new faces at the next-door unit every other day, it will not create the feeling that his family is living in a safe environment.” According to the Penang Island City Council, those planning to offer STRA services in commercial categories must obtain the approval of their joint management bodies (JMB) or management corporations (MC). They need to obtain a 75% “yes” vote from other residents at an annual general meeting. Rajendran said JMB and MC are then to collect an annual fee ranging from RM250 to RM500 per unit, with new registration fees of up to RM250. The unit must also be registered with the council and the owner must also provide documentation from the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Other fees include a one-time security deposit ranging from RM1,000 to RM3,000 per unit. Each STRA unit is only allowed to be rented for a maximum of 180 days a year and rental is also limited to three days a week. Rajendran said the new rules meet the Penang government STRA guidelines issued on April 1, which were approved by the council on May 28. Airbnb head of public policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan Mich Goh said Airbnb will continue to work with local authorities, strata buildings, and hosts to encourage responsible hosting. On the importance of STRA for the growth of local and national tourism, she said Airbnb encourages the JMB and MC of local strata buildings to consider the long-term economic benefits of STRA, when implementing their own guidelines at individual building level. According to the latest Clearpath Strategies survey commissioned by Airbnb, 74% of Penangites polled said renting out homes through Airbnb has a positive impact on their community and its residents. The survey found 75% of Penang residents polled agreed that short-term rental PETALING JAYA: The decision by Penang to regulate Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) is seen by hoteliers as a boon to the tourism industry. However, STRA operators such as Airbnb view the move as a challenge and expressed hope they could work with local authorities to boost tourism in the country. The Penang Island City Council has immediately banned all forms of STRA options at residential units on the island. Its mayor Rajendran Anthony said the ban covers all private residential properties and landed properties. It excludes six types of commercial properties – serviced apartments, small office home offices, small office flexible offices, small office virtual offices, office suites and duplex offices. In welcoming the move, Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association president Dr Sri Ganesh Michel said it would help to restore the hospitality and tourism industry in Penang, adding that it would also increase government taxable income and hotel fees, that has been introduced by the state government. “Penang has become the first state government to take a firm initiative in ensuring the STRA business is regulated and this action has given a positive impression to the operators of the hospitality industry,” Sri Ganesh said. “Reasonable income and profits will help hoteliers to provide good hospitality and tourism services as well as assist the government to collect higher taxes, that can be used to improve the image of the hospitality and tourism industry.” He urged all state governments to take the same initiative to regulate STRA operations as soon as possible. Sri Ganesh said due to pressure from STRA operations, many small hotels have been forced to close shop but now, there is hope for those at the lower-end of the hospitality industry. He said since houses cannot be used for STRA businesses, it would be good for those who need to rent houses near their workplace as this would result in rental prices coming down. “Another issue is safety. If a person is living with his family at a condominium and is seeing oHoteliers hail move as boon to tourism industry, as Airbnb expresses hope to work with authorities █ BYRAJVINDER SINGH [emailprotected] TELLING IT AS IT IS ON TUESDAY MAY 30, 2023 No. 8278 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my COLOURFUL CUTENESS ... A Malaysian tourist selecting plushies at the Khlong Hae floating market in Hatyai, a popular destination among families taking advantage of the mid-year school holidays to visit Thailand. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN Short-term rental curbs accommodation should be allowed to take place in surplus vacant apartments, to address the property overhang in areas that include Penang, Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Turn to — page 2 INSIDE Customs Dept testing e-seals to stem smuggling 2 page Cheaper airfares bring joy to students 3 page
2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Customs dept testing e-seals to combat smuggling PUTRAJAYA: The Customs Department is studying and testing the effectiveness of a new electronic security seal device, or e-seal, which will be attached to containers carrying goods, in its efforts to eradicate smuggling. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the e-seal technology, which would replace the decades-long lead seals used, could monitor the movement of containers from ports until they reach the destinations registered on the applications. He said this is crucial to monitor the logistical movement of containers and lorries and, thus, eradicate smuggling and increase the country’s revenue. “Its use can indirectly increase cargo security and the traceability of container movements. Goods can reach destinations on time and movement information can also be oDevice to help monitor movement of containers from ports until they reach their destinations, says deputy minister monitored,” he told a media conference after a working visit to the Customs Department headquarters yesterday. He said, for example, items transported from Port Klang in Selangor to Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah could be replaced with other items during the journey for purposes of misappropriation. “There is no way we can know that it (vessel) had stopped at one spot for two hours and replaced the contents in the container that had been declared, (but) with eseal, even if it stops for two hours, we will know it. And the Customs officers can then head to the place and see why it stopped for two hours.” Ahmad said the e-seal technology was developed by a local company and was widely used in East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Congo. He added that the countries’ tax collections were reported to have increased by 20% through the implementation of the e-seal technology. He said so far the Customs Department had yet to decide on when to implement the new technology in the country, Bernama reported. “Of course, we wish to examine it first. We don’t just get the technology and use it straightaway. There is a certain process.” On a separate matter, Ahmad said the Customs Department had seized a total of 2,410kg of drugs worth RM81.39 million in the first five months of this year, with the biggest seizure involving 1,307kg of cannabis, followed by ecstasy (1,071kg), methamphetamine (21.56kg), heroin (3.74kg) and 10,003 Eramin 5 pills. He said the department foiled attempts to smuggle subsidised items like diesel, cooking oil, petrol and sugar, involving 100 cases with goods worth RM573,688 seized last year and, for the first four months of this year, 48 smuggling cases were prevented, with goods worth RM432,659 confiscated. AFFORDABLE FARE ... Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub with QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim (centre) and its CEO Nehchal Khanna at the launch of ‘Menu Rahmah KFC dan Pizza Hut’ in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC KL to be regional hub for start-ups, digital industry KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to make Kuala Lumpur a regional hub for start-up companies as well as the digital industry, to boost the country’s digital economic activities. Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the digital economy is one of three high-value strategic sectors which can stimulate investment and generate high-paying jobs as the ministry is focusing on the restructuring of the national economy. He added that apart from boosting existing industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, semi-conductors and commodities to a higher value chain by focusing on enhanced value downstreaming, the three strategic sectors that the Economy Ministry is concentrating on are energy (transition towards renewable energy), digital economy and food security. He said the ministry is currently collaborating with other ministries involved in the digital economy ecosystem, namely the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Communications and Digital Ministry and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry to bolster the country’s digital economy. Rafizi said the collaboration is necessary to coordinate the public support system implemented through various agencies towards an integrated approach (single window approach) to improve the digital ecosystem. “This will increase the number and performance of start-ups as well as accelerate the transition of the private sector to the digital economy,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said the cooperation with the ministries is aimed at starting the development of concepts and coordination of functions among government agencies towards the implementation of a digital government (govtech), which produces integrated data-based and digital public service products (single window govtech). “One key step to achieve these two targets is to increase the attractiveness of Kuala Lumpur as a centre for start-up companies and the regional digital industry, to woo investments and digital talent to the country. ”It requires aggressive policy changes that cover various areas, including the consolidation of the efforts of government agencies, a more efficient and open work visa process, more attractive digital incentives and the production of workforce in the digital industry on a national scale.” – Bernama Anwar congratulates Erdogan on victory KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has joined other world leaders in congratulating Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for winning a historic runoff election on Sunday, the toughest challenge of his political career. Anwar expressed Malaysia’s eagerness to collaborate closely with Turkiye to further strengthen the good bilateral relations. “Congratulations to H.E. President Erdogan for being elected as the 13th President of the Republic of Turkiye in the recent Presidential election,” said Anwar, who shares strong ties with Erdogan. “Turkiye will continue to play a constructive role as an important regional and global player,” he added in a tweet. Turkiye’s Supreme Election Council chairman Ahmet Yener announced that Erdogan had been re-elected as president in runoff election on Sunday. Ahmet was reported as saying by Anadolu Agency that Erdogan won Turkiye’s presidency over opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the second-round runoff vote. According to unofficial results, the Turkish incumbent won the race with 52.14%, while Kilicdaroglu got 47.86% of the votes, he said, adding that 99.43% of the ballot boxes had been opened thus far. In the first round of voting on May 14, Erdogan secured a nearly five-point lead over Kilicdaroglu but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to win. The president’s parliamentary bloc won a majority of seats in the parliamentary race on the same day. – Bernama B R I E F SROYAL GREETINGS FOR JOURNALISTS DAY IPOH: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have extended “Happy National Journalists Day” greetings to media practitioners in the country. The wishes were shared in a poster on Istana Negara’s official Facebook page yesterday. The date May 29 was gazetted as National Journalists Day in conjunction with the publication of the first edition of the Malay newspaper, Utusan Melayu, on May 29, 1939. – Bernama ADDITIONAL AIDILADHA TRAIN SERVICES KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is providing four additional ETS trains to service the northern sector in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha. KTMB said the additional services involve ETS 9283 for Padang Besar-KL Sentral, ETS 9286 for KL Sentral-Padang Besar, and ETS 9181 for Butterworth-KL Sentral and return journeys. “These extra trains will operate for six days from June 27 to July 2. A total of 24 additional services will be offered during that period. The ETS service will offer a total of 36 trips daily, according to a KTMB statement. Tickets for the additional trains will be on sale from 10am on June 1. – Bernama SPM RESULTS TO BE RELEASED ON JUNE 8 PUTRAJAYA: The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2022 examination results will be announced on June 8, the Education Ministry said yesterday. SPM candidates can obtain the results from their respective schools beginning 10am on that day. The result slips of private candidates will be sent to them by post, or the candidates can contact the State Education Department where they registered for the examination. School and private candidates can also go online to myresultspm.moe.gov.my to get their results from 10am on June 8 until 6pm on June 14, the ministry said in a statement. – Bernama Penang has nation’s third-highest residential property overhang Statistics from the National Property Information Centre showed that Penang has the third-highest number of overhang or unsold residential properties in Malaysia as of end-2022, with 3,593 units valued at RM2.74 billion. The global hospitality platform said it was seeing strong growing interest among Penangites to host or be a guest on Airbnb. “The survey revealed that 68% of Penangites polled are looking to book stays with the platform, while more than half (57%) intend to host on Airbnb in the next year. Over 70% polled said they have travelled with and/or hosted with Airbnb. “The latest survey results underscore the increasingly important role that STRA plays as tourism sees a strong rebound across the region, especially in tourism hotspots like Penang,” Goh said. “At the national level, the federal government is developing STRA guidelines that all states can look towards. This may enable more Malaysians to both contribute and benefit from tourism through home sharing. “We are committed to working with local authorities to support and educate our hosts on responsible hosting, by utilising our industry-first Malaysia STRA Code of Conduct and Neighbourhood Support Line,” she added. From front page
3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 Cheaper airfares bring joy to East Malaysian students oGovt flight subsidy allows youths to return to celebrate Kaamatan and Gawai with families KUALA LUMPUR: Gawai in Sarawak will be merrier this year with more Sarawakian youths returning to celebrate the harvest festival, which begins on Thursday. Michael Ancho Tabor, a 78-yearold Iban community head, also known as the “Tuai Rumah” in Sibu is looking forward to a livelier festival in the kampungs and the longhouses as more Iban youths return for Gawai, thanks to cheaper airfares. He expressed his appreciation to the government for providing flight fare subsidies to ease the financial strain on those flying back to Sarawak from Peninsular Malaysia. Counselling for family of missing mountaineer Heavy rain warning in Mecca only temporary, pilgrims told ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL ... Tourists gather yesterday at the Putra Mosque, one of the most distinctive landmarks in Putrajaya that attracts thousands of international visitors yearly. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN “I am happy to be able to get together with the younger members of my community after a long time. The youths from my community, who are working and studying in other parts of the country, can return for the Gawai celebration,” said Tabor. “Even though some airlines are offering discounts, the price for return tickets are still expensive for some. However, with the airfare capped at RM300, the airfares are more affordable. Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that airfares would be capped at RM300 one way, excluding taxes and fees. The government is expected to spend between RM5.8 million and RM11.4 million for this initiative. Kaamatan will be celebrated in Sabah on May 30 and 31 while the Gawai festival will be observed by Sarawak’s Dayak community on June 1 and 2. Among those taking advantage of the cheaper airfare is 23-year-old Biomedical Science student Albert Nading Alexson Jawan. “I have been saving RM200 every month since the beginning of the year to purchase the flight tickets this month,” he said. Nading, who is thankful for the price cap, said he was unable to return last year as he could not afford to pay RM1,300 for a one-way ticket to Miri. “I thought I would have to celebrate the Gawai festival here with my Sarawak friends like last year. The fare last year was outrageous, especially for a student like me, as it is equivalent to my three months’ expenses on campus,” he added. Evyna Randai Enjop, a 22-yearold student from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, expressed her gratitude for the cheaper fare, adding that she will be able to spend the Kaamatan festival with her family in Beluran, Sabah this year. “Before I decided to come here to pursue my studies, I was already aware that it would be difficult to go home during festive seasons. This will be the first time in two years I will be with my family for the festival,” she said. “If there were no subsidies by the government, I would be celebrating the holiday with my friends and participating in any events organised by the Borneo association in the university for those on campus.” New brandname for products by drug rehab trainees PADANG BESAR: The Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail yesterday launched the Suka brand of products, which is produced by the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (NARC). He was greeted at the ceremony by National Anti-Drug Agency director-general Sutekno Ahmad Belon and Bukit Chabang NARC director Mohamad Zaki Farkhi Ahmad. Sutekno said the Suka brand, which stands for “Sokongan untuk pemulihan anda” (Support for your recovery), is used by the agency to market products produced by NARC trainees. These products include agriculture and food products as well as those used in welding and sewing, among others. “We invite the community to support the NARC trainees and their efforts to build a new drug-free life,” he told reporters after the launch at Bukit Chabang NARC here yesterday. He said so far, there are more than 10 items that have been produced by 30 NARC nationwide, and the agency expects sales to reach RM500,000 this year. “There will be physical as well as online sales. The agency will also create a business website to make it easier for the public to purchase Suka products.” Meanwhile, director of Jeli NARC in Kelantan, Aman Mustapha, said trainees here are working on agricultural products, such as growing durian seedlings, as part of their rehabilitation programme. “The mixed durian seedlings venture was based on an idea by a trainee, who was interested in agriculture, so we offered guidance.” He added that taking care of the durian saplings also serves as a means to instil self-care awareness in the trainees, so that they do not get lured back into drug abuse and the use of prohibited substances. “Just like the durian seedlings that need to be sown, fertilised and watered, similarly, we too need to be nurtured so we do not get entangled in things that are harmful, such as drug abuse.” Echoing similar sentiments, director of the Gambang NARC in Pahang, Rosland Hussen, highlighted how Suka products can help trainees become more creative, especially when they use reusable materials to produce products that have commercial value. “At the Gambang NARC, we manufacture pest repellents for agricultural purposes,” shared Rosland. – Bernama MECCA: The heavy rain and thunderstorm warning issued for most regions in Saudi Arabia, including Mecca, will not affect activities planned for Malaysian pilgrims. Malaysian Haj Delegation head Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman said the weather condition is only temporary and not categorised as a disaster. “We have planned and scheduled all activities according to the pilgrims’ flight arrivals, and we also take note of the weather updates from time to time. “We also have standard operating procedures in the event of a disaster. However, what has happened so far is not defined as a disaster, and we can adjust our activities accordingly,” he told reporters here yesterday. The General Directorate of Civil Defence has advised the public to be careful and to take precautions following the warning of continuous rain and thunderstorm, accompanied by hail and flash floods, in most regions in the Kingdom from May 26 until tomorrow. The Saudi Press Agency, quoting the directorate’s statement, reported that Mecca would also be affected by the phenomenon. In the meantime, Syed Saleh said the weather warning had been shared with the pilgrims through WhatsApp and the THhujjaj application. He also advised pilgrims to be careful and remain at the accommodation or mosque in the event of heavy rain, thunderstorms or strong dusty winds. At 5am local time, Mecca was showered with heavy rainfall for about 10 minutes, slightly lowering the temperature at the Holy Land. A resident, Ahmad Amin, 47, when met, expressed his gratitude because the last time it rained was at the beginning of the month. “This is a blessing for our guests,” he said. – Bernama KEPALA BATAS: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is setting up a counselling session for the family of Malaysian Everest mountaineer Muhammad Hawari Hashim, who has been reported missing in the mountainous area. Its deputy minister Aiman Athirah Sabu said Muhammad Hawari’s family, especially his wife Saffiyah Tang, 34, and children Hana Sakeena, four, and Haris Suffian, two, are in need of counselling as they are in a state of mental anguish. “Discussions are ongoing at the ministry level, after which we will make arrangements for a counsellor to assist the family. “The family is experiencing emotional distress as a loved one has gone missing, and it is important for them to have support,” she told reporters after officiating at a women’s healthy lifestyle seminar here yesterday. Earlier, expedition leader Azim Afif Ishak, who is also the president of the Altitude Exploration Club in Malaysia, was reported to have said the search and rescue for Muhammad Hawari is expected to continue tomorrow, pending approval from the customs authorities in Nepal. It has been 10 days since Muhammad Hawari was reported missing after he was last seen descending Camp Four on May 19. The hearing-impaired climber was reported to have reached the summit of Everest on May 18, at 3.30pm Nepal time. – Bernama █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [emailprotected] Argentina, Malaysia mark historic trade milestone KUALA LUMPUR: Every year Argentina and Malaysia continue on the path of strengthening and diversifying their relations. Argentina ambassador to Malaysia Manuel Jose Balaguer Salas said Argentina and Malaysia are very close, with a historic and endearing relationship that goes back to the days of Malaysia’s independence until today. “Our journey as a nation has not been without challenges. However, we have demonstrated our resilience and ability to come together, finding strength in our diversity and shared aspirations,” he said during the Argentine National Day event at the Selangor Polo Club last Thursday. In his speech, Salas pointed out that in 2022, Argentina and Malaysia reached a historic peak in their bilateral trade, which stood at US$2 billion (RM9.21 billion). In sharing the values that define Argentina as a nation, Salas said the Latin American country embraces inclusivity, respect for human rights and a commitment to social justice. “Our vibrant culture, rich heritage and artistic expressions are a testament to our collective spirit and the power of our diversity,” he added. The guests at the event also enjoyed a polo match with Argentine players and horses. Salas said not many people know that polo is one of the most successful international sports in Argentina. “Argentina is better known for being the country of Maradona and Messi, and winning the World Cup has brought us joy and pride.” – Bernama
4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Kick back and chill out with theSun’s weekly Entertainmenat & Lifestyle pullout Every Friday ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 27, 2023 We dedicate this edition of BUZZ to the colours and scents of the season ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 13, 2023 >>> BUZZ explores the wide and wonderful world of moss, covering topics ranging from its many different species, to how to create your own terrarium ON FRIDAY | MARCH 3, 2023 In honour of World Wildlife Day, this issue of BUZZ celebrates the many animals that share this earth with us Detrimental effect on mental health from social media use KUALA LUMPUR: Backlash from netizens could be so intense that it could prompt a person on the receiving end to deactivate his or her social media account. This happened to a journalist, who was never a heavy social media user. When a story her team did in 2020 at the height of the pandemic triggered harassment online, she deleted her social media account to preserve her mental health. “We had a lot of netizens commenting on social media,” said the journalist, who declined to be named for safety reasons. “There were death threats. People were doxxing us and putting our office address on Facebook and threatening to burn down the office, and kill us.” However, the Covid-19 lockdown, that may have contributed to the overzealous reaction to the story, also kept her safe. Because she was not required to go to her office, she never crossed paths with any of the haters. But her mental health was a different matter. She avoided social media and laid low as much as possible, Bernama reported. After two years, she is back on social media. Despite feeling apprehensive, she decided that she had to return because of work. “I also have a public Twitter profile because it helps verify my authenticity as a journalist, especially when I’m reaching out to potential sources,” she said, adding that she tries to keep social interactions online to a minimum. Her story encapsulates our new reality. There is no running from social media, even though it creates unsafe environments for some of its oExperts say platforms tend to aggravate feelings of dissatisfaction, frustration, anxiety and depression users, and can make mental health problems worse. Studies have linked social media use with anxiety and depression. While Malaysia does not have statistics on mental health issues and their link to social media usage, through information from a Health Ministry study published in 2015, experts believe the number of mental health problems has increased in proportion to social media use. At the height of the pandemic, social media use skyrocketed as people were required to stay at home to curb the spread of infections. In 2022, We Are Social and Hootsuite, a marketing firm that tracks digital trends, found that Malaysia was the sixth highest in terms of internet usage, mainly for messaging, followed closely by social media use. According to Kepios, which analyses social media data and internet usage, as of January, there were almost 27 million social media users in Malaysia, which accounted for 78.5% of the population. It also noted that the number is increasing. Digital marketing firm Meltwater said although the pandemic lockdowns are over, time spent on social media remains largely the same. As of January, Malaysian internet users spent an average of two hours and 47 minutes a day online, 15 minutes less than in 2022. Experts said social media tends to aggravate any dissatisfaction or frustration people have with their lives, finances or relationships, and such engagement contributes to feelings of anxiety and worthlessness. In other words, social media exacerbates the “Keeping Up with the Joneses” mindset, where people feel they have to compete with others and show they have succeeded in life. “When you keep having this kind of perception about other people, how other people lead better lives than you, it may result in self-hate, worthlessness and in general, lower self-esteem,” said University of Wollongong-KDU Communications and Media Studies lecturer Kow Kwan Yee. Universiti Utara Malaysia psychologist Assoc Prof Dr Rozaina Kamsani agreed with Kow, adding that envy and jealousy make many mentally vulnerable, causing them to be easier targets for scammers. Some also may lash out and attack individuals who post comments, instead of internalising their feelings of inadequacy. She also said the way social media algorithms are set up, which rewards engagement and anything that attracts attention, be it good or bad, they pump up users into a constant state of anger or outrage, adding that it is not good for anyone’s mental health in the long run. A study in January shows 27 million Malaysians, or 78.5% of the population, use social media platforms. – SYAZWAN KAMAL/THESUN
5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 Former Labuan MP to know decision on acquittal today KUALA LUMPUR: The decision on whether former Labuan MP Datuk Rozman Isli will be called to enter his defence or acquitted on a charge of using his position to obtain an employment contract for Labuan Liberty Port Management Sdn Bhd (LLPM), will be known today at the Sessions Court. Judge Rozina Ayob is scheduled to announce her decision at 3 pm. If the court’s decision is in favour of the prosecution, that there is a prima facie case against Rozman, 59, he will be ordered to defend himself. Otherwise, he will be acquitted and discharged, Bernama reported. On March 6, the prosecution closed its case after calling 24 witnesses, which began on Aug 11 last year. Among the prosecution witnesses called were former Labuan Port Authority (LPL) board member Zulkurnain Ayub, former transport ministry deputy secretarygeneral (Management) Datuk Chua Kok Ching and LPL Development and Investment Committee secretary Hida Jerman. DPP Ahmad Feisal Mohd Azmi prosecuted while counsel Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali represented Rozman. Rozman, was charged as an official of a public body, the deputy chairman of the Labuan Port Authority, with using his position to obtain gratification as the operator for Dermaga Merdeka Pelabuhan Labuan for LLPM, in which his father and younger brother have an interest. The offence was allegedly committed at the TKSU Meeting Room, Level 9, Ministry of Transport Malaysia, Jalan Tun Hussein, Precinct 4 in Putrajaya between 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm on March 21, 2018. He was charged under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act, punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act, which carries imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. September date for Umno leader’s offensive post trial KUALA LUMPUR: The trial of Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, who is facing two charges of making and initiating offensive communications against former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the government, will begin at the Sessions Court in September. Judge Priscilla Hemamalini Nadarajan set Sept 5, 6, 7, 11 and 18, and Oct 9,10,11, 23 and 24 as the trial dates after hearing an application from Kuala Lumpur prosecution director Datin Kalmizah Salleh during yesterday’s proceedings. “We have been informed that the representation filed by the defence team is still at the Attorney-General’s Chambers. “On the next mention date, we will submit witnesses’ statements,” she said, adding that the prosecution would call 10 witnesses. Lawyer Logen Eskander, representing Lokman, did not object to the trial dates. Priscilla then set Aug 1 to be informed of the status of the representation filed by the defence. On Sept 1 last year, Lokman, 50, pleaded not guilty to charges of making and initiating offensive communications through Facebook under the profile name “Lokman Noor Adam Official”. The offences were allegedly committed on Aug 20 and 22, 2022. The charges, framed under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, are punishable under Section 233 (3) of the same Act, which provides a fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment of one year, and a fine of RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction. – Bernama Ex-treasury sec-gen’s RM6.6 billion CBT case deferred KUALA LUMPUR: The AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers (AGC) needs more time to decide on a representation submitted by former treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah regarding a criminal breach of trust (CBT) case he is facing together with former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, the High Court was told yesterday. Najib and Mohd Irwan were charged in 2018 with six counts of CBT involving government funds totalling RM6.6 billion in relation to payments to the International Petroleum Investment Company. DPP Muhammad Saifuddin Hashim Musaimi told High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin that he received instructions from Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun to seek another case management date. “We need time to study the representation because this case involves a huge amount of money. If possible, we want to apply for a September date,” he said. Najib’s lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah oCourt sets case management on Aug 9 as attorney-general needs more time to review representation Online gambling syndicate busted, 10 detained GEORGE TOWN: An online gambling syndicate operating secretly at a business premises was exposed after police arrested 10 locals during several raids on Thursday. Penang police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said the raids, which began at 3.30pm, led to the arrest of two men and eight women aged in their 20s and 30s. “Preliminary investigations found that the syndicate has been active for the past 10 months and that they were being paid. “Police confiscated various equipment used by the syndicate, including 16 mobile phones, 10 monitors, 10 CPUs and two internet routers,” he said. Khaw added that all of them were offered salaries of more than RM2,000 to become online promoters. He said the suspects were provided with phone numbers from an agent in a different location via Google Drive, and would then contact clients overseas to offers gambling services. “If anyone is interested, they (online promoters) will provide a link to the potential client for registration purposes. All financial transactions will be managed by another agent. “All those arrested have no criminal records and their statements were recorded before being released on police bail,” he said, adding that the investigation was being carried out under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. – Bernama Cargo ship seized for illegally anchoring KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detained a cargo ship that was anchored without authorisation and believed to be carrying cannon shells at 20.1 nautical miles east of Tanjung Siang in the Tanjung Sedili maritime zone on Sunday. Johor maritime director First Admr (Maritime) Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the China registered ship was detained after failing to produce anchor clearance from the marine director when it was inspected by a patrol boat at 12.45pm. The ship was manned by a crew of 32 male individuals, 21 China nationals, 10 Bangladeshi and a local, all aged between 23 and 57. “Further inspections led to the discovery of old steel and cannon shells, suspected to be linked to an unexploded ordnance case in Tanjung Belungkor on May 19,” he said. Nurul Hizam added that the case was being investigated under Section 491B(1)(L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and that the agency would continue to ensure that the country’s waters were free of illegal activity. – Bernama Man found electrocuted at abandoned factory IPOH: An unidentified man, who is believed to have been electrocuted, was found at an old defunct factory at Kampung Coldstream in Bidor yesterday. Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director Mohamadul Ehsan Mohd Zain said a call was received about the incident involving the victim, in his 40s, at about 11.30am, Bernama reported. “Upon arriving, firefighters found the victim but there was no identification found on him. Inspections revealed that there was still electricity flow in the area and we are requesting assistance from Tenaga Nasional Berhad,” he said. Mohamadul Ehsan added that the victim was confirmed deceased by Health Ministry officials and his remains were handed to police for further action. CRUSHING VICTORY ... North Klang police deputy chief Mohd Khairi Shafie using a backhoe to destroy contraband cigarettes and other seized items at the Kapar police station yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC did not object to the prosecution’s application but Datuk N. Kumaraendran, who was representing Mohd Irwan, asked for an earlier date in July. “The charge has been hanging over my client’s head for five years. He was charged in 2018 and the case was transferred to the High Court in 2019. Then, various dates were fixed for hearing and for various reasons, the dates were vacated. “The matter was then fixed for full trial on April 3, and the prosecution gave reasons to vacate the trial date by giving the reason that the AG needs time to consider the representation. September is too long a date for mention. “A short (mention) date of two months (in July) should be sufficient to put pressure on them (prosecution),” said Kumaraendran. The court then fixed Aug 9 for case management to enable the prosecution to update it on the status of the representation. Najib filed his representation two years ago but it was rejected while the first representation sent by Mohd Irwan in 2020 was not replied to by the AGC, prompting Mohd Irwan to send another representation in March, Bernama reported. On Oct 24, 2018, Najib, 69, and Mohd Irwan, 66, pleaded not guilty to the six charges, which were framed under Section 409 of the Penal Code and read together with Section 34 of the same Act, which provides imprisonment of 20 years and whipping, and a fine. They allegedly committed the offences at the Finance Ministry Complex in the Federal Territory of Putrajaya between Dec 21, 2016 and Dec 18, 2017. Meanwhile, in a separate proceeding on a money laundering case involving SRC International Sdn Bhd funds of RM27 million faced by Najib, High Court Judge K. Muniandy yesterday fixed Aug 18 for case management. The date was fixed after DPP Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul told the court that United Kingdom-based King’s Counsel Jonathan Laidlaw’s appeal for admission as a lawyer to represent Najib would be heard on Aug 10 by the Federal Court. On Feb 3, 2019, Najib pleaded not guilty to three charges of receiving unlawful proceeds through three AmPrivate Banking accounts belonging to him. He allegedly committed the offences at AmIslamic Bank Berhad, Bangunan Ambank Group, Jalan Raja Chulan on July 8, 2014. The charges, under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, provide for imprisonment of five years and a RM5 million fine, or both.
6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Macron urges end to plastic pollution B R I E F SHUNGER ALERT FOR HAITI, SAHEL AND SUDAN ROME: Haiti, the Sahel and Sudan now rank among the UN’s highest alert areas for food insecurity, requiring “urgent” action from the international community, food agencies warned yesterday. The Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Food Programme said Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen remain at the highest alert level. And now Haiti, the Sahel – Burkina Faso and Mali – and the Sudan join them, the agencies said in a joint report. All hotspots at the highest level have “communities facing or projected to face starvation, or at risk of sliding towards catastrophic conditions”, it said. – AFP ARMY POST ATTACKED WITH BOWS AND ARROWS CARACAS: Indigenous locals attacked a military outpost in the Amazon with bows and arrows, Venezuela’s military reported on Sunday. The incident occurred on Friday, a source linked to indigenous rights defenders told AFP. No injuries were reported. The attack with traditional weapons was in retaliation for the armed forces confiscating “contraband materials” meant to be used in illegal mining, General Domingo Hernandez Larez posted on Twitter. The materials were being sent to illegal mining camps in the Yapacana National Park, in Amazonas state, on the border with Colombia and Brazil, he said. – AFP Erdogan extends two-decade rule ANKARA: President Tayyip Erdogan and his supporters yesterday celebrated an election win extending his rule into a third decade while Turkiye’s opposition, once optimistic of winning, braced for “difficult days ahead”. His opponent Kemal Kilicdaroglu said it was “the most unfair election in years” but did not dispute the outcome, which gave Erdogan a mandate to pursue policies that have polarised Turkey and strengthened its position as a regional military power. The election had been seen as Erdogan’s biggest political challenge, with the opposition confident of unseating him and reversing his policies after polls showed a cost-of-living crisis left him vulnerable. But he prevailed with 52.2% of the vote, to Kilicdaroglu’s 47.8%. It reinforced his image of invincibility in the deeply divided Nato-member country, whose foreign, economic, security and foreign policy he has redrawn. Pro-government newspapers cheered his victory. “The man of the people won,” the Sabah newspaper headline said. oRival claims ‘most unfair election in years’, but does not dispute outcome “We opened the door to the Turkish century.” “The winner is our democracy,” Erdogan told the crowd. “Now is the time to put the disputes and conflicts of the election period to one side and unite around our national goals.” The lira slipped to a record low of 20.065 against the dollar. It has lost 90% of its value in the last decade, buffeted by currency crisis and rampant inflation. Its most recent losses were driven by uncertainty about what an Erdogan win would mean for economic policy. Critics have blamed his unorthodox, low interest-rate economic policy, which the opposition had pledged to reverse, for the currency’s woes. Erdogan said inflation, which Uganda approves harsh anti-LGBTQ law hit a 24-year peak of 85% last year before easing, was Turkiye’s most urgent issue. The prospect of five more years of Erdogan rule was a harsh blow to an opposition which accused him of undermining democracy as he amassed ever more power – a charge he denies. Though he called for unity, Erdogan maintained a major theme of his campaign and accused Kilicdaroglu and the opposition of siding with terrorists, without providing evidence. “For the opposition, very difficult days are ahead,” said GlobalSource Partners analyst Atilla Yesilada, adding it was not clear whether the opposition alliance would remain intact. Erdogan’s performance wrong-footed rivals who thought voters would punish him over the state’s initially slow response to earthquakes in February, in which over 50,000 people died. But in the first round of voting on May 14, which included parliamentary elections, his AK Party emerged top in 10 of the 11 provinces hit by the earthquakes, helping it to secure a parliamentary majority along with its allies. – Reuters Erdogan addressing supporters gathered outside his residence in Istanbul following his victory. – AFPPIC/ TURKISH PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE KAMPALA: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ laws, his spokesman said yesterday, defying international condemnations and the risk of sanctions from donors. Same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, as they are in more than 30 African countries, but the new law goes further in targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. It imposes the death penalty for so-called aggravated hom*osexuality, which includes having gay sex when HIV-positive, and a 20-year sentence for “promoting” hom*osexuality. Museveni’s signing of the bill was first announced by Parliament speaker Anita Among on Twitter. Authorities have acknowledged that Uganda, which receives billions of dollars in foreign aid each year, could face sanctions over the legislation. When Museveni signed a less restrictive anti-LGBTQ law in 2014, Western governments suspended some aid, imposed visa restrictions and curtailed security cooperation. That law was nullified within months by a domestic court on procedural grounds. Last month, the US government said it was assessing the implications of the new legislation for activities in Uganda under its flagship HIV/AIDS programme. The European Union, United Nations and dozens of international corporations also condemned the legislation. Museveni and other political leaders have urged lawmakers to resist outside pressure. “With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the MPs for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country,” Among said. Passage of the bill in March sent fear rippling through Uganda’s LGBTQ community. Many closed down social media accounts and fled their homes for safe houses. Others are looking to leave Uganda entirely. Activists have vowed to challenge the law in court. – Reuters PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday urged nations negotiating a world treaty against plastic pollution to put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “If we do nothing, the amount of plastic waste will triple by 2060,” he told the representatives of 175 nations gathered at the UN cultural agency Unesco in Paris. “Plastic pollution is a time bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” he said in a video message. “We have to bring a definitive end to a globalised and unsustainable model of producing plastic in China and other OECD countries which is exported in the form of waste to developing countries which are far less well equipped with waste treatment systems. “The first aim has to be to reduce the production of new plastics and to ban as soon as possible the most polluting products – such as single use plastic plus pollutants – and the most dangerous for health.” He called for 100% of plastics to be fully recyclable, compared to only 15% today and backed some 50 nations seeking an end to plastic pollution by 2040. Macron recalled the target date of the end of next year to agree on a legally binding text to halt plastic pollution ahead of the UN Conference on Oceans set for 2025 in the French Mediterranean city of Nice. Annual plastic production has more than doubled in the last 20 years to 460 million tonnes, much of it single use. – AFP Kremlin officials call for US senator’s assassination after ‘dying Russians’ remark MOSCOW: Russian government officials and state media called for US senator Lindsey Graham’s assassination after a video of his comments to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky was edited to make it look like he made a disparaging comment about killing Russians. The edited video was shared widely in Russia, appearing to show Graham concluding a discussion over US support for Ukraine by saying: “And the Russians are dying. It’s the best money we’ve ever spent.” In fact, Graham’s comment about US spending was not linked to the deaths of Russians, but to helping Ukrainians defend their country. His full remarks, which were released by the Ukranian president’s office, show his “Russians are dying” observation was followed by Zelensky saying: “Yes, but they came to our territory. We are not fighting on their territory.” Nonetheless, the edited version of the exchange has led to a major backlash against Graham in Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, one of Vladimir Putin’s top aides who served alongside him as president and then prime minister, threatened Graham with the “sad fate” of assassination like “Robert Kennedy, Huey Long, Clementa Carlos Pinckney, John Milton Elliott, Wayne Owens and other American politicians” and called him an “old fool”. “In his beloved America, not only ordinary people are regularly killed, but dirty money is also being spent on killing senators,” Medvedev said. The head of state news channel RT Margarita Simonyan referred to a Soviet operative famous for his involvement in the assassination of Leon Trotsky, Pavel Sudoplatov, saying: “If Graham really said that the money for the killing of Russians is the best money the US ever spent ... I hope that in our country, the sons or grandchildren of Sudoplatov are alive, his pupils, or the descendants of his pupils. It’s not even hard. We have his address.”– The Independent
7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 India to push back against global ranking firms NEW DELHI: India plans to push back against “agenda-driven”, “neo-colonial” country rankings produced by global agencies on topics like governance and press freedom, a key adviser to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Reuters in an interview. Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, said India has begun to raise this issue at global forums. He said the indices were being compiled by a “tiny group of think-tanks in the North Atlantic”, sponsored by three or four funding agencies that are “driving a real-world agenda”. “It is not just narrative building in some diffused way. This has clear direct impact on trade, investment and other activities.” India ranked lower than Afghanistan and Pakistan in the new World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders. It was below Pakistan and Bhutan in an academic freedom index by V-Dem Institute. Over the past year, India has in various meetings pointed out the flaws in methods used to compile global indices used by institutions like the World Bank, World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Sanyal said. The “World Bank is involved in this discussion because it takes these opinions from these think-tanks and effectively sanctifies it by putting it into something called the world governance index,” Sanyal said. The World Bank, WEF, Reporters Without Borders and V-Dem Institute did not immediately respond to requests for comment. UNDP said it would respond shortly. Sanyal said the ratings also get hard-wired into decision-making through environmental, social and governance (ESG) norms and sovereign ratings. Multilateral development banks offer subsidised loans to ESG-compliant projects. “The idea of having some ESG norms is not the problem in itself. “The problem relates to how these norms oModi adviser says indices compiled by ‘agenda-driven’ think-tanks impact trade and investment 13 in court over 2019 storming of HK legislature HONG KONG: A court yesterday began the trial of 13 people over the storming and ransacking of the city’s legislature in 2019, which was an unprecedented challenge to the Beijing-backed government. It was the most violent episode in the initial phase of huge democracy protests that shook Hong Kong that year, with millions marching and staging sit-ins for weeks. Hundreds of protesters broke into the legislature on the night of July 1, 2019 – the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from Britain to China – smashing windows and spraying graffiti. The 13 defendants who went on trial yesterday over the episode were charged with rioting, an offence punishable by up to 10 years in jail. Seven pleaded guilty to that charge when proceedings began at a Hong Kong district court. The six who pleaded not guilty for rioting are facing additional charges of unlawful entry to the legislature and “criminal damage”, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. Their trial is expected to run for 44 days. “I have never regretted my fight for freedom, justice and democracy ... my thoughts will remain free when I am in jail,” Althea Suen, who pleaded guilty, wrote on Facebook as the trial began. Gregory Wong said he pleaded not guilty to the rioting charge because, “I know how much I took part in and I am just telling the facts”. Wong said he hoped the defendants who pleaded guilty and have been remanded would not lose heart despite the recent tough years. “We are still in this together.” More than 10,000 people were arrested as authorities sought to snuff out the 2019 protests. In 2020, Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong that outlawed most dissent. Almost 2,900 people have been prosecuted on charges linked to the protests. – AFP B R I E F SMONGOLIA MAIN SOURCE OF SEVERE SANDSTORMS: CHINA BEIJING: Mongolia was the main source of northern China’s worst sandstorms in five years from January to April, and may have contributed as much as 70% of the dust floating over the capital, the Ecology and Environment Ministry said yesterday. China experienced as many as 12 large-scale sand and dust storms in the first four months of this year, said ministry monitoring office vice-head Jiang Huohua. “The major sources are mainly the Gobi desert in southern Mongolia and sand sources in our country’s northwest,” he said. “Expert analysis estimates that Mongolia can contribute up to 70% of the dust concentrations in Beijing and more than 50% of the dust concentrations in northern China.” – Reuters WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S ‘EXHAUSTED’ LEADER QUITS CANBERRA: Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan, who isolated his state from the world at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, resigned yesterday, saying the job “has taken it out of me”. Stress, sleepless nights and political confrontation had taken their toll, more than six years after his Labor Party won office, the 55-year-old told a news conference. “The truth is I’m tired, extremely tired, in fact, I am exhausted,” said an emotional McGowan, revealing that he would be gone this week. “The role of political leadership doesn’t stop. It’s relentless. It comes with huge responsibility that is all consuming each and every day,” he said, adding: “It’s taken it out of me.” – AFP Japan puts missile defence on alert TOKYO: Japan yesterday put its ballistic missile defences on alert and warned that it would shoot down any projectile that threatened its territory after North Korea notified it of a satellite launch between tomorrow and June 11. Nuclear-armed North Korea said it has completed its first military spy satellite and leader Kim Jong-un has approved final preparations for the launch. “The government recognises that there is a possibility that the satellite may pass through our country’s territory,” Japan chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a regular briefing after North Korea informed the Japanese coast guard of the planned launch. The order by the Japanese Defence Ministry, the first in response to a North Korean space launch since 2016, comes after Japan last month dispatched to the East China Sea a destroyer carrying Standard Missile-3 interceptors that can hit targets in space, and sent ground-based PAC-3 missiles, designed to strike warheads closer to the ground, to the Okinawan islands. Japan expects North Korea to fire the rocket carrying its satellite over the southwest island chain as it did in 2016, a Defence Ministry spokesman said. North Korean state media has criticised plans by its rivals, South Korea, the United States and Japan, to share real-time data on its missile launches, describing the three as discussing “sinister measures” for tightening military cooperation. Analysts said the satellite is part of a surveillance technology programme, that includes drones, meant to improve its ability to strike targets in the event of war. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that any North Korean missile launch would be a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions condemning its nuclear and missile activity. “We strongly urge North Korea to refrain from launching,” his office posted on Twitter. – Reuters are defined and who certifies or measures compliance to these norms. “As things are currently evolving, developing countries have been completely left out of the conversation.” The matter is being taken up by the Cabinet Secretariat, which has held more than a dozen meetings on the issue this year, a government official said. The Cabinet Secretariat and Finance Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. India has said it plans to be an advocate for developing countries under its G20 presidency. Sanyal did not say if India has flagged the issue of country rankings with the G20. “There are other developing countries who are also concerned about this because effectively this is a form of neo-colonialism,” he said, adding that concerned ministries have been asked to establish benchmarks and engage continuously with ratings agencies. Some of the upcoming indices being watched out by India are financial development index by International Monetary Fund, gender inequality and human development indices by UNDP, logistics performance and worldwide governance indicators by the World Bank, sources said. – Reuters Myanmar rapper arrested for criticism of junta YANGON: A popular rapper in Myanmar, who criticised the junta over massive power blackouts, has been arrested for “spreading propaganda”, the military said, the latest arrest in a sweeping crackdown on dissent. Byu Har posted a Facebook video to his hundreds of thousands of followers last week slamming the junta for rolling power outages that have hit the country in recent weeks. He mocked junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and said power supply had been better managed during the government of deposed civilian leader and democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi. Byu Har was arrested for “inciting with the aim of disrupting the peace and stability of the nation, and the act of spreading propaganda”, the military’s information team said in a statement on Sunday. It did not give details about whether the rapper had been charged or where he was being held. Byu Har is the son of prominent composer Naing Myanmar, whose song Kabar Ma Kyay Buu has been widely sung at protests against the military’s February 2021 coup. Byu Har regularly posts videos bare-chested and strumming a guitar. Power outages are common in Myanmar due to a creaky and outdated electricity grid, with demand regularly outstripping supply during the sweltering summer months. The junta has blamed the worsening outages on rising gas prices and attacks on infrastructure by anti-coup fighters. – AFP GALLOPING GAMES ... Jockeys competing in a traditional race in the southern Thai town of Narathiwat. – AFPPIC
8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 SPEAK UP Holding the M Junta accountable YANMAR’S counter-memorial on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case of the Rohingya genocide was extended for the second time. The ICJ issued an order on May 12, pushing the timeframe for Myanmar’s counter-memorial to Gambia’s claims from May 24 to Aug 24. This extension was granted at the request of Myanmar, which argues it did not have enough time to gather adequate evidence to prove its case. The light of hope for justice for Rohingyas that gleamed with the ICJ’s decision to hear Gambia’s genocide complaint against Myanmar now appears to be fading with such delays. The horrors committed against the Rohingyas will mark their sixth anniversary next August, while the military aggressors of the minority group remain unpunished. For decades, their human rights violations against minority groups remained unpunished resulting in the ongoing catastrophe in Myanmar, where neither Rohingyas nor Myamarese were safe. The Gambia versus Myanmar case began in November 2019, with Gambia charging Myanmar of breaching its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The small West African state argued that Myanmar’s state-led attack on Rohingyas living in Rakhine state in August 2017 constituted genocide against the population. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas fled to neighbouring Bangladesh, where they are now living harrowing days in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar. Despite being directly affected by the fallout of the 2017 military assault on the Rohingyas, Bangladesh has not engaged in any legal disputes with Myanmar. However, it has supported the case progress during this time. Much of the world community has also shown solidarity for the Rohingya people and criticised Myanmar’s actions. Canada and the Netherlands have even formally intervened in the Gambia case, while the United States has vowed to support the case financially. However, these efforts have not been sufficient to bring the Myanmar military to justice for its atrocities against the Rohingya population. On the contrary, the court’s decision to extend the rebuttal date by four months from its initial date of April 24 will further postpone justice for the community. This decision also comes at a time when there have been accusations against the Myanmar state for not following the provisional measures mandated by ICJ to protect the Rohingya population still living in Rakhine state. About 600,000 Rohingyas are still living in Rakhine state where their free movement is barred, they are getting detained for trying to flee from the camps along with having restricted access to medical assistance or any kind of relief aid from humanitarian organisations. The ICJ ordered its provisional measures of finding proof that the community needs urgent protection from any kind of violence and acts of genocide but Myanmar’s policies of isolating the community into prison-like life not only show its disregard for the court but also its genocidal intent of giving the group a slow death. Years of not answering its crimes against ethnic minority groups such as the Rohingyas have now made the Junta this invincible. It is continuing a full-blown armed campaign against the people of Myanmar, who are resisting its forceful ascent as the Myanmar authority, dodging sanctions from the West and avoiding Asean’s plea to halt attacks against the civilians. The same military that killed Rohingyas indiscriminately, burnt villages and raped women without consequence is now using these same tactics against civilians throughout the country. The Global Centre looks forward to the following stages of the case. In this grim scenario, the ICJ case might become the key necessary to breaking the cycle of violence and impunity in Myanmar caused by its military. Although the first step to this has gone sideways as ICJ agreed to let Myanmar’s military represent Myanmar in the case, the bigger picture must be the focus on bringing justice for Rohingyas no matter who represents Myanmar on the stand. ICJ has already rejected Myanmar’s objections over the court’s jurisdiction in the case along with Gambia being a real applicant or proxy party to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Now the case has entered its merits phase where Myanmar has to show evidence for its side of the story against the charges put forward by the Gambia at the beginning of the case. The case can be monumental on the pathway to justice, not only for the Rohingyas but for everyone in Myanmar. So, it is high time the international community puts all hands on deck. The United States, the United Kingdom and European Union, who have been active in sanctioning Junta officials and its financial routes, must take a step further and join the Gambia case to show support. It is unsurprising that 33 countries formally intervened in Ukraine and Russia conflict at the ICJ while such enthusiasm is lacking for the poor Rohingya community. The two countries’ significant international importance is the defining factor behind such massive intervention. But the international community must understand that its intervention in the Gambia case will boost the legitimacy of the trial and ICJ’s verdict will carry more value. They must also understand that this case isn’t only a step to holding the military accountable but it will also have far-reaching effects on the Rohingya repatriation programme and the ongoing anti-resistance movement against civilians by the military. It is time to fulfil the international community’s pledge to protect people from crimes against humanity and acts of genocide which was the basis of the genocide convention along with the 2005 project of responsibility to protect. What happens in the ICJ case remains to be seen. The Junta’s recent efforts to repatriate Rohingyas from Bangladesh might be another plot to gain some points in the case while also garnering support for its planned election later this year. As the military’s real intentions for the Rohingya community remain unclear, it must be noted that the ICJ case might bring justice to wrongdoings against the Rohingyas but it won’t bring much change to their plight unless Myanmar changes its perception towards the community, formally recognising them as one of their own, thus ending their long statelessness. Comments: [emailprotected] Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ Risks of pre-marital sexual encounters THE brutal killing of a 21-year-old woman over her pregnancy shows the desperation and extent some men will go to hide their involvement in a sexual relationship. The couple had been going steady for a year but it all began to turn sour when the woman became four months pregnant. Her 20-year-old boyfriend then brutally beat her, stabbed her in the abdomen, removed the foetus and burned the victim by dousing her with petrol. While many young people have willingly taken an abstinence pledge from any sexual involvement until marriage, there are some who engage in risky behaviour. Curiosity, raging hormones and peer pressure involve them in what is forbidden and taboo. In the long run, some of these young girls endure and suffer violent and tempestuous relationships with their boyfriends all in the name of love and sex. Some young girls have been photographed nude and have their pictures go viral when they did not succumb to the whims and fancies of their boyfriends. Some have been dumped by their boyfriends after they have had sex with them. When the girls become pregnant, the boys will leave them or pester them to abort the baby. Young girls who find themselves pregnant, conceal their pregnancy and dump the baby once the baby is born. Do not have a boyfriend just because every other girl is having a boyfriend. And most importantly, do not engage in sex just because everyone is doing so. Refrain from engaging in risky sexual encounters and one-night stands. You will end up feeling miserable, used and guilty for the rest of your life. Why put yourself through a lifetime of misery, pain and regret for a few moments of ecstasy? It may seem enticing and tempting but it will drown you in a world of gloom and doom. One hasty decision in the heat of the moment will determine the outcome of the rest of your life. Sex should be the culmination of love in the sanctity of marriage. Save yourself for marriage. We need to raise awareness of the sanctity of marriage and sex to young teens. Comprehensive reproductive health and sexual education in schools and colleges can reduce the statistics of teenagers involved in sexual misconduct. Young girls should be advised not to engage in risky sexual encounters before marriage. Say no when you are pressured by your boyfriend to have sex. If he says he will leave you if you do not have sex with him, let him go. You are better off without him. Some of your friends will recount their sexual encounters and convince you that it is “trendy”. Just ignore them, listen to your heart and head. Avoid promiscuous relationships and situations. Life and love are to be cherished. Enjoy school and college life. There is a time and season for everything. Samuel Yesuiah Seremban COMMENT by S. A. Korobi LETTERS [emailprotected] “It is time to fulfil the international community’s pledge to protect people from crimes against humanity and acts of genocide which was the basis of the genocide convention along with the 2005 project of responsibility to protect.
9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 A moving tribute to Anwar ENVELOPED in its captivating aura and stirring my emotions to their core, that is how I would succinctly describe my encounter with the film Anwar: The Untold Story. As an avid connoisseur of cinema, I possess an ardent fascination for movies that delve deep, carrying profound societal messages. Consequently, art films appeal far more to me than their commercial counterparts. First and foremost, I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to the remarkable team behind the casting process. They flawlessly matched many characters, allowing us to instantly recognise their real-life counterparts once they graced the screen. While the movie may have appeared to unfold at a leisurely pace, the deliberate lulls were indispensable in portraying and unravelling the excruciating anguish and desolation endured by the victims — namely Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and their children. Azizah, the character on the silver screen, effortlessly captivated the viewers with her tearful eyes that eloquently spoke volumes. Although seemingly young, her motherly instinct came out quite naturally and as a leader’s wife, she did justice to Azizah, displaying her pain of separation in profound and potent silence. Farid Kamil Zahari’s performance is widely regarded as remarkable and transformative. His portrayal of Anwar is set to earn him much acclaim as he played the character to perfection. Many viewers and critics have praised Farid for his ability to capture the essence of Anwar’s character where he skilfully conveys Anwar’s peaceful demeanour, profound wisdom and unwavering commitment to battling corruption. The actor’s performance can be lauded for its attention to detail, capturing Anwar’s physical mannerisms, voice and the way he carried himself. In the prison scene, Farid diminishes the physical torment and mental anguish, rendering them insignificant in the face of his indomitable inner strength and unwavering faith in God and goodness. Farid’s portrayal successfully humanises Anwar, allowing audiences to connect with his personal struggles, inner conflicts and the sacrifices he made in the pursuit of his principles. He effectively communicates Anwar’s inspiring ideals, moral strength and ability to motivate and mobilise the masses through non-violent approaches. Unlike the flamboyant theatrics commonly found in Indian cinema which I am used to, this film did not rely heavily on grand spectacles. Instead, it skillfully employed silence as a potent language to convey what we needed to comprehend and internalise. During the time of the events leading up to Anwar’s arrest, I found myself working as a journalist. During those days, alternative news media outlets were scarce and as a reporter for a mainstream newspaper, there was silent pressure to align our thoughts with the government of the day. The biopic unfolds and tells a totally different narrative and as a lay member of the public, it was both intriguing and unbelievably scandalous. The masquerades that have been happening within the government and its business entities are shameful. Worse still, except for the privileged few, nobody knows where truth and fiction lie. Anwar: The Untold Story, nevertheless emerges as a thought-provoking masterpiece that I wholeheartedly recommend to both supporters and detractors of PMX. It impels us to transcend the superficiality of life, guiding us into a realm where we are warned and reminded of the impermanence in life. Some may interpret it as an invitation to seize every opportunity for personal gain while in power, basking in the sun’s radiance. Conversely, the other side of the coin reveals that no amount of wealth can shield one from the consequences of their karmic obligations when the time comes to fulfil them. The current prime minister was resurrected from prison while a former prime minister languishes in prison. Anwar: The Untold Story is directed by Indonesian director Viva Westi and stars popular local actor Farid Kamil Zahari in the titular role, with Indonesian actress Acha Septriasa in the role of Azizah, with Piet Pagau and Dewi Irawan as Anwar’s parents. Political cartoonist and activist, Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, more popularly known as Zunar, is one of the producers behind this film. A leader with a blackeye who knew how to turn every failure into opportunity is how the movie leaves us, with hopes for a better Malaysia. Comments: [emailprotected] “Anwar: The Untold Story, nevertheless emerges as a thoughtprovoking masterpiece that I wholeheartedly recommend to both supporters and detractors of PMX. Rising concern on perinatal mental healthcare in Malaysia PERINATAL mental health (PMH) is a growing public health concern globally and in Malaysia over the years. According to the World Health Organisation, one in every five women suffers from mental health problems during and after pregnancy. The most common PMH conditions associated with pregnancy are antenatal depression or postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum psychosis and posttraumatic stress disorder. In worst cases, severe PMH conditions lead to maternal suicide caused by intrusive thoughts and hallucinations among others. As reported by the local Malaylanguage media outlet Utusan Malaysia, just last month a mother in her postpartum confinement period committed suicide. It was reported that the mother of four refused to consume antidepressants provided by the hospital due to her mental health condition after delivering her fourth child. Rapid changes in reproductive hormones such as estradiol and progesterone during and post-delivery of mothers affect the overall mental well-being of mothers as well. Findings by a professor in the school of nursing and midwifery, faculty of health, community and education at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada Aliyah Dosani and others indicate that only a small percentage from 6.5% to 12.9% of women from high-income countries experience PMH conditions compared with 48.5% of women from low- and middle-income countries. As a growing middle-income country, this is an indicator for Malaysia to ramp up our obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) and PMH care in Malaysia. In Malaysia, untreated and undiagnosed PMH conditions are the proverbial needle in a haystack when it comes to PMH care, aside from worries about lower socioeconomic levels, unplanned and teenage pregnancies, and high-risk pregnancies. To support the above, let us look at the facts and statistics. Poor screening instruments and intervention mechanisms are perhaps one of the many reasons that many PMH cases go undetected and untreated, in addition to societal stigmatisation, a lack of knowledge about PMH conditions and a subpar treatment plan. A study by associate professor Dr Siti Roshaidai and others involving 28 healthcare practitioners in Malaysia highlighted the insufficiency and limitation in the knowledge of practitioners, standard guidelines by the Health Ministry (MOH) and modern screening tools as the cause of numerous PMH cases in Malaysia going unnoticed. Even worse, the shortage of registered psychiatrists, occupational therapists, and O&G specialists makes it impossible to provide excellent care for all pregnant women. As of this year, there are only 667 O&G specialists serving under MOH facilities in Malaysia. In detail, the study by Specialist Registrar in Psychiatry, Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland R. Shaeraine and others shows that the ratio of clinical psychologists in Malaysia is one to 100,000. In extension, the ratio of mental health nurses is six to 100,000. As Malaysia underachieved the O&G specialist ratio standard (23.7 to100,000 women) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni recently stated that the ministry is now working towards achieving 1,000 O&G specialists by 2030, which would still be abysmally low to achieve the desired ratio in the population. The insufficient number of medical practitioners in this field indicates an inadequate distribution of resources, management and provisions for O&G and PMH care in Malaysia. Apart from the alarming healthcare situation, perceived discrimination and violence in households, workplaces and society increase the risk of PMH illness. As a highly stigmatised health issue, PMH conditions such as postpartum depression are rarely conversed about and supported in workplaces. COMMENT by Jachintha Joyce A survey conducted by the Woman’s Aid Organisation back in 2016 indicated that 40% of their 222 respondents experienced discrimination in the workplace due to pregnancy. Another study found that women in postpartum were 2.3 times more at risk of having mental illness when were exposed to intimate partner violence – a combination of physical, emotional and sexual violence. Given the unpredictability of their hormones and emotions, these women are among the most vulnerable to developing PMH problems. According to scientific theory, a fetus’s heart begins to beat in the fourth week of pregnancy, and the baby’s features begin to take shape in the eighth week. Though research indicates 80% of miscarriages occur in the first trimester (around the twelfth week of pregnancy), under the Malaysia Employment Act, these women are not provided with specified maternity leave as maternity leave cannot be taken earlier than 30 days before the confirmed confinement period and prior to 22 weeks of pregnancy as stipulated in the Employment Act. In reality, those who go through miscarriages still need some time to grieve and recuperate their physical, emotional and mental well-being. While PMH conditions have a higher prevalence in women, research by a psychiatrist in Greenville, North Carolina, US Jonathan R. Scarff, indicates 8% to 10% of fathers develop PPD following the birth of a child. The likelihood of the spouse experiencing mental health issues increases when a woman in pregnancy or a new mother experiences PMH issues. In addition, the risk may increase as a result of adjusting to changes in roles, maintaining marital relationships and potential professional and financial stress caused by having a child. In relation to work, recently a man expressed his frustration on social media platform TikTok as he was fired by his superior after asking for paternity leave to care for his wife following her early delivery. Legally and lawfully, that man deserved a seven-day paid paternity leave under the Employment (Amendment) Act 2022, section (60 FA). Thus, based on the distressing concerns grounded in facts, it is suggested the relevant stakeholders address the concern of these vulnerable families. Following are the proposed policy recommendations by EMIR Research: Enhancing the pre-existing social protection acts and policies on maternity Firstly, provisions for miscarriages should be included in a separate subsection of the Malaysian Employment Act. Currently, there are no provisions for miscarriages. It is also recommended that stakeholders consider providing a minimum of two weeks maternity leave for women who go through miscarriages anytime from trimester one to three. Secondly, although the latest policy of 98 days of paid maternity leave pleases employees, this may not be favourable to the majority of employers as currently the cost for the 98 days of paid maternity leave is borne 100% by the employer. In relation to that, it is recommended that policymakers consider sharing the cost of maternity leave between the employer and the Social Security Organisation. Similar initiatives have been executed by several Asean countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore. For instance, Thailand provides 98 days of paid maternity leave, whereby 50% of the cost is borne by the employer and another 50% by Thailand’s Social Security Office. Simultaneously, the addition of special provisions on antidiscrimination under the Employment Act should be considered by policymakers. Implementing such policies will minimise the prejudice experienced by men and women (new mothers and fathers) in the workforce when it comes to recruitment, employability and job security. Establishing a systematic guideline and mechanism for PMH screenings and assessments in Malaysia Systematic and comprehensive PMH screening interventions should start from the antenatal period to the postpartum period. The mental state of both the mother and father should be assessed during O&G appointments, along with the physical check-up of the mother and baby. Assessment screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 or Whooley Two-Question Screen (as highlighted in the latest fourth edition Perinatal Care Manual) are the preferred options to detect PMH conditions. O&G practitioners, including doctors and nurses, should be educated and aware of any symptoms that indicate PMH conditions. Once detected, these parents should be directly referred to an in-house psychologist for further treatment. Currently, most data and statistics are gathered from past research and surveys particularly to study PMH conditions. Thus, the aim is to have all information related to mental health digitalised, encouraging deeper research in future. Promoting flexible work culture for women with PMH conditions Considering PMH conditions may persist for up to a year, organisations should encourage flexibility in the workplace. Flexibility in terms of adopting the hybrid workplace model, along with flexible working conditions and hours. Nevertheless, given that it heavily depends on the industry, nature and scope of the job, this might not be relevant for all. Furthermore, a certified medical report should be provided to the employer to be entitled to it. The outcome will not only strengthen the mother’s bond with her child, but it will also help improve her psychological well-being and performance at work as a whole. All in all, it is now more important than ever to address the issue of PMH in Malaysia. JachinthaJoyce is a research assistant at EMIR Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research. Comments: [emailprotected]
10 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 MEDIA & MARKETING Get a jump start today on creating a successful tomorrow! For the best in local and international higher education institutions, catch theSun's fortnightly Education Focus. FOCUS 2023 EDUCATION Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Celebrating Sarawak In line with the objective of ‘designed by locals for locals’, Ernesto Kalum and Carlos Benny, the artists behind the Carlsberg Smooth Draught special-edition cans artwork, showcased live demonstrations of their craft while other guests were getting temporarily inked with their favourite icons. In addition, an iconic bamboo bar that served Carlsberg Smooth Draught infused Tuak Bomb was spotted alongside tasty local delicacies and guests were awed by the colourful native dance performances. The At Abud band also took the stage with a mix of contemporary and traditional Bornean music while partygoers captured their 360 camera shots at the ‘Dinding Kebanggaan’, which donned the artistic collage of the special-edition cans. Some others were seen busy creating individual tote bags with their favourite icons or crafting their own eco-cutlery. From April until the end of June, beer lovers in Sabah and Sarawak can stand a chance to win cool gadgets including the iPad Air, iPhone and AirPods with any purchase of at least RM200 of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner or Carlsberg Smooth Draught at participating bars and pubs, 12 big bottles at food courts and coffee shops, or a 24-can carton at super hypermarkets and other retail outlets, respectively, in a single receipt. Consumers can also redeem limited-edition Sabah and Sarawak t-shirts, while stocks last. Visit the website carlsbergsabahsarawak.com to find out more about promotions in-store. ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ @CarlsbergMY on Facebook and Instagram for Carlsberg Smooth Draught’s latest activities and giveaways. Carlsberg Malaysia, advocates responsible consumption, always remember if you drink, don’t drive – #CELEBRATERESPONSIBLY. Managing Director Stefano Clini with Carlos Benny Majakil (left) and Ernesto Kalum (right) , the Sabahan and Sarawakian tattoo artists respectively behind the artful traditional tattooing designs of the six beautiful icons from the Borneo islands. oCarlsberg Smooth Draught raises its special-edition cans and commemorates Sarawak’s extraordinary natural wonders with a fun filled fiesta Developing skills for the business world FAM interns at the ChinaMalaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park in Guangxi, China THE Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) is located in UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The Faculty is attributed to its dedicated team of experienced academics. A distinct feature of the Faculty is the programmes’ rigorous curriculum which is well received by industry as evidenced by the high graduates’ employability. The Faculty enjoys a high reputation as a leading provider of accounting and business graduates in the business community. The Faculty is actively implementing a variety of activities and learning methods for students to study independently in small groups. Business studies is the gist of scientific knowledge concerned with the planning and management of organisational activities. Business management theory, accounting and finance, e-commerce, entrepreneurship, managerial informatics and marketing are all part of business studies and are an integrated discipline. FAM ensures close collaboration with the global academics and professional industries, ensuring the students are exposed to the state-ofthe-art approaches. Students are also encouraged to participate in business competitions that provide practical real-life situations and scenarios to prepare them for the real world. In addition, students also participate in university societies to learn organising and leadership skills. Students also have the opportunity to participate in study tours and student exchange programs, visit foreign universities or transfer credits, complete internships as consultants in local and international companies, and visit local and international organisations. The Faculty offers a variety of programmes, including undergraduate (Accounting, International Business, Global Economics, Building and Property Management, Financial Technology), Masters by coursework (MBA, Corporate Governance and Real Estate Development) and Master and Doctor of Philosophy programmes in Business and Management, which conducting research and development activities that beneficial to the community. These courses are recognised by the Malaysian government, professional organizations and supported by the industry. In addition to the Malaysian Qualifications Accreditation Agency (MQA) certification, it has also been accredited by relevant professional organizations such as British ACCA, British CIMA, Australian CPA, Malaysian CTIM, ICAEW, MIA, and MICPA. For example, the Building and Property Management program is accredited by Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP). In collaboration with REHDA Institute, renowned practitioners will be invited as keynote speakers to share practical skills and knowledge with Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) students. Students also get the opportunity to participate in seminars organized by REHDA to gain insight into the latest industry trends. Overall, the Faculty of Accountancy and Management provides students with a solid foundation in business principles and practices, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s fastpaced and ever-changing business world. Most importantly, the graduates are well received and being prioritised in talent development by the industries. For as low as RM309, you can enrol to UTAR foundation or undergraduate studies, you will also enjoy 100% application fee waiver. In addition, UTAR is offering study grant of RM1,000 to students whose sibling is currently studying or completed studies at UTAR and to children of UTAR Alumni (terms and conditions apply). For more information, you may visit www.study.utar.edu.my or Whatsapp 016-2233 557. BUILDING on the robust success of last year’s Raikan Kebanggaan Sabah & Sarawak campaign celebrations, Carlsberg Smooth Draught returns to Kuching with yet another artful affair to recognise and pay homage to the pride of Sarawak’s heritage, traditions and natural wonders. This campaign is aimed at bringing people together in appreciation and celebration of the vibrant art of the stunning Borneo islands with Carlsberg Smooth Draught special-edition cans, designed exclusively for Sarawak and Sabah. Held at the D’Belian, Kuching, Carlsberg Smooth Draught elevated this year’s launch event even further with a culture-rich affair filled with tattoo art featuring the Orangutan, the majestic Kinabalu mountains and Rafflesia of Sabah, as well as the Longhouse, Hornbill and Sape of Sarawak. These six icons are proudly displayed on the Raikan Kebanggaan Sabah & Sarawak special-edition cans and bottles. “Last year, Carlsberg Smooth Draught’s six special-edition cans were a big hit, so we stepped-up our game to enhance the designs this year. Through the uniqueness and authenticity of tattoo art, we celebrate the culture and traditions of the locals, as well as the wonderful offerings of Bornean pride,” said Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia. “Being here, meeting both the famous Sabahan and Sarawakian tattoo artists in person and celebrating with everyone is truly a memorable experience for us. What better way to reciprocate the love and support from our Sabah and Sarawak consumers and make their drinking moments the best with Carlsberg,” Clini shared in the launch event, which echoed cheers and laughter throughout the evening.
KLCI 1,404.93 1.95 STI 3,195.22 HANG SENG 18,551.11 317.23 SCI 3,221.45 8.94 NIKKEI 31,233.54 12.17 TSEC 16,636.30 131.25 KOSPI CLOSED S&P/ASX200 7,217.40 62.60 TUESDAY MAY 30, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [emailprotected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [emailprotected] 5 MOST ACTIVES May 29, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) CLOUDPT 344,378,800 51.5 +13.5 BAHVEST 107,442,900 20.0 -2.5 YTL 74,983,300 90.0 +6.5 HSI-COO 57,398,700 8.0 -1.0 TAWIN 54,503,100 3.5 -0.5 EXCHANGERATES MAY 29, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.6680 4.5340 4.5350 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0720 2.9500 2.9310 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4580 3.3590 3.3690 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4360 3.3440 3.3330 1 EURO 5.0270 4.8650 4.8610 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8470 2.7420 2.7350 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4580 3.3590 3.3690 1 STERLING POUND 5.7770 5.5960 5.5860 1 SWISS FRANC 5.1440 5.0250 5.0260 100 UAE DIRHAM 129.0000 122.3300 122.5000 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3950 4.1230 3.9800 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 66.7300 63.9100 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 60.4000 57.4000 57.3800 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.7600 5.4100 5.2200 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0324 0.0293 0.0243 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3520 3.2470 3.2410 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR N/A N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.7000 1.5700 1.3700 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.5000 8.0100 7.8000 100 QATAR RIYAL 129.9100 123.3200 123.5400 100 SAUDI RIYAL 126.2400 119.8400 120.0400 100 THAI BAHT 14.0600 12.4600 12.1300 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY May 29, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,325.05 +28.61 FBMKLCI 1,404.93 +1.95 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 559.84 -1.29 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 164.53 +0.45 CONSTRUCTION 159.15 +1.47 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,297.28 -7.15 ENERGY 813.87 +5.56 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 593.89 -1.81 HEALTH CARE 1,852.19 -14.11 TRANSPORTATION 896.55 -1.31 PROPERTY 690.04 +3.72 PLANTATION 6,794.41 +39.15 FBMSHA 10,710.07 +41.04 FBMACE 4,971.08 -9.82 TECHNOLOGY 59.73 +0.73 TURNOVER VALUE 2.727 BIL RM1.873 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS May 29, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM MPI 161,500 27.12 +0.88 KLK 983,700 21.86 +0.22 PETDAG 86,400 22.34 +0.20 HEIM 32,600 27.00 +0.18 NVIDIA-C1 327,400 1.32 +0.18 5 TOP LOSERS May 29, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 74,400 132.60 -1.90 DLADY 14,300 25.52 -0.30 AYER 5,300 6.90 -0.20 CARLSBG 8,500 21.10 -0.20 CITAGLB-PA 2,500 1.30 -0.19 195.81 AmBank records net profit of RM1.74b for FY23 KUALA LUMPUR: AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank) registered a net profit of RM1.74 billion for its financial year ended March 31, 2023. This represented a 15.5% growth yearon-year. (yoy). The total income of the banking group grew by 1.6% to RM4.73 billion. This was mainly supported by 8.1% increase in net Interest Income on the back of stronger loan growth of 8.5%. However, this was partially offset by a 13.9% decrease in non interest Income mainly from the disposal of AmGeneral insurance Bhd. Meanwhile, expenses remained flat y-oy at RM2.1 billion with cost-to-income at 44.3% (FY22: 44.9%). For FY23, gross impaired loans increased marginally to 1.46% with a loan loss coverage including regulatory reserves at 127.7% (FY22: 139.2%). In a statement, the banking group said its return on equity improved to 10% compared with 9.3% in FY22. Gross loans and financing grew from RM120 billion in FY22 to RM130.2 billion in FY23 which represented a jump of 8.5%. The group’s liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) was at 149.2% for FY23 compared From left: AmBank group chief financial officer Jamie Ling, Sulaiman and investor relations head Yeoh Ru Hann. █ BYRANJIT SINGH [emailprotected] Malaysia attracts RM71.4b approved investments in Q1 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia attracted approved investments worth RM71.4 billion in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors for the first quarter (Q1 of 2023, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida). The government’s principal investment promotion and development agency said this involves 1,265 projects that are expected to generate 23,977 new job opportunities. “With its conducive investment landscape, Malaysia continues to capture more foreign direct investments (FDI) than domestic direct investments (DDI). “FDI contributed RM37.5 billion, oInvolves 1,265 projects that are expected to generate 23,977 new job opportunities, FDI outpaces domestic sources Petronas dismisses speculation on MHB-Sapura Energy merger KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has denied speculation over a merger between its indirect unit Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Bhd (MHB) and Sapura Energy Bhd. In a statement yesterday, the national oil firm said any investment or divestment consideration within the Petronas group has always been and will continue to be strictly guided by a board-approved and management-enforced framework. News reports said a merger between debtladen Sapura Energy and MHB could well be on the cards if early discussions bear fruit. Quoting sources, the reports said the majority shareholders of Sapura Energy and MHB, namely Permodalan Nasional Bhd and Petronas respectively, are “mulling” merging the two oil and gas services providers but stressed the discussions are still at “an early stage”. – Bernama representing 52.5% of the total approved investments,” Mida said in a statement yesterday. Singapore leads with approved investments totalling RM11.5 billion, followed by the British Virgin Islands (RM7.1 billion), China (RM6.5 billion), Hong Kong (RM2.9 billion), and South Korea (RM2.5 billion). Meanwhile, DDI accounted for RM33.9 billion, reflecting domestic investors’ renewed confidence in Malaysia’s economic progress and prospects, the agency said. On approved projects by state, Mida said the top five states that attracted a significant portion of the approved investments were Kuala Lumpur with RM21.8 billion, followed by Johor (RM10.6 billion), Selangor (RM7.4 billion), Perak (RM7.1 billion), and Sabah (RM6.3 billion). In terms of sector, the services sector drew the lion’s share of approved investments at RM53.6 billion (with over 12,000 job opportunities), followed by the manufacturing sector (RM15.6 billion, over 11,900 new jobs) and the primary sector (RM2.2 billion). Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said Malaysia’s ability to attract RM71.4 billion in approved investments for the quarter underscores the country’s continued appeal as an investment powerhouse. “Both foreign direct investments and domestic investments almost match each other in value. From a domestic perspective, this clearly reflects renewed confidence in Malaysia’s growth prospects. “All these will have a positive spillover impact, particularly on the small and medium enterprises in our domestic supply chain, and on the rakyat in terms of betterpaying jobs, which will help support our economy in the face of various global challenges this year,” he said. Malaysia’s investment landscape presents bright prospects with a pipeline of proposed investments and leads projects overseen by Mida. It said there are currently 878 projects with proposed investments amounting to RM35.9 billion for pipeline projects and RM150.4 billion for lead projects. The manufacturing sector took the lead with 78.8% (RM28.3 billion) of pipeline projects, while the services sector accounted for 21.2% (RM7.6 billion), showcasing a diversified investment portfolio. – Bernama with 158.5% in FY22. AmBank declared a final dividend of 12.3 sen per share bringing the total dividend for the year to 18.3 sen representing a dividend payout ratio of 35%. AmBank’s CEO, Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, said Malaysia’s economy was on a strong rebound and the banking sector was well positioned to leverage on this. “With a healthy GDP growth of 8.7% in 2022, it is clear that Malaysia’s economy is on a strong rebound. The banking sector is perfectly positioned to leverage the advantage of this strengthening economy,” he said in conjunction with the results announcement. When asked about the exchange rate and the ringgit’s recent depreciation, Sulaiman said, AmBank foresees the ringgit to trade around RM4.20 to RM4.30 against the US dollar by the end of 2023, based on the country’s strong fundamentals. Participation 48.0 29.3 22.7 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 926.7 560.5 386.4 1873.6 Sold RM m 870.3 537.8 465.5 1873.6 Net RM m 56.4 22.7 -79.1 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad SECUR ITIES S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 29/05/2023
12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME MyEG, Zetrix plan Q3 rollout of blockchain trade link with China PETALING JAYA: MyEG Services Bhd via Zetrix Sdn Bhd is set to roll out a cross-border trade facilitation blockchain services with China in the third quarter of this year, backed by a fully deployed International Supernode and rigorous testing of native applications. Zetrix senior adviser Datuk Fadzli Shah said it is confident in realising the use case, pending considerations of data privacy laws and non-blockchain related factors, emphasising their commitment to working closely with authorities to ensure a secure and scalable implementation of the technology. “We have completed the International Supernode two weeks ago. So we’re fully deployed. Currently, we’re in a phase where oInternational Supernode completed two weeks ago █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected] we are running all the native Chinese applications on the International Supernode to make sure it’s stable. Then apart from that, is the integration with customs on both sides. So we’re confident that in the third quarter of this year, we will be able to realise the use case,” he said at a media briefing yesterday. However, the decision to proceed with a full production version allowing w i d e - s c a l e company exports or maintaining it as a pilot will be made later, taking into account non-blockchain considerations such as data privacy and related laws. “But we are working closely with the authorities to address these aspects and determine the optimal approach,” he said. Primarily catering to B2B customers, the blockchain project, which has been operational since May 2021, currently has 374,255 accounts. “We are trying to deploy and publicise our B2B solutions, which are in initial stages at the moment, so we’ll have a more accurate idea of how many users we have on those platforms too later,” he added. However, determining the exact number of users is challenging as users have the option to create multiple accounts. Fadzli also said that it is 1000s times more energy efficient than the Bitcoin network, meaning that the gas pay or the fee is also 1000s times cheaper than on Bitcoin or Ether network. “It’s actually difficult for me to give an estimate, but relative to the transaction size, which is the size of information that goes through into the blockchain, it (the fee) is very small.” Going forward, Fadzli said that where it sees a lot of the growth will be on the business to business adoption cases, concentrated on the trade supply routes. “It makes a lot of sense for us that we’ve you know, because I think if you look at it, China deciding that they are national blockchain remains only on shore. But at the same time, China being the major mover in the Belt Road Initiative, essentially makes it the biggest trading partner for the majority of countries in the world, Malaysia being one of those countries. “So we see a unique opportunity where we as a non Chinese party, effectively connect the different countries to each other to China and later to each other,” he said. According to its Linkedin account, Zetrix is the international extension of China’s national blockchain network, Xinghuo Blockchain Infrastructure and Facility. MYEG will work together with CAICT to establish Xinghuo BIF and construct backbone and supernodes around the world. The International Supernode in the blockchain infrastructure serves as a key point of connection and data transmission between different countries and their respective blockchain networks. Essentially, it acts as a bridge, enabling secure communication and information sharing across borders. Project completions take the shine off MRCB’s Q1 financial results KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) registered lower revenue of RM742.24 million and net profit of RM8.47 million in the first quarter of 2023, compared with revenue of RM810.71 million and a net profit of RM14.03 million in the corresponding period in 2022, primarily due to project completions that impacted the group’s financial performance. “While the lower performance was mainly due to a lower contribution from the Engineering, Construction & Environment Division as a result of the completion of key infrastructure projects in late 2022, it was partially offset by a stronger performance from the Property Development & Investment Division,” it said in a statement. The Property Development & I n v e s t m e n t Division recorded a 44% revenue increase to RM267.9 million and a 58% increase in operating profit to RM33.3 million in Q1’23. This was due to Sentral Suites, the Division’s largest project achieving 100% construction completion, and the TRIA 9 Seputeh and Alstonia projects achieving higher construction progress of 96% and 61% respectively. The division sold RM85.1 million worth of properties in Q1’23 and had unbilled property sales of RM220.3 million. The group’s investment holding in Sentral REIT and Sentral REIT Management Sdn Bhd contributed a combined profit after tax of RM2 million. The Engineering, Construction & Environment Division recorded a 25% revenue decrease to RM458.5 million and a 128% decrease in operating profit to RM7.2 million. The lower revenue and operating profit was mainly due to the completion of the DASH Package CB2 and MRT 2 Package V210 infrastructure projects in late 2022. The bulk of the division’s revenue was contributed by the LRT3 project, Muara Sg Pahang Phase 3 (Package 3) and the PR1MA Brickfields construction projects. As at March 31, 2023, the LRT3 project achieved physical construction progress of 84%. The division’s long-term external client order book was RM26.4 billion as at March 31, 2023, while the unbilled portion was RM17.0 billion. “The group’s strategy to diversify its business into overseas markets continues to gather pace, and its 51- storey, 280 apartment residential development in Surfer’s Paradise in Gold Coast, Australia, named VISTA, which has a GDV of AUD391 million (RM1.2 billion) was launched on April 12, 2023,” MRCB said. Higher costs, lower product prices hit Petronas Chemicals first-quarter earnings KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd’s (PCG) net profit for the first financial quarter ended March 31, 2023 fell to RM532 million from RM2.07 billion in the same quarter last year. PCG said its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) were lower by RM1.3 billion, or 55% at RM1.1 billion mainly due to “lower product spreads and higher energy and utility costs.” Revenue, however, increased 14% to RM7.56 billion from RM6.63 billion previously, due to the inclusion of revenue contribution from a recently acquired subsidiary and higher sales volumes but partially offset by lower product prices. In a separate statement, managing director and CEO Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof said although the company saw some positive movements in selected regions in the first quarter, the overall chemical sector remains cautious given the still volatile energy prices. “There has been some uplift in demand from China post-Chinese New Year for selected chemicals, but we have yet to see a meaningful recovery. “Operating costs, on the other hand, have increased due to effects of inflation on gas and fuel, giving rise to energy and utility costs, further narrowing product spreads and adding pressure on margins,” he said. The group continues to be cautious of the outlook for 2023 on worries over the US banking sector and its potential impact on the global economy, prolonged RussiaUkraine war, and a slower-than-expected recovery in China, he added. – Bernama Net foreign outflow shrinks to RM58.7m in the latest week PETALING JAYA: Foreign selling of Malaysian equities on Bursa Malaysia continues to its fifth week streak with net foreign outflows amounting to RM58.7 million, though it was about 3.6 times lower than RM211.0 million recorded in the week prior, according to MIDF Research. In its weekly fund flow, the research house said that foreign investors net bought RM10.0 million on Monday and RM42.6 million on Friday but were net sellers from Tuesday to Thursday. Foreign investors have been net sellers for 15 out of 21 weeks this year, with a total net foreign outflow of RM2.45 billion. MIDF said that the top three sectors that saw net foreign inflows were transportation and logistics (RM103.8 million), technology (RM58.6 million), and telecommunication and Local retailers turned net buyers last week after three weeks of net selling. – BERNAMAPIC media (RM50.4 million), while the top three sectors that saw net foreign outflows were financial services (RM122.8 million), consumer products and services (RM68.3 million) and REITs (RM21.9 million). “Local institutional investors turned net sellers last week at RM32.4 million after four weeks of net buying. They only net bought on Tuesday at RM29.1 million and net sold for the rest of the week. Year-todate, they have been net buyers for 15 out of 21 weeks, with a total net buy of RM2.41 billion,” it said in a statement. In addition, the research house said that the local retailers turned net buyers at RM91.1 million last week after three weeks of net selling. Every trading day was a net buying day except on Friday, with a net sell of RM4.5 million. Year-todate, local retailers have been net buyers for 10 out of 21 weeks and the total net buying year-to-date amounted to RM39.9 million. In terms of participation, there was an increase in average daily trading volume across the board, with retailers (1.4%), local institutions (12.6%) and foreigners (18.2%). MRANTI invites high-growth startups eyeing expansion PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI) is inviting high-growth startups looking to expand their business presence in Japan, Germany and Thailand to sign up for its Global Market Fit Programme (GMP). CEO Dzuleira Abu Bakar said the programme will help the startups navigate tough competition in a crowded market and maximise their market expansion efforts. “Whether they are looking to enter into a new vertical, or reach an emerging audience segment, GMP steers them through business, technical and cultural aspects of these countries for better opportunities to succeed. “We are targeting to enlist at least 100 quality applications for GMP in 2023, making it one of the largest Malaysian innovation global market-entry equipping programmes this year. she said in a statement.
13 * SUNBIZ @thesundaily theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Mah Sing’s Q1 profit before tax jumps to RM75.8m PETALING JAYA: Mah Sing Group Bhd recorded strong revenue of RM643.5 million and profit before tax of RM75.8 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 (Q1’23), compared with RM433.2 million and RM56 million in the same quarter of the preceding year, representing 48.5% and 35.2% improvement respectively. The group achieved RM600.6 million new property sales in Q1’23, which marks a 33.5% increase compared with RM450 million in Q1’22. Mah Sing is well on track to meet its full-year sales target of minimum RM2.2 billion, supported by strong sales momentum and strategic focus on M Series affordable products. “In the first quarter, the group was able to generate significant interest for its recently launched properties, with take-up rates ranging from 85% to 95%. The group’s active land banking replenishment is ongoing supported by healthy balance sheet and its unwavering confidence in the fast turnaround delivery of its projects. “We remain on an active lookout for strategic lands in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor for the development of residential and industrial properties. This strategy is underpinned by our healthy balance sheet and strong cash flow. In addition, our net gearing has improved further to 0.20x as of end March 2023,” said Mah Sing’s founder and group managing director, Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum. The group’s property development segment recorded an operating profit of RM89.7 million on the back of revenue of RM514.8 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023, which were 20.4% and 61.2% higher respectively as compared to last year. The higher revenue and operating profit were mainly driven by higher property sales and progressive revenue recognition from ongoing construction progress. BioEneco receives green gold label cert KUALA LUMPUR: Bio Eneco Sdn Bhd (BioEneco), a leading Malaysia-based biomass fuel producer, manufacturer and supplier recently attained the Green Gold Label (GGL) certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing sustainable quality biomass products. Established in 2002, GGL is an international certification programme for sustainable biomass. It is owned by the Green Gold Label Foundation and is amongst the earliest biomass certification schemes. BioEneco earned the coveted GGL certification due to its ability to observe and comply with external statutory laws and regulations; sustainable and lawful sourcing, and fairworking conditions. In Malaysia, there are around four biomass producers for Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), including BioEneco, which received the GGL certification as of May 2023. This further strengthens the Company’s position as one of Malaysia’s leading biomass fuel producers and suppliers. BioEneco managing director Oliver Yeo said, “This certification reflects our efforts in ensuring that our business practices are compliant and sustainable. However, we firmly believe this is just the start of our journey in providing international biomass products to our clients. “Moving forward, we will continue to drive positive changes in our business operations that are sustainable to the environment but high in efficiency.” BioEneco also obtained a patent from MyIPO (Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia) in September 2022 for its production line. The patented high technology allows BioEneco’s production line to remove the impurities from Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) efficiently and equip them with a UV sterilisation system to kill bacteria. Pos Logistics to provide services to local aerospace industry PETALING JAYA : Pos Logistics Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pos Malaysia Bhd, has signed a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) with Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) at the recently concluded Lima 2023 in Langkawi. The MoC was signed by Pos Logistics covering CEO Shahrulnizam Ahmad and MAIA president Naguib Mohd Nor. The ceremony was witnessed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The collaboration with MAIA and relevant government agencies is to establish the whole spectrum of Fifth-Party Logistics services to the aerospace industry comprising warehouse and storage facilities, inventory management and tracking system, consolidation of suppliers and order management, transportation, real-time data analytics and reporting, sharing relevant expertise, resources and technologies, as well as collaboration on continuous improvement initiatives. In a statement, Pos Logistics said the collaboration marks a very special milestone for its journey to become a major player in the aerospace logistics industry and positions itself to be a part of Malaysia Aerospace Blueprint 2030 and 12th Malaysia Plan logistics initiatives with capabilities to provide innovative logistics solutions to the aerospace industry and future collaborations with industry leaders. Malaysia’s producer price index drops further in April PUTRAJAYA: The rate of Malaysia’s Producer Price Index (PPI) which measures the prices of goods at factory gate, declined further to negative 3.0% in April 2023 as against negative 2.9% in March 2023, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) reported yesterday in its latest monthly report of the PPI Local Production, April 2023. According to the DoSM, “The downturn trend is mainly due to the decline in agriculture, forestry & fishing and mining sectors. The agriculture, forestry & fishing sector continued to show a negative trend for ten consecutive months, recording a negative 26.0% (March 2023: -28.7%). The oil palm fresh fruit bunches which is the largest component in this sector dropped negative 40.3% in April 2023 compared with negative 43.5% in March 2023.” The mining sector declined by 4.7% in April 2023 compared with negative 11.5% in the previous month, due to a decrease in the extraction of crude petroleum index (-12.5%). Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector registered a marginal increase of 0.1% (March 2023: 1.4%), due to significant increase of manufacture of computer, electronic & optical products (7.2%) and manufacture of electrical equipment (4.7%) indices and counterbalanced with the decline in index of manufacture of food products (-7.3%) and manufacture of co*ke & refined petroleum products (-1.7%). In the meantime, water supply and electricity & gas supply sectors went up 3.2% and 0.1%, respectively. The DoSM explained that, “On a monthly basis, PPI local production posted a marginal increase of 0.2% in April 2023 as compared to 0.3% in the prior month. The agriculture, forestry & fishing sector went up 0.8%, attributed to the increase in the growing of perennial crops index (1.1%). The mining sector posted an increase of 0.5% (March 2023: -0.6%), in tandem with the increase of extraction of crude petroleum index (1.5%).” o Downtrend is mainly due to decline in agriculture, forestry & fishing, and mining sectors: Statistics Dept The manufacturing sector inched up 0.1% (March 2023: -0.1%), due to manufacture of food products (0.9%) and manufacture of chemicals & chemical products (0.7%) indices. On the other hand, the electricity & gas sector decreased by negative 0.6% as against 0.5% in the previous month, while water supply sector remained unchanged. Commenting on the PPI by stage of processing , “The crude materials for further processing index slipped further to negative 17.6% in April 2023 (March 2023: -21.0%) due to the decline of negative 21.3% in the nonfood materials. Intermediate materials, supplies & components went down negative 0.1% in this month (March 2023: 1.5%) due to decline in materials & components for manufacturing (-4.7%) and containers (-2.0%) indices. However, finished goods rose by 3.5% (March 2023: 3.9%) with capital equipment and finished consumer goods indices increased 4.1% and 2.8%, respectively.” It is also noted that crude materials for further processing and intermediate materials, supplies & components indices increased by 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively on a monthly basis. Conversely, finished goods index inched down negative 0.1%. Public Bank, Perodua collaborate to offer financing facilities PETALING JAYA : Public Bank Bhd and Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd (Perodua) signed a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) for financing facilities to Perodua authorised dealers to provide financial products and services. The collaboration with Perodua will enable Public Bank to interface and facilitate digitalisation via online submissions of hire purchase end-financing applications to the bank including uploading of basic application documents and tracking of application status. Public Bank’s CEO and managing director Tan Sri Dr Tay Ah Lek said at the signing ceremony, “Perodua is also Malaysia’s first and biggest Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) manufacturer. On our part, supporting the growth of the EEV industry is a key pillar of the Bank’s climate agenda, where Public Bank had mobilised over RM30 billion in domestic EEV financing by the end of 2022. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of the EEV industry, Public Bank has increased its EEV lending target from RM25 billion to RM33 billion by 2025.” He added that there was strong synergistic potential where Public Bank and Perodua can continue to work together, in not only growing their respective business, but also contributing positively towards ESG initiatives for the betterment of society and the world. Meanwhile, Perodua president and CEO, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said that the three-pronged deal addresses the need for the current and future Perodua activities. “I hope this collaboration will further elevate our respective organisations to greater heights,” he said. From left: Public Bank HP operations division general manager Wong Man Hoe, deputy CEO Datuk Chang Kat Kiam, Tay, Zainal Abidin, Perodua COO Rozman Jaafar and group CFO Noor Zakiyah Hasan at the MOC signing ceremony.
14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 SUNBIZ READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery: Finance minister B R I E F SSINGAPORE AIRLINES, GARUDA PLAN JV TO LIFT PASSENGER CAPACITY BENGALURU: Singapore Airlines Ltd and Garuda Indonesia plan to enter into a joint venture (JV) to increase passenger capacity between the two countries, the flag carriers said yesterday, as post-Covid tourism in Southeast Asia ramps up. The proposed JV would allow the carriers to potentially synchronise schedules, improving passengers’ connectivity and convenience, and explore new initiatives, including joint fare products and an alignment of corporate programmes, they said. The plan will cover routes between Singapore and Denpasar, Jakarta, and Surabaya, and deepen the existing cooperation between the two carriers. – Reuters SRI LANKA GETS US$350M SPECIAL LOAN FROM ADB COLOMBO: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday approved a US$350 million (RM1.6 billion) special policy-based loan to provide budget support to Sri Lanka for economic stabilisation, the regional lender said in a statement. The programme is part of a broader package of financial assistance anchored by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Fund Facility for the debt-ridden South Asian country, the, ADB said. The island nation, struggling to emerge from its worst financial crisis since independence in 1948, secured a $2.9 billion bailout from the IMF in March but must now have a debt restructuring framework in place by September to take the programme forward. – Reuters Temasek cuts pay of staff over failed FTX investment SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Temasek Holdings said it cut compensation for the team that recommended investing in the now-bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange and for senior management, as they take “collective accountability” for the failed investment. The cuts were disclosed in a statement yesterday, a rare announcement for sovereign funds whose investment decisions and compensations are not public knowledge. The move comes around six months after Temasek initiated an internal review of its investment in FTX, which resulted in a writedown of US$275 million (RM1.26 billion). “Although there was no misconduct by the investment team in reaching their investment recommendation, the investment team and senior management, who are ultimately responsible for investment decisions made, took collective accountability and had their compensation reduced,” Temasek chairman Lim Boon Heng said in a statement posted on Temasek’s website. Temasek did not detail the amount of compensation cut. Zennon Kapron, director of fintech research and consulting firm Kapronasia in Singapore, said the loss suffered by Temasek had oSingapore state fund says team and senior management responsible took ‘collective accountability’ dented its reputation and “it had a responsibility to shareholders and the market to demonstrate that it was taking the matter seriously”. “The cut in investment team compensation was a step in the right direction, yet it remains to be seen if it will be enough to restore confidence,” Kapron added. FTX, founded by Sam BankmanFried, was once one of the most valuable startups in the fastgrowing digital currency sector globally, reaching a valuation of US$32 billion last year after raising US$400 million from investors including SoftBank. Temasek had said its cost of investment in FTX was 0.09% of its net portfolio value of S$403 billion (RM1.37 trillion) as of March 31, 2022, and that it currently had no direct exposure in cryptocurrencies. Temasek also said last year it had conducted “extensive due diligence” on FTX, with its audited Vietnam exports and industrial output fall on weak external demand financial statement then “showed it to be profitable”. “With FTX, as alleged by prosecutors and as admitted by key executives at FTX and its affiliates, there was fraudulent conduct intentionally hidden from investors, including Temasek,” Lim said in the statement yesterday. “Nevertheless, we are disappointed with the outcome of our investment, and the negative impact on our reputation.” Temasek seeks to deliver sustainable returns over the long term by investing into early-stage companies, Lim said. “While there are inherent risks whenever we invest, we believe that we have to invest in new sectors and emerging technologies to understand how these areas may impact the business and financial models of our existing portfolio, and whether they would be drivers of future value in an ever changing world,” he added. – Reuters HANOI: Vietnam’s exports in the first five months of this year fell 11.6% from a year earlier to US$136.17 billion (RM627.2 billion), government data showed yesterday, as weakened external demand weighs on its manufacturing-led economy. Its industrial output in the January-May period fell 2% from a year earlier, the General Statistics Office (GSO) said in a report, adding that average consumer prices in the period rose 3.55% from a year earlier. The latest data underlines a slowdown in economic growth for Vietnam, a key regional manufacturing centre, due largely to subdued global demand. Imports in the first five months of this year fell 17.9% from a year earlier to US$126.37 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$9.8 billion, the GSO said. The sharp imports decline could indicate a further slowdown ahead in industrial production, as businesses reduce procurement of raw materials and equipment. Vietnam is key exporter of electronics, garments and textiles, footwear and wooden items, including for top global brands. Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai earlier in May said the economy would face unfavourable external conditions during 2023. Vietnam is targeting growth of 6.5% this year, slower than the expansion of 8.02% in 2022. Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 3.3% in the first quarter from expansion of 5.9% in the fourth quarter of last year. Oxford Economics said yesterday it had cut its forecast for Vietnam’s 2023 GDP growth to 3.0% from 4.2%. “We think that easing global growth, including a fading recovery momentum in China, mean that the depressing outlook for Vietnam’s exports has further to run, casting clouds over the prospect of any rebound in GDP growth,” it said in a note. Exports in smartphones, Vietnam’s largest export earner, fell 16% in the January-May period to US$21.17 billion, the GSO said. In May, its total exports fell 5.9% from a year earlier, while imports were down 18.4%, the GSO added. – Reuters BANGKOK: Thailand’s economy is on a solid path to recovery and showing resiliency, helped by good revenue collection and a normalisation of its tourism sector, while inflation should come in below 3% this year, its finance minister said yesterday. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy expanded faster than expected in the first quarter of this year due to a revival in its vital tourism sector. The economic recovery has been supported by a comprehensive and timely policy mix of fiscal and monetary policies, which respectively should continue to be implemented proactively and prudently, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told a World Bank forum. While predicting inflation would come in below 3% this year, inside the central bank target range of 1% to 3%, Arkhom said he could not tell whether there would be a reduced need for raising interest rates. “There is still uncertainty over energy prices and US issues,” he told reporters on the sidelines. The central bank is expected to raise its key rate again by a quarter point to 2% tomorrow before holding it steady through 2024, a Reuters poll showed. Arkhom said revenue collection also showed strong signs of recovery in the 2022 fiscal year and was expected to surpass the pre-pandemic level in the 2023 fiscal year. “I’m confident that Thailand is firmly heading towards full recovery and soon return to its vibrant economy,” he added. The finance ministry forecast economic growth of 3.6% this year, after a 2.6% expansion last year. The World Bank in a statement yesterday said Thailand now needed to address growing spending needs, while keeping public debt under control. Thailand’s public debt rose due to the pandemic response, but overall fiscal risks remain manageable, the bank said. – Reuters PwC Australia puts 9 partners on leave, revamps board amid tax leak scandal SYDNEY: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Australia yesterday ordered nine partners to take leave and overhauled its governance board, as it battles a national scandal over the misuse of confidential government tax plans. The “big four” firm is reeling after a former tax partner consulting on new anti-tax avoidance laws shared confidential drafts with colleagues that were then used to drum up business. In an open letter, acting chief executive Kristin Stubbins said she wanted to apologise on behalf of the firm for “sharing confidential government tax policy information”, and said nine partners had been directed to take leave. “We know enough about what went wrong to acknowledge that this situation was completely unacceptable. No amount of words can make it right,” she said. The Australian Treasury referred the matter to police for a criminal investigation last week. PwC agreed to stand down from government work any implicated staff a day later. Ahead of parliamentary hearings this week expected to focus on the scandal, the firm said the chair of its Governance Board and the head of its risk committee will also step down, and two independent directors were set to join the board. The firm also announced plans to ring-fence its lucrative government contracting business from other parts of the firm as it tries to head off calls for a total ban on government contracts. The business will have a separate board. “It is now clear that when we learned of the confidentiality breach and related issues we failed to conduct an appropriate root cause investigation,” Stubbins said in the statement. “That was the result of a failure of leadership and governance.” The heart of the issue is that a then-partner on tax at PwC shared confidential information with colleagues while advising the government on new rules to crack down on tax minimisation by multinational companies. Hundreds of partially redacted emails between dozens of unnamed PwC staff from 2014 to 2017 presented in parliament this month showed how confidential drafts of the new rules were used to win work with US technology companies, among others. PwC said yesterday staff in Australia and overseas had received confidential information, but it would not release the names of all staff included in the emails because the vast majority were not knowingly involved in any confidentiality breach. No clients were involved in any wrongdoing and no confidential information had been used to help clients pay less tax, the firm said.– Reuters Employees work in a factory making protective face masks in Vietnam’s Thai Nguyen province. Latest data underlines a slowdown in economic growth for Vietnam, a key regional manufacturing centre, due largely to subdued global demand.– AFPPIC
3 0 M A Y 2 0 2 3 T U E S D A Y U Coping with the heatwave NDENIABLY, Malaysia has experienced a noticeable rise in temperatures over the past few days, leaving no doubt that we are currently in the midst of a heatwave. This scorching weather phenomenon brings with it intense heat and may be accompanied by high levels of humidity. Given how severe the heatwave is, it is crucial that we are prepared with practical methods for coping with such extreme weather. In this article, we will explore practical tips and tricks that can help us combat the challenges posed by the ongoing heatwave. Dealing with extreme heat can be both physically and mentally draining, but with the right approach and preparation, we can minimize its impact and create a comfortable and safe environment for ourselves. So, let’s join forces and tackle this heatwave head-on! 0 Stay Hydrated: Water, water everywhere! When the mercury rises, it’s crucial to keep yourself well-hydrated. The key to surviving a heatwave is to stay hydrated. Make water your new best friend! Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go and drink regularly throughout the day, even if you aren’t thirsty. Remember, by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages as they can actually dehydrate you further. Stick to good old H2O. If you find plain water a bit boring, you can infuse it with slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint for a refreshing twist. Another suggestion is to eat hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges, which not only quench your thirst but also provide essential nutrients. 0 Dress Smart: Light and loose is the way to go When the sun is blazing, it’s time to rethink your wardrobe. Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. These fabrics allow air to circulate around your body, helping to keep you cool and sweat-free. Dark colors tend to absorb heat, so choose lighter shades that reflect sunlight. High temperatures can put strain on our bodies, leading to various heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. – 123RF oIt’s scorching hot out there, isn’t it? Well here’s some ways you can try to deal with the rising temperatures █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Always keep yourself hydrated all the time. – 123RF Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using an umbrella can provide much-needed shade and protect your face and head from direct sunlight. Don’t forget to put on some sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. The combination of protective clothing, shade, and sunscreen will help you stay comfortable and safeguard your skin during scorching days. 0 Beat the heat indoors Sometimes, the best way to handle a heatwave is to retreat indoors and enjoy the cool comfort of your home. Air Conditioning: If you have access to an air conditioner, lucky you! Set it to a comfortable temperature and let the cool air Be sure to stay safe and protected from the hot weather facing us today. – 123RF Coping with a heatwave directly influences our quality of life. – 123RF work its magic. If you don’t have an AC, don’t worry, there are still ways to keep cool. Fans and Cross Ventilation: Electric fans can be a lifesaver during a heatwave. Position them strategically to create a cross breeze and improve airflow in your living space. Open windows and doors on opposite sides of your house to let fresh air circulate. You can even hang a damp sheet in front of an open window to create a natural air conditioner effect. Curtains and Blinds: Keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun’s heat. You can also use reflective window film or invest in blackout curtains to reduce heat transfer. 0 Take care of yourself It is imperative that you pay attention to your body and put your own needs first during a heatwave. The following are some additional considerations to keep in mind: Rest and Recharge: Extreme heat can be exhausting, so make sure you get enough rest. Take breaks when needed and find a cool spot to relax and rejuvenate. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard. Watch for Warning Signs: Heatrelated illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke are no joke. Be aware of the symptoms, including dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and confusion. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. 0 Conclusion That’s it, a quick guide to dealing with a heatwave! You can beat the heat and stay comfortable even on the hottest summer days by staying hydrated, dressing smartly, creating a cool indoor haven, being mindful and taking care of yourself. Remember that staying cool is important for your health and wellbeing as well as comfort. So, embrace the summer heat with confidence and enjoy the sun responsibly!
16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 Heartfelt tribute to legend POP DIVA Beyoncé delivered a deeply heartfelt tribute to Tina Turner last Friday during her Renaissance concert stop in Paris. In a poignant pause amidst her performance, the iconic superstar took a moment to reflect on the immense influence and gratitude she felt towards the late singer. Beyonce openly acknowledged that her very presence on that stage was testament to the legacy left by the late Tina Turner. The American-Swiss star sadly passed away at the age of 83 in her home in Switzerland. “If you’re a fan of mine, you’re a fan of Tina Turner cause I wouldn’t be on this stage without Tina Turner. So I want you guys to just scream so she can feel your love. I feel so blessed that I was alive to witness her brilliance,” Beyonce told the crowd. Prior to the concert, Beyoncé expressed her heartfelt remembrance of Turner on her website. In her message, she conveyed deep gratitude for Turner’s inspiration and the path she had paved. Recognising Turner as a symbol of strength and resilience, Beyoncé acknowledged her as the embodiment of power and passion. The affection between Beyoncé and Turner has been evident throughout the years, as they have publicly showered each other with love and admiration. Their mutual appreciation culminated in a memorable collaboration at the 50th annual Grammy Awards in 2008, where they delivered a high-energy performance of Proud Mary, leaving audiences captivated by their undeniable chemistry and talent. With a great career over six decades, Turner garnered tremendous recognition and accolades. Her remarkable talent earned her eight Grammy Awards in Beyoncé had a close relationship with the late icon. – INSTAGRAM oBeyoncé acknowledges the influence of the late Tina Turner in her own career Beyoncé and Turner at the 2008 Grammys. – AFP competitive categories, solidifying her status as a musical icon. Additionally, she has been honoured with stars on both the illustrious Hollywood Walk of Fame and the prestigious St Louis Walk of Fame, further cementing her place in entertainment history. Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, which commenced earlier this month, marks a significant milestone for the superstar. It is her first solo concert outing in seven years, and fans eagerly await her powerful performances, as she continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry. – by Thashine Selvakumaran Khloe feeling ‘guilty’ over son’s surrogacy THOUGH surrogacy is an option for many facing problems with natural childbirth, there are downsides to it, like what Khloe Kardashian recently revealed in the premiere of The Kardashians’ third season. After welcoming her second baby, the Good American co-founder has apparently been struggling with her difficulty bonding with the now nine-month-old Tatum. More specifically, Khloe has been grappling with guilt for using a surrogate. In a confessional with sister Kim and Scott Disick, Khloe admitted that she was in a “state of shock from the entire experience”, and that she “buried [her] head in the sand during the pregnancy.” “When I went to the hospital, that was the first time it really registered, and it has nothing to do with the baby,” she said. Khloe explained that she felt guilty, because after the surrogate had delivered the baby, she arrived and took the baby to another room, and they were separated. She further called it a “transactional experience”. “I wish someone was honest about surrogacy and the difference of it,“ she continues, further saying that it’s not bad, but just “very different”. In the same episode, Khloe also admitted that she felt “less connected” to her newborn son than she did with True, her daughter, whom she carried to term. Khloe with her two children, True and Tatum. – INSTAGRAM Mermaid flounders in China DISNEY’S live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has recently concluded its opening weekend, showcasing a noteworthy performance across various territories. However, the film’s box office results indicate a struggle in China, one of the largest markets for Hollywood productions. The Little Mermaid only managed to earn a meagre US$2.63 million (RM12.1 milllion), making it Disney’s lowest-earning release in China in 2023. In comparison, other Disneylinked films under the Marvel brand like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earned significantly higher amounts during their opening weekends. Despite facing a decline in audience attendance in China, The Little Mermaid enjoyed a successful opening weekend in other regions, grossing an impressive US$118 million (RM542.6 million) in the United States. This resulted in a worldwide total of US$185.8 million (RM854.3 million). The film’s struggle in China raises questions about its appeal to Chinese audiences and highlights the evolving landscape for Hollywood films in the country. While the movie thrived in some markets, its disappointing performance in China is a significant factor to consider. – by Hazique Zairill Despite struggling in China, the film is a hit elsewhere. – DISNEY She also compared herself to her sister Kim, who also had a child through surrogacy. “Kim said hers was easy, and this is not easy,” she said, which came after Kim claimed it’s easier for some people to connect with babies after surrogacy than others. Kim had said: “I do think there is a difference when your baby is in your belly, the baby actually feels your real heart. “Think about it. There’s no one else on this planet that will feel you from the inside like that, your heart.” – by Mark Mathen Victor SHINee has big plans for 2023 THIS year is going to be jam-packed for Shawols (SHINee’s official fan club), as there are big things planned for the rest of the year. May 22, 2023 marked the group’s 15thanniversary fan meeting in Seoul which was live-streamed through Beyond LIVE. The fan meeting was an event worth noting because it was SHINee’s first full group activity in over two years, taking place right after Taemin was discharged from the military. Moments before performing their stillunreleased song The Feeling, the group thrilled fans with Taemin announcing news of the group’s activities for the months ahead. Taemin declared: “This year will be SHINee is set to make their big comeback. – TWITTER SHINee’s year,” as he reveals the group’s upcoming comeback in June won’t be the only one they’ll be having this year. He added: “Our fan meeting is ending, but there’s still our comeback. Also, please be fully prepared for just how many comebacks there will be.” he also announced that SHINee would be holding a consecutive three-night concert at Seoul’s KSPO Dome next month, from June 23-25. SHINee is has been one of South Korea’s most popular boy groups, ever since they debuted back in 2008. Despite the many years that have passed, their career is still consistent and flourishing under the loving eyes of their fans and the general public. They debuted with Replay which left a satisfying impression on everyone, before continuing with Love Like Oxygen which bagged them their first music show win. Since then, they’ve had a lot of hits which include Ring Ding Dong, Sherlock, and View. – by Yasmin Zulraez
17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 Travelling through dystopia BLACK KNIGHT, directed by Cho Ui-seok, is a six-episode series based on a webtoon by creator Lee YunGyun. This adaptation is set in a futuristic and oppressive version of Korea in the year 2071. In this new world, the fate of humanity rests upon the shoulders of a delivery man who transports oxygen amidst severe air pollution. The storyline primarily revolves around a group of former refugees turned deliverymen who rebel against a merciless entity controlling the oxygen supply. During a recent virtual press conference, Director Cho and the cast members, including Kim Woo-bin, Song Seng-heon, Esom, and Kang You-seok, revealed additional insights about the show. Director Cho explained that the series title represents the deliverymen who serve as oxygen providers by day, but transform into a clandestine task force by night. These individuals safeguard and distribute essential resources to fellow refugees. Director Cho has directed a few successful movies, but Black Knight marks his first venture into a series. He expressed his admiration for the universe created in the webtoon, and particularly enjoyed the storyline’s setups. Collaborating with the original creator, they incorporated significant elements from the webtoon into the screenplay, with the writer being receptive to these changes. Fortunately, they were able to bring the show to life. The cast members were all intrigued when they first read the oThe cast of Black Knight shed some light on the series in a virtual press conference █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Kim Woo-bin stars as a refugee turned delivery driver in Black Knight. Veteran actor Song Seng-heon does a great job potraying villain Ryu Seok. Esom unites with Woo-bin in Black Knight after 12 years. Actor Kang You-seok first gained attention for his role in Light On Me. First Look: The Wheel Of Time Season 2 PRIME Video recently released first-look images from the second season of The Wheel of Time. Season Two of the Amazon Original series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world on September 1. Viewers can catch up on the first season of The Wheel of Time on Prime Video. Based on the best-selling Robert Jordan fantasy series, a humble farm boy, Rand al’Thor, learns he is The Dragon Reborn – a dangerous figure from history destined to save the world … or break it. Desperate to protect him from the Dark One, an army of powerful sorceresses must reckon with his burgeoning power and encroaching madness. The Wheel of Time turns, and the Last Battle approaches. Though Rand thought he destroyed the Dark One, evil is not gone from the world. In Season Two, threats new and very old seek out the young friends from the Two Rivers, now scattered over the world. The woman who found and guided them is now powerless, and so they must find other sources of strength. In each other, or themselves. In the Light ... or the Dark. The Wheel of Time also stars Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred, Daniel Henney as Lan Mandragoran, Zoë Robins as Nynaeve al’Meara, and Ceara Coveney as Elayne Trakand. The series is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television. script. This series serves as Kim Woobin’s inaugural leading role since Our Blues. He portrays 5-8, an elite delivery driver who lives a double life alongside 10 other refugees aspiring to create a peaceful world free from Cheonmyeong, a cruel omnipotent entity that controls the oxygen supply. Kim mentioned his previous experience working with the director, which has instilled complete trust in him. He emphasised the significance of maintaining a stable mindset during filming. He explained in any project he undertakes, he always delve into understanding why his character thinks and behaves in a certain way. The same applied to this project, especially when portraying 5-8, who was born as a refugee. He constantly made sure to remind himself of the hardships [his character] has endured. For seasoned actor Song Sengheon, he takes on the role of the villainous character Ryu Seok. Song revealed that during the scriptwriting phase, Director Cho engaged in discussions with him about the show’s worldview and the events unfolding in a decertified Seoul. He expressed his enthusiasm for the project and expressed his desire to be a part of it if there was a suitable role. Kang You-seok portrays the character of Sa-wol, a spirited and lively refugee boy who aspires to become a deliveryman like 5-8. During the audition process, Kang focused on embodying Sa-wol as authentically as possible, rather than being concerned about which side of the character he wanted to showcase. Director Cho commented that Kang initially appeared calm during their conversations but transformed into an entirely different person once the cameras started rolling. “After a couple meetings and talks, I heard how he approached the character and I thought he would be a perfect fit,” Director Cho stated. Esom mentioned that her character Seol-ah is a brave and charismatic and she worked hard for the series. When inquired about what fans can anticipate, Esom said they can look forward to an exciting experience with her. She has been actively involved in numerous action scenes and has extensive experience working with guns. She aimed to project a strong and capable image, portraying characters who are skilled in handling firearms. She added that she wants to leave an impression on viewers that she is someone who possesses a solid understanding of gun handling, showcasing confidence and expertise in her performance. Kim expressed his excitement about fans being able to witness a new side of Esom. Having worked with her as his debut project partner, he recalled how she had transformed from the cheerful and bubbly girl he had known before. Today, Esom exuded a captivating charisma, emanating a strong and determined energy. Kim happily admitted that he was pleasantly surprised by this transformation and thoroughly enjoyed working alongside her, appreciating the great time they had together on set. When asked about the atmosphere on set, both Kim and Esom mentioned Song’s efforts to create a relaxed environment. They praised his great sense of humour. Esom jokingly remarked that his jokes were not the type that immediately strike you as hilarious, but upon reflection, they were truly funny. However, Song defended himself, stating that he did not consider himself particularly humorous. It was likely the perception created by his on-set persona that made people think he was genuinely funny. Director Cho also addressed the comparisons made by audiences to the film Mad Max after watching the trailer. He assured everyone that while there might be scenes reminiscent of Mad Max, the series itself was distinct. He emphasised that the plot differed significantly from Mad Max and encouraged viewers to watch it themselves to fully understand its uniqueness. Black Knight is available to stream on Netflix. Black Knight is a six-episode science fiction series. – ALL PIX BY NETFLIX
18 BEAUTY theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 Bridgerton-inspired manicure craze WHAT manicure to choose this summer? Nail trends land thick and fast on social networks, with themes as diverse as gothic inspirations to eccentric styles and romantic aesthetics. In recent months, top trends have included knitted nail art, colourful swirl nails, and more recently, the more controversial duck nails, brought back into the spotlight by the singer Lizzo. But today, it’s a more poetic inspiration that seems to be popular on TikTok, in the form of coquette nails , inspired by the hit TV show Bridgerton. In other words, it’s all about romance, 19th-century aesthetics, and refinement, in the same vein as the coquette makeup trend – a veritable ode to romance – which is also a hit on the Chinese social network. A romantic theme After the comfort of lockdown, then the eccentricity of the return to normal life, now comes a craze for a much more feminine aesthetic that goes by the name of ‘coquette.’ The term already has no less than nine billion views on the Chinese social network, covering fashion, oCoquette nails use ‘girly’ colours and decorations, such as bows, beads, or flowers beauty and interior decoration, and with many derivatives, such as ‘coquette aesthetic’ (two billion views), ‘coquette-core’ (405 million views), ‘coquette makeup’ (160 million views), and now ‘coquette nails’ (42 million views). These hashtags are filled with clothes, makeup, decorative objects, and accessories tinged with a certain romanticism, seemingly straight out of the world of Bridgerton. And coquette nails are no exception, translating this aesthetic into playful and creative manicures. Forget bright or dark colours, as coquette nails often focus on pastel shades, in particular pink, or even sheer or clear nail varnishes. The idea is to embrace shades that could be called ‘girly,‘ but which are also delicate, and in keeping with the spirit of spring. But the inspiration does not stop there. It is also about loading up on ornaments and embellishments of romantic inspiration, from stickers to beads and pearls through sequins, rhinestones, and other nail jewellery (bows, flowers, hearts, stars, lips, etc.). On TikTok, videos on the trend count in the hundreds, and showcase manicures each more creative – and poetic – than the next. The return of a more girly style More generally, girly aesthetics have been on the rise for several months. This was first seen with Barbiecore, which became one of the main trends of 2022, and more recently with dollcore, an ode to dolls from Japanese culture, rom-com core, inspired by the romantic comedies of the 2000s, and mermaidcore, channelling sea sirens. – ETX Studio Fashion with a wave of fishnet and shells FASHION trends come thick and fast these days, but there’s no denying that “mermaidcore” is now taking root as a major aesthetic of the summer. This is being fueled by the upcoming release of the highly anticipated live-action remake of Disney’s The Little Mermaid – released just last week – which is fostering interest in this aquatic look. From the catwalks to social media through red carpets, shells and fishnets are already everywhere! The fashion industry is currently going wild for the mermaid look, borrowed straight from Hans Christian Andersen’s tale. But it’s the live-action movie adaptation, starring the American actress Halle Bailey, that has recently given rise to an unprecedented craze for the most emblematic outfits of Disney’s deep sea princess, Little Mermaid. Think seashells galore – whether on belts, jewellery, or shoes – but also fishnet, iridescent colours, fishtail dresses, and wet-look hair and makeup. Nearly 200 million views Fear not, as mermaidcore doesn’t mean riding the subway wearing a fishtail instead of a skirt or pants. It instead involves embracing aquatic references. Shells – in jewellery, in patterns or in embroidered form – are the real stars of this fashionable aesthetic, landing on clothes, necklaces, anklets and other accessories. Fishnet material has also made a comeback to the catwalks, as have sequins and other sparkles, while ocean-inspired colours, including blue and iridescent shades, are everywhere. On social networks, and especially TikTok, the mermaidcore aesthetic is already making waves. In fashion, mermaidcore brings a wave of fishnet, fishtail dresses, iridescent shades and seashell accessories. – GETTY The hashtag already has nearly 200 million views, taking into account its (very) numerous derivatives such as # m e r m a i d c o r e a e s t h e t i c , # m e r m a i d c o r e f a s h i o n , # m e r m a i d c o r e j e w e l r y , #mermaidcorestyle, or #mermaidcoretrend, to name just a few. More than a simple trend, it’s a real phenomenon that has already conquered luxury houses, designers, influencers, and some of the world’s biggest celebrities, who are embracing this new must-have inspiration with style, and sometimes with a good dose of humour. Jennifer Lopez, in the midst of promoting the movie The Mother, is among the latest celebrities to have adopted the mermaidcore look, and she’s by no means the only one. Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian If the trend has already been going strong for several months, it’s because it is proving popular among, and being promoted by, a host of designers and public figures. These include Lopez, but also the springsummer 2023 fashion show of designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin, directly inspired by the wardrobe of the legendary Disney character, but with a more sensual, if not to say ultra sexy, slant. But that’s not all, since a host of aquatic references have been spotted on the catwalk, from kitsch shell-shaped bras to iridescent shades through the inevitable long mermaid-like fishtail gowns. Dua Lipa seems to be particularly strong on the subject. Through underwear, references to the marine world, glittering makeup, and especially fishnet, the young star has gone all out with references to the cult look of the Disney princess. A trend also tried and tested – although with more moderation – by Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Chiara Ferragni and Hailey Bieber. And that’s not surprising, since the trend has invaded the catwalks, from David Koma to Blumarine through Versace, and even extends to the beauty industry. The return of the wet look Fashion is not the only sector to have embraced the mermaidcore trend. Jewellery makers have released all kinds of mermaid-inspired pieces, while makeup artists and hair stylists seem to swear by the wet look, as well as all manner of iridescent eye shadows. But the strongest inspiration – star of social media from fall 2022 – is undoubtedly “laminated skin.” This beauty look emulates wet skin, sometimes even as if it’s dripping in sweat, like after a workout – or a session between the sheets – again giving rise to a wet look that nods to the Disney character. – ETX Studio
19 FOOD theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 to over 10 items for pick-up and delivery. Having worked in various countries for more than two decades, it had always been his ultimate dream to open his own establishment. The 37-year-old chef highlighted the competitive advantage of their relatively unknown Western barbecue concept in Klang. Additionally, he emphasised their commitment to cooking all food fresh to order, using highquality ingredients. As the sole chef, Yuvan’s diverse culinary background undoubtedly serves as their primary strength. He stated: “I can create on-the-spot specials and customise dishes based on customers’ preferences.” In addition to their flavourful meals, the cafe offers an extensive selection of both coffee and non-coffee beverages. As we entered the inviting ambiance, our anticipation grew, knowing that we were about to embark on a gastronomic journey. The restaurant’s attentive staff warmly greeted us, and soon, an array of tantalizing dishes began to grace our table. From aromatic appetizers to delectable main courses, the menu seemed to hold endless promises. We tried seven of their dishes including Cajun grilled chicken chop, fish and chips, fish cutlet, chilli mussels with sourdough garlic, smoked duck Aglio Olio pasta with confit tomatoes, and smoked-braised lamb shank with a silk smooth garlic mashed potatoes. The succulent chicken chop was perfectly grilled, boasting a tantalising smoky flavour that had us craving for more. Each tender bite was a testament to the chef’s expertise, leaving us in awe of how wonderfully flavourful and juicy the dish was. As someone who loves chicken, this was heaven for me. Definitely my favourite dish from the menu. As for the fish and chips, while it didn’t blow me away, it was a solid rendition of the classic dish. The fish was crispy and flaky, and the chips were golden and satisfying, making it a decent and well-executed meal. I ventured into trying the fish cutlet at the restaurant and was pleasantly surprised by the unconventional choice of mackerel as the filling. The flavourful combination left me thoroughly impressed, as the mackerel added a unique twist. While I skipped the mussels and bread, I couldn’t help but notice the delight on my colleagues’ faces as they relished those particular delicacies, confirming their appeal to the seafood enthusiasts among us. Moving on, intrigued by the renowned Aglio Olio, I opted to enjoy the flavourful pasta sans the duck. Though I didn’t indulge in the complete dish, my colleagues loved the harmonious combination of the pasta and succulent duck. Amidst the tempting allure of the smokedbraised lamb shank, the restaurant’s most sought-after delicacy, I couldn’t resist trying it myself. True to its reputation, the lamb shank surpassed expectations, impressing me with its smoky flavours and tender texture. However, my unwavering love for grilled chicken remained unchanged, reaffirming my personal preference even in the face of culinary excellence. As our meal progressed, it became evident that the restaurant’s beverage selection was equally remarkable. Each person at the table savoured their chosen drink with delight, while I found myself particularly enamoured by my rich and indulgent chocolate beverage, relishing every sip and finding it to be the perfect complement to the memorable dining experience. When discussing Skinnylegs Barbeque’s short and long-term goals, Yuvan expressed a desire to expand their customer base at the current outlet through appropriate investments and collaborations with partners. Additionally, he expressed aspirations to establish a fine dining BBQ grill with a chef’s table concept and to franchise Skinnylegs Barbecue in other cities. Considering the challenging landscape for cafes and restaurants following the pandemic, we inquired about Yuvan’s conviction in opening the restaurant. He explained: “The encouraging support we received from customers during our initial home-based operations fuelled our determination. In 2022, when movement restrictions were lifted, we noticed a decline in take-away orders and a preference for dining in.” Yuvan further noted: “We were fortunate to have well-wishers who supported our decision to offer dine-in services. Recognising the confidence people had in us, we were determined to make this venture succeed at all costs.” Yuvan advised aspiring restaurant owners to prepare for long hours and hard work, emphasizing the importance of having the right people to manage the establishment. He took the opportunity to express gratitude to his wife, Pravina Nair, for her unwavering support since the beginning and her excellent management of the hospitality service industry since 2011. This hidden restaurant deserves more recognition, and I can’t wait to go back! Skinnylegs Barbeque Address: 39, Jalan Raya Barat, Kawasan 1, 41100 Klang, Selangor Operation hours : Tuesdays - Sundays - 11.30am-2pm , 5.30pm-9pm (last call) WE seek a satisfying and comforting meal when spending quality time with loved ones. Western cuisine is popular among Malaysians, becoming a cherished component of the local food culture. After visiting Skinnylegs Barbeque, theSun can affirm that this establishment is one of the best places to indulge in it. Skinnylegs Barbeque offers a leisurely and laid-back atmosphere, along with delectable dishes that provide a soothing experience for the palate. It’s time to express our appreciation for their exceptional offerings. Yuvan Vydelingum, a Mauritian national now based in Malaysia, embarked on his culinary journey at age 17 in his home country. Seeking broader horizons, he relocated to Perth, Australia at 21 to pursue further studies and gain exposure to the international culinary scene. Over a span of four years, Yuvan honed his skills by working in diverse establishments, including pubs, bistros, convention centres, and fine dining venues, amassing valuable experience along the way. In 2011, he made Malaysia his new home and contributed his expertise to several renowned companies. Prior to settling in Malaysia permanently, Yuvan had the privilege of a twoyear contract with renowned Michelin restaurateur, Chef David Myres, at Bleu Blanc in Renaissance Downtown Dubai. Yuvan considers himself fortunate to have returned to Malaysia just before the implementation of the MCO (Movement Control Order) in March 2019. Yuvan revealed that the concept of Skinnylegs Barbeque was born out of the circ*mstances surrounding the MCO. With restrictions on travel and the inability to work in Kuala Lumpur due to work permit limitations, he decided to start a home-based food business by purchasing a custom-made BBQ pit set. This coincided with the surge in demand for food delivery services during the MCO period. The initial menu item, Cajun whole grilled chicken, quickly gained popularity and remains one of Skinneylegs’ top-selling dishes. However, procuring raw materials posed a significant challenge during the MCO. Yuvan explained that they had to endure long queues of nearly two hours to obtain fresh chicken due to restricted access to supermarkets and wet markets. Additionally, marketing their food and ensuring its availability became difficult due to limited transportation options and a shortage of drivers. Despite these hurdles, Skinnylegs received tremendous support, particularly from family and friends, which proved to be a motivating factor. Yuvan mentioned that word-of-mouth recommendations played a crucial role, leading to an influx of requests to expand their menu within the first month of operation. Reflecting on the first four months of operations, Yuvan expressed his joy at witnessing Skinnylegs Barbeque’s menu expand A Mauritian’s secret touch oThis hidden culinary gem proves itself to be truly worthy of recognition Yuvan Vydelingum, owner of Skinnylegs Barbeque. – ALL PIX BY ADIB RAWI YAHYA Their beverages are pleasingly delicious, offering a satisfying taste experience. Skinnylegs Barbeque serves a range of tasty dishes. █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Their Cajun grilled chicken is a must-try, delivering a flavorful experience worth savoring.
20 TECH theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME AS this year’s E3 video games convention has been officially cancelled – and possibly, for the foreseeable future – gaming companies are looking towards creating their own “conventions” for games and video game consoles. The recent PlayStation Showcase 2023 that was held on May 25 is one such event, revealing a slew of games that are going to be released this year on PlayStation consoles (and platforms from other companies). Disappointingly, this year’s showcase did a miserable job at demonstrating the future PS5 exclusives Sony has lined up beyond the two titles players already know about (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy XVI). With around 30 games showcased, here are what anticipation is largely focused on. Assassin’s Creed Mirage Ever since 2017’s Assassin’s Creed Origins shifted the direction of the franchise from an action stealth game to an action RPG, longtime fans have been screaming for a return to gameplay in the older games. Mirage, releasing on Oct 12, will answer their call by once again focusing on stealth as much as the close-quarters combat. Returning to a linear game set in Baghdad, the game will be focused on a new character, Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief that is brought into the fold of the Hidden Ones, the organisation that would later become the Assassin Brotherhood. Dragon’s Dogma 2 Developed on the RE Engine, the sequel to Capcom’s cult favourite action RPG was revealed last year, but not much was known. This first trailer simultaneously shows a lot and not much at the same time, but it does confirm one thing; the game looks good, if not better than the original. The game also looks like it will be a sort of “more complete” version of the first game, as content that was cut from that game seem to be a main part of this game, such as the fantasy races. Dragon’s Dogma 2 will be available on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Alan Wake 2 The sequel to 2010 survival horror game, the game will once again focus on horror writer Alan Wake, and new second playable character, Saga Anderson. Anderson, a renowned FBI agent known for solving impossible cases, is tasked with investigating the ritualistic murders in a small town, when all clues begin pointing towards Wake, the writer that went missing over a decade before this sequel begins. After a certain point in the game, players will be able to play as either Anderson or Wake in their respective stories in any order through the dark, hellish world. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater The one game that people are both anticipating, as well as dreading. Despite being over two minutes long, the remake announcement clip did not contain actual gameplay or ingame cutscenes. It was more of a CGI ‘proof of concept’, with a brief shot of lead character Big Boss stepping out of the shadows. Very obviously missing the “A Hideo Kojima Game” tagline due to the original creator not being involved – or attached to Konami –the official Metal Gear account on Twitter claims that the remake will “faithfully reproduce the story and game design” of the original MGS3, while “adding new elements”. It is also worth noting that the “triangle” used in the title is the Greek symbol for “delta”, which when used in mathematics, is used to signify change. No further details – such as the development team, voice actors, or potential release date – were revealed. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 An extended gameplay has been revealed for the upcoming game, along with the official introduction of Kraven the Hunter, who seems to be the primary antagonist in the game. Kicking off his Great Hunt, both New York’s existing rogues’ gallery of supervillains and its two Spider-Men will be Kraven’s target as he searches for his “equal”. In the 12-minute long gameplay, Kraven and his faction of hunters we seen hunting Dr. Curt Connors who is currently in his lizard form. Though we still haven’t seen Venom after the initial reveal, the gameplay features Peter Parker’s Spider-Man rocking the iconic Symbiote suit (and nasty behaviour). First fighting Kraven’s goons, the gameplay shows Parker utilising new moves using the symbiote powers, before it seamlessly switches to controlling Miles Morales’ SpiderMan. Gliding for faster traversal is also introduced. The duo work in tandem to stop Kraven from hunting Connors while evading the raging Lizard, before the gameplay ends, ominously hinting at an inevitable fight between Parker and Morales due to the Symbiote corrupting the former. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will release this fall. oHighlights from the recent PlayStation Showcase █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR The classic one-hit kill stabs return in Assassin’s Creed Mirage. – UBISOFT Alan Wake 2 will scratch the itch for survival horror games that are lacking this year. – EPIC GAMES PUBLISHING It is currently unknown if David Hayter will reprise his voice role in MGSD. – KONAMI Miles Morales (left) is the perfect foil to Peter Parker in the game. – SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will feature two Spider-Men, who each have completely different playstyles. – SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT On top of his more brutal fighting, Parker is also shown to be ruder and cavalier about others due to the symbiote. – SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT PlayStation drums up hype for new releases
21 * SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 ARGENTINA’S Emiliano Grillo birdied the second playoff hole to defeat American Adam Schenk yesterday to win the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge for his first triumph in eight years. The 30-year-old South American fired a 2-under 68 and despite a closing double bogey finished level with Schenk on 8-under 272 for 72 holes at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. After both parred 18 to begin the playoff, they went to the par3 16th and Grillo’s tee shot landed just inside five feet. Schenk, seeking his first PGA title, missed the green but chipped within three feet only for Grillo to make his putt for the long-sought title. “It has been such a ride,” Grillo said. “It makes me think of where I am coming from. It makes me think of my family… They say the second is harder than the first. It definitely was. “I’m on top of the world right now. Hopefully I can stay there for at least one more week.” Grillo won his only prior PGA title at the 2015 Frys.com Open, beating American Kevin Na with a birdie on the second playoff hole in his debut as a PGA member. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who made a hole-in-one in shooting 67, shared third on 273 with England’s Harry Hall, who shot 73 after a bogey on 18 to miss the playoff. “Winning on the PGA Tour is a lot closer than I thought it was,” Hall said. “Coming down the stretch there you don’t need amazing golf to get it done.” Grillo, who had four birdies and two bogeys in the first seven holes, made a 17-foot birdie putt at the 12th and curled in a birdie putt from just inside 20 feet at the par-3 16th, little knowing he’d win with another birdie on the same hole after a double bogey at 18. “I made a double on 18 and honestly I didn’t care,” Grillo said. “I’d have liked to get it on the 72nd but I closed with some great swings at 18 and two great birdies at 16.” – AFP IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AUO CRYSTAL (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. 201001033519 (917442-H) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the FINAL MEETING of the abovenamed Company will be convened and held at 48 Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/15, Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen 2, 75200 Melaka on 1st day of July, 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes :- 1. To lay before the Meeting, the Accounts of the winding-up of the Company by the Liquidator for adoption and or giving any explanation thereof; 2. To resolve under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, that the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator thereof, be destroyed after the expiration of three months from the date of the Final Meeting. Dated this 30th day of May 2023 Ow Pee Juan Liquidator 48 Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/15 Taman Kota Laksamana Seksyen 2, 75200 Melaka IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 and IN THE MATTER OF KOK TACK CHEE SDN. BHD. Registration No. 199101007779 (218091-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At a General Meeting of the Company duly convened and held at Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64, Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan on Wednesday, 24 May 2023, the following special resolutions were duly passed: - 1. That, the Company will be liquidated by way of Members’ Voluntary Winding Up. 2. That, Ms. Lam Lee San and Ms. Lee Yee Ching both of Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd.,Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64, Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan be appointed as Joint and Several Liquidators to act for the purpose of winding-up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets. 3. That, the said Liquidators be authorised to divide amongst the members in specie or kind, the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and may, for such purpose, set such value as they deem fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the members. Dr. Kok Tack Chee Director Dated this 30th day of May, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 and IN THE MATTER OF KOK TACK CHEE SDN. BHD. Registration No. 199101007779 (218091-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the above Company are required to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any), to the undersigned (the Liquidators of the said Company) at the belowmentioned address by 5.00 p.m. on 30th day of June, 2023:- c/o Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd. Reg. No. 200201033104 (600769-D) Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21 Damansara Jaya 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan The creditors (either through their solicitors or personally) who do not file their debts and claims on or before the specified date and time above will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made. Lam Lee San(f) Lee Yee Ching(f) Liquidators Dated this 30th day of May, 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices AKTA INSOLVENSI 1967 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. PA-29NCC-15-01/2023 Per: OOI SOK KIN (No. K/P: 800220-07-5166) …Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-parte: HONG LEONG ISLAMIC BANK BERHAD [NO. SYARIKAT: 200501009144 (686191-W)] ...Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS (Dalam Perkara mengenai Notis Kebankrapan dikeluarkan pada 13- 01-2023) Kepada: OOI SOK KIN No. A-6-10, Seaview Tower, Jalan Harbour Place, 12100 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Pulau Pinang ini oleh Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad [No. Syarikat: 200501009144 (686191-W)] yang beralamat di Pungutan KonsumerOperasi Undang-undang, Level 2, Tower A, PJ City Development, 15A, Jalan 219, Section 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan tersebut diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan satu salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta dengan satu salinan Perintah yang dibuat di sini di Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Pulau Pinang, di premis alamat terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman di No. A-6-10, Seaview Tower, Jalan Harbour Place, 12100 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang dan dengan mengiklankan satu Notis sekali di mana-mana suratkhabar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris iaitu The Sun untuk satu terbitan dan penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut disifatkan baik dan memadai bagi penyampaian Notis Kebankrapan terhadap Penghutang Penghakiman tersebut selepas tamat tempoh empat belas (14) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut. Notis Kebankrapan boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan di Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 09 Mei 2023 t.t …...………………… SITI ZULAIKHA BINTI NORDIN @ GHANI Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Georgetown Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Murad & Foo yang beralamat di Suite 10.01, Tingkat 10, MWE Plaza, No. 8, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Pulau Pinang Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman tersebut di atas. [Ruj: TLN/HLBB/F.316/2017(BN)/ina] Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Murad & Foo yang beralamat di Suite 10.01, Tingkat 10, MWE Plaza, No. 8, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Pulau Pinang Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman tersebut di atas. [Ruj: TLN/HLBB/F.133/2020(BN)/ina] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO. BA-28NCC-223-05/2023 In the matter of Sections 465(1)(e) & (h) and 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of CATONIC FABRICATORS SDN BHD (Company No. 201001033972 / 917895-X) BETWEEN UPPER VANGUARD SDN BHD [Company No. 200401010870 / 649373-D] …PETITIONER AND CATONIC FABRICATORS SDN BHD [Company No. 201001033972 / 917895-X] …RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Respondent Company by the High Court was, on the 8th day of May, 2023 presented by Upper Vanguard Sdn Bhd of No. 33, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/51, Kota Kemuning, Section 31, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, and that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Shah Alam at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 9th day of August 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Respondent Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Respondent Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is No. 33, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/51, Kota Kemuning, Section 31, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs Meng Wai & Associates of Unit 39- 3(2nd Floor), No. 8, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla BE 31/BE, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. MENG WAI & ASSOCIATES Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTEAny person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Meng Wai & Associates, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the 8th day of August 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA WRIT NO.: BA-A72NCVC-412-03/2023 ANTARA TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD [No. Syarikat : 199001009294 (200866-W)] …PLAINTIF DAN RAJA MOHAMAD ZAWAWI BIN RAJA AZHAR [NO. K. P.: 940325-14-5049] ...DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada, RAJA MOHAMAD ZAWAWI BIN RAJA AZHAR [NO. K. P.: 940325-14-5049] No. 9, Jalan Bidai U8/13C Seksyen U8, Bukit Jelutong 40150 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan. Dan/atau RAJA MOHAMAD ZAWAWI BIN RAJA AZHAR [NO. K. P.: 940325-14-5049] 35-G, Blok C, Plaza Jelutong PSN Gerbang Utama Bukit Jelutong 40000 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan Dalam perkara Writ yang dikeluarkan pada 28 haribulan Mac 2023. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan Writ telah dikeluarkan terhadap Defendan dalam Mahkamah Majistret di Shah Alam dalam Guaman No. BA-A72NCVC-412-03/2023 oleh Tenaga Nasional Berhad [No. Syarikat: 199001009294] (200866-W)] di mana tuntutan Plaintif ialah untuk jumlah RM9,876.20, faedah ke atas jumlah RM9,876.20 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh pemfailan saman sehingga tarikh penghakiman, faedah ke atas jumlah RM9,867.20 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan kos dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa sesalinan Writ bertarikh 28/3/2023 dan Penyata Tuntutan bertarikh 28/3/2023 disampaikan kepada kamu melalui Penyampaian Ganti iaitu dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ dan Penyata Tuntutan tersebut di Papan Notis Mahkamah Shah Alam, ditinggalkan di alamat pertama Defendan di No. 9, Jalan Bidai U8/13C, Seksyen U8, Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan (selepas ini “alamat pertama Defendan”) dan di alamat kedua Defendan di 35-G, Blok C, Plaza Jelutong, PSN Gerbang Utama, Bukit Jelutong, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan (selepas ini “alamat kedua Defendan”) dan mengiklankannya sekali (1) dalam surat khabar tempatan ‘The Sun’ dan saya percaya bahawa penyampaian itu menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup ke atas Defendan tersebut tujuh (7) hari selepas dari tarikh pengiklanan atau penampalan tersebut. Sekiranya kamu berhajat untuk membuat pembelaan terhadap tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah diwakili oleh Peguambela kamu di hadapan Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam pada 14/6/2023 (secara E-Review), jam 9.00 pagi. Sekiranya kamu gagal berbuat demikian maka Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 30 haribulan Mei 2023 …..….………tt…….…….. Tetuan Sandosh Anandan Peguamcara bagi Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti Bentuk Iklan ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Sandosh Anandan, Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit A502, Blok A, Kelana Square, No. 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: 03-78065819 / 03-7804607 Fax: 03-78807409 (Ruj: SA/L/TNB/RAJA MOHAMAD ZAWAWI/1883/2023/SA) 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF IWATSU (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 199001017697 (209366-M)] IWATSU (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 199001017697 (209366-M)] gives notice that a special resolution to reduce the share capital of the Company has been passed on 23 May 2023. The extract of the special resolution is set out below:- SPECIAL RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 (“PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION”) RESOLVED:- THAT approval be and is hereby given for the Company to undertake and effect the Proposed Capital Reduction in the following manner: (i) the issued and paid-up share capital of the Company shall be reduced by RM31,194,475 from RM40,000,000 to RM8,805,525 in the manner as set out in the table below and that such reduction shall be effected by returning the paid-up share capital which is in excess of the needs of the Company to its sole shareholder, Iwatsu Electric Company Limited; Status of Share Capital Number of Ordinary Shares Amount (RM) Number of Redeemable Preference Shares Amount (RM) Existing / prior to the implementation of the Proposed Capital Reduction 18,000,000 37,800,000 22,000,000 2,200,000 Proposed Capital Reduction Nil 31,194,475 Nil Nil Post Capital Reduction 18,000,000 6,605,525 22,000,000 2,200,000 (ii) upon the Proposed Capital Reduction taking effect, the issued and paid-up share capital of the Company will be RM8,805,525 comprising of 18,000,000 Ordinary Shares of RM6,605,525 and 22,000,000 Redeemable Preference Shares of RM2,200,000. THAT the Board be and is hereby authorised to with full powers to take all such steps as are necessary to effect the Proposed Capital Reduction in the matter contemplated above, including: (a) to effect the capital repayment of RM31,194,475 in cash on the reduction of share capital contemplated in paragraph (i) above taking effect in accordance with Section 119(3) of the Companies Act 2016; (b) to comply with the relevant requirements under the Companies Act 2016 for the purposes of the Proposed Capital Reduction; and (c) to do all such acts, deeds and/or things incidental and/or as may be required or consider necessary and expedient in the best interest of the Company, to give full effect to the Proposed Capital Reduction. AND THAT the authority be also given for the common seal of the Company to be affixed, where required, onto the relevant documents in accordance with the constitution of the Company. Dated this 30th day of May, 2023. Board of Director IRISO-CI (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. 200501008427 (685474-T) In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING UNDER SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT in accordance to Section 459(2) of Companies Act, 2016, a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at Suite 2.8, Level 2, Block C, Plaza Damansara, 45, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur on 3 July 2023 at 10:00 am. AGENDA 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s account of receipts and payment and statements of distribution among the contributories and any explanations arising therefrom. 2. To decide, in accordance to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, how the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator thereof, shall be destroyed. Dated this 30 May 2023 LIQUIDATOR LEE CHOOI LAI 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AUO CRYSTAL (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. 201001033519 (917442-H) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016, the FINAL MEETING of the abovenamed Company will be convened and held at 48 Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/15, Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen 2, 75200 Melaka on 1st day of July, 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes :- 1. To lay before the Meeting, the Accounts of the winding-up of the Company by the Liquidator for adoption and or giving any explanation thereof; 2. To resolve under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, that the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator thereof, be destroyed after the expiration of three months from the date of the Final Meeting. Dated this 30th day of May 2023 Ow Pee Juan Liquidator 48 Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/15 Taman Kota Laksamana Seksyen 2, 75200 Melaka IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 and IN THE MATTER OF KOK TACK CHEE SDN. BHD. Registration No. 199101007779 (218091-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At a General Meeting of the Company duly convened and held at Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64, Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan on Wednesday, 24 May 2023, the following special resolutions were duly passed: - 1. That, the Company will be liquidated by way of Members’ Voluntary Winding Up. 2. That, Ms. Lam Lee San and Ms. Lee Yee Ching both of Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd.,Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64, Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan be appointed as Joint and Several Liquidators to act for the purpose of winding-up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets. 3. That, the said Liquidators be authorised to divide amongst the members in specie or kind, the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and may, for such purpose, set such value as they deem fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the members. Dr. Kok Tack Chee Director Dated this 30th day of May, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 and IN THE MATTER OF KOK TACK CHEE SDN. BHD. Registration No. 199101007779 (218091-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the above Company are required to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any), to the undersigned (the Liquidators of the said Company) at the belowmentioned address by 5.00 p.m. on 30th day of June, 2023:- c/o Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd. Reg. No. 200201033104 (600769-D) Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21 Damansara Jaya 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan The creditors (either through their solicitors or personally) who do not file their debts and claims on or before the specified date and time above will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made. Lam Lee San(f) Lee Yee Ching(f) Liquidators Dated this 30th day of May, 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices AKTA INSOLVENSI 1967 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG DALAM PERKARA KEBANKRAPAN NO. PA-29NCC-15-01/2023 Per: OOI SOK KIN (No. K/P: 800220-07-5166) …Penghutang Penghakiman Ex-parte: HONG LEONG ISLAMIC BANK BERHAD [NO. SYARIKAT: 200501009144 (686191-W)] ...Pemiutang Penghakiman NOTIS (Dalam Perkara mengenai Notis Kebankrapan dikeluarkan pada 13- 01-2023) Kepada: OOI SOK KIN No. A-6-10, Seaview Tower, Jalan Harbour Place, 12100 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Pulau Pinang ini oleh Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad [No. Syarikat: 200501009144 (686191-W)] yang beralamat di Pungutan KonsumerOperasi Undang-undang, Level 2, Tower A, PJ City Development, 15A, Jalan 219, Section 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Notis Kebankrapan tersebut diserahkan kepada kamu secara penyampaian ganti dengan menampalkan satu salinan Notis Kebankrapan berserta dengan satu salinan Perintah yang dibuat di sini di Papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Pulau Pinang, di premis alamat terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman di No. A-6-10, Seaview Tower, Jalan Harbour Place, 12100 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang dan dengan mengiklankan satu Notis sekali di mana-mana suratkhabar tempatan berbahasa Inggeris iaitu The Sun untuk satu terbitan dan penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut disifatkan baik dan memadai bagi penyampaian Notis Kebankrapan terhadap Penghutang Penghakiman tersebut selepas tamat tempoh empat belas (14) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut. Notis Kebankrapan boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan di Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 09 Mei 2023 t.t …...………………… SITI ZULAIKHA BINTI NORDIN @ GHANI Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Georgetown Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Murad & Foo yang beralamat di Suite 10.01, Tingkat 10, MWE Plaza, No. 8, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Pulau Pinang Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman tersebut di atas. [Ruj: TLN/HLBB/F.316/2017(BN)/ina] Notis ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Murad & Foo yang beralamat di Suite 10.01, Tingkat 10, MWE Plaza, No. 8, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Pulau Pinang Peguamcara bagi Pemiutang Penghakiman tersebut di atas. [Ruj: TLN/HLBB/F.133/2020(BN)/ina] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO. BA-28NCC-223-05/2023 In the matter of Sections 465(1)(e) & (h) and 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of CATONIC FABRICATORS SDN BHD (Company No. 201001033972 / 917895-X) BETWEEN UPPER VANGUARD SDN BHD [Company No. 200401010870 / 649373-D] …PETITIONER AND CATONIC FABRICATORS SDN BHD [Company No. 201001033972 / 917895-X] …RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Respondent Company by the High Court was, on the 8th day of May, 2023 presented by Upper Vanguard Sdn Bhd of No. 33, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/51, Kota Kemuning, Section 31, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, and that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Shah Alam at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 9th day of August 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Respondent Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Respondent Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is No. 33, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/51, Kota Kemuning, Section 31, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. The Petitioner’s solicitors are Messrs Meng Wai & Associates of Unit 39- 3(2nd Floor), No. 8, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla BE 31/BE, Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. MENG WAI & ASSOCIATES Solicitors for the Petitioner NOTEAny person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Meng Wai & Associates, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The Notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitors (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later than twelve o’clock noon of the 8th day of August 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA WRIT NO.: BA-A72NCVC-412-03/2023 ANTARA TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD [No. Syarikat : 199001009294 (200866-W)] …PLAINTIF DAN RAJA MOHAMAD ZAWAWI BIN RAJA AZHAR [NO. K. P.: 940325-14-5049] ...DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada, RAJA MOHAMAD ZAWAWI BIN RAJA AZHAR [NO. K. P.: 940325-14-5049] No. 9, Jalan Bidai U8/13C Seksyen U8, Bukit Jelutong 40150 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan. Dan/atau RAJA MOHAMAD ZAWAWI BIN RAJA AZHAR [NO. K. P.: 940325-14-5049] 35-G, Blok C, Plaza Jelutong PSN Gerbang Utama Bukit Jelutong 40000 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan Dalam perkara Writ yang dikeluarkan pada 28 haribulan Mac 2023. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan Writ telah dikeluarkan terhadap Defendan dalam Mahkamah Majistret di Shah Alam dalam Guaman No. BA-A72NCVC-412-03/2023 oleh Tenaga Nasional Berhad [No. Syarikat: 199001009294] (200866-W)] di mana tuntutan Plaintif ialah untuk jumlah RM9,876.20, faedah ke atas jumlah RM9,876.20 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh pemfailan saman sehingga tarikh penghakiman, faedah ke atas jumlah RM9,867.20 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan kos dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa sesalinan Writ bertarikh 28/3/2023 dan Penyata Tuntutan bertarikh 28/3/2023 disampaikan kepada kamu melalui Penyampaian Ganti iaitu dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ dan Penyata Tuntutan tersebut di Papan Notis Mahkamah Shah Alam, ditinggalkan di alamat pertama Defendan di No. 9, Jalan Bidai U8/13C, Seksyen U8, Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan (selepas ini “alamat pertama Defendan”) dan di alamat kedua Defendan di 35-G, Blok C, Plaza Jelutong, PSN Gerbang Utama, Bukit Jelutong, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan (selepas ini “alamat kedua Defendan”) dan mengiklankannya sekali (1) dalam surat khabar tempatan ‘The Sun’ dan saya percaya bahawa penyampaian itu menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup ke atas Defendan tersebut tujuh (7) hari selepas dari tarikh pengiklanan atau penampalan tersebut. Sekiranya kamu berhajat untuk membuat pembelaan terhadap tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah diwakili oleh Peguambela kamu di hadapan Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam pada 14/6/2023 (secara E-Review), jam 9.00 pagi. Sekiranya kamu gagal berbuat demikian maka Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 30 haribulan Mei 2023 …..….………tt…….…….. Tetuan Sandosh Anandan Peguamcara bagi Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti Bentuk Iklan ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Sandosh Anandan, Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit A502, Blok A, Kelana Square, No. 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: 03-78065819 / 03-7804607 Fax: 03-78807409 (Ruj: SA/L/TNB/RAJA MOHAMAD ZAWAWI/1883/2023/SA) 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF IWATSU (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 199001017697 (209366-M)] IWATSU (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 199001017697 (209366-M)] gives notice that a special resolution to reduce the share capital of the Company has been passed on 23 May 2023. The extract of the special resolution is set out below:- SPECIAL RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 117 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 (“PROPOSED CAPITAL REDUCTION”) RESOLVED:- THAT approval be and is hereby given for the Company to undertake and effect the Proposed Capital Reduction in the following manner: (i) the issued and paid-up share capital of the Company shall be reduced by RM31,194,475 from RM40,000,000 to RM8,805,525 in the manner as set out in the table below and that such reduction shall be effected by returning the paid-up share capital which is in excess of the needs of the Company to its sole shareholder, Iwatsu Electric Company Limited; Status of Share Capital Number of Ordinary Shares Amount (RM) Number of Redeemable Preference Shares Amount (RM) Existing / prior to the implementation of the Proposed Capital Reduction 18,000,000 37,800,000 22,000,000 2,200,000 Proposed Capital Reduction Nil 31,194,475 Nil Nil Post Capital Reduction 18,000,000 6,605,525 22,000,000 2,200,000 (ii) upon the Proposed Capital Reduction taking effect, the issued and paid-up share capital of the Company will be RM8,805,525 comprising of 18,000,000 Ordinary Shares of RM6,605,525 and 22,000,000 Redeemable Preference Shares of RM2,200,000. THAT the Board be and is hereby authorised to with full powers to take all such steps as are necessary to effect the Proposed Capital Reduction in the matter contemplated above, including: (a) to effect the capital repayment of RM31,194,475 in cash on the reduction of share capital contemplated in paragraph (i) above taking effect in accordance with Section 119(3) of the Companies Act 2016; (b) to comply with the relevant requirements under the Companies Act 2016 for the purposes of the Proposed Capital Reduction; and (c) to do all such acts, deeds and/or things incidental and/or as may be required or consider necessary and expedient in the best interest of the Company, to give full effect to the Proposed Capital Reduction. AND THAT the authority be also given for the common seal of the Company to be affixed, where required, onto the relevant documents in accordance with the constitution of the Company. Dated this 30th day of May, 2023. Board of Director IRISO-CI (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. 200501008427 (685474-T) In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING UNDER SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT in accordance to Section 459(2) of Companies Act, 2016, a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at Suite 2.8, Level 2, Block C, Plaza Damansara, 45, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur on 3 July 2023 at 10:00 am. AGENDA 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s account of receipts and payment and statements of distribution among the contributories and any explanations arising therefrom. 2. To decide, in accordance to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, how the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator thereof, shall be destroyed. Dated this 30 May 2023 LIQUIDATOR LEE CHOOI LAI 322 Notices 322 Notices Grillo captures Colonial crown Argentine birdies second playoff hole for first triumph in eight years PAJAREE ANANNARUKARN of Thailand defeated Ayaka Furue of Japan 3 and 1 in the final to capture the Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play title yesterday in Las Vegas. Anannarukarn, who turns 24 today, picked up her second LPGA victory and became the fifth Thai player with multiple titles on tour, joining Ariya Jutanugarn (12), Atthaya Thitikul (2), Moriya Jutanugarn (2) and Jasmine Suwannapura (2). “I just, you know, tried every possible way just to improve my game and just keep believing, and I’m lucky that I have everyone around me that helped me and supported me along the way just since Day 1,” Anannarukarn said. “So I’m really grateful for that.” Anannarukarn played 34 holes at Shadow Creek Country Club yesterday and 116 holes overall to earn the victory. She was the only player who needed to win a playoff tiebreaker to advance out of the round-robin stage. She tied Karis Davidson of Australia at 2-1- 0 in her group and beat Davidson on their first playoff hole Saturday. Earlier yesterday, Anannarukarn beat Linn Grant of Sweden 3 and 1 in the semifinals. Furue beat Ireland’s Leona Maguire 2 and 1 in the other semifinal. “The wind definitely picked up a lot and I think I used all of my birdies and focus (in the semifinal), so I really try hard to focus on myself,” Anannarukarn said. “I missed couple putts and I even shanked off the bunker. I mean, it’s golf and I’m really tried, so I’m glad I was able to play… decent enough.” – Field Level Media Pajaree wins LPGA Match-Play Varner lands first LIV title AMERICAN HAROLD Varner III beat South African Branden Grace by a shot to win the LIV Golf Invitational – DC tournament and claim the US$4 million (RM18m) prize yesterday. Varner, who ended 12-under for the three-round week, made birdie on his final hole, the par-5 18th, at the Trump National course in Sterling, Virginia, to avoid a playoff after Grace had also birdied his final hole, the par-4 second. The win was the first, as a professional, on American soil for the 32- year-old Varner with his previous victories coming at the Australian PGA in 2016 and the Asian Tour’s PIF Saudi International last February. “I knew exactly what I had to do, when I had to do, it how I have to do it. I love that,” Varner said. “That’s why you play, that moment. You don’t get as many in golf, like those types of moments but that was mine.” Korda takes indefinite break JESSICA KORDA will not compete on the LPGA Tour for the foreseeable future while she deals with a back injury, she announced on social media yesterday. Korda wrote that the past year has been challenging due to the back ailment. “Following the advice of my doctor and the guidance of my physio, we’ve committed countless hours of treatment at home and on the road for me to try and get my body healthy and ready to compete each week,” Korda wrote. “Unfortunately, we’ve reached (the) point where the pain is not improving, forcing me to have to withdraw out of several tournaments. As a competitor, it is upsetting to have to do this time and time again. “At the advice of my medical team, I have made the tough decision to stop playing until I can get my back fully healthy. “At this point, we don’t have a firm timeline for my return but I’m working with the best of the best and am focused on coming back as soon as possible.” Emiliano Grillo hoists the trophy after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge. – AFPPIX SHORTS
22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 SPORTS CHRISTIAN HORNER fears the Monaco Grand Prix will be “left behind” unless drastic changes are made to Formula One’s most famous track – as rain saved another procession in the principality on Sunday. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen led every lap to win for a second time in Monte Carlo, extending his championship lead to 39 points after six rounds. Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso took second place, with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon third. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished fourth and fifth respectively for Mercedes. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s closest title challenger, endured a horror show. He started last and finished 16th after five pit stops, and multiple collisions with different competitors, and the walls that wind their way round the twomile course. For 51 laps, the race was a dud. The rain enlivened the predictable spectacle. But take away the sodden race track, and the top dozen were on course to take the chequered flag in the order they started. And even with the downpour, Verstappen, Alonso and Ocon, who started first, second and third, finished first, second and third. “It was an exceptionally boring race until the rain came down,” was Russell’s damning verdict. Red Bull team principal Horner, fresh from celebrating his team’s sixth win from as many races, picked up the debate. “It’s Monaco and it’s here for its history and its uniqueness,” he said. “But the problem is that the cars are so big now. “All venues have to evolve a little and if there was just one area where you could create space for an overtake it would just give that chance, because so much weight is placed on qualifying. The race is won or lost on Saturday. “I am sure that with the creativeness there is and the amount of land they are reclaiming here, there’s got to be the opportunity to introduce a bigger braking zone. “Maybe make Turn 1 a little sharper or slower, or extend the circuit if there is the opportunity to add in another kilometre that included a hairpin – that would be phenomenal. “It’s something to contemplate because when you think of the next 20 years of Monaco you don’t want to see it left behind. “It earns its place on the calendar. It’s the jewel in the crown in many respects, but as the sport continues to move forward you can’t stand still, and Monaco needs to be part of that process.” Verstappen kept his composure in the changeable conditions, and even survived a bump with the wall when the rain landed at Portier, to take his 39th win for Red Bull, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s record of 38 victories for the grid’s all-conquering team. “If you have a good car you can break these numbers,” said Verstappen. “I never thought I would be in this position in my career. Growing up, I wanted to be a Formula One driver and I am now winning these races. It is amazing and better than I could have ever imagined.” – The Independent FERNANDO ALONSO has not given up hope of defying the odds and beating Max Verstappen to the Formula One world championship after he finished second at Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix. Alonso took the chequered flag 27.9 seconds behind Verstappen and has now secured five podiums in six races following his transfer from Alpine to Aston Martin. The 41-year-old Spaniard will head to his home race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya this weekend 51 points adrift of Verstappen and a dozen behind Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull. “The championship is long and we will not give up,” said Alonso after he finished runner-up for the first time in nine years. “Red Bull and Max are dominating every race. The Red Bull is untouchable and even with great results, we are behind them. We are relying on weekends where they have issues. “If Max has one or two of those, then we will be a little bit closer in the championship. “This is motorsport and anything can happen. On true pace we are not there yet, but we won’t give up.” Alonso kept Verstappen honest throughout Sunday’s race and was holding out on old rubber in the hope that rain would arrive. But when it did, Alonso stopped for drys believing the track would not be wet enough for intermediate tyres. However, the downpour continued and the Spaniard was forced to come back into the pits on the next lap, scuppering any chance of claiming his first victory in a decade. “Maybe it was extra safe but in that minute-anda-half it took to go through Turns five, six and eight again, the track changed completely,” added Alonso. “The lap we stopped was completely dry but on my out-lap from the pits, it was wet. “There was a huge margin behind me to do two stops and we thought it was the right thing to do. It was a complex race to read and execute.” – The Independent Concerns for Monte Carlo Monaco GP could be ‘left behind’ as Verstappen wins ‘boring race’ Aston Martin will not give up: Alonso ARYNA SABALENKA won a politically-charged French Open duel against Marta Kostyuk on Sunday as jeers and boos rained down on the defeated Ukrainian who refused to shake hands with her Belarusian opponent. World No. 2 and Australian Open champion Sabalenka swept 10 of the last 12 games to win 6-3, 6-2 as she kick-started her push to reach the second week in Paris for the first time. Kostyuk honoured her pledge not to shake hands with Sabalenka in protest at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The 20-year-old Kostyuk, who has been a vociferous critic of the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian players to keep competing on tour since the invasion of her country, questioned the crowd’s motives in booing her stance. “I want to see people react to it in 10 years when the war is over. I think they will not feel really nice about what they did,” she said. “I didn’t expect it. People should be honestly embarrassed.” Sabalenka, who apologised for her theatrical bow to the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd, said: “It was a very tough match, tough emotionally. “I didn’t know if the booing was against me but thank you so much for your support, it’s really important,” she said. Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who blew a two-sets lead to lose the 2021 final to Novak Djokovic, made the second round with a 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7) win over 455th-ranked Czech player, Jiri Vesely. “I felt like he started feeling the pressure a little bit more. His serves were not as accurate towards the end, which of course I’m happy with because it gave me the chance to start a few rallies and finally play more than three or four shots. That was it,” said Tsitsipas. Andrey Rublev, the seventh seed and Monte Carlo champion in April, defeated Laslo Djere of Serbia 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Rublev has made the quarterfinals in Paris on two occasions. Greek eighth seed Maria Sakkari, a semifinalist in 2021, fell at the first hurdle, losing 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 to Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic. – AFP Kostyuk booed, Tsitsipas and Rublev move on █ PHILIP DUNCAN █ PHILIP DUNCAN MONACO GRAND PRIX RESULTS 1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 3. Esteban Ocon (Alpine), 4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 5. George Russell (Mercedes), 6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 7.Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari), 9. Lando Norris (McLaren), 10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 11. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), 12. Nyck de Vries (AlphaTauri), 13. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo), 14. Alexander Albon (Williams), 15. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri), 16. Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 17. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), 18. Logan Sargeant (Williams), 19. Kevin Magnussen (Haas). FASTEST LAP: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes). RETIRED: Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Kevin Magnussen (Haas). STANDINGS DRIVERS: 1. Max Verstappen (NED) 144pts, 2. Sergio Perez (MEX) 105, 3. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 93, 4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 69, 5. George Russell (GBR) 50, 6. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 48, 7. Charles Leclerc (MON) 42, 8. Lance Stroll (CAN) 27, 9. Esteban Ocon (FRA) 21, 10. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 14, 11. Lando Norris (GBR) 12, 12. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) 6, 13. Oscar Piastri (AUS) 5, 14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 4, 15. Zhou Guanyu (CHN) 2, 16. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) 2, 17. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 2, 18. Alexander Albon (THA) 1, 19. Nyck de Vries (NED) 0, 20. Logan Sargeant (USA) 0. CONSTRUCTORS: 1. Red Bull 249pts, 2. Aston Martin 120, 3. Mercedes 119, 4. Ferrari 90, 5. Alpine 35, 6. McLaren 17, 7. Haas 8, 8. Alfa Romeo 6, 9. AlphaTauri 2, 10. Williams 1. Hamilton happy with upgrades LEWIS HAMILTON said he was “really happy” with the Mercedes upgrades package that improved his car and helped him finish fourth ahead of teammate George Russell in Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix. “I’m really happy – we’ve moved forwards,” said the seven-time world champion. “Coming into this weekend, I didn’t know where we would stand so to take fourth and fifth is good points for the team… a huge thank you to everyone at the factory for the upgrades on our car.” Referring to the conditions in a challenging race in changing conditions, he added: “We kept it in one piece, we brought it home. We beat the Ferraris and we really got some great points as a team.” Zero-points worry for Perez SERGIO PEREZ started the Monaco Grand Prix weekend hoping to repeat last year’s win and it turned into a nightmare he cannot afford to repeat. The Red Bull driver lined up last on the grid after crashing in qualifying and finished 16th after a series of collisions. “I think we’ve paid the price for my mistake (in qualifying),” Perez told reporters. “That’s been very costly. I just have to apologise to my whole team. It is unacceptable to have this kind of mistake. I just have to move on, learn from it, and I cannot afford another zero in the championship.” Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen (centre) celebrates with team members after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. – AFPPIX SHORTS RESULTS
23 * SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | MAY 30, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Sorry end for Big Sam I apologise I didn’t do better, says Allardyce after Leeds relegated LEEDS boss Sam Allardyce apologised to the club’s fans after a 4- 1 home defeat to Tottenham confirmed their Premier League relegation. Allardyce, who Leeds had turned to in desperation with four games remaining, also urged the club to quickly resolve their ownership issue to aid their bid to bounce straight back from the Championship. The former England manager said he had no regrets about taking on the job and will sit down with the board next week to discuss whether he will stay in the role. “I can’t say I’ve enjoyed it. I’m glad I came back. I tried my best to get Leeds out of trouble, but I can’t enjoy anything when I don’t win,” Allardyce said. “We didn’t leave a stone unturned and it’s really sad that Leeds is in this position and to the fans, I apologise that I didn’t do better and the players didn’t do better.” Leeds issued a statement shortly after the game also apologising to the club’s supporters for a “painful” relegation. It read: “We apologise to our fanbase that the performances this season have not seen the club consolidate our status as we had all hoped. “However, Leeds United remains in a strong position to build a team that can challenge for promotion from the Championship next season.” It was a fittingly depressing end to a troubled season and frustrated Leeds supporters spent much of the match calling for the board to quit, while also berating their underperforming players. Chants of “Leeds are falling apart again” and “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” echoed from the Elland Road stands. Allardyce had no complaints about the jeers. “They are very entitled to show their disapproval. They filled the stadium to support and the lads should have given them more to get behind them. “It is a great shame. The fans go home disappointed and rightly so. If we had been more resilient, we could have had more in our favour.” Spurs, who missed out on a place in Europe next season despite yesterday’s result, will also begin their search for a new manager and interim boss Ryan Mason said some “huge decisions” would have to be made by the club. Mason, who has won two of his six games back in temporary charge, said: “First of all it’s to understand who we want to be and where we want to go, going forward. “Then it’s realising who fits that, members of staff and also players as well. It’s an important few weeks now and hopefully we make the right decisions.” Mason added: “We have quite big squad. Whoever is in charge in pre-season, there are a lot of players and decisions to make. “Obviously the bigger picture is disappointment over how the season has gone as a whole because we’ve finished outside of Europe for the first time in a long time. “We need to make sure that doesn’t happen again.” – The Independent ERIK TEN HAG has fired a warning shot to Manchester United’s owners insisting he has delivered a top-four finish without being backed in January. The United manager used his post-match address on the pitch after beating Fulham to stir the crowd ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup Final against Manchester City. But he later aimed a sideswipe at United’s owners claiming his side’s achievement in finishing third came against the odds. The Dutchman has told whoever is in charge at Old Trafford – whether it be the Glazers or new ownership – that he must be backed properly to mount a sufficient challenge for more trophies next season. “The club knows if you want to play top four, compete for trophies in this League then you have to invest otherwise you don’t have a chance because other clubs will do,” he said. “We’ve seen it in the winter, all the clubs around us made huge investments, we didn’t, but still we made it, so I’m proud of my team.” United made just three loan signings in January – Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer. Newcastle and Arsenal spent around £50 million (RM270m) in January, Liverpool £37 million (RM200m) and Chelsea over £250 million (RM3.2b). United will have a chance to not only play Champions League football next season after their third-placed finish but have the possibility to add the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup at the weekend. Ten Hag said history gave them hope of upsetting their star-studded neighbours. “You have always a chance in football, history shows we beat them in January and Manchester United in the last couple of years beat City many times. “These players know when they play at their levels they can compete and it’s obvious, we play against the best team, but there is a chance and we have to go for the chance and give everything. We can’t find excuses to ourselves after the game.” – Express Newspapers MIKEL ARTETA remained tight-lipped about the future of Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka but was pleased to see him get the appreciation he deserved after their 5-0 thrashing of Wolves. Xhaka netted a first half double in what is expected to be his final appearance for the Gunners with a summer exit to Bayer Leverkusen in the works and left the pitch to a standing ovation in the 75th minute with supporters’ urging him to stay. It completes a remarkable turnaround for the Swiss international, who saw his relationship with the Emirates crowd reach an all-time low in the winter of 2019 during a home match with Crystal Palace where he chucked his shirt on the floor before subsequently being stripped of the captaincy. Arteta convinced Xhaka not to leave Arsenal during the following transfer window and his brace on the final-day saw the 30- year-old finish the campaign with nine goals, his best ever tally. Asked about Xhaka’s impending departure, Arteta responded: “You know that? It’s news for me.” The Gunners boss was more forthcoming about the reception Xhaka received before, during and after the emphatic victory over Wolves. “Well deserved. He’s had an incredible season,” Arteta said. “I think one year back I spoke to him and I told him ‘there’s a question mark on you, you have to deliver more, you have to be better, I’m going to challenge you to play here.’ “He went back and I think he started to train the next day. He came back in preseason 4kg less, fit, with this (focused) face and really willing to do it. He’s been exceptional. “He’s been a key part of the team, the success of the team and I’m so happy everybody is appreciating what he’s done.” While the final-day clash was not the league title celebration Arsenals fans would have hoped for back in April, but when Arteta addressed the packed Emirates crowd after full-time, he was repeatedly serenaded and the Spaniard expressed his delight at finishing on a good note. “We want to deliver together success and the destination has to be trophies and success for this club, but we have to enjoy the journey together and especially the company. “We have special people in this club, an incredible group of players and an amazing support.” – The Independent Xhaka given standing ovation █ GEORGE SESSIONS RESULTS & STANDINGS ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal 5 (Xhaka 11, 14, Saka 27, Jesus 58, Kiwior 78) Wolves 0, Aston Villa 2 (Luiz 8, Watkins 26) Brighton 1 (Undav 38), Brentford 1 (Pinnock 85) Manchester City 0, Chelsea 1 (Trippier 27-og) Newcastle 1 (Gordon 9), Crystal Palace 1 (Hughes 66) Nottingham Forest 1 (Awoniyi 31), Everton 1 (Doucoure 57) Bournemouth 0, Leeds 1 (Harrison 67) Tottenham 4 (Kane 2, 69, Porro 47, Moura 90+5), Leicester 2 (Barnes 34, Faes 62) West Ham 1 (Fornals 79), Manchester United 2 (Sancho 39, Fernandes 55) Fulham 1 (Tete 19), Southampton 4 (Ward-Prowse 19, Sulemana 28, 47, Armstrong 64) Liverpool 4 (Jota 10, 73, Firmino 14, Gakpo 72). P W D L F A PTS Man City 38 28 5 5 94 33 89 Arsenal 38 26 6 6 88 43 84 Man Utd 38 23 6 9 58 43 75 Newcastle 38 19 14 5 68 33 71 Liverpool 38 19 10 9 75 47 67 Brighton 38 18 8 12 72 53 62 Aston Villa 38 18 7 13 51 46 61 Tottenham 38 18 6 14 70 63 60 Brentford 38 15 14 9 58 46 59 Fulham 38 15 7 16 55 53 52 Crystal Palace 38 11 12 15 40 49 45 Chelsea 38 11 11 16 38 47 44 Wolves 38 11 8 19 31 58 41 West Ham 38 11 7 20 42 55 40 Bournemouth 38 11 6 21 37 71 39 Nottm Forest 38 9 11 18 38 68 38 Everton 38 8 12 18 34 57 36 Leicester 38 9 7 22 51 68 34 Leeds 38 7 10 21 48 78 31 Southampton 38 6 7 25 36 73 25 Note: Top four qualify for Champions League, fifth and sixth place in Europa League, seventh place in Europa Conference. LA LIGA: Valencia 2 (Lopez 38, Lino 90+3) Espanyol 2 (Montes 40, Braithwaite 50), Cadiz 1 (Sobrino 53) Celta Vigo 0, Athletic Bilbao 0 Elche 1 (Boye 90+2), Girona 1 (Gutierrez 36) Real Betis 2 (Iglesias 47, 77), Getafe 2 (Latasa 39, Mata 90) Osasuna 1 (Avila 2), Barcelona 3 (Fati 1, 24, Gavi 70) Real Mallorca 0, Atletico Madrid 2 (Griezmann 37, Molina 73) Real Sociedad 1 (Sorloth 88), Almeria 0 Real Valladolid 0, Rayo Vallecano 2 (De Tomas 56, Palazon 63) Villarreal 1 (Lo Celso 83). TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS Barcelona 37 28 4 5 69 18 88 Real Madrid 37 24 5 8 74 35 77 Atletico 37 23 7 7 68 31 76 Sociedad 37 20 8 9 49 34 68 Villarreal 37 19 6 12 57 38 63 Real Betis 37 17 8 12 45 40 59 Osasuna 37 14 8 15 35 41 50 SERIE A: Bologna 2 (Ferguson 63, De Silvestri 84) Napoli 2 (Osimhen 14, 54), Hellas Verona 1 (Gaich 62) Empoli 1 (Magnani 90+6-og), Juventus 0 AC Milan 1 (Giroud 40), Lazio 3 (Hysaj 4, Milinkovic-Savic 37, 89) Cremonese 2 (Galdames 54, Lazzari 58-og), Monza 0 Lecce 1 (Colombo 90+11). TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS Napoli 37 27 6 4 75 28 87 Lazio 37 21 8 8 58 30 71 Inter Milan 37 22 3 12 70 42 69 AC Milan 37 19 10 8 61 42 67 Atalanta 37 18 7 12 61 46 61 Roma 37 17 9 11 48 37 60 CHAMPIONS RELEGATED Joy and pain for Lineker GARY LINEKER has congratulated Everton after his former club survived in the Premier League at the expense of his boyhood team Leicester. Former England striker Lineker, who began his career at Leicester before spending a season at Everton in the mid-1980s, tweeted: “Absolutely gutted, but glad it’s Everton. Have a lot of love for that great football club. Congratulations. “A word on Leicester. If eight years ago, you’d have given me the option of winning the Premier League and the FA Cup and then get relegated, I’d have snapped your hand off. Also I’d have told you not to be so utterly ridiculous.” It has been a dismal season for Leicester and TV pundit Roy Keane was not sure how quickly they could recover. The former Manchester United midfielder said on Sky Sports: “They didn’t seem to get any momentum into the season from a bad start. It’s no surprise to see them where they are. Clubs can bounce back but it isn’t easy. I think it is a rebuilding job at Leicester.” Leeds’ three-year stint in the Premier League ended in a whimper as they were thrashed by Spurs at Elland Road. “They’ve looked weak over the last month or two, even with Sam (Allardyce) coming in,” Keane said. “They were fighting for their lives today and conceded four goals at home. That’s nowhere near good enough. “Sam obviously came in too late. Defensively they look so weak. Some of the goals – it’s almost pub team defending. Not strong enough mentally, that desire – nowhere near good enough.” – The Independent Ten Hag fires dig at the Glazers █ MARK WALKER Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce reacts after the English Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. – REUTERSPIX
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [emailprotected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [emailprotected] or download app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my FREE access Interactive TUESDAY • MAY 30, 2023 Liverpool will be Premier contenders again next season: Klopp JURGEN KLOPP insists Liverpool will be Premier League contenders next season after ending an underwhelming campaign with a thrilling 4-4 draw at relegated Southampton. The fifth-placed Reds arrived at St Mary’s knowing they had already missed out on a topfour finish for the first time since 2015-16. Early goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino appeared to have put the in-form visitors on course for a straightforward success on the south coast. But they were forced to come from 4-2 behind to stretch their unbeaten run to 11 games following Kamaldeen Sulemana’s brace and strikes from James Ward-Prowse and Adam Armstrong. Liverpool boss Klopp, whose side avoided defeat thanks to a goal from substitute Cody Gakpo and Jota’s second, was happy to see the back of 2022-23 and confident next term would be far more memorable. “There were moments during the season when you thought ‘the season will be four years long’,” he said. “Thank God for the last 11 games, that helped massively, gave us a real boost, gave us a perspective, gave us a basis for what we have to do. “That it didn’t turn into the best ever season, we see that, we know that, we are very disappointed about the fact that we didn’t make it to the top four. “But there are moments when you have to admit there were four teams that were better than us – that’s the truth. “We played a bad season, we come fifth, that is a message as well. “Imagine we were our normal self, which we absolutely will be again next season and will be a contender again. That’s how is it. The last 11 games helped us to realise that again.” Gakpo and Jota struck in the 72nd and 73rd minutes respectively to prevent Liverpool slipping to a shock defeat, while Mohamed Salah hit a post late on. Klopp felt his players contributed to their own undoing during a “silly” period of a chaotic contest. “We are 2-0 up and you know these Southampton players want to pay back to these people (home fans) and we let them, just opened the door for a really talented offensive team, with the speed they have,” he said. “I can make a list of things we weren’t and that led to the counter attacks they had. “Then it’s 2-2 and 4-2 and then we started doing the right things again. I think we could have scored a fifth and a sixth. Top start, outstanding finish, in between just silly.” Outgoing Southampton boss Ruben Selles was pleased to end a difficult season in a positive manner. The Spaniard also said his decision to substitute James Ward-Prowse was not done in order to give the Saints captain a chance to bid farewell to fans. “I am proud that in the very final day, we can put in a performance like that and get the crowd with us,” said Selles, who is expected to be replaced by Swansea manager Russell Martin. “It hasn’t been an easy season for anybody. It was very important to get a point and to get a good feeling.” England midfielder Ward-Prowse, who was taken off three minutes from time, has been linked with a summer departure due to the club dropping into the Sky Bet Championship. “It was not a goodbye,” Selles said of the substitution. “I think Prowsey has been here for 20 years, has been the captain for a lot of seasons and I think he deserved that moment with the crowd to end a season that hasn’t been easy for him neither. “We didn’t think about what happens next because that’s not our job right now. “But it’s our job to end with a good feeling for him and that’s why we did it.” – The Independent █ ED ELLIOT Final day drama … as Everton survive and Leicester relegated with Leeds THE final day of the Premier League was always set to be a dramatic one at the foot of the table, with the last two remaining relegation spots the only major matter left to be concluded. With Southampton already down, Leeds United, Everton and Leicester City were fighting it out to survive – with the Toffees in the driving seat at the beginning of the day and knowing that a win for themselves made everything else irrelevant. What unfolded though saw one side quickly out of the running and one doing their job, but needing to wait to confirm their future. Here’s how the final day played out at the bottom of the League: 2 minutes: Disaster straight from kickoff for Leeds as Pedro Porro wins the ball on the edge of the box, Son Heung-min knocks it on to Harry Kane and he buries a firsttime finish to put Spurs ahead. 11 mins: Below the trio fighting it out, Southampton showed why they are going down as they gifted Diogo Jota an open goal for Liverpool to take the lead. 29 mins: But in the next quarter of an hour that game swung back and forth – Roberto Firmino made it two for the visitors before James Ward-Prowse and Kamaldeen Sulemana quickly made it 2-2. 33 mins: After a few near-misses for those other bottom clubs, Harvey Barnes changed everything. A swift exchange of passes saw him burst behind the West Ham defence and finish brilliantly – Leicester ahead, and out of the relegation zone in the as-it-stands table. Everton dropped into the bottom three. Half-time: Despite a couple of penalty calls, Everton haven’t offered enough to get the lead they need so much. Work at the break for Sean Dyche and Sam Allardyce. 47mins: Another Pascal Struijk error, another goal for Tottenham and that’s surely that for Leeds. Porro runs behind and buries Spurs’ second of the game immediately after the restart. 48 mins: Way too late, but Southampton have come from two down to lead Liverpool 4- 2 with goals from Sulemana and Adam Amstrong. 57 mins: Abdoublaye Doucoure sends Goodison Park wild with relief as he simply hammers a dropping, bouncing ball, fizzing it in from 20 yards. That puts Everton back above Leicester and safe with just over half an hour to play – the Foxes are doing their part but can’t do anything to survive while the Toffees lead. 61 mins: Leicester are making sure they do what they need to do to give themselves a chance – Wout Faes nods in Youri Tielemans’ freekick to give themselves daylight, two up against West Ham. It doesn’t change the table, though. 68 mins: Jack Harrison rifles one in across the keeper and in to put Leeds back in the game. They are still 2-1 down but the equally big issue is they need Everton and Leicester to both concede too. 69 mins: Never mind – Leeds immediately concede another as Kane runs through and finishes for 3-1. As you were. 72 mins: And that’s why Southampton are going down, too. Liverpool score two in two minutes, Cody Gakpo and Jota making it 4-4. 79 mins: Leicester’s defence is breached as Pablo Fornals pulls one back for West Ham, 2-1 to the Foxes now who have to win and who need Bournemouth to equalise at Everton. 90 mins: No further goals but plenty of action to come – 10 minutes of injury time added on at Goodison Park to ensure that game will finish last. 95 mins: Jordan Pickford makes a flying save to keep Bournemouth at bay as the final whistle goes. Leeds –are down – but Leicester must wait. 100 mins: One more tackle and the final whistle goes to signal Everton’s survival, relegating Leicester in the process. The Toffees have survived once more by the skin of their teeth, while the Foxes go down seven years after winning the title. The Independent █ KARL MATCHETT Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League match against Bournemouth at Goodison Park. – REUTERSPIX
