism”.
a) manipulating the statutory reserve factors, supply-chain the market interest in their movement.
requirement which determines what bottlenecks, pent-up rate down to near And, critically, It is also proposed that underpinning the
constitutes excess reserves by increasing it; or demand, etc., as reminded speculation in one OPR level within the operating corridors
b) issuing Bank Negara Monetary Notes by renowned economist commodity (i.e., oil) has an should be the magnitude of the BNMN
(BNMN) as part of its liquidity management – Joseph Stiglitz in his Project adverse impact on other alongside the size of the outstanding MGS,
commodities (crop/food, and perhaps even the level of the deficit, as
zero or zero.to absorb or drain the interbank system of Syndicate op-ed, “The e.g., wheat). corresponding to a specific set of “bands”, e.g.,
excess reserves. Inflation Red Herring”. band 1 = deficit level of between 3% and 5%,
The central bank could also manipulate the In Malaysia, it’s at a This is because there’s a band 2 = deficit level of between 6% and 9%,
ceiling and floor rates of the corridor of the stable 0.7% according to positive correlation. Higher etc.
overnight policy rate (OPR) which currently is Bank Negara’s “Economic and Financial oil prices are transmitted or passed on as
at 2% and 1.5%, respectively, by widening floor Developments in Malaysia in the Second supply chain or logistical costs to the supply Lastly, the pre-budget statement initiated
rate, e.g., from the current 0.25% to 0.5%. Quarter of 2021”. Only Japan is lower at 0.4% itself. by Tengku Zafrul could be perhaps
Should a central bank in any given scenario (as of July), and this is despite decades of zero That was then, when QE exported inflation accompanied by a “forward guidance policy
decide not to intervene, then as a matter of interest rate policy. to the “rest of the world”, especially those note” by Bank Negara, setting out in advance
course it’ll lose control over monetary policy As argued in another EMIR Research heavily reliant on food imports on the back of the policy aims of the central bank in what
and, by extension, the country would lose part article, “OPR – Bank Negara’s MPC could have balance of payment deficits and weak would be a form of nominal GDP targeting.
of its monetary sovereignty. cut further by 250 bps”, there’s room for currencies vis-à-vis the US dollar (except
For the private sector post-Covid-19 to play another round of cutting by Bank Negara to developed countries). In a Covid-19 Dr Rais Hussin and Jason Loh Seong Wei are
the role “as significant drivers of the nation’s 1.5%. environment, and with the benefit of part of the research team of EMIR Research,
economic growth”, which is integral to the The same mainstream economists are also hindsight, there’s no danger of returning to the an independent think tank focused on strategic
long-term strategic objective of the now shifting their argument towards asset bubbles stagflation of the 1970s (caused by the oil
government to drive the national recovery as caused by a low interest rate environment. production shock) or the food price crisis policy recommendations based on rigorous
research. Comment: [email protected]

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

hAmerinodwonf TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
Outspoken show host
Revathy Mariappan Lensman documents
aims to open up the Colombia’s ‘winged
minds of her viewers jewels’
with the power of words
>>> Page 3 >>> Page 4&5

PICTURE COURTESY OF STUDIO27 Diversity in the
workplace

>>> Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

2 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

NEARLY four decades after Biggest reunion Ulvaeus (left) and Andersson
disbanding and vowing pose on the red carpet upon
never to get back together, o ABBA thrills fans with comeback arrival for the world premiere of
Swedish superstars ABBA album after decades apart the film Mamma Mia! Here We Go
on Thursday announced a musical Again in London on July 16, 2018.
comeback with a new album and a The now septuagenarian stars of be fun to join forces again and go into the avatars for the show called ABBA reunion despite their music’s
London show featuring their pop classics such as Dancing Queen, the recording studio.” Voyage which will play at a theatre enduring popularity, fuelled by a hit
performances captured by digital The Winner Takes It All and Take a being built close to the presentation compilation album in 1992, the
avatars. Chance on Me, last recorded new Two new songs – I Still Have Faith venue in east London’s Queen Mamma Mia musical and later spin-
music together in the 1980s. in You and Don’t Shut Me Down – Elizabeth Olympic Park. off films starring Meryl Streep, Colin
ABBA notched up over 400 million were played in London Thursday, Firth and Pierce Brosnan.
album sales over 50 years despite British radio presenter Zoe Ball, featuring the band’s characteristic “We looked ridiculous,” said “There is simply no motivation to
parting ways in 1982 and resolutely hosting the interview, said: “This is sound. Andersson. regroup. Money is not a factor and we
resisting all offers to work together huge: yes ABBA are back together would like people to remember us as
again – until now. officially.” Acknowledging their age, the He said the show will feature the we were,” Ulvaeus said in a 2008
musicians said they were not trying to group as “digital characters” in 1979 interview.
“We have made a new album with She hailed this as “one of the imitate contemporary stars. when they were “in their prime”. They According to Celebrity Net Worth,
ABBA!” the band’s Bjorn Ulvaeus and biggest reunions ever”. will look “perfectly real”, he said. each member of Abba is worth
Benny Andersson announced via a “We’re not competing with between US$200-300 million. In
video presentation in London, The presentation came after the (Canadian rapper) Drake and all The show is “technically 2000, they turned down a US$1
delivering the news fans have waited group – Anni-Frid Lyngstad, 75, those other guys,” said Andersson. immensely complicated, the screen, billion offer to perform a 100-show
decades for. Agnetha Faltskog, 71, Ulvaeus, 76, ‘We looked ridiculous’ the sound, all the lights”, he added. world tour.
and Andersson, 74 – announced on The musicians also described the “They’re very independently
The pop maestros had a string of Twitter last week: “Thank you for process of being transformed into It will feature 22 songs, mostly the wealthy so I don’t think it’s because of
hits in the 1970s and early 1980s after waiting, the journey is about to digital avatars using hologram group’s classic hits, and last 90 the money,” Swedish Abba expert
winning Eurovision in 1974 with begin.” technology for a new show set to minutes, the musicians said, with Carl Magnus Palm said of their
Waterloo. launch in London next year. tickets going on sale later this month. comeback. – ETX Studio
The Swedish pop icons had
But on Thursday, Ulvaeus and announced they were returning to They described how they were The group broke up in 1982 by
Andersson put an end to the the studio in 2018, saying: “We all four photographed in leotards to create which time both of the quartet’s
suspense, following hints that felt that, after some 35 years, it could married couples were divorced.
something was in the pipeline.
They long steered clear of a
After the video announcement,
both men appeared in person,
dressed in black, for a presentation of
the forthcoming album.

“The album is in the can now, it’s
done,” said Andersson, describing the
group’s return to the studio, against
the spectacular backdrop of the view
from the top of London’s
ArcelorMittal Orbit tower.

“It’s been 40 years, or 39, it was like
no time had passed. It was quite
amazing,” he said.

“We’ve done as good as we could
at our age.”

The pair looked relaxed and
described their reunion as very
friendly.

“No imagination could dream up
that: to release a new album after 40
years and still be the best of friends,”
said Ulvaeus.

“It’s the most fun thing you can do:
to write songs,” he added.
Joining forces again
The album will come out on Nov 5,
the musicians said, with the show
expected in May 2022.

Unfinished Beethoven symphony reimagined in a click
AS conductor Guillaume Berney what for him has been a years-long
marks the opening downbeat, the process. string quartets, explaining that the put in ahead of time,” added the Computer
first chords ring out in a Lausanne chamber works provided a very clear computer programmer who has been programme
concert hall of what could Seated in his small apartment with sense of his harmonic and melodic working for nearly a decade towards designer
conceivably be an extract of a view over the old city of Lausanne structures. deep-learning-generated music. Colombo
Beethoven’s Tenth Symphony – if the and the Alps, Colombo made a (right) and
great German composer had ever couple small changes before clicking He then asked it to create a piece Colombo said that using a conductor
managed to complete the piece. a button to generate the score. around one of the theme fragments computer to try to recreate Berney.
found in Beethoven’s sparse notes something begun by one of the While the programme “can digest
The classical music world has “It’s like watching a birth,” Berney that musicologists believe could have world’s greatest musical geniuses was what has already been done and
often speculated what Ludwig van said as he picked up the first pages been for a new symphony. not encroaching on the human propose something similar,” he said
Beethoven (1770-1827) would have emerging from the printer. creative process. the aim was for “humans to use the
gone on to write after his “The idea is to just push a button tools to create something new”.
monumental Ninth Symphony. The excitement was palpable as to produce a complete musical score Instead, he said, he saw his “It is not blasphemous at all,”
the freshly created sheet music was for an entire symphonic orchestra algorithm as a new tool for making Berney agreed, stressing that “no one
And a number of musicologists presented to the orchestra. completely without intervention,” musical composition more is trying to replace Beethoven”.
and composers have already Colombo said. accessible and for broadening In fact, he said, the German
ventured to orchestrate and complete The musicians eagerly began human creation. composer would likely have been a
some of the scraps of notation they rehearsing for the evening concert, “That is, except for all the work I fan of the algorithm.
believe were his first sketches for his many smiling with surprise as the “Composers at that time were all
next symphonic masterpiece. harmonies unfolded. avantgarde,” he said, pointing out
that the best were “always eager to
But to mark their 10th anniversary “This is an emotional experience adopt new methods”. – ETX Studio
season this year, Berney and the for me,” said Colombo, himself a
Nexus orchestra have decided to use cellist, as the sound filled the hall.
artificial intelligence to create a four-
minute extract which they have “There is a touch of Beethoven
dubbed BeethovANN Symphony there, but really, it is BeethovANN.
10.1. Something new to discover.”

“That is not a typo,” Berney told Berney agreed.
the audience at the first night, with a “It works,” he said. “There are
second performance scheduled in some very good parts, and a few that
Geneva on Friday. are a bit out of character, but it’s nice,”
the conductor said, acknowledging
Berney explains that the ANN though that “maybe it lacks that spark
refers to the artificial neural network of genius.”
that created it, basically without Colombo, a computer scientist at
human intervention. the EPFL technical university,
developed his algorithm using so-
“We don’t know what it will sound called deep-learning, a subset of
like,” Berney acknowledged to AFP artificial intelligence aimed at
ahead of the Lausanne concert. teaching computers to “think” via
structures modelled on the human
The final score was only generated brain or ANNs.
and printed out hours before the To generate something that might
performance, after computer possibly pass as an extract from
programme designer Florian Beethoven’s Tenth, Colombo first fed
Colombo oversaw the final step in the computer all of the master’s 16

ENTERTAINMENT

3theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

A mind of her own Revathy says
she aspires to
o Outspoken show host aims to open up the play a lead role
minds of her viewers with the power of words in a drama.
– PHOTO
COURTESY OF
ASTRO

Revathy says █ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI Valentine programme in 2013 and later as a host and the responsibility to carry the whole show as
she enjoys for 360 Degrees, a magazine programme. She has producer and director.
being a TV host REVATHY MARIAPPAN, host of had ambitions of becoming a host since she was
more than the first Tamil woman-centric young. However, she said she would never do a
anything else. show Pengirl Rock, is on a prank show.
– PHOTO mission to inspire her “I used to watch shows like Vizhuthugal in
COURTESY sisterhood take charge of their lives, 2007, which inspired me to become a TV “I have rejected prank shows. I don’t like to
OF REVATHY using her chat show. personality,” said Revathy, who believes that TV be pranked or to prank people. I only want to do
MARIAPPAN “We can’t change a person just by personalities can have a huge impact on good shows that benefits the audience.”
having a show but we can make changing people’s minds on any matter. Host cum fashion designer
Cumberbatch: women think about what is Revathy also owns Vrayz Designs, a fashion
‘Streamers happening around and what they In 2017, Revathy achieved her dreams by tailoring company, and designs her own Indian
need to keep are going through,” said Revathy. hosting the same Vizhuthugal talk show, which traditional clothes worn in the shows.
the cinema “We need to talk about issues she still does today.
experience such as sexual harassment, rape “Almost all of my attire in the shows, I
alive.’ and other ‘taboo’ topics. We need However, the road to becoming a host was designed myself. I would sketch the design, buy
to speak about them openly. not easy for her as she went for many auditions, the material and hand it to the tailors in my
“We have yet to go there, before hitting the mark. company,” said Revathy, whose mother is
especially in the Tamil passionate about tailoring and would
language, but people need to “I am the first in my family to enter the sometimes provide design ideas.
speak up.” entertainment industry. I tried for so many years
Revathy has found that and I did not give up. I learned from my “I love wearing designer clothes and I wanted
every woman icon she has experience, which inspires me to be a better to be my own designer, especially Indian
interviewed have stories to person.” traditional attire and fancy blouses,” she said.
tell, which is very inspiring.
Beyond the show, she She said she loves being a host more than Recently, Revathy appeared in
wants women to learn about anything else, including acting. Tamilectchumy 2, a drama series on Astro, in
financial literacy and the which she played a character with a similar
importance of managing “I love the energy on the screen. I always name as herself.
finance, especially for want to take charge of the screen. As a host, I
homemakers. believe in bringing the best from the Although Revathy prefers hosting to acting,
“We are in a position to talk interviewees and I love the feeling of bringing she hopes that one day, she can play a lead role
and we need to do it more.” the best of everybody on the screen.” as a bold and courageous woman, just like her.
Revathy also hopes women in
online businesses would think As a host, she takes charge of the entire show
strategically, acquire sufficient
and comprehensive knowledge
of operations, digital marketing
and the importance of
uniqueness, in terms of
products or services.
“Women are doing an
excellent job when comes to
online businesses but there
are always ways to improvise
and they need to explore
that. Knowledge is wealth.”
Revathy, who has also
set up her own
production company,
Zeal Art, is planning to
produce a talk show with
Astro.
“I want to have a
good talk show on
women, politics and
matters around us.
This is lacking.”
A journey filled with
struggles
Revathy started her
career with a small
part in an Astro

Cumberbatch says Netflix vital for cinema in ‘uncertain time’
BRITISH star Benedict Cumberbatch – being in a cinema – not being will also get a simultaneous release on “Culturally, it’s really important for
said Thursday he was “thrilled” over possible again. HBO Max. streaming services to help nourish
‘The Power of the Dog’ that. As long as it really is happening
Netflix’s role in the film industry, but “I’m kind of thrilled that we have Having spent US$165 million on awe- and not their version of greenwashing
added that streaming somebody who’s going to get the work inspiring visual effects, Dune director – I don’t know what the phrase would
services still had to seen. Netflix are very supportive of a Denis Villeneuve recently described be – as long as it’s not just good talk,
support cinemas. film industry that involves creatives at that decision as “ridiculous”. then great.”
The Sherlock and every level and also at the end, a
Doctor Strange star cinematic release – for a period of “The best way I can compare it is to He added that, while he was excited
was at the Venice time.” drive a speedboat in your bathtub,” he to be back at a film festival, he had a bit
film festival where told Total Film. of trouble seeing the Italian flag after
his latest, Netflix- As cinemas reopen in many England’s traumatic World Cup final
backed movie countries after pandemic-induced Cumberbatch agreed that loss earlier this summer.
The Power of closures, Hollywood has been deeply streamers need to keep the cinema
the Dog is torn over whether to keep releasing experience alive, and said he was “(The premiere) will be the most
competing films on streaming services alongside confident that Netflix was striking the people I’ve been in a room with, apart
for the traditional theatre releases. right balance. from the Wembley final, but we don’t
Golden talk about that,” he said, laughing.
Lion. Cumberbatch’s Marvel co-star “The people who work for Netflix
“We live in Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney over are all cineastes, we’re all filmmakers, “I saw the Italian flag and I suddenly
a very uncertain its decision to release superhero movie we all want to have that communal joy had this weird depth-charge of sadness
time,” he told AFP. Black Widow on its streaming service that we’re hopefully going to have go off in me from the last time I saw
“We’re a variant-hair’s this summer, saying it cost her millions tonight,” he said, speaking about the that flag, which was when I also saw the
breadth away from all this of dollars in cinema revenue. imminent premiere of The Power of the St George flag wrapped around people
Dog. drowned in rain, going home looking
Another major blockbuster, Dune, at their shoe laces.” – ETX Studio
which premiered in Venice on Friday,

LIFESTYLE

4 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

‘I broke from
the traditional
image
associated with
butterflies of
collectors that
kill them, put
them in an
envelope and
then pin them
to the inside of
a box,‘ Jaramillo
told AFP. –
PICTURES
COURTESY OF
AFP
(inset) A
butterfly is
pictured next to
the eye of
Jaramillo in
Jardin,
Antioquia
department,
Colombia.

Jaramillo, who The butterfly effect
lives in the oColombian photographer documents are some I don’t go to ou
southwestern world’s largest ‘winged jewels’ Jaramillo.
Antioquia
department, LIKE the more than 3,000 species “I’m simply not capable of killing When he does venture
has an archive of butterflies in Colombia, them.” takes with him a camera
of 220,000 agronomist Juan Guillermo container of pink liquid
photos of Jaramillo underwent his own Like bees, butterflies are pollinators every morning: shrimp ba
butterflies and metamorphosis several years ago, as his vital to the ecosystem. They are also an
has captured passion for photographing nature took important source of food for birds and Having tried various
images of 1,500 an unexpected twist. snakes. bait, he found shrimp wor
different
species. The 65-year-old, who used to run an Yet their habitats are under threat He spreads the foul-sm
animal feed business, originally took from deforestation, agriculture and rocks and leaves by a rushi
photographs of birds, but he is now a key global warming. even lays out cotton balls
figure in the world of Colombian liquid.
butterflies. Jaramillo, who lives in the
southwestern Antioquia department, has “That’s how I make them
Jaramillo is the co-author of an an archive of 220,000 photos of butterflies droppings,” he explained.
inventory that led to Colombia being and has captured images of 1,500
recognised as having the widest variety of different species. “When the butterflies
butterfly species in the world. Tricking the butterflies they stay there for quite
Jaramillo has spent the last 15 years they’re almost like models
The list he worked on was published trekking through jungles and woodlands
in the British Natural History Museum in in search of the “winged jewels” – a “Without the bait,
London – which has the world’s largest dangerous pastime given those areas are impossible to see certain
collection of butterflies – in June. infested with armed groups and drug woodland because they l
traffickers. trees.”
The Checklist of Colombian
Butterflies identifies 3,642 different The signing of an historic 2016 peace Another potential b
species in the Andean country, which accord between the government and the weather.
makes up 19.4% of the known global marxist guerrilla Revolutionary Armed
varieties. Forces of Colombia after more than half a “If there’s no sun,
century of armed conflict sparked hope butterflies.”
But Jaramillo is keen to point out he is areas previously off limits would become Some like it hot
not a collector. safe for scientists and naturalists. Jaramillo used to be a bir
also compiled an inventor
“I broke from the traditional image But it was not long before armed he observed.
associated with butterflies of collectors rebels and drug-traffickers returned.
that kill them, put them in an envelop Colombia boasts the w
and then pin them to the inside of a box,” “I want to go to many places but there of bird species and orchid
Jaramillo told AFP. the United Nations’s C
Biological Diversity.

It was the switch from
photography that spark
conversion to butterflies.

“Taking a good photo
difficult because you need

LIFESTYLE

5theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Khairudin
working
in his
studio.

Soul of Kelantan

█ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI

ARTIST Khairudin Zainudin searched for the soul of Keterapungan di dalam ruang
Kelantan inside himself. dan masa.

In the process, he learnt to cherish the traditions and
heritage of his native village culture.

The experience inspired him to express his observation
artistically on canvas.

Khairudin’s linear paintings focus on figurative
paintings, especially traditionally attired Malay villagers.

These are presented beautifully with intricate details
and he masterfully combines colours and abstract in one
frame.

“While I was growing up in the kampung, I did not feel
nostalgic about this as I did not involve myself in any
cultural or heritage activities. In fact, I turned ‘blind’ and
‘deaf’ towards such activities, as I had no interest to be a
part of it.”

His attitude changed as he grew up and moved to
Selangor.

“I had to go back and forth. I realised something was
amiss. I felt empty and at the same time, I felt unsure of the
emptiness that I felt.

“It took two to three years for me to understand. It hit
me that I was a Kelantanese searching for the soul of
Kelantan inside me. I had to dig deep and more
holistically to understand my situation,” he said.

“However, I must say I have to delve deeper in future,”
added Khairudin.

Looking back, he says he feels disappointed for not
being a part of the cultural activities such as traditional
games, plays and performances during his younger days.

Nevertheless, he does not blame anyone or the
environment where he lived for missing out.

Eventually, Khairudin started focusing on highlighting
subjects related to Kelantan as a way to pay homage to his
home state. Recently, he drew a series of paintings titled
“Ambivalence” and held a solo exhibition at the G13
Gallery in Petaling Jaya.

When he does venture out, Jaramillo takes with him a What is the main subject of your artworks?
camera, tripod and a container of pink liquid he prepares Although, my main subject is figurative, I highlight the
theme of indifference. Initially, the theme revolved
every morning: shrimp bait. around the movement, time and space of a subject.
However, it has evolved to include a more complex issue.
ut of fear,” said In our environment, we often face the issue of
indifference.
e out, Jaramillo Nyaring. – PHOTOS COURTESY
a, tripod and a The issue has no solution nor ending. Instead, it OF KHAIRUDIN ZAINUDIN
d he prepares continuously stays on the radar without any final
ait. conclusion or full stop. I am very interested in sharing my
other types of experience with viewers without any particular stand or
rked best. decision but instead, celebrate the paradoxical space.
melling bait on
ing stream, and In this fifth exhibition, I focus on real issues which take
s soaked in the place in Kelantan, after observing and collecting
information over five years and compressed into this solo
m think it’s bird exhibition.

land on a leaf In my artworks, I concentrate on drawing village
e some time ... figures from different districts of Kelantan.
s,“ he added.
It may be too local for some but this subject has to be
it would be brought back as a focus in the modern world.
n species in the
live in very tall I try to dig into subjects or matters which are
considered outdated or lost in time to bring forward to the
world of contemporary art. I try to present the importance
of looking back at heritage and cultural elements in order
that the values and ‘sifat kekitaan’ (spirit of togetherness)
are not lost to fast-paced modernisation.

barrier is the How do you come up with ideas?
My artworks have style and character and I maintain the
there are no style in all my works, which have linear perspective. The
linear art form is the main element as I believe more in the
lens.” are about 10-15% of the butterfly species unending lines. Starting from short to big, thin and later,
While filming birds, he also took that are undescribed. We have many the lines turn into a sort of a rhythm.
photos of undescribed species.”
photos of butterflies and was amazed by I use oil-based pastel colours and feel it has a unique
their colors and shapes. Near his farm on a road with little quality and is not used by many artists.
traffic, Jaramillo, who is retired, says he is
rd watcher and It opened up a vast world to Jaramillo. in the perfect place to photograph How would you describe your art?
ry of the species After beetles, butterflies and moths are butterflies when the sun rises and the Every piece is a work-in-progress and it does not have an
widest varieties the most numerous insect on the planet day’s warm air helps them stay aloft. end-form as I believe my artwork can continuously evolve.
ds, according to with almost 160,000 described species.
Convention on But Jaramillo’s work doesn’t end with I am always working with lines and marks and doing
m film to digital “In Colombia, I think there are about sunset, as at nightfall, he turns his lens hatching and cross-hatching, which are a part of
ked Jaramillo’s twice as many species of butterflies as onto moths. techniques in linear drawings.
of birds is very birds,” American Kim Garwood,
d very big, heavy Jaramillo’s fellow inventory author, told “With butterflies and moths, I have What are your future plans? Di antara cahaya dan kelam.
AFP. work for this lifetime and 10 more,” he In a world full of uncertainty, I put my future in an
said. – ETX Studio unpredictable space. Even if one says we are in a good
“In the Andes I have been told there place or a better situation, this may vary to different
people. Thus, I hope for a better future.

TRAVEL A chance FOLLOW @thesundaily
to recover ON TWITTER
6 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
o Ukraine pins hopes on Gulf
SAUDI tourists ride horse-drawn visitors for pandemic-hit
carriages, pose for portraits by street tourism
artists and play chess on benches with
locals in Lviv, a city in Ukraine more chain, admitted that the local tourism industry Middle Eastern tourists sit in a street cafe in Lviv, some 540 km west of Kiev.
accustomed to hosting European guests. experienced some initial difficulties when
catering for their new customers. Saudi Arabia, opted for a family holiday in trees or the park are a big preference,” Kaguy
But with strict Covid-19 travel restrictions Ukraine on the recommendation of a friend. told AFP.
still in place across Europe, travellers from the “At first it was very difficult to find a common
Middle East – especially Saudi Arabia – now language,” she told AFP. Compared to Germany or Switzerland, he Gets, meanwhile, said he had never seen an
rank among the top visitors to the ex-Soviet described the country as “more energetic, more adult so happy to see rain.
state. But now her cafes are printing menus in dynamic” and where the locals “are family
Arabic and replacing pork in their sandwiches oriented”. “This is a thrill for them. They say that they
The trend has given hope to the country’s to ensure they have halal options. came to Lviv on purpose, they are only
pandemic-hit tourism industry. “We’ll definitely come back,” he told AFP on interested in rain.”
Several souvenir shops in the city have a cafe terrace with his wife in Kiev.
“We need to seize the moment,” says Bogdan started making signs in Arabic while “Chudo According to Asma, the rain is like
Gets, a tour guide on a sightseeing train that Tour” said they are translating their pre- For tourists coming from arid conditions, “magic”.
ferries tourists along cobbled streets in central recorded audio guides. trees and rain are a big draw.
Lviv, a city in western Ukraine known for its “Looks like heaven,” she said. “We will come
Renaissance architecture. “This is a push for change,” Nayda said, “The rooms that even slightly overlook the back.” – ETX Studio
adding that during the pandemic businesses
For Gets and his colleagues at “Chudo Tour” struggled to pay rent and salaries.
(Wonder Tour), the unexpected influx of
tourists from the Middle East is a chance to “Of course in these conditions you think
recover after a string of lockdowns that put about how to survive. We decided to make
pressure on Ukraine’s struggling economy. changes and everything turned out great,” she
said.
In the first half of 2021, the number of Saudi
tourists alone visiting Ukraine skyrocketed to Tourism to Ukraine is picking back up, but
14,000 compared to just 350 in the same period the climb is slow.
last year, according to the country’s state
tourism agency. After the number of tourists in 2020 was just
a quarter of the level of the previous year in
This new cohort are attracted by a visa-free 2020, it was up 9% in the first half of this year
regime enacted in August last year and cheap compared to the second half of last year.
direct flights.
The number of visitors from the Gulf –
In previous years, the city was mostly visited mainly Saudi Arabia and Bahrain – gradually
by Poles, Belarusians, Turks, Germans and increased throughout the summer, said
Britons. Khrystyna Kaguy, a manager at the Reikartz
hotel group.
“Last year put the tourism industry in
extreme conditions,” the agency said, and Hassan, a 64-year-old businessman from
“radically changed” how tourists decide which
countries to visit.

Before the pandemic 32-year-old Asma, a
tourist from Saudi Arabia, travelled with her
husband and two sons to various European
destinations every year, but never considered
Ukraine.

After exploring Lviv and the capital Kiev this
summer, the family was pleasantly surprised.

“The bars, the food and the coffee – all things
here in Ukraine are amazing,” Asma told AFP
outside the iconic Lviv Opera.

Rain is ‘magic’
Anna Nayda, the head of the Kredens Cafe

Langkawi to reopen to domestic
tourists

People queue THE island of Langkawi will this Langkawi are still being worked
to enter the month become the first Malaysian out.
Universal holiday hotspot to reopen to
Studios Beijing domestic travellers, officials said The island off Malaysia’s
theme park Friday, kicking off efforts to revive northwest coast, home to palm-
during an the coronavirus-battered tourism fringed beaches, has long been
invitation-only industry. popular with domestic and
test run in overseas visitors.
Beijing on Sept The usually lucrative sector has
1, 2021. been hit hard by months-long But officials did not say when
restrictions on local travel and foreign tourists, who are still
Universal Studios makes China debut international border closures as barred from entering Malaysia,
the country battles its worst Covid- might be allowed back in.
19 wave.
Malaysia has in recent weeks
But curbs are slowly being eased strict curbs for fully
eased, and Langkawi has been vaccinated people, allowing them
chosen for a pilot project as the to freely engage in some activities
industry seeks to get back on its such as dining at restaurants.
feet.
Its vaccination roll-out has
From Sept 16, hotels and picked up speed, with nearly 66
businesses such as theme parks per cent of the adult population
will reopen, and beach activities fully inoculated, but infection rates
will be allowed again, the tourism remain high – officials reported
ministry said. more than 19,000 cases and 330
deaths Friday.
The move will boost “tourism
industry players who have been Neighbouring Thailand has
impacted by the sector’s closure”, reopened several islands,
the ministry said in a statement. including hotspot Phuket, to
vaccinated foreign tourists. – ETX
Requirements for those visiting Studio

VISITORS got a sneak peek at AFP. “I’ve wanted to come here for a dedicated subway station for the A car drives past closed shops and hotels at the formerly popular tourist
Universal Studios’ first theme park in long time.” park. destination of Pantai Cenang in Langkawi.
China on Wednesday as the Beijing
attraction had a soft opening, Wednesday’s trial run was open Searches for the theme park on
drawing queues from dawn. only to visitors holding special the popular Ctrip travel booking site
corporate invitations. soared more than 800% on Monday
The park hosts rides inspired by after the opening date was
blockbuster film franchises including The park promises water shows announced, state media reported.
Harry Potter and Jurassic World is and close encounters with an
part of a larger Universal-themed animatronic dinosaur, while facial The park is expected to see a surge
resort that includes two hotels and a recognition cameras allow visitors to of visitors during the upcoming
shopping street. open storage lockers, pay for meals week-long National Day holidays in
and join express queues for rides October, as pent-up tourism demand
Liu Muhan, a university lecturer without physical tickets. from a summer marred by Covid-19
who dressed up in a witch costume lockdowns spills into autumn.
for the occasion, said she was looking The Beijing attraction, the US
forward to the Harry Potter-themed media conglomerate’s fifth park Visitors were required to declare
area and felt lucky to get in. globally, was first announced in 2014 they were not experiencing any
after receiving approval from Covid-19 symptoms and had to go
“I’ve been a hardcore Harry Potter Chinese authorities. through temperature cameras to
fan for more than 20 years,” Liu told enter. – ETX Studio
The city has since opened a

URBAN 7

theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

A NEW international report with DEI programmes while just 8%
was done recently on the of French respondents are, for
state of diversity, equity example.
and inclusion in business.
While on average 47% of American, Chinese and Japanese
respondents believe their company employees often feel
is “very or extremely diverse”, there “stereotyped”
is a huge gap between countries, Within the workplace, 23% of
such as the United States and American workers often feel
Japan, on these issues. stereotyped. But it is in Asia that
respondents report a high level of
The Dynata data platform stereotyping: 31% of Chinese and
produced a “Diversity, Equity and 34% of Japanese respondents often
Inclusion at Work” report in the feel stereotyped. In Europe, only
summer of 2021, after surveying 7% of Italian respondents and 6% of
more than 12,000 people in 11 French respondents often feel
countries (United States, Canada, stereotyped at work.
United Kingdom, France,
Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Diversity in In Japan, 37% of A situation that is progressively
Spain, Australia, China and Japan) the workplace workers think improving?
on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion they could use While workers in English-speaking
(DEI) programmes in companies. training on countries are relatively confident
This project questioned individuals diversity, equity that managers are willing to
at all levels of the organisations: and inclusion. improve on DEI policies, in Italy,
employees, executives and middle France and Japan, very few
managers to get a picture of the o Americansmore respondents strongly agree with
status of diversity, equity and aware of the issues this statement. Just 11% of
inclusion policies in a range of than professionals in respondents in France and 3% in
companies. other countries Japan agree that their leaders want
Companies around the world are, to improve.
on average, quite diverse,
equitable and inclusive workers consider that companies Companies around the world American companies very 48% of respondents don’t feel that
Forty-seven percent of all are “very or extremely equitable”. are overwhelmingly very inclusive involved they need education or training
respondents in the report believe Conversely, 44% of the French (51%), but there are notable US companies pay significant on diversity, equity and inclusion
their company is “very or extremely think that their companies are not differences between American attention to issues of inclusiveness, In the US, 58% of respondents do
diverse”, with significant equitable enough or not at all, (65%) and French (40%) equity and diversity, as 29% of US not feel the need to be educated on
differences between the United second only to Japan. companies. respondents are extremely familiar DEI issues. In France, 47% say the
States at 60% and Japan at 21%. same. Is the 10-point gap related to
Indeed, 35% of respondents how common such training
working in Japan believe their programmes have been in the
company is “not very or not at all countries in recent years?
diverse.”
Meanwhile it was in Japan that
Fifty-one percent of respondents respondents most thought they
think their company is equitable. would need training: 37% of
Again, the results vary considerably respondents disagreed with the
by country, from 64% in the United statement, “I do not feel that I need
States to 25% in Japan. Canada, the any training or education around
United Kingdom, Australia and diversity, equity and inclusion.” –
China are the countries where ETX Studio

Researchers Start a new life as a Hobbit in
have created this green dome home
a new type
of battery
that is able to
produce FANS of The Hobbit book or the cold. And in summer, it stays
electric movies will love living in this cool thanks to evapotranspiration
current using house. A French company based – the organic upper canopy
sweat. in the southwestern Hautes- breathes by itself.
Pyrenees region is offering houses This house was dreamed up by
that are partially buried Benoît Darré. In 2014, this former
underground, and which do not construction industry chief
require heating or air created this ecological house,
conditioning. which promises low energy
That’s it, you’re moving. But not consumption and is inexpensive
just anywhere. To a NaturaDome to build. His NaturaDream
house to live like a Hobbit. company offers an entry-level
Because while this original, half- house at €1,385 per square metre,
A new battery that runs on ... your buried house reveals a (approx. US$1,640) which is less
own sweat semicircular entrance, the rest of than conventional constructions.
the construction is topped by a
kind of green, landscaped layer The house is fully modular in its
that blends seamlessly into the interior and exterior layouts.
surrounding environment. Options include the exterior
cladding, grassing over the entire
Besides the aesthetic aspect of plot, a landscaped garden or even
this architectural choice, it also a spa bathroom, a steam room or
An example proves advantageous for an indoor pool. You can even opt
of a insulation. The house does not for a window in the domed roof –
NaturaDome need to be heated in winter perfect for stargazing. – ETX
construction. because the earth insulates it from Studio
WHAT if we could recharge The great advantage of this person wearing the battery
batteries with our own sweat? sweat-powered battery is that it around his wrist during a 30-
That’s the question researchers does not contain any toxic minute exercise bike session.
at a Singaporean university chemicals or heavy metals, so The volunteer was able to
asked themselves. there is no risk to your health or generate a voltage of 4.2V,
The device designed by the environment. enough to power a temperature
engineers there measures 0.8 sensor and send its collected
square inches and is as flat as a Reducing electronic waste data to a smartphone
Band-Aid. The prototype battery “Our technology heralds a throughout the process. This
runs on perspiration and can previously unattainable step in new battery design could reduce
discharge 20 hours of electricity wearable device design,” said hazardous electronic waste and
from just 2ml of sweat. At this paper author and materials toxic materials.
point, it is only usable on small scientist Pooi See Lee of Now, the researchers are
portable devices. Nanyang Technological trying to determine how body
The soft, stretchy battery is University. heat affects the battery’s
attached to a stretchy textile that “By taking advantage of performance while exploring
will absorb sweat at the wrist or a ubiquitous product, the effects of human sweat. The
forearm. It is also possible to perspiration, we may be able team has filed a patent
attach it to objects like to envision a more application for the new battery
smartwatches. The textile environmentally friendly way to through NTUitive, the
absorbs and retains the sweat to power wearable devices without enterprise and innovation
provide the battery with a resorting to conventional company of Nanyang
constant supply of power, even batteries.” Technological University. – ETX
if the rate of perspiration varies. Initial testing took place on a Studio

MEDIA & MARKETING Alleviating the burden
of consumers
8 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Merging education
and cricket
TO further the through live stream
university’s goals in matches around the
leading others to be world.
successful in life through “I was looking at the enhanced security and even
education, HELP whole thing and saw that o Shopee is giving out RM100 through eDuit rewards and are important
University recently this is one crucial area initiative to drive digitalisation in Malaysia components of eCommerce and
signed a memorandum that we had to look into, digitalisation efforts. Shopee’s
of agreement (MoA) with where we got our eDuit campaign resonates with our
the Malaysian Cricket partners in education to SHOPEE is currently giving goals at MDEC in that it pushes the
Association (MCA). create that platform and out RM100 to first-time digitalisation of retail through e-co digitalisation needle forward while
The virtual ceremony pathway for a child to get users of its platform and mmerce, as well as contactless at the same time, spurring the
was attended by HELP educated in a very proper mobile wallet ShopeePay transactions. With the benefits of economy and playing its part in
University Vice and structured way,” eDuit and the attractive 9.9 Super sustaining businesses and
Chancellor and Iqbal explained on why through an initiative called eDuit. Shopping Day deals, our online livelihoods. This is also in line with
President Prof Datuk Dr MCA chose to work with It seeks to encourage more and offline retail partners stand to the Government’s initiatives such
Paul Chan, MCA Patron HELP. participation from Malaysians in benefit from the sales activities. as PEMULIH and is a welcomed
Tunku Tan Sri Imran “I looked at a lot of the digital economy, extend the This short-term consumer effort as we seek to step up public-
Tuanku Ja’afar, MCA colleges, and for some country’s digitalisation efforts and spending will also contribute private collaborations in face of
President Mohammed reason, I like what’s assist Malaysians to cope with the positively to the domestic challenges during these business
Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali, happening at HELP pandemic through eDuit. economy.” unusual times,” said Aiza Azreen
HELP University University. It’s gone Eligible eDuit recipients will be Ahmad, Chief Digital Business
Research Deputy Vice through the test of time, entitled to RM25 ShopeePay credit “e-Wallet and e-Payment offer Officer of Malaysia Digital
Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr and it’s not one of those upon successfully activating their convenience, Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Zakaria Ahmad, colleges that came and ShopeePay premium account; Apart from introducing perks to
International Cricket went.” RM15 Welcome Voucher new users, the Shopee 9.9 Super
Council (ICC) Associate For HELP University, applicable on their first purchase Shopping Day campaign is
Member Director its president said this was on Shopee; and RM60 worth of currently taking place till Sept 9.
Mahinda Vallipuram and a natural course. ShopeePay Vouchers which will Shoppers can look forward to
ICC Asia Region “If you look at reward users with attractive claiming Free Shipping and 99%
Development Manager Australia, it has an discounts and cashbacks for Coins Cashback vouchers, both
Aminul Islam. almost similar From top, left purchases at participating offline with no minimum spend. Users
HELP University and population size as to right: Chan, merchants’ outlets. also stand a chance to win a brand
MCA’s collaboration will Malaysia. I always Imran, Aminul, The initiative is applicable for new Mercedes-Benz by
see both parties engaging wonder how they Mahinda, those who have not made a participating in the Play & Win
in a relationship where produce so many great Iqbal, Zakaria purchase on Shopee before. Users Mercedes-Benz game by collecting
the university will aid sportspeople in a wide and ICC will have up to seven days to utilise golden tickets daily.
cricket excellence range of fields. Malaysia Cricket their ShopeePay credit and up to
through scholar awards is not a poor country. We Development 14 days to utilise their offline Claim your eDuit benefits at
for local and have the wealth and General vouchers, once they receive these https://shopee.com.my/m/shopee
international players. enthusiasm for sports, Manager perks.
On the other end, but for some reason, we William Terence Pang, Chief -eDuit
MCA will source for have yet to excel,” Chan Glenwright Operating Officer of Shopee For more details and
international students to said. during the said, “We are aware of the offers during the
study at the university, “I think we should virtual signing struggles Malaysians are Shopee 9.9 Super
while also assisting in make a move here ceremony. currently facing as the fight Shopping Day,
branding the university, through cricket.” against Covid-19 continues. visit
Therefore, we have https://shopee.
introduced this special com.my/m/99
eDuit campaign to help Pang. ‘We have
alleviate the burden of introduced this
consumers and give special eDuit
them access to campaign to
affordable daily help alleviate
essentials during this the burden of
difficult period. This consumers and
effort is also in line give them
with Malaysia’s access to
digital agenda affordable
which aims to daily
drive essentials
during this
difficult
period.’

POSTGRAD

The key to success is to first start somewhere.

PUBLICATION DATE 28 SEPTEMBER, 2021 (Tuesday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 14 SEPTEMBER, 2021 (Tuesday)
digital, video and print advertising.

MATERIAL DEADLINE 24 SEPTEMBER, 2021 (Friday)

9theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
SPEAK UP

COMMENT Recognising Taliban may
send the wrong signal
by Muzaffar Syah Mallow
All their hostilities and violent actions country in the late 1990s. will also indirectly recognise all the
IT is hoped that the Malaysian government have also tarnished the good name of Islam For example, the Taliban issued edicts hostilities and violence committed by them.
will think thoroughly before it decides to and Muslim society entirely.
recognise the Taliban as a legitimate forbidding women from being educated and The Taliban through their recent press
government of Afghanistan. Islam is a religion of peace and harmony. forcing girls to leave schools and colleges. conference have said they will not behave
Attempts to recognise them as the legitimate Whatever actions that have been carried out like they used to in the past. However, can
government of Afghanistan could potentially by the Taliban over the years does not abide Women leaving their houses were we put our trust in a group of people who
send the wrong signal to all civilised societies in by the teachings and spirit of Islam itself. required to be accompanied by a male seized power using guns and bullets?
the world, that we are endorsing a hostile group relative and were obligated to wear the
of people to seize power by way of force and They have also harboured militant terror burqa, a traditional dress covering the entire Instead of giving recognition to the
violence in order to rule a country. groups like the Al-Qaeda led by Osama Bin body except for a small slit out of which to Taliban, Malaysia should lead the
Laden, the mastermind of the Sept 11 attacks see. Those accused of disobeying were international community, especially the
This is based on recent developments in in New York which killed thousands of publicly beaten. Muslim world, in putting pressure on them
Afghanistan, with the fall of government innocent people. to set aside their hostilities and violence,
headed by the democratically elected leader of According to the UN, the Taliban and its and force them to go through the democratic
President Ashraf Ghani and the seizing of power According to many reports released by the allies were responsible for 76% of civilian process if they want to be in power.
through force and violence by the Taliban. United Nations (UN), the Taliban have casualties in Afghanistan in 2009, 75% in
committed many acts of systematic 2010 and 80% in 2011. Malaysia should push all Islamic nations
Ever since they seized power they have re- massacres against Afghan civilians. through the Organisation of Islamic
established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. There are countless allegations of crimes Conference to put more pressure on the
There are also many international reports committed by the Taliban towards civilians. Taliban in order to get them to be more
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is an of human trafficking as well. civilised, to respect the existing democratic
unrecognised Islamic state that was first All this should be taken seriously into principles in place in Afghanistan and to
established in September 1996 by the Taliban. The brutal repression of women was also consideration by all world governments, respect human rights and values, including
reported to be widespread under Taliban including Malaysia, before we give any international laws, conventions and
The group stayed in power until 2001, when rule in the past and as a result of such formal recognition to the Taliban as the agreements.
it was toppled by a US-led military coalition that repression, the group faced significant legitimate government of Afghanistan.
invaded the country after the Sept 11 attacks, international condemnation, even until Muzaffar Syah Mallow is an associate
sparking a 20-year-long war in Afghanistan. today. The main question we need to ask professor in the Faculty of Syariah and Laws at
ourselves is do we really want to recognise
The Taliban, however, returned to power and Abuses were plentiful and violently such a hostile and violent group as a Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Comments:
re-established the Islamic Emirate after the fall enforced by religious police. legitimate government in Afghanistan? [email protected]
of Kabul and has since had de facto control over
most of the country. We must never forget the Taliban’s track If we give recognition to the group as a
record in the past when they ruled the legitimate government of Afghanistan, we
The group does not have a good track record.
They have been known worldwide as a hostile
group and their way of obtaining power is
mostly done only through weapons and
violence.

The Taliban have also been known for their
acts of violence’s towards people, especially
women.

Triggers of development, stagnation or deterioration LETTERS

COMMENT The target for Malaysia Education New regulations on MM2H are not only [email protected]
Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education) is to deterring new applicants, but they are also
byYS Chan attract 250,000 international students by 2025. driving away successful candidates living Scammers having
alternately in Malaysia and other countries. a field day
WHETHER a country or area develops, The spinoffs from the large number of Those who spent almost all their time in
stagnates or deteriorates is largely dependent foreigners living in our country to study, or Malaysia and were unable to meet new IT was reported that 45 Macau scam victims
on prevailing government policies and retire or visiting Malaysia for business or conditions are making plans to leave. in Kelantan have lost almost RM1.5 million
existing mindset of the local population. leisure, greatly boosted foreign investments in the last eight months.
and tourist arrivals, which were made If backpackers planning to stretch their
Nations or states that have embraced possible by easy access of people and goods tourist dollar to stay longer are barred from Reading the cases of how victims ended
modernisation and welcomed visitors have flowing in and out of our country. entering our country, many would not visit up being duped and cheated by scammers
experienced rapid growth and prosperity. Malaysia later after becoming successful and the amounts lost is mystifying and
But leaving restrictions in place have executives or businessmen, which may take puzzling.
Conversely, adopting modern technology resulted in stagnation of foreign tourist only a few short years, and more so in this 5G
at a snail’s pace and rejecting outsiders by arrivals while other countries enjoyed and artificial intelligence era. People are duped and snared through
desiring to be exclusive would lead to exponential growth. online buying, selling, love, sex, job
stagnation and eventually deterioration. Among the many foreigners that have prospects, gifts, investments and the list
In 2010, Malaysia received 24.58 million returned to invest in Malaysia were those who goes on.
Malaysia used to be a model for third world foreign tourists. However, over the next nine have been deeply touched by the hospitality
countries on development until we stagnated. years, annual arrivals averaged only 25.9 and kindness shown to them by the locals. How is that so many people end up
Now, we are deteriorating. million per year. getting cheated despite scammers using
While the powerful or rich are used to the run-of-the-mill modus operandi?
The British left in 1957 after building an In 2019, China attracted 145 million being pampered, ordinary folk will long
extensive network of roads that crisscrossed foreign tourists after leapfrogging many other remember it after receiving VIP treatment. Their modus operandi has been
the countryside and enabled the peninsula to countries over the past decade. splashed numerous times in the media and
be the largest producer of tin, rubber and Ironically, the Home Ministry appears to people have been warned not to entertain
palm oil. This nation was founded by tin, built Thailand received 39.8 million, while be making a mountain out of a molehill by phone calls asking them to carry out
by rubber, and prospered by oil, from plant Japan welcomed 32.2 million, which was revising the MM2H programme when much transactions to unknown accounts.
and mineral. 23.4% higher than the 26.1 million that visited greater focus should be placed on the
Malaysia the same year. problems surrounding millions of migrant Yet, people still fall for them and lose
But instead of continuing to export almost workers in the country. It is indeed a glaring staggering amounts to these scammers.
all our raw materials to industrialised While other countries such as Thailand case of misplaced priority.
countries, we also went into manufacturing and Japan held their doors wide open to Many who have lost money online are
not just for higher value but also to create welcome foreigners, our gates remained half Furthermore, such unfriendly policies professionals, who are very careful and
jobs. shut by imposing visa requirements on towards non-citizens will also drive away conscious of their transactions.
citizens from China and India, whose large foreign investors and tourists.
A large number of factories were set up population have easy access to Malaysia via In a dog-eat-dog world, these scammers
after the introduction of the first industrial medium-haul flights. In 2019, 6,655,500 foreign tourists came to are making money out of cheating people
master plan from 1986 to 1995. Malaysia to visit relatives and friends. They of their hard earned money.
Although e-Visa was introduced for made up a substantial 25.5% of the total 26.1
Malaysia became a magnet for tourists from China in 2016 and later for million foreign arrivals for that year. People have to be wary of these cheats
documented and undocumented migrant Indian nationals, it was besieged with and always be alert when “encountering”
workers, with tens of millions passing through problems as the scheme was skewed to While under prolonged lockdowns, many them over the phone or online.
our shores over the decades and a few million benefit those processing visas but caused industries were classified as non-essential.
currently in our midst. unnecessary inconvenience and expenses for But shutting down factories and ceasing Treat unknown numbers as unknown
applicants, including travel agents. manufacturing have caused untold strangers and let them be “unknown” for
It is a gravy train exploited by businesses, disruptions in the global supply chain, forcing your own good. Do not disclose personal
syndicates, corrupt officials and enforcement We missed out tapping the full potential of multinationals to explore options to relocate and banking information over the phone to
officers. tourists from China and India. While 3.1 to other countries. unauthorised persons.
million tourists from China visited Malaysia in
Our country was also very successful in the 2019, 11 million went to Thailand and 155 And just as our society had been The digital world makes our life easier
tourism front. In 2010, Malaysia was ranked million outbound tourists from China regressing, so has our economy been with information at our finger tips, but
ninth in the list of 10 most visited countries by travelled to all over the world and spent deteriorating. there are cyber hackers and scammers who
the UN World Tourism Organisation US$255 billion globally. have ways and means to get this
(UNWTO). That year, we welcomed 24.58 While the pandemic has affected every information to infiltrate bank accounts and
million foreigners compared with 20.97 After the first Covid-19 case in Malaysia country on earth, ours is made worse by siphon money out of these accounts.
million in Visit Malaysia 2007. was detected last year on Jan 25, followed by antiquated mindsets and uncompetitive
various movement control orders from March policies. Sadly, urgency is much lacking in Do not give away your password and
Earlier in 2002, the Malaysia My Second 18 plus closure of international borders, the addressing these fundamental issues. OTP to anyone. Do not engage with
Home (MM2H) programme was introduced world will no longer be the same even if unknown people and disclose personal
to allow foreigners to live in Malaysia for 10 international tourism were to recover in 2024. YS Chan is a master trainer for Mesra information. Do not believe calls that
years on a multiple-entry social visit pass Malaysia and an Asean Tourism Master threaten or frighten you with legal action
which was renewable. If it was challenging to compete for foreign Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport for failing to settle Income Tax or
investments and tourists previously, it will be installment payments. Do not transfer your
In 2014, we were ranked ninth in Unesco’s much harder from now on. But instead of business consultant and writer, and money to another account for safe keeping
International Student Mobility Survey. relaxing stringent requirements, Malaysia has researcher for the Travel Industry on the advice of a caller. Above all,
done the exact opposite by tightening rules, as remember our mother’s advice when we
In 2016, there were 172,886 international if foreign investors and tourists have no other Occupational Framework published by the were young children, “Never speak to
students in our higher education institutions, options. Department of Skills Development (JPK). strangers.”
private and international schools plus Comments: [email protected]
language centres. Samuel Yesuiah
Seremban

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ TUESDAY
SEPTEMBER 7, 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
6/09/2021 Fax: 03-7784 4424

Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected]

% RM m RM m RM m

48.4 Institutions 1357.7 1441.0 -83.3

36.3 Retail 1057.0 1045.9 11.1

15.3 Foreign 479.4 407.2 72.2 7.60 21.62
KLCI TSEC
100.0 2894.1 2894.1 0.0 1,581.59 17.23 261.64 40.12 531.78 17,495.30 2.27 5.58
STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 3,101.08 3,621.86 29,659.89 3,203.33
Source: Bursa Malaysia 26,163.63 7,528.49

KL MARKET SUMMARY Paramount looking at
September 6, 2021 RM1b sales for 2022 again

INDICES 11,580.80 CHANGE -14.10
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,581.59 -7.60
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 615.35 +0.36
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 200.11 +0.19
CONSTRUCTION 171.86 +1.58
FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,476.20 -60.50
ENERGY 762.92 -8.02
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 708.98 +0.80 Moving forward, he noted that the
HEALTH CARE 2,787.85 -10.70 o Target achievable as vaccination leads to economic group is still in the market to purchase
TRANSPORTATION 889.17 +2.56 normalisation and property sector improves, says CEO another RM150-200 million worth of
PROPERTY 727.84 +5.02 land but it is not in any rush to do so.
PLANTATION 6,625.71 -73.90
FBMSHA 12,674.90 -19.80 As for its short term outlook, the
FBMACE 7,275.58 +23.80 █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI had pinned hopes on the vaccination group CEO sees the full FY2021 to be a
TECHNOLOGY 92.42 +2.31 [email protected] efforts protecting people from being damper year due to the prolonged
PETALING JAYA: Paramount Corp Bhd adversely affected by the virus, pandemic and the ensuing lockdown.
TURNOVER VALUE expects current vaccination efforts to translating into normalising conditions
4.433 BIL RM2.893 BIL normalise economic conditions in 2022 in which people would consider buying In July, five of its project sites had to
and for the property developer to reach properties. suspend work due to the enhanced
5 MOST ACTIVES RM1 billion sales again, according to its movement control order in certain
September 6, 2021 group CEO Jeffrey Chew Sun Teong. To support the group’s optimism, he localities in Selangor. Furthermore,
pointed out it has acquired RM350 some of its sites had detected Covid-19
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) In 2020, he said, there were still some million worth of land in Sungai Petani, infections resulting in a shutdown to
EMICO 133,779,900 44.0 +7.0 property buyers in the market and in the Kedah; Cyberjaya, conduct testing of its workers.
BPURI 116,734,000 5.5 -0.5 following year people bought less Selangor; and
KNM 108,253,000 29.0 +0.5 property. Kuala Lumpur, “It took some
SCOPE 74,606,900 34.0 +2.5 over the past 18 time to get
VC 74,074,600 7.5 -0.5 “Over time, as people carry on with months to add to operations at
their lives, the property sector will its existing landbank. these affected
5 TOP GAINERS improve in 2022.” sites up and
September 6, 2021 Under Paramount’s five-year plan, it running again every time they are shut
To put it into perspective, Chew has identified the need to purchase RM500 down, although as of today, all of its
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM highlighted that prior to the Covid-19 million worth of land to replenish its construction sites are in operation.”
MPI 344,600 46.50 1.60 outbreak, the group set a sales target of landbank, and the onset of the pandemic Chew disclosed that its construction
GENETEC 483,200 31.50 1.28 RM1 billion which has been disrupted by which coincided with the first year of the work is roughly operating at 60%
VITROX 396,900 19.00 0.42 the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. plan, presented an opportunity for it to capacity and estimates it could return to
PMBTECH 206,500 6.40 0.41 upfront the acquisitions. 100% capacity by end-September.
IQGROUP 13,304,100 1.79 0.37 “For us, we still believe that in 2022- Nonetheless, a return to full capacity will
2023, we can move from RM700-800 Chew said it opted to upfront the not be an easy task given the large and
5 TOP LOSERS million to reach the RM1 billion mark,” purchases as land prices are becoming diversified nature of the industry’s
September 6, 2021 he told the media during Paramount’s more reasonable because of the supply chain.
H1’21 results virtual briefing yesterday. pandemic and decided to seize the The group stressed it has taken
opportunity rather than wait. In addition, measures to meet all the standards set by
As at Sept 5, 2021, Malaysia’s the lower interest rate environment has the government, especially the efforts to
vaccinated population stands at over 48%. made it more attractive. inoculate its worforce.

The group CEO elaborated that he

STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM UCrest seals deal to produce Sputnik V
NESTLE 33,900 133.90 1.40 vaccines for Russian fund
KLK 458,000 20.80 0.70
DLADY 15,400 34.00 0.48 PETALING JAYA: UCrest Bhd’s wholly
PETDAG 187,300 19.80 0.30 owned subsidiary UCrest Technology Ltd
WIDETEC 781,400 4.04 0.26 yesterday signed a master service
agreement with Human Vaccine, a wholly
EXCHANGE RATES SEPTEMBER 6, 2021 owned subsidiary of Russian Direct
Investment Fund (RDIF), following the
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy memorandum of understanding inked A total of 70 countries have approved the use of Sputnik V for Covid-19. – REUTERSPIX
between their parent companies in April
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD 2021 to identify, arrange and engage UCrest chairman and CEO Eg Kah Yee of vaccines and the demand remains
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2045 4.0795 4.0695 contract manufacturers to produce Sputnik said though many countries have started strong and the supply remains short.
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1430 3.0190 3.0030 V vaccines for RDIF. the implementation of the vaccine
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1320 3.0400 3.0320 program, it continued to receive inquiries “We will continue to facilitate the
1 EURO 3.3500 3.2600 3.2480 Previously, UCrest announced that it from various countries on the acquisition acquisition of the vaccines for the countries
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 5.0020 4.8410 4.8210 has signed an agreement with three and the supplier,” he said in a statement.
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0170 2.9060 2.8900 contract manufacturers in China to
1 STERLING POUND 3.1320 3.0400 3.0320 produce vaccines.
1 SWISS FRANC 5.8320 5.6500 5.6300
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.5840 4.4790 4.4640 The definitive agreement states that all
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 115.8100 109.8100 109.6100 three of the contract manufacturing
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0190 4.7080 4.5080 partners of UCrest have been qualified
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR and approved for technology transfer and
100 INDIAN RUPEE N/A N/A N/A production of the vaccines by
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 54.6700 51.9600 51.7600 RDIF/Human Vaccine. As previously
100 JAPANESE YEN 5.8600 5.5000 5.3000 announced, the three contract
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 0.0305 0.0276 0.0226 manufacturers have committed to
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 3.8320 3.7030 produce over 100 million doses of
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 3.7130 vaccines a year. Due to the dynamic
100 QATAR RIYAL N/A N/A N/A changes of the pandemic, this agreement
100 SAUDI RIYAL 2.5700 2.2000 is signed for one year renewable for
100THAI BAHT 8.5500 2.4000 7.8600 another year.
116.7400 8.0600 110.6200
113.3500 110.8200 107.4100 To date, a total of 70 countries have
13.5200 107.6100 11.6000 approved the use of Sputnik V for Covid-
12.0000 19. Based on the observation, the
approval and acquisition of vaccines of a
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama country seem to be geopolitical
influenced and as such the demand of
Sputnik V remains strong.

CEKD to raise RM24.28m 11theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021BRIEFS
from ACE Market listing * SUNBIZ

o Companyplansto HUBLINE WINS AVIATION
use RM8.8 million or SERVICES CONTRACT
36.2% raised from FOR SARAWAK ELECTION
IPO to purchase
factory in Kepong PETALING JAYA: Hubline Bhd’s
51%-owned subsidiary Layang
█ BY JUNE MOH Layang Aerospace Sdn Bhd (LLA)
[email protected] has secured a contract valued at
RM25.67 million to provide
PETALING JAYA: Die-cutting From left (top to bottom): CEKD chairman Datuk Zulkifli Adnan, directors Datuk Mak Foo Wei and Chong Chin Look, helicopter and fixed-wing rental
solutions provider and manufacturer deputy executive chairman Yap Tian Tion, Kai Ning, Kai Min, M&A Securities managing director of corporate finance services for the use at Sarawak’s
CEKD Bhd expects to raise RM24.28 Datuk Bill Tan, M&A Securities head of corporate finance Gary Ting, and Eco Asia Capital Advisory Sdn Bhd managing 12th state election by the
million from its listing on the ACE director Kelvin Khoo. Malaysian Election Commission.
Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities The contract is the result of a
Bhd. and pharmaceutical products, cutting manufacturing, not many of private placement to bumiputra tender initiated by the
namely, boxes for tissue paper, shoes, listed companies on Bursa are doing investors. commission and due to the
The company plans to use RM8.8 television as well as buttons on similar activities such as CEKD. current pandemic which resulted
million or 36.2% raised from the initial remote controls. Besides, parts and Another reason is their exposure on CEKD will further utilise RM3 in uncertainty of when the
public offering (IPO) proceeds for the components produced with our die- e-commerce... the e-commerce million and RM1.3 million or 12.4% election will take place, the
acquisition of a factory at Kepong, cut mould are television panels, industry is vibrant now that it requires and 5.4% for capital expenditure contract spans for a period of two
Kuala Lumpur. mobile phones, laptops, earphones, the use of shipping materials for comprising the purchase of new years, from August 26, 2021 to
and hard disks. packaging and parcels, CEKD is machineries and to upgrade and Aug 25, 2023. LLA is one of the
According to CEKD managing providing these products,“ he said. development of computer software largest general aviation operators
director Yap Kai Ning, the group has Asked if the group is affected by and server. RM4 million or 16.5% to in the country. Its services
been renting three premises for its the implementation of the various The die-cutting tools and repay bank borrowings, RM2.68 included flying doctor services &
subsidiary Hotstar (M) Sdn Bhd. The stages of the movement control machinery industry in Malaysia is million or 11% for general working emergency charter, aerial survey,
acquisition of the factory is to take orders (MCOs), CEKD COO Yap Kai expected to expand by CAGR 3.2% capital, RM3 million or 12.3% for chartered flights, rescue
advantage of the upcoming growth in Min said the group has been in from RM216.5 million in 2019 to listing expenses, and RM1.5 million or operations, and more.
the die-cutting industry. operation since MCO 1.0 due to its RM261.04 million in 2025. 6.2% for marketing activities.
status as an essential sector. PBE QR NOW SUPPORTS
“The proceeds from the IPO will go Of the 50.59 million new shares, As at Aug 6, the group has a large MALAYSIA-THAILAND
towards acquiring laser-cutting Under the listing exercise, CEKD is 9.73 million new shares will be and diverse customer base totalling CROSS-BORDER PAYMENT
machines and automatic steel rule issuing 50.59 million new shares at an available for application to the 1,309 customers while it achieved an
processors to support business issue price of 48 sen per share. Malaysian public, 9.73 million new average gross profit margin of 48.3% PETALING JAYA: Public Bank
expansion and increase our shares will be allocated for from FY2018 to FY2020. Group has extended its PBe QR
production efficiency. Our production When asked on the revision of application by eligible directors, service to support DuitNow QR
capability will be enhanced with the issue price per share from 36 sen to 48 employees and persons who have M&A Securities is the adviser, Cross Border Payment between
upgrading of our computer software sen, M&A Securities Sdn Bhd head of contributed to the success of the sponsor, sole underwriter and Malaysia and Thailand. The bank
and servers, and this will support corporate finance Gary Ting said group, 6.81 million new shares by way placement agent of CEKD’s IPO. M&A claimed to be the first bank in
business growth,“ she told reporters CEKD would continue to have strong of private placement to selected Securities will be underwriting for Malaysia to enable the DuitNow
during the virtual launch of the group’s earnings in the near future. investors, 24.32 million shares by way shares available for application by the QR Cross Border Payment which
prospectus yesterday. Malaysian public. facilitates retail-based QR
“They are in a niche market of die- payment between the two
Kai Ning said the group offers die- countries. Public Bank managing
cutting solutions to produce boxes of director Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek said
different sizes for different functions, the bank’s immediate focus
for instance, the usage of boxes would be to push for greater
ranging from for transportation and financial inclusion by enabling
storage of large quantity of goods to micro, small and medium
individual usage. enterprises with the more
efficient and safe options to
“Many household products are accept payments from foreign
produced using CEKD’s die-cutting tourists when borders reopen.
solutions such as food and beverage Businesses can enrol for the PBe
QR service by self-registration
BSLCorp buys S’pore firm to expand semiconductor biz from the bank’s internet banking
website or by approaching the
PETALING JAYA: BSL Corp Bhd supplying of electro-mechanical & renewable energy and to a smaller manufacturer services company,” nearest Public Bank branch for
(BSLCorp has inked a products for semiconductor extent, semiconductor sectors. With added Hoo. assistance.
memorandum of understanding producers. this proposed acquisition, BSLCorp
(MoU) to acquire Singapore-based will be able to increase its exposure The MoU is for a period of three SEDANIA BAGS ENERGY
SD Unify Pte Ltd that operates an BSLCorp executive director in semiconductors industry. This is months and both parties are PERFORMANCE DEAL
International Procurement Office Brian Hoo Wai Keong said given the part of BSLCorp’s revitalisation expected to sign a definitive FROM POS MALAYSIA
Center connecting the overseas current market demand, the strategy to fast-forward our agreement within that period.
supply chain for semiconductor proposed acquisition of SD Unify is exposure in the semiconductor PETALING JAYA: Sedania
original equipment manufacturers timely for BSLCorp to extend its area. The semiconductor segment The proposed acquisition is Innovator Bhd’s subsidiary
Approved Vendor List components. market reach in the semiconductor will form a new pillar of growth for expected to dovetail with BSLCorp’s Sedania Technologies Sdn Bhd
This is complemented by SD sector. BSLCorp and complement its last Friday announcement on the has entered into an energy
Unify’s “one-stop solution” concept current operations as the group proposed private placement to performance contract with Pos
for the manufacturing, sourcing and “BSLCorp is involved in contract transitions to an electronic enhance and expand the existing Malaysia to reduce energy
manufacturing with exposure in the semiconductor manufacturing consumption through a shared
electrical and electronics, solar farm capacity. saving concept with a zero-capex
basis. Sedania CEO Daniel
Ruppert remarked that the
venture marks an important
milestone for the group,
expanding its greentech
solutions into the logistics and
supply chain industry, an industry
with thousands of decentralised
processing centres and branches
all over Malaysia. For the initial
run, eight Pos Malaysia sites in the
Klang Valley will see the
deployment of energy efficiency
and renewable energy solutions
this year and it will be completed
within three months.

Sirim Tech Venture, Mida firm up partnership in tech projects

PETALING JAYA: Sirim Bhd’s (SMEs) seeking innovation while Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said technology-led growth. technology, recommending
subsidiary Sirim Tech Venture Sdn Mida will facilitate business leads to the collaboration, among other “With the MoU, technology proposals for the application of
Bhd (STV) has signed a STV on technology-driven projects things, would provide Mida with Sirim’s technology, innovative
memorandum of understanding and provide funding and direct access on available technology adoption that can be explored solution or adoption of other
(MoU) with Malaysian Investment government incentives advisory to solutions by Sirim available to be include in the areas of Industry 4.0, technology to a specific target
Development Authority (Mida) to STV. utilised by variouus industries. fabrication of machinery and group,” he said.
foster long-term business equipment and renewable energy, The engagements between Mida
collaboration in technology-driven In a statement, STV said it offers Various industries will be the medical devices, environmental and STV had commenced since
projects. technology assessment, IP valuation, direct beneficiaries of this technology and waste-to-wealth. 2019, with Mida linking STV to
market feasibility study, market collaboration including various several industries and STV plays
The MoU enables STV to tap into accessibility via linking up with other financing (options) for product or “Through Mida, we hope that STV active roles in bridging them to other
Mida’s business connections with subsidiaries, among others, to technology adoption through can work with medium-size relevant technology centre or
investors, local large corporations businesses. investment on new and future industries. STV can provide subsidiary of Sirim.
and small and medium enterprises technology in order to achieve consultancy and technical assistance
Sirim president and group CEO to potential local industry in

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
SUNBIZ

Binance removes S’pore products on main platform after MAS warning

HONG KONG: Embattled Binance, one Singapore dollar payment options running into resistance from local improve relations with regulators. many cannot even boast a scarcity
of the world’s largest cryptocurrency and Singapore dollar trading pairs regulators. In London yesterday, Britain’s value,” FCA chair Charles Randell
exchanges, said it will restrict its from Sept 10 and the app will be said in a speech.
services in Singapore days after the removed from the Singapore iOs and In recent months, regulators in Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
city state’s central bank said it should Google Play stores, it said in a post on Britain, Italy and Hong Kong have said creating a regulatory regime for “We simply don’t know when or
stop offering payment services. its website. said Binance units are not authorised the decentralised world of how this story will end, but – as with
to carry out some activities in their cryptoassets will take careful any new speculation – it may not end
The Monetary Authority of The restrictions only apply to markets, while Malaysia’s financial thought. well.”
Singapore (MAS) became the latest Binance’s global platform and not its regulator reprimanded the exchange
regulator to take aim at Binance, Singapore platform, which for operating illegally in the country. Britain’s finance ministry has The FCA has banned global crypto
warning last week that its global Changpeng Zhao, the company’s chief Bloomberg also reported earlier this already consulted publicly on whether exchange Binance from undertaking
platform, Binance.com, could be executive has urged users to switch to. year that Binance was under some cryptoasset promotions need any regulated activity in Britain, saying
breaking the law by providing payment investigation by the US Justice regulating. it is not capable of being supervised
services to Singapore residents without Crypto exchanges like Binance, Department and Internal Revenue properly and set out several
an appropriate licence. which previously could serve almost Service. “There are no assets or real world requirements on the company.
all markets in the world via one cash flows underpinning the price of Binance has said it fully complies with
Binance.com will stop offering platform, are now increasingly Zhao said last month he wanted to speculative digital tokens, even the the FCA’s requirements. – Reuters
better known ones like bitcoin, and

StanChart, NTUC in
digital-only bank JV

About 90% of BRIEFSLONDON: Standard Chartered (StanChart) has
world trade is agreed a joint venture deal to launch a digital-
transported only bank in Singapore with the country's
by sea, and National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
global
shipping A StanChart vehicle will take a 60% stake in
accounts for the venture, worth S$144 million Singapore
nearly 3% of (RM445 million), with the NTUC's enterprise
the world’s arm taking the remaining 40% stake, worth S$96
CO2 million, the London-listed bank said yesterday.
emissions. –
REUTERSPIX The planned venture comes after StanChart
launched its digital-only Mox Bank brand in
Shipping groups propose Hong Kong last year and amid a boom in fintech
levy on carbon emissions investments in Southeast Asia.

o Money to go into climate from ships exceeding 5,000 gross tonnes and working group meeting scheduled for late A decision on the Singaporean venture's
fund for bunkering facilities trading globally. October, ahead of a late-November session of branding has yet to be decided, a StanChart
in ports around the world to the Marine Environment Protection spokesperson said.
supply cleaner fuel The money collected would go into a Committee, to address issues including
climate fund that would be used to deploy carbon-reduction efforts. The StanChart vehicle involved in the
LONDON: Leading shipping associations bunkering infrastructure in ports around the transaction obtained a full Singaporean
have proposed creating a global levy on world to supply cleaner fuels such as hydrogen The European Commission in July banking licence in December last year, the
carbon emissions from ships to help speed up and ammonia, according to the proposal. proposed adding shipping to the bloc's company said. – Reuters
the industry's efforts to go greener. carbon market, targeting an industry that had
“What shipping needs is a truly global for more than a decade avoided the EU's SINGAPORE TO ALLOW
With about 90% of world trade transported market-based measure like this that will system of pollution charges. BOEING 737 MAX
by sea, global shipping accounts for nearly 3% reduce the price gap between zero-carbon TO RETURN TO SERVICE
of the world's CO2 emissions and the sector is fuels and conventional fuels,” ICS secretary An IMO-driven carbon levy will enable
under growing pressure to get cleaner. general Guy Platten said. more industry input at the global level as SYDNEY: Singapore’s aviation regulator said
concerns grow at regulation by separate yesterday it would approve the return to
For the first time, the International The proposal was submitted on Friday to jurisdictions such as the EU. service of the Boeing Co 737 MAX more
Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Intercargo the UN's shipping agency, the International than two years after the plane was
jointly proposed a levy based on mandatory Maritime Organization (IMO). The ICS said “piecemeal” approaches such grounded, becoming the latest country in
contributions for each tonne of CO2 emitted as the EU’s proposal would significantly the Asia Pacific region to do so. The
An IMO spokesperson said all proposals complicate “the conduct of maritime trade”. approval is based on operators including
were welcome and would be up for Singapore Airlines Ltd complying with
discussion later this year, adding that “ICS believes that a mandatory global levy- airworthiness directives and additional
“proposals on market-based measures based MBM is strongly preferable over any flight crew training requirements, the Civil
(MBM) are in line with the initial IMO GHG unilateral, regional application of MBMs to Aviation Authority of Singapore said in a
(greenhouse gas) strategy”. international shipping, such as that proposed statement. Singapore grounded the 737
by the European Commission,” it said. – Reuters MAX in March 2019 following two fatal
The IMO will hold an intersessional crashes involving the model belonging to
Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines. – Reuters
Philippine Airlines to return 22 planes to lessors
CHINA EVERGRANDE BONDS
MANILA: Philippine Airlines will return 22 carrier will return 22 aircraft to lessors, After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, SUSPENDED AS PRICES DIVE
aircraft, mostly Airbus and Boeing jets, to Philippine Airlines president Gilbert Santa Philippine Airlines said on Friday it was
lessors as it pursues a financial restructuring Maria told a news conference. pursuing a financial restructuring plan. SHANGHAI: Bonds issued by indebted
programme to survive after the pandemic has developer China Evergrande Group
decimated global travel, executives said Philippine Airlines will end with 70 aircraft “The chance that this will fail is very small,” slumped yesterday after a rating
yesterday. after cutting about a quarter of its fleet of 92 Santa Maria said. downgrade led to restrictions on their use
planes. as collateral. The Shanghai Stock Exchange
Philippine Airlines last week filed for The proposed rehabilitation plan will cut said in a statement that it had suspended
Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States, The flag carrier has also negotiated with US$2 billion (RM8.29 billion) in borrowings. It trading in China Evergrande Group’s 6.98%
allowing it to continue operations and Airbus for the postponement of the delivery of also includes US$505 million in long-term debt July 2022 corporate bond following
generate fresh capital. 13 narrow-body Airbus aircraft, with an equity and debt financing from the airline’s “abnormal fluctuations.” The exchange had
option to cancel some orders beyond 2026 to majority shareholder, PAL Holdings Inc, and also suspended trading in the bond on
With the company not expecting a return 2030, said Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez, the US$150 million of additional debt financing from Friday. Shanghai exchange data showed
to pre-pandemic levels until 2024 to 2025, the company’s chief financial officer. new investors, the company said. – Reuters the bonds sliding more than 25% to a low
of 40.18 yuan after the resumption of trade
yesterday afternoon. The company’s 5.9%
May 2023 Shenzhen-traded bond, which
was also suspended, fell more than 35%
after trading resumed. – Reuters

THAI CPI DIPS FOR FIRST TIME
IN FIVE MONTHS ON SUBSIDIES

BANGKOK: Thailand’s headline consumer
price index (CPI) unexpectedly dropped for
the first time in five months, down 0.02% in
August from a year earlier, due mainly to
government subsidies, the commerce
ministry said yesterday. The reading
followed July’s 0.45% increase. The CPI was
dragged down by government measures to
lower living costs, particularly a subsidy on
tuition fees and utility bills, as well as lower
prices of some food items. Without the
measures, the headline CPI would have
risen more than 1%. In August, the core CPI
index was up 0.07% from a year earlier. –
Reuters

13theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

* SPORTS

Max delivers Cantlay seals
302 Jobs at Zandvoort FedEx win
PATRICK CANTLAY (pix) said he American edges Rahm to
MEDIA SALES MAX VERSTAPPEN made light of the burden of enjoys the pressure in golf. He win Tour Championship
expectation and delivered with speed and style on got a chance to display what he and RM63m purse
REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT Sunday as he became the first Dutch driver to win his can do in such situations in
(FREELANCE) home Formula One grand prix. yesterday’s final round of the Tour Cup champion for the first time.
Championship. “I enjoy pressure golf because it’s
Requirements: The 23-year-old Red Bull driver triggered scenes
· Minimum 1 year sales experience in a 70,000-strong crowd already in full party mode Cantlay matched Jon Rahm’s birdie everything I’ve practiced to do,” Cantlay
after starting on pole position and taking the on the final hole at East Lake Golf Club in said earlier in the weekend.
in newspaper and digital chequered flag with all but the two Mercedes drivers Atlanta to win the PGA Tour’s season
advertising lapped. finale and the 2021 FedEx Cup. “And so getting in that moment is
· Attractive commission package exactly why I’ve practiced for all those
and incentive The revival of the race at Zandvoort after a 36- “Felt like a huge win and it was,” hours growing up and all those hours my
· Able to start immediately year absence owed everything to Verstappen’s Cantlay said. “I played great today. It whole life, and so getting to do it when
· Central, Northern, Southern, surging popularity and success, the Dutchman the hasn’t even sunk in yet. I just kept telling it’s important.”
East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak first championship contender the country has myself to focus and lock in and I did a
produced. great job of that.” Cantlay said winning the tournament
Send in your application with your was more important than the US$15
photo to [email protected] The man who started the hype rolling as Formula The birdie gave Cantlay a round of 1- million (RM63m) top prize.
One’s youngest ever driver (at 17) was already the under 69 to cap a riveting finishing
322 Notices 322 Notices youngest points scorer (17), podium finisher (18) and stretch between the two golfers. “The internal drive to win golf
race winner (18). tournaments is really what drives me,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF IN THE MATTER OF Rahm’s birdie on the hole meant he and so the external factors are not as
MALAYA AT KUANTAN THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 On Sunday he joined a roster of greats that finished the round with 68, pushing his much of a factor for me,” he said.
COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION includes champions Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, tournament score to 20-under. Cantlay
NO: CA-28NCC-40-08/2021 AND Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Niki checked in at 21-under. Rahm, the US Open champion from
In the matter of Sections 466(1)(A) of IN THE MATTER OF Lauda and Alain Prost as winners in the Netherlands. Spain and the No. 1-ranked golfer in the
the Companies Act 2016; NATHILL TRACK (M) SDN BHD Cantlay won back-to-back world, had 16 pars in the last round. He
(199301015345 (270085-M)) Organisers had said before the event that they tournaments to complete the PGA also birdied the fifth hole.
And could have sold a million tickets, far beyond capacity
In the matter of STS BUILDERS SDN (In Members’ and Covid-19 restrictions, and those who did get in Tour season. He’s the Rahm didn’t convert enough with his
BHD [Company Registration No. Voluntary Winding Up) were there for a Verstappen victory. FedEx chances.
201101008140) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant No pressure, then. “That stretch of (Nos.) 10, 11, 12, I was
BETWEEN to Section 459 of the Companies Act “It is just incredible, because the expectations in position to put a little bit of pressure
BESTWELD STEEL SYSTEM SDN BHD 2016, that a Final Meeting of the were very high going into the weekend and it’s never and I just didn’t,“ Rahm said. “But at the
(Company No.: 200001022897) Company will be held at SOHO Suites easy to fulfil,” he said after stepping out of the car, same time, I shot my lowest score ever
@ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, with the Dutch royal family in attendance. for four days on this golf course, which
...PETITIONER Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur on “I’ve been always very focused,” he explained later has usually been a challenge for me.”
AND 8 October 2021 at 10.00 a.m. for the when asked how he had managed to stay calm amid
STS BUILDERS SDN. BHD. following purposes: the general madness. Kevin Na shot 67 to finish at 16-under
(Company No.: 201101008140) AGENDA: “I know I have to focus on the driving and that has for third place. Justin Thomas was fourth
1. To receive and consider the been quite straightforward but of course naturally at 15-under after a final-round 70.
... RESPONDENT Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts there are more distractions, especially when you are
ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION and Report showing how the on the grid or drive out and there’s more of a crowd. Xander Schauffele matched
NOTICE is hereby given that a petition winding up has been conducted and “But I think we are professional enough to just Daniel Berger’s 64 for the best
for winding-up of the abovenamed to receive any explanation thereon. focus on our job once we are in the car. round of the day. That put
company by the High Court was, on the 2. To consider, and if thought fit, pass “It’s been a really positive week,” he said, with Schauffele tied for fifth place
25 August 2021, presented by Bestweld the following resolution as an some understatement, as fans continued to chant his with Norway’s Viktor
Steel System Sdn. Bhd., having its Ordinary Resolution:- name in the stands. Hovland (65) at 14-under. –
address at 75B, Jalan Kenari 20, “That the books, accounts and “I think they also know that I always do my best Field Level Media
Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong, documents of the Company and of and you need a car to be able to win a race.
Selangor Darul Ehsan. And that the the Liquidator shall be kept by the “We did, we had a very good car and we pulled it
said petition is directed to be heard Liquidator for a period of three (3) off as a team. It was a real team effort today.”–
before the Court sitting at Kuantan at months from the date of the Final Reuters
9:00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 25th Meeting and that thereafter such
day of November 2021; and any creditor books, accounts and documents 322 Notices SHORTS Europe weather
or contributory of the said company may be destroyed by the Liquidator.” Hamilton questions Mercedes strategy storm to lead
desiring to support or oppose the Dated this 7th day of September 2021 IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES ACT 2016 USA in
making of an order on the said petition Chong Ai Ling AND IN THE MATTER OF LEWIS HAMILTON complained A lap later he then questioned Solheim Cup
may appear at the time of hearing by Liquidator about Mercedes’ strategy over his the strategy, saying: “There was still
himself or his counsel for that purpose; Note: DUFU MACHINERY AND WELDING team radio during his Dutch Grand so much life left in that last tyre, I EUROPE withstood a US surge in
and a copy of the petition will be The Member entitled to attend and SERVICES SDN. BHD. Prix battle with Max Verstappen. don’t know why you rushed it. I’m morning foursomes, winning two
furnished to any creditor or contributory vote at the meeting may appoint a (Formerly known as not going to make it to the end on fourball matches and halving
of the said company requiring the same proxy (or in the case of a corporation, Hamilton, who started second these tyres.” another yesterday to take a two-
by the undersigned on payment of the to appoint a representative) to attend Dufu Metal Sdn. Bhd.) Registration No. on the grid ahead of the race, hit point lead into today’s decisive
regulated charge for the same. and vote in his place. The Form of 201801021939 (1283958-A) out at his Mercedes team after he Hamilton continued to plug singles matches in the Solheim Cup.
The Petitioner’s address is at 75B, Jalan Proxy may be obtained from the office (Incorporated in Malaysia) pitted for the second time on lap away and but his hope was fading
Kenari 20, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 of the Liquidator located at SOHO 44 and put on the medium tyres. as he fell further behind. The United States had stormed
Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to back into contention in the biennial
The Petitioner’s solicitors is WONG LU 3A, No. 20 Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Section 439(2) of the Companies Act 2016, The Silver Arrows gambled early “They’re just so fast, man,” match play showdown at Inverness
PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, 21-6, Block B, The Lumpur. The appointment of a proxy that the special resolution set out below and Red Bull waited before Hamilton said. “Killing my tyres to Club in Toledo, Ohio, winning three
Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran must be lodged at the Liquidators’ was duly passed by the Members of DUFU bringing Verstappen in for a keep up.” of the four morning foursomes to
Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. office at least forty eight (48) hours MACHINERY AND WELDING SERVICES SDN. second time. The Dutchman was move within one point of
before the meeting. BHD. (Formerly known as Dufu Metal Sdn. put on hard tyre compounds so he Hamilton went on to pit for a defending champions Europe.
Sign Bhd.) (Registration No. 201801021939 could last until the end of the race. third time with three laps
…..…............. IN THE MATTER OF (1283958-A)) on the 1st day of September, remaining and he returned to the After being outplayed on the
WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA COMPANIES ACT 2016 2021:- A few laps later Hamilton track in second place. opening day as Europe powered
NOTE: “That the Company be wound up voluntarily started having doubts over into the lead, the US women rallied
Any person who intends to appear AND and that Mr. Lee, Hui-Ta also known as Li whether he would make the The 36-year-old secured the superbly to change the complexion
on the hearing of the said Petition IN THE MATTER OF Hui Ta (Taiwanese P/P No. 351110540) of chequered flag without stopping bonus point for the fastest lap – of the contest, leaving Europe with
must serve on or send by post to the WIDE SYMBOL SDN. BHD. 34 Pantai Jerjak 18, Sungai Nibong, 11900 for a third time. but in the process gave Verstappen a slender 6 ½ to 5½ point lead
abovenamed solicitors, notice in writing (In Members’ Voluntary Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (the a comfortable victory. heading into the afternoon
of his intention so to do. The notice Liquidator) who has given his consent to “Doesn’t seem to be an fourballs.
must state the name and address of Winding Up) act, be nominated to act as Liquidator of the advantage,“ Hamilton said over the “Well guys, they were just too
the person, or, if a firm, the name and Registration Company for the purpose of such winding up. team radio. “Called our bluff too fast,” Hamilton said after crossed Yealimi Noh and Mina Harigae
address of the firm, and must be signed No.199601001391 That the Liquidator be empowered to act soon.” the finish line. “We gave it then won the first fourball match,
by the person or firm, or his or their (373737-X) under Section 456 and 457 of the Companies everything.” beating Celine Boutier and Sophia
solicitor (if any) and must be served, (Incorporated in Malaysia) Act 2016. Popov 3&1 to pull the Americans
or, if posted, must be sent by post in NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That in consideration of Mr. Lee, Hui-Ta … as Wolff explains failure to win race level.
sufficient time to reach the abovenamed that the Final Meeting of the also known as Li Hui Ta, agreeing to act
not later than twelve o’clock noon of the members of the abovenamed as Liquidator of the Company, the member MAX VERSTAPPEN’S decision to the office for the 23-year-old, Europe regained the advantage
24th day of November 2021 (the day Company will be held at 57-G of the Company hereby irrevocably and go on the hard tyre surprised who has enjoyed a stunning however, as Charley Hull and Emily
before the day appointed for the hearing Persiaran Bayan Indah, Bayan unconditionally undertake to pay, satisfy and Mercedes at the Dutch Grand season so far. Pedersen defeated Danielle Kang
of the Petition). Bay, Sungai Nibong, 11900 discharge at such times hereafter to keep Prix on Sunday, Toto Wolff has and Austin Ernst 3&2 while Carlota
This Advertisement of Petition is taken Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang on him and his estates and affects fully and revealed. And, speaking afterwards, Ciganda and Nanna Koerstz
out by WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, Thursday, 7th day of October, effectually indemnified and held harmless Mercedes chief Wolff admitted Madsen pulled off a 1-up victory
21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley 2021 at 10.00 a.m. to consider, from and against all actions, proceedings, The 23-year-old continued his he was surprised at Verstappen’s over Jessica Korda and Megan
City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala and if thought fit, to pass the claims, demands, costs, damages and fine Formula One season with a decision to go on the hard tyre. Khang.
Lumpur, solicitors for the petitioner following resolutions:- expenses properly incurred by the Liquidator straightforward victory. And it
abovenamed whose address is at 75B, ORDINARY RESOLUTION – To in the performance of his duties as Liquidator means Red Bull have now “We had a sniff of an undercut Americans Jennifer Kupcho and
Jalan Kenari 20, Bandar Puchong Jaya, receive the accounts of the and so much of his remuneration for so extended their lead at the top of there but we didn’t time it right,” Lizette Salas held a 1-up lead over
47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan Liquidator showing the manner acting as Liquidator. the F1 Drivers’ Championship he told Sky Sports. Mel Reid and Leona Maguire with
[Petitioner’s solicitors’ telephone no.: in which the winding up has That the Liquidator be authorized to divide standings. one to play, but Reid’s birdie for the
03-29388833 Facsimile : 03-29388811] been conducted to date and to all or such part of the surplus assets of the “We didn’t expect him Europeans gave them a valuable
[File reference : L3 15756] dissolve the Company. Company as he shall think fit in cash and/ Amid a sea of orange, (Verstappen) to go on the hard half a point. – AFP
SPECIAL RESOLUTION - or in specie amongst the member of the Verstappen finished top of the tyre but it is what it is.
Advertise with us & “RESOLVED that the books, Company.” standings with Lewis Hamilton
connect to our urban accounts and documents of the Dated this 7th day of September, 2021 second and Valtteri Bottas “It’s so close and here Max
Company and of the Liquidator, Lee, Hui-Ta also known as Li Hui Ta coming third. was the quickest. Monza is going
readers. shall be kept for a period of Director to be different and we feel that
KLANG VALLEY three months from 7th October It was yet another fine day at we are still in the run for the
PENANG | KEDAH 2021 to 7th January 2022 IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES ACT championship.”
PERAK | PERLIS and thereafter such books, 2016 AND
PAHANG | KELANTAN accounts and documents be
TERENGGANU destroyed.” IN THE MATTER OF
Dated this DUFU MACHINERY AND WELDING
MS. Shoba 7th day of September, 2021
TEL: 03-7784 8888 TAN KHANG KHIM SERVICES SDN. BHD.
FAX: 03-7784 4424 Liquidator (Formerly known as Dufu Metal Sdn.
Bhd.) Registration No. 201801021939
MALACCA (1283958-A) (Incorporated in Malaysia)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of
MR. Rajah DUFU MACHINERY AND WELDING SERVICES
TEL: 012-628 2844 SDN. BHD. (Formerly known as Dufu Metal
FAX: 06-764 2051 Sdn. Bhd.) (Registration No. 201801021939
(1283958-A)) which is being wound-up
JOHOR BAHRU voluntarily, are required on or before the
7th day of October, 2021 to send their names
MS. Anne Lim and addresses and particulars of their debts
TEL: 013-770 6699 or claims and the names and addresses of
FAX: 07-355 5549 their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned,
the Liquidator of the said Company, and if so
required in writing from the Liquidator are by
their solicitors or personally to come in and
prove their debts or claims at such time and
place as shall be specified in such notice or
in default thereof they will be excluded from
the benefit or any distribution made before
such debts are proved.
Dated this 7th day of September, 2021
Liquidator
Lee, Hui-Ta also known as Li Hui Ta
57-G Persiaran Bayan Indah
Bayan Bay, Sungai Nibong
11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
SPORTS

Into the Fernandez has a great future: Kerber
unknown
Medvedev to face Dutch qualifier LEYLAH FERNANDEZ has had a great tough match. I think she can go really dropping the opening set.
in US Open quarterfinals start to her career and the teenager far in the next few years.” “Honestly, the crowd has been
has a big future ahead of her, former
RUSSIAN second seed Zandschulp became the third champion Angelique Kerber said Kerber, who won the 2016 title at amazing, so thanks to them I was able
Daniil Medvedev marched qualifier to reach the US Open yesterday after losing 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2 Flushing Meadows, said Fernandez’s to win,” said Fernandez, who next
into the US Open men’s quarterfinals, matching to the Canadian at the US Open. tactics reminded her of herself, faces fifth seeded Ukrainian Elina
quarterfinals yesterday, Frenchman Nicolas Escude in 1999 especially her approach on serve and Svitolina.
where a shock Dutch qualifier will and Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller in Fernandez, who turned 19 the next ball.
try to deny him a third straight trip 2008. yesterday, knocked out defending “I was just trusting my game. She’s
to the New York semifinals. champion Naomi Osaka in the third “I have been through a long career an incredible fighter, incredible
No Dutchman had reached a round and then reached a Grand with a lot of up-and-downs,” the 33- player.
Medvedev defeated British 24th Grand Slam quarterfinal in 17 years Slam quarterfinal for the first time year-old added. “It’s just experience
seed Daniel Evans 6-3, 6-4, 6-3, and not in 18 years at the US Open. with her win over the German. you have to go through. “I was just glad I was having fun
making his fourth trip to the last Now he’s one win from matching on the court,” Fernandez later told
eight in the past five Grand Slams as the best Slam runs by qualifiers, into “If she plays like this, consistently “Of course when you reach your BBC Sport.
he chases his first Slam title. the semifinals five times, most plays the whole year, the next first quarterfinals in a Grand Slam, it’s
recently at this year’s Australian tournaments like this, the next always a lot of emotions. She had “I have been working hard since
Medvedev, who lost this year’s Open. rounds, I think she has a great future,” nothing to lose today and I think she’s the day I started playing tennis and
Australian Open final to Novak Kerber told reporters. enjoying her tennis… it’s just a start the day I set my mind to being a
Djokovic and the 2019 US Open “I have to say when I’m playing of a great career.” professional.
final to Rafael Nadal, has not against guys who are better, my level “She has a lot of power in her
dropped a set in four matches. is also increasing,” the Dutchman forehand and she’s going for her It was a precocious and poised “I expected that one day my tennis
said. “So I prefer to play against winners. I think she’s always also performance from Fernandez, who game is going to come through and
“I knew I had to keep my focus better guys. I start playing better enjoying her tennis out there, it was a soaked up the energy from a seething that I’m going to be on the big stage
from start to finish. I was serving myself.” Louis Armstrong crowd after in front of a big crowd and getting
good,” said Medvedev. the wins.” – Reuters/AFP/Agencies
Instead of an early flight home,
“I was trying to change up the Van de Zandschulp will try to Leylah Fernandez
game, mix up the game, and I’m capture a Slam before playing for hits a return to
really happy that I beat such tough the Dutch at Uruguay in Davis Cup.
opponent with that score and with Angelique Kerber
that much energy left. His apparel sponsor has helped (unseen) during
with unexpected needs in New York. their 2021 US
“Now I just want to make it to the Open Tennis
finals again to have another thing to “They have good laundry service tournament
remember, and hopefully a better here, so I can get it washed every women’s singles
one,” Medvedev said. day so I have enough stuff for the fourth round
rest of the matches,” Van de
Medvedev next faces 117th- Zandschulp said. match at the USTA
ranked Botic Van de Zandschulp, Billie Jean King
who outlasted Argentine 11th seed Spanish 18-year-old Carlos National Tennis
Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 5- Alcaraz, who upset Greek third seed Centre in New
7, 6-1 in four hours and 20 minutes. Stefanos Tsitsipas, reached his first York yesterday.
Slam quarterfinal by downing – AFPPIX
Van de Zandschulp matched the 141st-ranked German qualifier
best run by any US Open qualifier in Peter Gojowczyk 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 6-
reaching the quarterfinals and 0.
hopes to shock Medvedev and
equal more Grand Slam history. Alcaraz, ranked 55th, is the
youngest US Open men’s
“What I’ve done for me, it’s quarterfinalist since Brazilian
amazing that I beat No. 11 here, Thomaz Koch in 1963.
especially in a match like this,” the
25-year-old Dutchman said. “It was The Spaniard will face Canadian
my first time in a big stadium. 12th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime,
who beat American Frances Tiafoe
“The next match is maybe going 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, with one of
to be on Arthur Ashe. Going to be the two assured of playing his first
even more people there, so I’m Grand Slam semifinal. –
looking forward to it.” AFP/Reuters

World No. 117 Van de

Svitolina stays in hunt TRAMLINES the US Open quarterfinal round for the hope to play more second weeks, to play
after beating Halep Krejcikova halts first time. Up an early break, the Belarusian more quarterfinals of Grand Slams. I didn’t
Muguruza comeback appeared to lose one of her most reliable expect to play (in the) quarterfinals here.
OLYMPIC bronze medallist Elina Svitolina stepped up weapons – her power serve – as she In the first sets I thought that I reached my
her bid to secure a first major title when she produced BARBORA KREJCIKOVA survived a committed three double faults in the third limit physically and mentally. I think the
a ruthless performance to dispatch Simona Halep 6-3, Garbine Muguruza fight back and late game to help 15th-seeded Mertens level crowd was really, really important for me
6-3 in the fourth round of the US Open yesterday. injury issue to claim a 6-3, 7-6(4) win and the score 2-2. She ended the set with eight in this situation,” Alcaraz added. “I felt the
move into the quarterfinals of the US double faults and 15 unforced errors but energy of the crowd pushing me up…
Following the shock exits of pre-tournament Open yesterday, while her Spanish managed to convert a break point in the without the crowd, it couldn’t be possible
favourites Ash Barty and Naomi Osaka, fifth seed opponent’s run at Flushing Meadows final game on Louis Armstrong Stadium. to be here.”
Svitolina will be among those whose chances of ended at a familiar roadblock. Krejcikova, “It’s always tough matches against her,”
triumphing at Flushing Meadows have been boosted who called a medical time-out late in the said Sabalenka. “I’m just really happy to be Absence of Federer, Nadal
and she made sure she stayed in the hunt by getting second set, looked in distress after the in the quarterfinals here because I really extra motivation: Tiafoe
rid of another multiple Grand Slam champion. match and was helped off the court by like playing at the US Open, especially with
medical staff. “At the end I was really the crowd, and the atmosphere is really THE US Open is on track for a record
“In the first set the key game was coming back from struggling and I feel really bad right now,” enjoyable here.” number of five-set matches in the men's
15-40 at 3-All. It was really important to take one point said Krejcikova, who skipped her post- draw and American Frances Tiafoe says
at a time and fight to come back,” Svitolina said. match news conference but provided Alcaraz rewrites record Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal have a lot to
comments through the WTA. “I don’t really do with that – even though they are not
“I think it was really strong performance from me on know what happened but I couldn’t CARLOS ALCARAZ became the youngest even playing at Flushing Meadows this
the important moments.” breathe. I started to feel dizzy and the player in the Open era to reach the year. This year’s tournament has already
whole world was shaking. It never quarterfinals of the men’s tournament at seen 33 matches reach a fifth set as of
The Tokyo bronze medallist said she was thrilled to happened to me before.”The Czech Flushing Meadows after the 18-year-old yesterday, the most at the hardcourt major
topple “big fighter” Halep as she hopes to reach her offered an apology to Muguruza as the Spaniard beat Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk since 2004 when 34 matches went to five.
first Grand Slam final at Flushing Meadows. pair shared a frosty handshake at the net 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 6-0 yesterday. Alcaraz, Tiafoe, who lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime
after the match, with the Spaniard who is 18 years and four months old, is yesterday, said players saw the absence of
“We really missed you guys,” Svitolina told the fans. replying “so unprofessional” before eight days younger than Andre Agassi Federer and Nadal as an opportunity to go
“It’s an unbelievable atmosphere each time… I have storming back to her chair. when the American reached the 1988 US deep into the tournament. “I definitely
goosebumps right now.” Open quarterfinals and semifinals. The think guys are trying extra hard, because
Sabalenka downs Mertens Spaniard is also the youngest to reach this there is no Roger, Rafa,” the 23-year-old
Halep, who missed the French Open, Wimbledon, in straight sets stage in New York since Brazilian Thomaz American told reporters. “I see guys
the Olympics after tearing a calf muscle in May, said Koch in 1963, five years before the sport foaming in the mouth, pretty funny to
she felt positive about her performance after getting WORLD NO. 2 Aryna Sabalenka overcame turned professional, when the tournament watch, I’m in the locker room cracking up.
little playing time in the run up to the year’s final major. early mistakes to advance past Belgian was known as the US Championships. “It’s You have (Andreas) Seppi, like 37, playing
Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-1 yesterday, reaching really tough to play these kind of matches, 15-13 in the fifth (set tiebreaker). What’s
“No pain, no injury. So this is the most important to play fifth sets,” Alcaraz told reporters. “I that about? Crazy.”
thing,” said Halep, adding that she would speak with
her doctors before deciding whether to compete at
Indian Wells next month.

“I need a little bit of rest and to reflect a little bit
what I have to do better next time against her because
always it’s been a tough match with her.” – Reuters

SIDENETTING 15theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
Balotelli career disappoints Mancini * SPORTS

ITALY coach Roberto Mancini is disappointed how Azzurri set new record
maverick forward Mario Balotelli’s career has tailed off over Italy remain unbeaten after 36 matches as Germany thump Armenia
the past five years. The 31-year-old now plays for Adana ITALY broke the world record for the
Demirspor, promoted to the Turkish top flight this season, longest unbeaten run in international their underwhelming 2-0 win over the Iceland game,” Flick stressed.
having once been a key figure for title-winning teams in football with a goalless draw at Liechtenstein in Hansi Flick’s first match in Robert Lewandowski scored twice and
England and Italy, as well as a prominent striker for the Switzerland yesterday, while Germany charge by thrashing previous leaders
Azzurri. “I worked with Balotelli when he was young and got their World Cup qualifying campaign Armenia to go top of Group J. Adam Buksa grabbed a hattrick as the
did really well. He was and still is in terms of technique a second-placed Poles hammered San Marino
great player,” Mancini told RAI Sport. “Clearly, it was Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry 7-1.
disappointing for all of us who knew him as a person and a back on track by thrashing Armenia 6-0. scored twice in the first 15 minutes. Spain, who are in danger of not qualifying
player that in the last five or six years he was unable to do European champions Italy should have Timo Werner set up Marco Reus, who was automatically, thrashed Georgia 4-0 in
what he was capable of doing.” taken all three points, but Swiss goalkeeper recalled by Flick, to put the result beyond Badajoz.
Yann Sommer saved Jorginho’s second half doubt before netting himself to complete a First half goals from Jose Gaya, Carlos
Martial fires goal warning penalty. dominant opening 45 minutes. Soler and Ferran Torres ensured they would
“The ball didn’t want to go into the goal,” The home crowd in Stuttgart were given a bounce back from their loss to Sweden with a
MANCHESTER UNITED star Anthony Martial has insisted Italian coach Roberto Mancini told RAI. fifth goal to cheer by Jonas Hofmann early in win.
his recent goal for France will do him “a lot of good”. The “We had too many chances today not to the second period, before the four-time Pablo Sarabia also netted after halftime,
25-year-old has endured a rough 12 months, with his form win the match… We have to be more clinical world champions added further gloss in but although the 2010 World Cup winners
drastically waning. But, as Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to and more precise.” added time through 19-year-old debutant move top of Group B, they are only one point
make his debut against Newcastle on Sunday, his new The draw, however, extended Mancini’s Karim Adeyemi. ahead of Sweden who have two games in
teammate is now feeling sharp again. Ronaldo’s return, side’s unbeaten run to 36 matches, breaking They now lead Armenia by two points, hand.
coupled with Jadon Sancho’s arrival from Borussia the previous mark they shared with Brazil with Romania a point further back after Belgium put one foot in Qatar with an
Dortmund, means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now has a and Spain. beating Liechtenstein 2-0. impressive 3-0 victory over the Czech
congested squad of attacking talent. With Martial blowing The Azzurri remain top of Group C, four A shock home loss to North Macedonia Republic which saw Romelu Lukaku mark
hot and cold over the past six years, many are expecting points above Switzerland who have two earlier this year had put Germany’s his 100th cap with a goal.
him to struggle to get into the team. However, speaking games in hand. qualification in danger. The Chelsea striker has now scored 67
after finding the net for France in their recent 1-1 draw with Italy are bidding to banish the memories While new Germany coach Hansi Flick goals for his country and 50 in his last 50
Ukraine, the forward insisted he’s now feeling better. “It was of their shock failure to qualify for the 2018 said he really liked the performance appearances.
a difficult match for us, we were able to come back to the World Cup. yesterday, he way already focused on the Wales are only a single point further back,
score, it was the most important,” he said. “It’s been a long The group winners automatically reach Iceland match on Thursday. having played two fewer matches, after
time since I had not scored, so it does me a lot of good.” next year’s finals in Qatar, with the runners- “I liked it already. It was the next step we Gareth Bale scored a hattrick, including an
up heading into the playoffs. took. The team can be happy about the injury-time winner, in a dramatic 3-2 success
Ferguson marvels at wonder strike The Germans brushed off the cobwebs of performance, but we have to look to focus on over Belarus in Kazan. – AFP/Agencies

SHANE FERGUSON admitted he could hardly have Huge sigh of relief for Wales
scripted things better as he marked his 50th appearance
for Northern Ireland with a wonder strike that saw off ROB PAGE admits relief was his overriding set to miss out on victory over a side who are
Estonia 1-0 in a friendly. The 30-year-old revealed he had emotion after Wales secured a dramatic 3-2 ranked 89th in FIFA’s world rankings after goals
been battling injury in the build-up to the game but he win over Belarus. from Vitali Lisakovich and Pavel Sedko put
came off the bench in the second half and settled an Belarus 2-1 up in the first half.
otherwise largely drab encounter by rifling a shot into the Gareth Bale struck twice
top right corner after 75 minutes. “It just fell to me nicely,” from the penalty spot However, Wales go into Friday’s contest with
the Rotherham defender said. “I heard someone from the Estonia at Cardiff City Stadium firmly in the mix
side say, ‘Have a go’. I knew when it left my foot it had a before netting a last- for a top two spot in Group E after securing
serious chance. I thought for a second the keeper might gasp winner to their second qualifying win.
have saved it but thankfully it just crept in. I’ve been complete his
struggling for a few days with an injury so I didn’t know if I hattrick as Page’s “Relief at the end to get three points,” said
was going to be fit for the last two games. To come in, 50th men claimed Page. “Job done, get on the plane, get back,
cap, and do it tonight, obviously it’s a great night for myself three points in everybody prepared and ready for a big game
and my family. I’m delighted to score and to get the result.” the World Cup (against Estonia).
qualifier.
Reds‘satisfied Keita is safe’ But for “The standards we’ve set, we fell short of
long periods, that tonight, but good teams find a way to win.
LIVERPOOL are in constant dialogue with the relevant Wales
authorities as they work to bring midfielder Naby Keita looked “We knew we were in for a tough game. I’m
back from Guinea after an apparent military coup in the disappointed with how we dealt with the
country. The 26-year-old was on international duty in his Wales’ Gareth Bale counter attack. They always looked a threat.
homeland when a group of soldiers detained president (right) celebrates
Alpha Conde and volatility in the country resulted in after scoring the “I thought we lost our discipline in the first
Guinea’s World Cup qualifier against Morocco yesterday opening goal from half with our shape and we didn’t stick to the
being postponed. Keita remains in Guinea but is “safe and the penalty spot plan.
well” and his club are working on solutions to bring him during the FIFA
back to Merseyside. “We are in constant contact with Naby World Cup Qatar “We addressed it at half time and in the
and have had regular communication via his national team 2022 qualification end, we found a way to win, the captain
management,” said a Liverpool spokesman in a statement. match against
“We are satisfied that he is safe and well cared for. Belarus in Kazan stepped up to the mark and gave a
Obviously the situation is fluid and we will maintain regular yesterday. – AFPPIX captain’s performance and scored a
dialogue with the relevant authorities as we work to get hat-trick to get us the three points.”
Naby back to Liverpool in a timely and secure manner.” Keane takes brutal dig at Gunners Bale’s fifth-minute penalty
ended the Real Madrid star’s run
RESULTS of 16 matches without a goal for
his country.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS And his 93rd-minute strike saw
EUROPE him complete his second hattrick
Group B: Spain 4 (Gaya 14, Soler 25, Torres 41, Sarabia 63)
Georgia 0, Kosovo 1 (Muriqi 90+2) Greece 1 (Douvikas for the Red Dragons following his trio of
45+2). strikes against China in 2018.
Group C: Bulgaria 1 (Chochev 82) Lithuania 0,
Switzerland 0 Italy 0. “I’ve said it all along, everybody’s been
Group E: Belarus 2 (Lisakovich 29-pen, Sedko 31) Wales talking about scoring goals, but I’ve said it’s not
3 (Bale 6-pen, 69-pen, 90+3), Belgium 3 (Lukaku 8, E. just about that,” admitted Page when asked
Hazard 41, Saelemaekers 65) Czech Republic 0. about Bale.
Group I: Albania 1 (Broja 87) Hungary 0, England 4
(Lingard 18, 78, Kane 72-pen, Saka 85) Andorra 0, San “We got off to the perfect start and I think
Marino 1 (Nanni 48) Poland 7 (Lewandowski 5, 21, they changed their mindset a little bit then and
Swiderski 16, Linetty 44, Buksa 67, 90+2, 90+4). threw caution to the wind.
Group J: Iceland 2 (Bjarnason 78, Gudjohnsen 84) North
Macedonia 2 (Velkovski 12, Alioski 54), Romania 2 “But with regards to Gareth, we’ve always
(Tosca 11, Manea 18) Liechtenstein 0, known he’s got that ability and thankfully
Germany 6 (Gnabry 6, 15, Reus 35, Werner 45, Hofmann tonight he’s shown it to get us the win.” –
52, Adeyemi 90+1) Armenia 0. WalesOnline
SOUTH AMERICA: Brazil vs Argentina (suspended),
Ecuador 0 Chile 0, Paraguay 1 (Sanabria 40) Colombia ROY KEANE couldn’t help but poke fun at disappointment,” he told ITV. “Saka has really happy,” he said.
1 (Cuadrado 53-pen), Uruguay 4 (De Arrascaeta 15, 67- Arsenal when discussing Bukayo Saka’s reacted well, he seems a good kid. “I think it means a lot, it really made a
pen, Valverde 31, Álvarez Martínez 47) Bolivia 2 (Martins impressive performance for England in the 4-
59, 84-pen), Peru 1 (Cueva 35) Venezuela 0. 0 thrashing of Andorra. “Obviously nice day for him today, difference for me (response following penalty
obviously scoring with a header. miss) only just now I can hear so many fans
Saka was a real live-wire throughout the cheering my name so it means everything to
match, teeing up Jesse Lingard for the “I’m sure he’s going to enjoy the win me and shows that everyone supports me
opener before turning home Lingard’s cross because he’s not getting many at club level.” through thick and thin so it’s nice.
for the fourth with a fine header.
Saka made it clear yesterday meant a lot “I’m really happy with the reception
Speaking after the game, former to him, particularly in response to the mental everyone gave me, it really shows how proud
Manchester United captain Keane could help demons he has had to face since his missed they are of me and I think that meant a lot
but mock Arsenal when delivering his penalty in July. for me and made me want to give my all and
assessment of Saka’s eye-catching display. obviously I’m happy that we got the win.” –
“This is what I dream about to play at Express Newspapers
“Football is all about dealing with Wembley, in front of my friends and family, a
crowd and score on my 20th birthday so

QUOTE OF THE DAY

It is just incredible, because the
expectations were very high going into the
weekend and it’s never easy to fulfil. I’ve been
always very focused… It’s been a really positive
week.”

TUESDAY • SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 Red Bull F1 driver Max Verstappen

Euro redemption

Saka enjoys joyous Wembley return after penalty heartache
BUKAYO SAKA’S penalty miss against
Italy in July’s Euro 2020 final produced 18 minutes, England actually had to test away to Poland.
collective groans and some diabolical wait until the 72nd minute to “It was difficult for the players picked who
racist abuse but his return to Wembley double their lead as Harry Kane,
yesterday ended with a beaming smile and on as a substitute with Mason didn’t have as much games together,”
rapturous applause from England’s fans. Mount and Jack Grealish, Southgate said.
slotted home a penalty.
England’s 4-0 victory over Those substitutions “You have to keep moving the ball, keep
tiny Andorra in their World enlivened England’s display being patient. It wasn’t an easy task.”
Cup Group I qualifier and they will no doubt
was a largely all be back in the Southgate described Lingard as his side’s
forgettable affair for starting line-up “brightest spark” and anded: “I know that I
the sizeable crowd for Thursday’s have had criticism for including him in squads
enjoying some late far tougher
summer sunshine. but he is just a player that always plays well
for us.
Jesse Lingard’s “He is always a threat on goal with
double, his first bright link play. When we ask him to
England goals for three start wide, we know he will come in and
years, grabbed the do the give-and-gos.”
headlines as Gareth Football pundit Roy Keane
Southgate made 11 changes to the side questioned England’s “attitude” against
that beat Hungary 4-0 in midweek. their opponents, ranked 156 in the
world.
But the biggest cheers from a laid- Keane said Southgate had to make
back crowd that spent part of the
evening making and throwing paper changes to secure the win after England had
aeroplanes, were for Saka who headed in lost their momentum in the second half.
England’s fourth goal – a fine way for the
Arsenal youngster to mark his 20th birthday. “The game did go flat in the second half, I
thought the players’ attitudes could have
His headed goal produced the biggest roar
of the night and he was serenaded at fulltime – been better,” Keane told ITV.
Saka responding by handing his shirt to a “Gareth was no doubt frustrated, or
young fan in the stands.
the changes were planned, but it
“It means a lot, it really made a difference for wasn’t great.
me,” Saka said. “It means everything to me and
shows that everyone supports me through “Of course they got a few goals at
thick and thin.” the end but Andorra tired and the
goalkeeper gave them a helping
His manager Gareth Southgate was pleased hand.
with Saka’s “fabulous reception”.
“But I thought the second half
“It was lovely, you can see how popular he is was really poor quality, from both
with the team as well,” Southgate told ITV. sides.”

“I hope (it offers) closure if it was needed “When you’re talking about
but I don’t think there is a player in that these teams (Andorra), people say
dressing room who thinks anything but
positively about what he did all summer.” it’s not easy to

England’s win maintained their 100% start England’s Bukayo Saka break them down, but it is easy
to Group I of which they are now commanding (left) in action with – if you do things properly and do them
leaders. Andorra’s Jesus Rubio quickly,” Keane added.
during the World Cup
It was a rather frustrating night, however, as qualifiers match at “Like we saw in the second half, the
134th ranked Andorra, whose entire Wembley Stadium in substitutes came on and gave a bit of energy,
population could easily fit into Wembley with London. – REUTERSPIX give and go.
room to spare, spent the entire evening with 11
men behind the ball – an entirely “These teams can’t deal with it, particularly
understandable tactic. in the second half when they get tired.” –
Reuters/The Independent/Agencies
After Lingard had opened the scoring after

Premier League stars in centre of Brazil vs Argentina fiasco

A WORLD CUP qualifier between Argentina Lionel Messi and the Brazilian players, gathered Their attempts were “frustrated,” Anvisa said “As a coach I am going to defend my
and Brazil was suspended amid farcical scenes at the side of the pitch to discuss the stoppage. in a statement issued late on Sunday. players. If people come and say we want to
yesterday after Brazilian health authorities take this guy or deport this guy there was no
accused a number of Premier League players “Why did they start the game and stop it Brazilian Football Confederation president chance of that,” he said. “Because at no time
of violating the country’s Covid-19 quarantine after five minutes?” Messi said in comments said he was “indignant” with the scenes that were we told we couldn’t play the game.”
rules. heard on television. reverberated around the football world.
Argentine officials believed the same
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez “We’ve been here at the stadium for an Ednaldo Rodrigues criticised Anvisa and protocols used in the Copa America in Brazil in
and Tottenham duo Cristian Romero and hour, they could have told us.” said officials told him the Argentines who June were in place for the World Cup qualifiers
Giovani Lo Celso were on the Neo Quimica breached the country’s Covid-19 rules could to allow teams to travel across the continent.
Arena pitch as part of the Argentine line-up Messi then returned to the dressing room have been deported after the game. CONMEBOL confirmed that interpretation.
when officials from Brazil’s health regulator and an hour after the game kicked off, the
Anvisa invaded the pitch and stopped the match was officially suspended. “I feel sorry for all the sports fans who In a statement Anvisa said it had received
game around five minutes after kickoff. wanted to watch the game on television,” he reports that the four Argentine players had
“The referee and the match official will take told Brazil’s Sportv. provided “false information” on their pre-flight
The trio, along with Aston Villa’s Emiliano a report to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee health declarations.
Buendia, who was in the stands, had and they will decide what steps to take,” said a “With all due respect to Anvisa, they could
reportedly breached Brazilian rules stating that statement issued by the South American have resolved this earlier and not waited for The confusion comes amid continuing
travellers who have been in the UK, South Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). the game to start.” anger in South America at rules which have
Africa or India during the previous 14 days are robbed several teams of key players for this
forbidden from entering the country, unless Anvisa said they had issued ample warnings A shellshocked Argentine coach Lionel month’s three World Cup qualifiers.
they are Brazilian citizens or have permanent that the four Argentines were in contravention Scaloni agreed.
residency. of Brazilian health regulations. Brazil were without nine key men for
“It makes me so sad, I am not looking for Argentina game, and other South American
While the visiting team quickly left the field, Argentine officials were told on Saturday guilty parties, whatever happened or didn’t sides have also lost players due to a decision
the two coaches, along with Argentina captain the four should isolate and when the happen, this wasn’t the time to do it,” he told by some European clubs not to let their players
instructions were ignored, Anvisa asked Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports. travel to the continent. – Reuters
Brazilian federal police to enforce the isolation
ruling on Sunday morning, the regulator said. “We wanted to enjoy a game between the
best in the world and it ends up like this.”

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