PETALING JAYA: Foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country can provide a multiplier effect which would bring long-term economic benefits, said Universiti Tun Abdul Razak economist Dr Barjoyai Bardai. He said the benefits would be seen once companies acquire land to build factories that in turn employ workers from the construction industry, adding that support services would also get a boost as companies do business with vendors and raw material suppliers, with the latter also increasing employment. “After obtaining investment pledges of over RM180 billion, the government now needs to ensure the pledges turn into real investment as quickly as possible. “These promised investments indicate that foreign investors have confidence in the present unity government and are very happy with its investor-friendly policies.” Barjoyai said once the pledges are realised, they will have a profound economic impact on the country. Although short-term investors may have left the country, it is more critical to attract long-term investors, who will be here to stay. “Before the 15th general election, there were successive changes of governments, which resulted in economic policy changes whenever a new administration took charge. “This caused some investors to move to Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia because of uncertain economic and investment policies in Malaysia. “But the present unity government has regained the confidence of investors, who feel the country is on the right track.” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s investment and trade missions, and official visits to nine countries from January to March have attracted some RM184.73 billion in potential investments, and potential exports of RM3.22 billion. A record RM170 billion worth of investment commitments were from China alone. Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Turkiye, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia and China were just some of the countries visited by the prime minister and his delegation. Malaysian and Saudi companies agreed to cooperate on the production of chips for semiconductors. This involves opening factories in Negri Sembilan and Saudi Arabia. The joint venture would also see the setting up of a US$50 million (RM200 million) centre to train Muslims from 23 countries in Asia before they leave for their pilgrimage. B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn Bhd is set to embark on a new phase of expansion and innovation in Penang this year, and expects to invest between RM100 million and RM200 million to bolster its production capabilities. Universiti Utara Malaysia economics professor Dr K. Kuperan Viswanathan said now that the government has received investment pledges, it is very important to ensure they land in the country. He said foreign investment is part of the nation’s gross domestic product, which also includes consumption, government spending and local investments. “The higher the foreign investment, the better it is for the country as it will create jobs. People will have more money to spend, adding to economic growth. oAfter securing RM184b pledges in trade missions, govt must ensure foreign investors walk the talk: Economists █ BYRAJVINDER SINGH [emailprotected] FDI boost INSIDE TELLING IT AS IT IS ON THURSDAY MAY 25, 2023 No. 8275 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my MARINE VISITOR ... Terengganu Deputy State Secretary (Development) Datuk Tun Ahmad Faisal Tun Abdul Razak (right) watches as a Fisheries Department staff measures a loggerhead turtle that came ashore at the Teluk Mak Nik Beach Turtle Hatching Programme site in Kemaman on Tuesday night. – BERNAMAPIC “Malaysia is a very attractive destination for investors because of its good infrastructure, educated workforce and absence of natural disasters and social strife,” he said. Kuperan added that Southeast Asia is a major economic growth centre at present, and for investors, it presents a golden opportunity to put their money here. “The unity government can attract investors because it is stable and has an investor-friendly outlook and policies. Continuing along this track will ensure Malaysia’s success,” he said. Govt keen to adopt Blue Economy 2 page Vibrant street art gaining popularity 3 page
2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Govt keen on growth policies aligned to health of oceans LANGKAWI: The government is keen to adopt and implement the notion of a Blue Economy, where sustainable economic growth should align with maintaining the health of oceans. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said in striking a balance between achieving economic growth and maintaining ocean health, the Blue Economy warrants proper planning and management of maritime space. “Central issues, such as pollution control, marine ecosystem health and sustainable fisheries should always be the guiding priorities in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said in his keynote address at the launching of Langkawi Maritime Conference, held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 yesterday. oMove requires proper planning, management of maritime space to strike balance between development and sustainability, says minister He said due to the dynamic maritime geopolitical environment, the challenges faced are not limited to traditional threats. “Our maritime security is also greatly challenged by nontraditional threats such as illegal trafficking of goods and humans, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, piracy, terrorism; threats to the marine ecosystem such as climate change as well as shipping and land-based pollution. “Therefore, we need to revisit our approach in managing our sea areas and marine resources. Over the years in becoming a mature nation, Malaysia has passed at least 15 Acts and Orders to manage our maritime space. Enforcement of the law is entrusted to more than 10 ministries and 31 maritime-related agencies. There are bound to be overlapping jurisdictions, which will eventually lead to inefficient use of resources.” Mohamad said the maritime conference is a strategic platform to facilitate vigorous, substantive and meaningful deliberation and discussion among maritime stakeholders, Bernama reported. He said the conference had gathered stakeholders in national maritime affairs comprising government officials, maritime agencies and industry players as well as academic institutions both local and international. “There is much to be done and many challenges to overcome for Malaysia to thrive as a maritime nation. Our vision will become a reality provided we are willing to join hands and march forward together. This forum could be a launch pad for Malaysia to steer its way as a maritime nation,” he said. Mohamad added that the theme of the conference “Malaysia, a Maritime Nation: Steering the Course” is appropriate and relevant as it will offer the opportunity to progress to becoming a true maritime nation. Lima could boost aerospace, maritime industries: Anwar LANGKAWI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday expressed hope that the 2023 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima ’23) exhibition will reinforce Malaysia as a regional hub for the aerospace and maritime industries. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said in doing so the country will move closer to the realisation of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint and the Malaysia Shipping Master Plan. “I would like in particular to congratulate and thank the two colead ministers for Lima ’23, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, as well as their respective teams for driving this initiative. “I would also like to commend Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang and his team, particularly the Malaysian Space Agency for putting together the first-ever SpaceTech Nexus at this year’s Lima,” he said during his welcoming remarks in conjunction with Lima ’23 yesterday. Anwar added that the SpaceTech Nexus demonstrates that Lima ’23 is a future-focused event and ready to play a role in the growth of space technology, which is expected to reach a global market value of US$10 trillion (RM45.9 trillion) by 2030. He also said Lima ’23 has established itself as an event that encompasses all sides of aerospace and maritime sectors from both military and civilian aspects. In his speech, the prime minister Anwar sharing a light moment during his visit to Lima yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC No specific Act to mandate industrial training allowance payment KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday that there was no specific Act mandating the payment of allowances for industrial training in ministries, agencies or government departments. Deputy Human Resources Minister Mustapha Sakmud, however, said the Human Resources Ministry would soon be discussing the matter. “There has not yet been a specific Act to ensure that our industry trainees, especially young people, are required to be paid an allowance. However, this matter will be taken into consideration and the proposal will be refined and discussed at the highest level of the ministry,” he said during the question-and-answer session. He was replying to a supplementary question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MudaMuar), who wanted to know why there are still ministries, agencies or government departments that have not continued paying the industrial training allowance of RM300 to RM900 as stipulated by the Cabinet in 2019. Mustapha said the Human Resources Ministry, through Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), had implemented the Industrial Training Scheme, which was introduced to allow employers to obtain financial assistance if they want to recruit students for industrial training in their companies. Mustapha said financial assistance in the form of a monthly allowance of up to RM500 per month can be applied by using a levy and will be given to trainees for at least two to eight months throughout their industrial training period. “In 2022, HRDF approved a total of 6,243 trainees for the scheme and assistance totalling RM10.97 million, while from January to April 2023, a total of 3,787 trainees benefited from financial assistance totalling RM7.42 million. “The implementation of this incentive has helped students in undergoing industrial training with companies in various industries and can further equip and expose them to the working world,” he said. He was replying to the original question from Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat), who had asked whether the government plans to create an incentive fund to help employers create appropriate opportunities for students of higher learning intuitions to carry out work training assignments (internships) with reasonable allowances. – Bernama also applauded the support from various partners which had contributed to the successful fruition of the prestigious biennial event. “This is spectacular in the level of support and recognition given to Malaysia and I must also use this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation to our colleagues from participating countries, and in this particular function to express our gratitude to our friends.” Lima ’23, themed “The Nexus of Asia’s Maritime and Aerospace Trade” began yesterday and will run until May 27. This year’s edition involves two ministries, namely the Defence Ministry (defence sector) and the Transport Ministry (commercial sector). – Bernama PM visits exhibition centre LANGKAWI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday visited the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima ‘23) at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here. Anwar, who was accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, arrived at the MIEC compound at 8.35am. They were accompanied by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) Commander Jen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan. Anwar started his visit with a walkabout to see a static display of several air defence assets, including the RMAF F/A18D Hornet on the tarmac in front of MIEC. The prime minister also spent some time talking to the air force members involved in the aerobatic show, who are from five countries, namely Indonesia, China, South Korea, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates, before visiting several booths inside the MIEC. Later, the he witnessed the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding, also at MIEC. – Bernama Targeted subsidy mechanism 75% complete KUALA LUMPUR: The mechanism for targeted subsidies is 75% complete, said Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, adding that the mechanism may be announced during the presentation of Budget 2024 scheduled for October. “It is still being refined. It (targeted subsidy) has already been started, for example, at Tabung Haji for those who performed the Haj recently. “The T20, M40, and B40 income groups have their rates and T20 is not given (subsidy) at all, electricity has also started so it is time for diesel and RON 95. “There is no definitive method yet on how to implement it. However, the decision on the targeted subsidy has already been made,” he said at the signing of the double taxation avoidance agreement between Malaysia and Maldives at Parliament here yesterday. He added that the method of implementing the targeted subsidy has yet to be finalised whether through the use of identification cards, special cards, or using the horsepower (cc) of the vehicle as well as the identification data of the T20, M40 and B40 lists. – Bernama
3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 Vibrant street art gaining acceptance, popularity PETALING JAYA: Street art can be used as an option to add beauty to a particular location and serve as a means of community building and cultural expression, said Universiti Malaya Department of Urban and Regional Planning senior lecturer Dr Yong Adilah Shamsul Harumain. She was commenting on the rise in the number of locations in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh and Malacca where the popularity of street art is growing. Yong Adilah said back streets have now been livened up with street art, and more people stop by to take pictures as they walk past such art. “Street art is not considered vandalism if it is painted with the approval of the owner or the local authority. “However, it can be considered ‘vandalism’ if the street art features a graphic that is sensitive, racist or negative. “Such graphics or paintings would give rise to a negative image of the area. However, with proper guidelines, street art can convert dull streets into areas that are lively and a landmark to appreciate in the city.” She said street art can be in the form of a 2D or 3D image, such as a mural or graffiti. Some street art combines materials that help bring out the 3D effect of the design. “Back streets are commonly related to something ‘dark and gloomy’ because they are located in the back alleys, and often nobody wants to walk there for safety reasons. “However, by having street art painted there, the area itself would attract many people and it could become a tourist attraction as well.” Yong Adilah said street art is gradually being accepted in the country. “Penang and Ipoh have more of an old town vibe, so the street art there would enhance its historical heritage and it will be more appreciated by the public. This is why it is necessary to identify which Govt to engage social media firms over lewd content KULAI: The Communications and Digital Ministry plans to hold a dialogue session with social media platform providers to discuss legal provisions related to the sharing of obscene content in the country. Its deputy minister Teo Nie Ching said the move is to ensure that platform providers, including Telegram, WhatsApp and Facebook, clearly understand that the act is prohibited and users could be penalised. “The ministry will advise and remind them that the Malaysian law will not tolerate such elements. The meeting will be held soon. “Those who send obscene content will face action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. “We want all platform providers to understand this issue because this type of complaint (spreading obscene content) is the most frequently received,” she said after watching Anwar: The Untold Story at TGV AEON Mall Kulaijaya on Tuesday night. The Kulai MP was commenting on a Telegram account, which is run by a woman, that discussed obscene topics. On Monday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department had submitted an official complaint to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission regarding the Telegram account. On the alleged sabotage in the screening time of Anwar: The Untold Story, Teo said the ministry would conduct further investigations. “Thus far, I have not received any feedback from Finas (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia). We will investigate, but I believe if many viewers are interested in this film, more cinemas will screen it,” she said. Last Sunday, the film distributor claimed that some cinemas were sabotaging the biopic, which was later denied by the Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors. Commenting on Anwar: The Untold Story, Teo said the film could inspire young people as it depicts the struggles and philosophy of the 10th prime minister. – Bernama Syamsul Haffiz with one of his artwork. – PIC COURTESY OF SYAMSUL HAFFIZ area is suitable to have street art. “Now, many cities with historic and decaying buildings, such as Seremban, Kuantan and Taiping, use street art to create a positive reaction. “We have many areas with street art in Kuala Lumpur, so using social media like Instagram and TikTok to promote them will make such art more acceptable. “Just as importantly, street art attracts many pedestrians and helps ensure the streets are safe from busy traffic or crime,” she said. Syamsul Haffiz Addenno, 31, has been a street artist for seven years. “One of my proudest street art would be of the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad that was painted on a building near Chow Kit Road in Kuala Lumpur. “It was one of the largest that I’ve painted alone so far.” The art is still in good condition, he added. Syamsul Haffiz said everyone is entitled to have their opinion on street art because it is subjective and may not appeal to every individual. “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Some may like street art, and there are others who do not. “I started my career in street art purely out of passion. “I feel lucky that my career and interest are the same thing,” he said. EPF makes RM46m profit from sale of six retail properties KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) made a profit of RM46 million from the sale of its six retail properties in Klang Valley and Johor. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said EPF was also planning to sell another retail outlet in Kelana Jaya to a government-linked company. “The six retail properties sold are the Giant Bandar Kinrara building, Giant Putra Heights building, Giant USJ building, Giant Klang building, Giant Ulu Klang building and Giant Plentong building in Johor. “We are selling these assets to Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust Berhad, which is 15.24% owned by EPF,” he said, during a question-andanswer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Ahmad was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Kuala Terengganu), who wanted to know the proceeds from the portfolio sales of six EPF retail units in Klang Valley and Johor, and whether EPF intends to dispose of another retail unit in Klang Valley as reported. Replying to a supplementary question from Ikmal Hisham on whether EPF plans to invest in the field of financial technology, which has attained the status of a Unicorn, Ahmad said the investment committee will carrry out a study on the proposal. He said in the country, the total investment is RM11 billion, including EPF buildings at its headquarters and in the states. EPF properties abroad amount to RM30 billion, half of which are in the United Kingdom, including one of the largest, Battersea iconic project, making the total property assets amounting to RM41 billion, he added. – Bernama Anti-hopping Bill needs comprehensive study: GRS deputy sec-gen █ BYTHARANI NAIR [emailprotected] JOHOR BAHRU: The state government has warned all parties not to organise any event that encourages people to commit immoral activities. State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee Chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid also requested the public’s cooperation in helping to prevent such activities from happening in the state. “Don’t try to misbehave in Johor or invite people to commit blatant and immoral activities. For God’s sake I will not allow it to happen in Johor. Everyone must help prevent and stop this immoral activity,” he said on his Facebook page on Tuesday night. The warning was issued following a viral poster titled “Gang Bang JB Party”, scheduled to be held on June 20. – Bernama ‘Do not organise events with immoral element’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-party Hopping Bill required a comprehensive study that was time-consuming. It was not deliberately delayed, said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. “We have to look at the provisions of the law approved at the federal level to ensure there is balance, not only in terms of the parties, but also the wishes of the people. “The study was carried out based on feedback from various parties. The Sabah Attorney-General’s Chambers then formulated and drafted the law, before presenting it to the Cabinet. “The Cabinet agreed that the Bill was ready for the state assembly session and it will be presented on Thursday (today),” said Armizan. – Bernama oColourful paintings turn dull locations into bright areas, making them local attractions: Expert
4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ‘MMEA experience’ for visitors to Lima LANGKAWI: Visitors to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) Exhibition 2023 will not only have the opportunity to take a closer look at maritime assets, but also get to experience being a member of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). Using a virtual reality (VR) method, visitors can see from the perspective of an MMEA personnel as he conducts enforcement operations on a vessel and an air winch rescue. MMEA Intelligence Division deputy director Kapt Mohammad Rosli Kassim said this will allow the public to see and experience a rescue mission carried out by the Special Task and Rescue Team, such as during armed attacks by pirates. “This is our first time offering such an attraction after having participated in Lima seven times. I am sure visitors will be excited and not want to miss this opportunity.” He also said visitors could use the opportunity to learn about the agency’s many achievements, such as successfully thwarting an attempt to smuggle in two tonnes of methamphetamine in 2020 and dealing with piracy in the Strait of Malacca since 2005. He added that aside from the VR tour, MMEA assets, such as boats and jet skis, and replicas of assets, such as firearms and diving equipment, are being showcased at its outdoor exhibition at the Resort World Langkawi. The exhibitions will run from 10am to 5pm until May 27. A maritime demonstration will be held from 10am to noon and 4.30pm to 5.30pm, while a band will perform from 12.30pm to 1pm and from 4pm to 4.30pm. Themed “The Nexus of Asia’s Maritime and Aerospace Trade”, Lima is expected to draw more than 45,000 trade visitors and 250,000 public visitors. The biennial event features the participation of more than 525 exhibitors, including 140 from the defence industry, 101 from the commercial sector and 284 that are involved in both sectors. – Bernama Widow of TV3 cameraman receives donation MANJUNG: Haslinda Ahmad, the widow of TV3 cameraman Rosli Abu Bakar, was among the recipients of donations under the Kasih@Hawana 2023 initiative, a corporate social responsibility programme in conjunction with the National Journalists Day 2023 (Hawana) celebration on May 29. The donation, that she received from Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Perak bureau chief Syamsiah Sahat on Tuesday, was jointly contributed by the Communications and Digital Ministry, Pusat Pakaian Hari-Hari, Mydin and Aeon Big. Rosli, who was a TV3 cameraman for the Perak bureau, died at the Manjung Hospital on May 9 from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart complications. He was 59. He joined TV3 in 1986 and had also served in Penang. A representative from the Astro Awani office in Perak, Abd Razak Mohd Ali, who is also Perak Media Practitioners Association deputy chairman, Perak Daily News Bureau chief Saifullah Ahmad and TV3 representative in Perak Shaharil Kadir were also present at the event. Haslinda, 59, expressed gratitude to all the contributors. The Kasih@Hawana programme, implemented by Bernama as part of Hawana 2023, plans to visit journalists and members of the media across the country who are in need, regardless of whether they are still active or have retired. The Hawana 2023 celebration will be held in Ipoh, Perak from May 27 to 29 with the theme “Free Media, Pillar of Democracy” to re-emphasise the issue of media freedom for journalists in carrying out their duties. The Hawana 2023 Summit will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 28. The date May 29 was gazetted as National Journalists’ Day in conjunction with the publication of the first newspaper in Malaysia, Utusan Melayu, on May 29, 1939, which became the first media platform in the country. – Bernama Air Force to procure ‘most capable’ variant of fighter jet LANGKAWI: When the Defence Ministry seals an agreement to procure 18 FA-50 “Fighting Eagle” with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) tomorrow, the Malaysian Air Force, as the operator of the light combat aircraft, will be getting the most capable variant of the fighter jet, the Block 20. Speaking via a translator, KAI CEO Kang Goo-Young said the FA-50 Block 20 variant to be procured by Malaysia is more advanced and capable than the FA-50s operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force and that of other countries. Currently, only Malaysia and Poland have opted for the latest variant of the “Fighting Eagles”, Bernama reported. “There are several differences between the FA-50 in use by the Republic of Korea Air Force and the Block 20 exported to Malaysia and Poland. The Korean units do not have an Active Electronically Scanned Array, they use conventional radar. “The Korean Air Force units also do not have targeting pods or refuelling systems.” Journalists’ Day to benefit media, govt KUALA LUMPUR: Themed “Media Bebas, Tunjang Demokrasi” (Free Media, Pillar of Democracy), the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2023 celebration is aimed at creating a win-win situation between the media and the government in the context of media freedom. Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Roslan Ariffin said this is because the media needs a government that allows them to carry out their responsibilities freely, while the government needs the media to assist in the country’s development. “The theme clearly describes how free media is the pillar behind a democratic country. In Malaysia, media freedom is strongly encouraged. “In this regard, we hope that in the long run, there will be good cooperation between both parties,” he said on RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme yesterday. In addition, Roslan said the media is in a good position as the country is ranked 73rd on the World Press Freedom Index this year. – Bernama Confidence boost for girls via Maharani initiative KUALA LUMPUR: Rythm Foundation’s six-month Maharani School Programme (MSP), held in five national schools, has successfully elevated the self-confidence of the more than 200 adolescent girls who participated in the programme. In a statement yesterday, Rythm Foundation said a report produced to gauge the outcome of the programme held between July and December last year indicated that MSP empowered numerous participants to conquer their fears, overcome insecurities and cultivate vital academic and personal growth skills. Rythm Foundation head Santhi Periasamy said the sessions and academic coaching classes helped the students discover their inner strength, improve their self-esteem and develop strong study ethics. “The milestones from the monitoring and evaluation of MSP included 90% of the participants projecting a positive image and self-confidence,” she said, adding that all of them acquired the skill of goal setting, equipping them with a powerful tool for personal growth and achievement. The MSP inaugural “Self Discovery” stage, involving 14 to 16-year-old girls from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Gombak Setia, SMK Bandar Rinching, SMK Batu Unjur, SMK Tengku Idris Shah and SMK Tengku Ampuan Jemaah were focused on teens from low-income households to address educational disparities in underserved communities, Bernama reported. “The programme was conducted by five facilitators trained by Rythm, who clocked 1,600 hours, the equivalent of 60 school days with the students. “We provided a holistic training module of eight sessions covering identity recognition, gender, ethnicity and culture, reproductive health, body image, relationships, children’s oScheme focuses on low-income households to address educational disparity in underserved communities rights and goal-setting.” The report also found that the students displayed increased engagement and energy as the programme progressed and most became more open and willing to share their challenges at school and at home. During the first phase, the girls discovered their inner strength and enhanced their self-esteem through regular sessions and academic coaching classes and the programme allowed the participants to form their personalities, encouraged them to work hard and develop a sense of responsibility. “While interest and participation in the after-school programme was initially low, most learned to express themselves better by the programme’s end. “An essential aspect of this is the trainers who built trust with each student and impacted their lives to a great extent.” Since its inception in 2010 in Sungai Siput, Perak, MSP has impacted the lives of over 8,000 young women. By focusing on life skills development and academic coaching, the report indicated that the programme has proven to be an inspiring example of targeted interventions creating tangible positive outcomes. Digital initiatives boon for Sarawak KUCHING: The digital economy initiatives undertaken by the Sarawak government are expected to contribute about RM56.4 billion to the state gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the figure would represent about 20% of the state GDP by that year, as more than 45,000 new high-paying jobs would be created, with 80% of its micro, small and medium enterprises adopting digitalisation. “By 2030, there shall be no distinction between the digital economy and the economy. All segments of the economy, namely mining, agriculture and forestry, manufacturing, construction and services would be digitally driven. Ultimately, this will enhance productivity, yield, efficiency and generate high-skilled jobs for our people.” He said the state government formulated the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 as the road map to transform the state from a conventional resource-based economy to an environmentally sustainable technologydriven one. – Bernama FOR THE LOVE OF READING... Library2u chief assistant director and head of the collection development unit Horhasziyati sharing information on the programme with a visitor to the facility at the Education Ministry Library in Putrajaya. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN
5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 Case management date set for single mother’s appeal PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has fixed June 7 for case management of single mother Loh Siew Hong’s appeal to nullify her three children’s unilateral conversion to Islam. Lawyer J. Gunamalar, representing Loh, confirmed the date was fixed to update the court on the records of appeal. She said the defence team was in the midst of getting the High Court grounds of judgment to enable them to prepare the records of appeal and submit it to the court so it could fix an early hearing date. Loh’s appeal came up for case management before Court of Appeal deputy registrar Mariam Hasanah Othman yesterday. The 36-year-old mother is appealing against the High Court dismissal of her judicial review application to challenge the conversion of her children by her ex-husband without her consent. On May 11, High Court Judge Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh held that there was no evidence the children had stopped professing the religion even when they were under the care of their mother. Loh filed the application on March 25 last year, naming the Perlis State Registrar of Converts, Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin and the Perlis state government as respondents. The single mother is seeking a declaration that her children are Hindus and that her ex-husband M. Nagahswaran, did not have the legal capacity to register their children as converts without her consent. The woman also wants a declaration that her children, as minors, do not have the legal capacity to convert to Islam without her consent, and she is also seeking a certiorari order to revoke the declaration of conversion, dated July 7, 2020, issued by the Registrar of Converts of Perlis. – Bernama. Court upholds RM100,000 damages to water supply company PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has ordered two landfill operators to pay damages of RM100,000 to water supply company SAJ Ranhill Sdn Bhd for negligence. A three-member bench comprising judges Datuk Has Zanah Mehat, Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk See Mee Chun, made the order after allowing an appeal by SAJ Ranhill, which operates a water treatment plant at Simpang Renggam, Kluang in Johor, to set aside a High Court dismissal of their claim in 2021. In the court’s 28-page written judgment dated May 19, See said the court found SWM Greentech Sdn Bhd and SWM Environment Sdn Bhd liable for negligence and ordered the companies to pay damages. SAJ Ranhill had sued the two companies, claiming that it suffered losses due to the shutdown of its water treatment plant, which happened eight times between 2016 and 2018 due to leakage of untreated effluents and leachate originating from the landfills. The spillage caused ammonia pollution in Sungai Benut, where the company extracts raw water for treatment at its water treatment plant before distributing the treated water to consumers in Johor. In the judgment, See said SAJ Ranhill’s expert Dr Maketab Mohamed had testified on the cause of the pollution. She added that Maketab’s evidence was supported by the evidence of Johor Water Regulatory Body director Mohd Riduan Mohd Ali, who had gone to the site on several dates to determine the source of the pollution. See also said the two companies, through a letter from their solicitors dated April 27, 2018, admitted to incidents in November 2016, and some instances in 2017 and in early 2018. – Bernama Questions raised over seizure of ‘Rainbow’ watches PETALING JAYA: Several Malaysians have expressed shock that enforcement officers from the Home Affairs Ministry raided Swatch stores in the Klang Valley on May 13 and 14, and seized its “Pride Collection” of rainbow-coloured watches after a complaint alleging they are associated with the LGBTQIA+ community supported by British music band Coldplay. Cecilia Chen, 25, said: “This is ridiculous. What’s next? Are the authorities going to ban us from wearing rainbow-coloured dresses?” She questioned if the ministry was aware of the matter. Another individual, who asked to be addressed only as Nurul, 24, said: “I think all Malaysians are aware that as a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia does not condone the community. That’s fine, but isn’t seizing watches going a little too far? oAuthorities may perceive display of such colours to be in support of and condoning LGBTQIA+ causes, says lawyer █ BYTHARANI NAIR [emailprotected] Man denies cheating charges over sale of land ALOR GAJAH: A company supervisor pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to six counts of cheating involving RM60,661 by offering the sale of land that does not exist. S. Sevasangar, 41, was charged with deceiving six individuals by offering them the sale of several lots of land in Alor Gajah and Jasin at a low price. The victims are Abdul Halim Chong Abdullah, 40, a general worker of a sewerage company, electrician B. Muniandi, 36, contractor Muhammad Azizol Jaapar, 45, retiree Mazlan Abd Ghani, 53, Hairul Nizar Md Tan, 45, also a contractor, and Kamarulzaman Abdul Rashid, 42, who is a lorry driver. They claimed to have suffered losses between RM2,051 and RM33,000 each. Sevasangar was charged with committing the offence at a convenience store and at Taman Pengkalan Indah between May 2022 and March 30 this year. The charges were framed under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides imprisonment of 10 years and whipping, and a fine. – Bernama 264 illegal logging cases recorded in Sarawak KUCHING: A total of 264 cases of illegal logging have been recorded in Sarawak between 2020 and 2022, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He said during the period, timber with an estimated sales value of RM4,027,150 were seized, in addition to RM1.6 million in forest-related offence compounds collected. “A total of 15 cases have been taken to court, of which 12 cases have been resolved, with five accused having been convicted, while the other three cases are still in the trial stage.” Awang Tengah, who is also state second minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, said the government has established a task force, in addition to creating a clear policy and strong legal provisions, to combat such illegal activity. – Bernama LETHAL WEAPON ... Sabak Bernam district police chief Supt Agus Salim Mohd Alias (right) and his officers at a press conference yesterday showing images of pistols seized during an Op Tapis raid. – BERNAMAPIC It seems like every little thing can cause a ripple effect among enforcement officers. Shouldn’t they be taught to think first before acting? “Also, Swatch is an international brand. What kind of impression is the country giving to our international investors and business community if this is the way our authorities behave?” she said. Lawyer Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo said Malaysia has conservative social and legal norms regarding LGBTQIA+ rights. Additionally, public display of support for the community may face a backlash and controversy. In response to the raiding of Swatch stores under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, she said the Act grants the government extensive powers to control and restrict publications deemed to be against public order, morality, or national security. “The Act primarily regulates the printing, publication and distribution of printed material. However, given the conservative stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, it can be said authorities may interpret the law to restrict or seize materials.” She added that it is important to consider the broader context and societal attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ symbolism. “Wearing a rainbow-coloured shirt or any item of clothing with such colours is not explicitly against the law. However, society can be hostile to public expressions of support. The authorities also may view such displays of colours as condoning such causes, which may have resulted in their scrutiny or other unfavourable outcomes,” she said. Meanwhile, the company’s marketing manager Sarah Kok said a total of 164 watches from the collection had been confiscated. “Our legal department is still checking on the case so (as of now), we are unable to proceed with the appeal for the confiscated watches to be returned. “If we get back our watches, we will wait for further instructions from our headquarters in Switzerland on whether we will continue to sell the collection or withdraw it from the market,” she said. Attempts to reach the Home Affairs Ministry for comments by email and telephone calls were unsuccessful at press time.
6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME ‘Modern slavery’ most common in North Korea and Eritrea: Study LONDON: North Korea, Eritrea and Mauritania have the highest prevalence of modern slavery in the world, according to the 2023 Global Slavery Index published yesterday, which noted a “worsening” situation globally since its last survey five years earlier. The report said an estimated 50 million people were “living in situations of modern slavery” in 2021, an increase of 10 million over 2016, when the problem was last measured. The figure includes some 28 million people in forced labour and 22 million living in a forced marriage. The situation is worsening “against a backdrop of increasing and more complex armed conflicts, widespread environmental degradation” and impacts from the coronavirus pandemic, among other factors, the investigation said. Compiled by the human rights charity Walk Free, the report defines modern slavery as encompassing “forced labour, forced or servile marriage, debt bondage, forced commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, and the sale and exploitation of children”. Slavery’s core principle entails “the systematic removal of a person’s freedom” – from the right to accept or refuse labour to the liberty to determine if, when and whom to marry. By this benchmark, reclusive and authoritarian North Korea has the highest prevalence of modern slavery at 104.6 per 1,000 population, according to the report. It is followed by Eritrea (90.3) and Mauritania (32), which in 1981 became the last country in the world to make hereditary slavery illegal. The 10 countries with the highest prevalence of modern slavery have some common characteristics, including “limited protections for civil liberties and human rights”. Many of the countries are in “volatile” regions experiencing conflict or political instability, or home to a large populaton of “vulnerable people” such as refugees or migrant workers. Also in the top 10 globally were Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, where migrant workers’ labour rights are restricted by the kafala sponsorship system. Other countries in the top 10 are Turkiye, “which hosts million of refugees from Syria”, Tajikistan, Russia and Afghanistan. – AFP B R I E F SCOP CHARGED OVER TASING OF GRANNY CANBERRA: An Australian policeman was charged with three counts of assault yesterday over the tasing of a 95-year-old great-grandmother with dementia inside her nursing home. The 33-year-old senior constable was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault, New South Wales state police said in a statement. The officer, who has been suspended with pay, will face court on July 5. “Investigations into the critical incident continue,” police said. The woman, Clare Nowland, has been in critical condition in hospital since being shot with an electronic stun gun on May 17 in a confrontation that shocked Australians and made international headlines. – AFP NO CANADA ELECTION MEDDLING PROBE OTTAWA: China sought to interfere in Canada’s last two elections but failed to sway the outcomes, a top official reviewing allegations of vote meddling said on Tuesday. David Johnston – who was tasked with the investigation after recent media reports of Chinese interference in the 2019 and 2021 ballots, including secret campaign donations – also ruled out a public inquiry into the matter demanded by the opposition. China denies the claims. “Foreign governments are undoubtedly attempting to influence candidates and voters in Canada,” Johnston, who previously served as governor-general, told a news conference. However, the official concluded that those efforts did not change the outcome of the votes. – AFP S’pore PM orders probe into ‘pricey’ homes of ministers SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has ordered an investigation into the circ*mstances around the rental of state-owned homes in an exclusive location to two Cabinet ministers following questions from the opposition. The matter has prompted comment in Singapore, which has long prided itself on a government free from corruption, with the annual salaries of many ministers exceeding S$1 million (RM3.41 million) to discourage graft. Lee said the review by a senior minister, whose results will be made public before lawmakers take oReview to establish whether ‘proper process’ was followed in rental of bungalows up the issue in July, would establish whether “proper process” was followed in the rental of the colonial-era bungalows and if there was wrongdoing. “This must be done to ensure that this government maintains the highest standards of integrity.” This month, opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaretnam questioned how Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan could afford the market rate for such “pricey” properties. Shanmugam said accusations of impropriety were “outrageous” and Scammer uses AI to pose as man’s friend, steals millions BEIJING: A scammer in China used AI to pose as a businessman’s trusted friend and convince him to hand over millions of yuan, authorities have said. The victim, surnamed Guo, received a video call last month from a person who looked and sounded like a close friend. But the caller was actually a con artiste “using smart AI technology to change their face” and voice, according to an article published on Monday by a media portal associated with the government in the southern city of Fuzhou. The scammer was “masquerading as (Guo’s) good friend and perpetrating fraud”, it said. Guo was persuaded to transfer 4.3 million yuan (RM2.8 million) after the fraudster claimed another friend needed the money to come from a company bank account to pay the guarantee on a public tender. The con artiste asked for Guo’s personal bank account number and then claimed an equivalent sum had been wired to that account, sending him a screenshot of a fraudulent payment record. Without checking that he had received the money, Guo sent two payments from his company account totalling the amount requested. “I verified the face and voice of the person video-calling me, so I let down my guard,” Guo said. He only realised his mistake after messaging the friend whose identity had been stolen, who had no knowledge of the transaction. Guo alerted police, who notified a bank in another city not to proceed with the transfers, and he managed to recover 3.4 million yuan, the article said. It added that efforts to claw back the remaining funds were ongoing but it did not identify the perpetrators of the scheme. The potential pitfalls of groundbreaking AI technology have received heightened attention since US-based company OpenAI in November launched ChatGPT, a chatbot that mimics human speech. China has announced ambitious plans to become a global AI leader by 2030, and a slew of tech firms including Alibaba, JD.com, NetEase and TikTok parent ByteDance have rushed to develop similar products. ChatGPT is unavailable in China, but the American software is acquiring a base of Chinese users who use virtual private networks to gain access to it. – AFP he had nothing to hide while Balakrishnan said he was “very glad” a review was taking place. Social media posts in Singapore mocked the ministers or expressed outrage over the size of the properties, while others questioned why the government needed time until July to explain the issue. The expression of disapproval comes as many in Singapore battle rising living costs, amid high inflation and rising prices of homes and cars. Eight in 10 of Singapore’s 3.6 million citizens live in public housing and just a third of households own cars. Lawmakers, including three members of the ruling party and the leader of the opposition, have submitted parliamentary questions on whether the ministers acted on privileged information to secure the leases. The Land Authority has said the ministers leased bungalows that had been vacant for years and had made bids that were higher than the rent guidance, a price that had not been disclosed to them. Government graft scandals are rare in Singapore. A minister was investigated in 1987 but died before the inquiry concluded. Lee and his father – founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew – both addressed Parliament in 1996 to answer accusations, investigated at the time by the prime minister, that the family had bought prime real estate at a discount. The investigation concluded there was nothing improper about the property purchases. – Reuters Pakistan mulls ban on Imran’s party ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering banning former prime minister Imran Khan’s political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said yesterday. The move comes days amid political instability in the nuclear-armed nation caused by Imran’s arrest on May 9 on corruption charges, before he was released on bail on court orders. The embattled Imran, who said corruption charges have been concocted, is embroiled in a confrontation with the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan directly or overseen civilian governments throughout its history. “It is under consideration to ban PTI,” Khawaja told reporters. “The PTI has attacked very basis of the state, that never happened before. “It can’t be tolerated.” Imran’s arrest sparked deadly protests across the country, with military establishments being attacked and state buildings set ablaze. – Reuters BELLY UP ... This handout photo, released by the Sri Lankan Navy yesterday, shows a capsized Chinese fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean. The navy said it had located 14 bodies inside Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, that had capsized last week with 39 crew on board. – AFPPIC
7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 Crackdown on climate activists in Germany BERLIN: German police yesterday carried out raids across seven states targeting climate activists of the Letzte Generation (Last Generation) group, which has sparked controversy with protesters glueing themselves to roads to block traffic. The raids were ordered in an investigation targeting seven people aged 22 to 38 over suspicions of “forming or supporting a criminal organisation”, said a joint statement by Bavaria’s police and prosecutors. Fifteen properties were searched, two accounts seized and an asset freeze ordered. The suspects are accused of “organising a donations campaign to finance further criminal acts” for the group via its website. oPolice conduct raids nationwide as part of probe into ‘criminal acts’ U.S. health official sounds alarm on child social media use WASHINGTON: The top US health official on Tuesday issued a stark warning to parents, tech companies and regulators, saying the evidence is growing that social media use may seriously harm children. In an advisory, US surgeongeneral Vivek Murthy said that while not without benefits, “there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents”. Social media use by young people in the US is nearly universal, with up to 95% of adolescents reporting using a social platform and more than a third saying they do so “almost constantly”, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The advisory said social media can help children and adolescents find a community to connect, but that it also contains “extreme, inappropriate and harmful content”, which can “normalise” self-harm and suicide. It can perpetuate body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and depression and expose children to online bullying while they are undergoing a critical stage in brain development, the report warned. Murthy called on policymakers to strengthen safety standards around social media and urged tech companies to responsibly assess the impact of their products on children and share data with researchers. He also advised parents to establish tech-free zones at home in order to promote in-person communication, and to educate children by modelling healthy, responsible online behaviour. The report comes at a time when authorities across the US are searching for ways to regulate social media use, and curb its ill-effects on young people in particular. Earlier this month, the US state of Montana banned the use of TikTok on its territory. The Chinese-owned video sharing giant is challenging the decision in court. And in March, Utah became the first US state to require social media sites to get parental consent for accounts used by minors. “We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis, one that we must urgently address,” Murthy said. – AFP Pupil started Guyana dorm fire over confiscated phone GEORGETOWN: The school dormitory blaze that killed 19 minors in Guyana is believed to have been started by a disgruntled student angry at having her mobile phone confiscated, a government source said on Tuesday. Sunday’s inferno gutted the building in the regional capital of Mahdia, which housed girls aged 11 to 12 and 16 to 17. Some are still hospitalised. An official police report said “a female student is suspected of having set the devastating fire because her cellular phone was taken away”. The source, speaking anonymously, said the teenage student in question had admitted to the arson attack and was under police guard at the district hospital in Mahdia. Police are seeking advice on whether to charge her, the official said. According to the source, students are not allowed to have phones in the dormitory. After the staff took away the girl’s phone, she “threatened the same night that she will burn down the building and everybody heard her”, the source said. The official said minutes later the girl went to the bathroom area and sprayed insecticide on a curtain before lighting a match. Several pupils had recounted the same version of events, the official said. The girls were locked in for the night, and a house mistress told police that in her panic she could not find the front door key. The building had metal bars on the windows preventing students from escaping through them. Despite efforts by other students to extinguish the blaze, the official said the fire quickly swept through the wooden ceiling and eventually engulfed the entire building. Some students managed to escape when some men broke down a door. – AFP B R I E F STRUCK DRIVER ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO KILL BIDEN WASHINGTON: A man who crashed a U-Haul truck displaying a Nazi flag near the White House has been arrested and charged with trying to kill or harm President Joe Biden, police said on Tuesday. The driver apparently drove deliberately into bollards outside Lafayette Park just before 10pm on Monday, police said in a statement, adding that no one was injured. The driver was identified as Sai Varsh*th Kandula, 19, of Missouri. Police said he was charged with “assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, threatening to kill/kidnap/ inflict harm on a president, vice-president, or family member, destruction of federal property and trespassing”. – AFP UK MINISTER WILL NOT FACE FURTHER PROBE LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said yesterday he had decided not to investigate Home Secretary Suella Braverman over her handling of a speeding offence last year, ruling that her actions did not breach the ministerial code. Sunak’s decision came after he took four days to consider his response to a Sunday Times report that Braverman had asked officials to help arrange a private driving-awareness course to stop her speeding violation from becoming public knowledge. “My decision is that these matters do not amount to a breach of the Ministerial Code,” Sunak said in a letter to Braverman, referring to the rules governing ministerial behaviour. – Reuters At least €1.4 million euros (RM6.9 million) had been collected in the campaign, said the authorities, adding that “these funds were according to current information mostly used for the committing of further criminal action of the association”. The authorities did not specify the “criminal action” they were referring to but said two of the suspects are alleged to have tried to sabotage an oil pipeline between Trieste, Italy, and Ingolstadt, Germany, deemed a “critical infrastructure” in Bavaria. Dozens of climate activists from the group have found themselves before the courts in recent weeks over their traffic blockade actions. Most have received fines for disrupting traffic or obstructing police work but some courts have begun toughening their sentences to also hand down jail convictions. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also expressed frustration at the activists for their tactics ranging from hunger strikes to throwing mashed potato on paintings in museums. Scholz this week blasted Letzte Generation’s protests as “completely nuts”. The street blockades were “not a helpful contribution to climate protection”, Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck of the Greens said, because they do not win consensus but they “irritate people”. Scenes of motorists shouting at the glued activists or dragging them off the streets have accompanied many of the street blockades. The activists argue that their protests are vital in the face of inadequate action taken by the government and society in general to protect the environment and prevent catastrophic global warming. “We, who are alive today, are the last who can still hinder the irreversible collapse of the climate,” the group said. Germany has also seen a host of other climate activist groups carrying out eye-catching protests in the last years. Another group, Scientist Rebellion, hurled cake at Volkswagen bosses at the carmaker’s annual shareholders’ meeting this month. – AFP Bolivian lawmakers fight in Parliament LA PAZ: Rival Bolivian lawmakers clashed on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday as a presentation by a minister of leftist President Luis Arce descended into a flurry of kicks, punches and hair-pulling. Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo had been summoned by Parliament to give a report on the December imprisonment of Luis Fernando Camacho, the conservative governor of the Santa Cruz region and a leading opposition figure. While defending the legality of the arrest, Del Castillo criticised parliamentarians from Creemos, Camacho’s party, branding them “radical, thieving, violent groups that came to steal the wallets of the Bolivian people”. As he spoke, a group of opposition lawmakers displayed banners bearing messages including “with political prisoners, there is no democracy” and photos of Del Castillo labelled “minister of terror”. When a handful of pro-government MPs attempted to snatch away the signs, a fight broke out between about 20 lawmakers, with blows traded for several minutes. The presentation of the report was briefly suspended. – AFP SAVE THE PLANET ... Climate activists holding a protest next to a jet at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition at Geneva Airport in Switzerland. – GREENPEACE/AFPPIC
8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 SPEAK UP THE classic knee-jerk response to Malaysia’s dismal performance in the recent edition of the SEA Games would be to: “Fire the coach, change the leadership of associations and reduce the funding until they start performing better.” Such negative reaction may be effective for kindergarten children, but it is inappropriate when dealing with high-performance adults – individuals who are more advanced in their psychological and professional development. If Malaysia wants to match its perceived vision and desired image to be projected on the global stage, there is a need for a strategic shift in attitude as well as increased allocation of funds. How the nation, association and, ultimately, athlete compete is the function of the system that they are produced from. Do we have an understanding of the competitive landscape in which national sports associations compete with other sports associations across Asean countries? Firstly, every sporting association should have information on their competitor associations. For example, how much money does each association have? How many resources are brought to bear, including annual budgets, number of coaches, support staff and the average number of fans at a game? This matrix of data – economic data not just sporting data – should then be set against the medal tally, as Professor Daniel Johnson said “it is just pure economics”. Who will be the economist in Malaysia who can make a name for himself in this field? Time is a critical factor in sports development. It takes a minimum of 10 to 15 years to develop a highperformance athlete, depending on the sport. Taking into consideration peak performance ages and the average career span for that particular sport mean sports development needs to be a long-term affair, not just a two-year project. The resources required over the high-performance phase of an athlete’s career should allow him or her to perform at a medalwinning pace. Additionally, the business intelligence of what competitors from other countries are allocated will allow for meaningful gap analysis and informed decisions to be made. The data should be beyond the performance data of other countries’ athletes. On the national level, there is a need to understand the economic and social footprint of every sport. The sum value of a sports ecosystem in Malaysia needs to be known in detail so that output can be put into context. Looking at the data will allow the public and planners alike to know whether the country is performing well or not in any given sporting event. A fundamental competency for national sports bodies is to rationalise and comprehend the competitive environment in which athletes operate. Additionally, it is crucial to focus on deepening and broadening the development pyramid while establishing welldefined pathways for athletes to achieve success at the national, regional and international levels. Those who have firsthand experience in sports development, whether as athletes, coaches or administrators, understand that progressing to the next level necessitates access to resources. These resources include a range of aspects, such as enhanced coaching, access to top notch equipment, exposure to international competition, improved nutrition, support for sports psychology and physiotherapy, among others. When a competitor possesses a greater abundance of these resources, you are at a strategic disadvantage even before the games start. At the same time, the exponential resources required for incremental improvement need to be understood. High-performance sports are the domain of the top half of the last 1%, with winning margins thinner the higher the level of competition. The finale of the SEA Games men’s 100m saw a split of less than half a second between the gold medallist and the last finisher. A country presents the nation’s best as a matter of pride and as a statement of national development. Again, why economists can predict medal tallies? When envisioning a sustainable and desired future, the solution does not lie in depriving those who did not perform well. The answer is more for all and extra for those who did well as a reward for success. The only rational and clear way forward is a “balanced scorecard” or “performance matrix” that can be developed to understand the “money in, medals out” equation. The writer is the Founding Chairman of Malaysia Global Business Forum and an Executive Committee of the Malaysia Cricket Association. Comments: [emailprotected] “A fundamental competency for national sports bodies is to rationalise and comprehend the competitive environment in which athletes operate. It is crucial to focus on deepening and broadening the development pyramid while establishing well-defined pathways for athletes to achieve success at the national, regional and international levels. Decriminalising attempted suicide right move THE amendment made to the country’s Penal Code (Act 574) to decriminalise attempted suicide is welcomed. This move is a positive step in addressing this highly complex and sensitive issue. It is time that we deal with the issue of suicide attempts instead of imposing heavy penalties on offenders, who are themselves victims. On Monday, the Dewan Rakyat unanimously approved amendments to decriminalise attempted suicides. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) Ramkarpal Singh said the amendments include four clauses, one of which is the removal of Section 309 of the Penal Code (Act 574), effectively eliminating attempted suicide as a criminal offence. Section 309, a provision dating back to the 19th century, was initially established to prevent suicides by criminalising them. However, the abolition of Section 309 of the Penal Code (Act 574) marks a significant milestone in suicide prevention efforts. This amendment aims to promote a more supportive environment, encouraging individuals in need of assistance to seek help and support. Furthermore, this amendment will play a crucial role in eradicating the stigma associated with suicide attempts and reducing the overall suicide rate. Recognising that adequate treatment is the most effective approach to addressing this issue, the focus should be on providing support rather than prosecution. Under the previous provision, Section 309 imposed penalties of up to a year in jail, a fine, or both upon conviction for attempted suicide. Individuals who attempt suicide can be severely affected. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 700,000 people lose their lives to suicide each year. The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, coupled with economic uncertainty and rising living costs, has further contributed to the alarming suicide statistics. Suicide can have a devastating and profound impact on families and the community. It is a serious public health concern that demands careful handling through professional support, care and treatment. We must treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves and take appropriate steps to address it. Imposing strict laws and harsh punishments on individuals contemplating suicide will not resolve the matter. On the contrary, such measures can exacerbate the situation for the individuals, adding additional pressure and potentially pushing them further towards taking their own lives to avoid arrest and punishment. Section 309 states that: “Whoever attempts to commit suicide, and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to one year, a fine, or both.” The government’s decision to abolish this section is a commendable step. It is essential to recognise that individuals in a sound state of mind would not harbour the desire to end their own lives. Those who contemplate suicide are typically facing significant mental or emotional problems that require attention and support. From the outset, attempted suicide should never have been treated as a criminal offence. Instead, it should have been recognised as a distress call, a plea for assistance. It is evident, individuals who attempt suicide are in desperate need of both our support and attention. In addition to the amendment, it is essential for every member of the community to contribute their part in addressing this critical issue. There are many non– governmental organisations in the country that are readily available to provide assistance in such cases. Considering the recent legal progress, it would be prudent for the government to contemplate establishing a dedicated agency or institution that can offer prompt psychological support to those in need. Such an initiative would ensure immediate assistance is accessible to individuals requiring it. Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow, Associate Professor, Faculty of Syariah and Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Comments: [emailprotected] COMMENT by Nordin Abdullah COMMENT by Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow Improving sports performance
9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 US bungles in Pacific waters NEWS that US President Joe Biden has proceeded back to Washington following the G7 meeting in Tokyo raises questions about his old age, and physical and mental weaknesses – concerns now uppermost in the minds of the American electorate as the spotlight turns to the US presidential race. The initial plan was for the president to continue from Tokyo to Port Moresby, to meet with leaders from the Pacific Islands, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in tow, and then to go to Australia for a QUAD meeting – the latest in Anglo-American attempts to assert dominance in Asia. The headline news and photo opportunities of this happening were a golden opportunity for Biden to boast of his foreign policy success ahead of the looming presidential election. But his team had decided that Biden cannot cope with the backto-back travel meetings amid the ongoing debt ceiling negotiations in Congress. The fact that the deadline for the ceiling level resolution is quite far away – June 1 – shows how little confidence Biden’s handlers have in his ability to recover from the Tokyo meeting and their fear that his bungling in Port Moresby and Australia will make the president and leadership look even worse than what the conservative mainstream media makes out. US deputy sheriffs in Asia and the Pacific Meantime, the cancellation of the Port Moresby and Australian meetings has resulted in the biggest Indo-Pacific diplomatic fiasco of the year. It also raises questions about whether nations acting as American deputy sheriffs can support free and independent foreign policies dedicated to genuine peace and stability for the Asia Pacific region. Both Papua New Guinea and Australian hosts had waxed lyrical about the visit by Biden. Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape had described it as “a historic first”, and “futuristic meeting of global superpowers in the biggest country in the Pacific”. Missing from mention in his Facebook posting was the fact that China, although a superpower in its own way, was not invited but was to be the main target of concern for the US and India. Clearly, the PNG meeting for Biden and Modi had China as the enemy in mind to be contained by new military, trade and diplomatic agreements struck with the 14 Pacific island leaders there. The US carrot dangled to the small islands, and possibly India too, was billions in foreign aid, though mainly for defence procurement of US military hardware and software. A mini carrot was already assured as the small change in travel costs of the Island leaders was to be provided by India. As for Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had plans for Biden to address a joint session of the Australian Parliament. The last-minute announcement that Biden was cutting his trip short prompted an outpouring of negative sentiment from the left, right and centre wings of the Australian political divide. From the centre, former foreign minister Bob Carr said it showed that “Australians have been enormously gullible and optimistic about our American partner”. “Act like a client state, get treated like one.” Former Australian Ambassador to Japan John Menadue said: ”Will the QUAD go the same way as Seato (Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation) and just become irrelevant?” “President Biden sends an odd message in being unable to attend the QUAD meeting in Sydney. But, at least, there will be no opportunity to announce new US bases to attack China from Australia.” From the right, The Australian columnist Peter Jennings linked the decision to what he regards as the Albanese government’s lacklustre defence funding. “That type of complacency garners no presidential visits when other priorities are pressing.” The right-wing thinks that the A$360 billion (RM1.090 trillion) for the Aukus submarines is not enough for Aussie taxpayers to cough out as a US client state. “We even declared a national public holiday for Biden’s historic visit only to be thrown under the bus by the US,” wrote a PNG blogger and political activist Martyn Namorong. “The US keeps shooting itself in the foot as it stumbles to maintain its grip in the region.” “It will be seen in the region as a self-inflicted wound caused by political polarisation in Washington that does not reflect well on America’s reliability as a partner,” said former US assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel. What the US-Australia-QUADPacific Island diplomacy is about This current round of diplomacy is not aimed at peace, stability and security. Nor is it intended to assist the island nations affected by climate change, environmental problems, employment, infrastructure and services needs, and other domestic priorities. It is to reinforce the military encirclement of China. This objective to strengthen the existing noose of over 100 US military bases around China is being complemented with economic measures aimed at curbing China’s relations and links with the island countries and other countries in Asia. This is “economic coercion”, the US variety. Can the Pacific Islands resist this new cold war in their neighbourhood? An astute Pacific islander nongovernmental organisation leader has warned: “In any US-instigated war with China, all bets are off for all parties. Island leaders and their people must wake up to the reality of intended and unintended consequences that will not just imperil their security but is also likely to eviscerate their present life. “In the calculus of the US and its allies, the Islands and islanders are dispensable. A nuclear war with China engineered by the US and supported by supine nations like Australia, Japan, South Korea, India and the Philippines will have horrific consequences for the Pacific Islands. “Being led by the nose by warmedover former colonies like Australia and India to fight a country thousands of miles away is neither smart diplomacy nor smart foreign policy.” (James Anthony, “Are Pacific nations setting themselves up as US ‘pawn sacrifices’?” May 10, Pearls and Irritation) Asean foreign policy positioning Pacific Island nations will do well to learn from Asean nations. The member countries (with the possible exception of the new Philippines government under Ferdinand Marcos Jr), despite various long-standing issues with China in the South China Sea, continue to refuse to become sacrificial pawns in the US/Australia chessboard game. Asean member states in 1971 signed a declaration on the establishment of a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality (Zopfan) for the region. This has been supplemented in 1991 by the Bangkok Treaty, with a commitment to preserve the Southeast Asian region as an area free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. Asean’s refusal to be drawn into US and Australian plans to cripple China through new strategies of military and economic coercion can serve as a model for Pacific replication. Lim Teck Ghee’s Another Take is aimed at demystifying social orthodoxy. Comments: [emailprotected] “Asean’s refusal to be drawn into US and Australian plans to cripple China through new strategies of military and economic coercion can serve as a model for Pacific replication. IF you are a certain age, the phrase “artificial intelligence” will almost certainly bring up one specific mental image: the T-1000, a regenerating robot sent back in time to 1995 by Skynet to kill the future of the human resistance, John Connor. Just about anyone who was a teenager in the 1990s will remember with a mixture of joy and horror the central conceit of the Terminator movies – that once computers have achieved consciousness, they will come for us mere flesh and blood mortals. It is fair to say that since ChatGPT hit the headlines in late autumn – and I started to tinker with what it could and could not do (and found it could do a lot) – the capabilities of Arnie and the gang have been close to the front of my mind. Then, came the news that the “godfather of AI”, the scientist Geoffrey Hinton, had resigned from Google so he could speak freely about how worried he was about what would happen once the AI bots were cleverer than humans. Outlining the horrifying potential impact his discoveries could have, and the millions of jobs that would be rendered redundant, Hinton said he was now terrified by the impact of his work. The Turing prize winner is not alone. Several of the world’s most successful tech entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk, had written a letter calling for an immediate pause on the development of AI while society attempts to get a handle on what it has invented. But they may as well have been shouting into a void for all the good it did in terms of governmental policy. We appear to have arrived in the opening scenes of a clever sci-fi film, in which normal people go about their daily business, oblivious to the horror that is about to overwhelm them. I am not just saying that, recent polling supports this assessment too. A major survey carried out last month by Public First, where I am a director, found that the great British public simply does not share my terror. When we asked people what words would best describe their feelings toward AI, the words “curious” (46%) and “interested” (42%) scored top. Meanwhile, just 17% described themselves as “scared”. And, as it stands, more people describe AI as providing an opportunity for the UK economy (33%) than posing a threat (19%). Of course, the public may be just slightly behind the story, and they will soon catch up with the likelihood that AI is rather less “handy-internet-shopping-helper”, and rather more “terrifying-futurerobot-overlord”, but I would rather our political masters did not take the risk and started warning people of the dangers we face. At the very least, surely we need an informed national debate about these new technological advances and how humans ought to respond. Someone much funnier than me explained recently that he gets his children to say “please” and “thank you” to Alexa because “once the internet bots rule the world, they will remember who was rude to them”. This is wisdom, for sure. We can all do with learning from my friend and start treating our internet servants with respect. Unlike most of the British population, we need to be aware that the rise of robots is happening all around us – before it is too late. – The Independent █ BYED DORREL Child safety is everyone’s responsibility THE recent cases of alleged child abuse or neglect committed by childcare providers or babysitters are deeply disturbing and alarming. The extreme cruelty and indifference displayed towards children in these cases should serve as a painful lesson for society as a whole, igniting a sense of urgency and gravity among caregivers. While the state bears the responsibility to protect children’s rights, such protection cannot be guaranteed without parents and guardians remaining vigilant in fulfilling their own responsibilities towards their children and ensuring their needs are met. It is crucial for parents and guardians to be aware of the competence of the caregivers entrusted with their children’s care as these individuals have direct contact and responsibility for their well-being. The onus lies on parents or guardians to equip themselves with knowledge when seeking out childcare centres/providers that meet the legal requirements and are regulated by the Social Welfare Department. The Children’s Commissioner (CC) urges the community to actively support government agencies by reporting unlicensed or unregistered childcare centres to the Social Welfare Department. Additionally, the community should recognise its collective responsibility and the impact of its actions in assisting efforts to combat child abuse incidents within the expanding care system. The CC also emphasises the importance of raising awareness among mature children about various issues that directly or indirectly affect them. The knowledge and information about children’s rights should be effectively disseminated according to their age, enabling them to understand not only their own safety but also that of their peers. This awareness will empower children to inform parents or guardians about any instances of child abuse they experience or witness. Dr Farah Nini Dusuki Children’s Commissioner LETTERS [emailprotected] ANOTHER TAKE BY LIM TECK GHEE The killer robots are coming but we seem to be indifferent
10 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 Low Yat’s Amaya breaks record with 90% take-up rate RAWANG: Low Yat Group’s latest residential development, Amaya, has achieved an impressive take-up rate of 90% since its launch in November 2022 despite the challenging economic climate. Located in Acacia Park, Bandar Tasik Puteri (BTP) township, Amaya sets a new standard as the inaugural development featuring a private residence clubhouse, complemented by a secure, 24-hour gated and guarded community. The project’s success is a testament to its exceptional residential features, which provide residents with a distinctive living experience. Andrew Goh, Rawang Lakes’ general manager of area property (development & management) attributes Amaya’s success to its unique residential features, making it the first gated and guarded residential oProject offers unique residential features, making it the first gated and guarded residential building in Bandar Tasik Puteri in Rawang building in BTP, offering a sanctuary and multiple exclusive clubhouse facilities for Amaya residents to enjoy. The residential community is located near the popular 27-hole Tasik Puteri Golf & Country Club, which is renowned as the best public golf course in Malaysia. Its proximity to commercial developments like Avenue 3 Commercial Hub and nearby public amenities such as schools, banks, medical centres, and eateries, including the latest Paradise Fair lifestyle mall, currently in development and set to feature an anchor tenant Star Grocer, and a KFC drive-through, is expected to host several more popular local and international food and beverage brands. The community is situated in the Northern Klang Valley, only a 30- minute drive from Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and offers easy access to major highways such as the Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, and PLUS expressways. Goh expressed his satisfaction with the sales performance of Amaya, stating that 90% of the units have been sold to date. He sees this as evidence of the community’s appeal to families looking for a safe, comfortable, and convenient living environment. He believes that the success of the project is due to the numerous amenities available within the community and the surrounding area. As of April 2023, Low Yat Group has achieved approximately RM112.5 million in sales for Amaya Phase 5A and is on track to achieve its gross development value of RM129 million. With only limited units left, Low Yat Group is set to launch its next phase soon, and the company is confident that it will reflect the same success. Airbnb reiterates importance of short-term rental stays for growth of tourism in Penang PETALING JAYA: Airbnb reiterated the importance of STRA for the growth of state-level and national tourism, following the Penang government’s announcement of new local guidelines for short-term rental accommodation (STRA). The global hospitality platform encouraged joint management bodies (JMB) and management committees (MC) of local strata buildings to consider the long-term economic benefits of STRA, when implementing their own guidelines at an individual building level. According to a recent Clearpath Strategies survey, there continues to be support for STRA in the state, with over 7 in 10 (74%) Penangites polled said that renting out homes through Airbnb has a positive impact on their community and its residents. About 75% of Penang residents polled agreed that short-term rental accommodation should be allowed to take place in surplus vacant apartments, to tackle the property overhang in areas including Penang, Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Based on statistics from the National Property Information Centre, Penang has the thirdhighest number of overhang or unsold residential properties in Malaysia as of end 2022, with 3,593 units valued at RM2.74 billion. Affordability remains a top priority for Penangites when it comes to travel, with locals polled saying their top concern is the rising costs of living which are making it harder for people to afford travel. Looking ahead, Airbnb is 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. Airbnb public policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan head Mich Goh (pix) said that the results underscored the increasingly important role that STRA plays as tourism sees a strong rebound across the region, especially in tourism hotspots like Penang. “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 said in a statement. Additionally, former JMB chairman for Penang condominium Tropicana @ 218 Macalister Michael Goh Boon Tat “strongly” encourages all strata buildings to decide whether or not to regulate STRA, and how they choose to do so. “From my experience, noise and nuisance issues in strata buildings can be resolved through effective JMB management instead of bylaws that aim to reduce STRA activity. My JMB introduced a dedicated resident lift, fines for non-compliance, a hotline for complaints and homeowners group chats where owners can amicably share and resolve issues. It has truly been a win-win situation for homeowners, residents and guests,” Goh added. Meanwhile, a frequent traveller to Penang from Indonesia Pak Hendry, visits Penang often for medical treatment, which makes short-term rental the “most ideal” for him. “I usually go for apartments on Airbnb that are close to established hospitals, and provide the amenities that my family and I need. We usually stay for more than a week as I need to rest post-treatment. I’m genuinely worried about the three-day restriction on short-term rentals that the Penang government is suggesting, because this will definitely complicate any future medical visits,” he said. IJM Land’s latest development Rimbayu Avela sees growth PETALING JAYA: IJM Land’s latest project Rimbayu Avela sees growth in IJM’s Rimbayu township located in the southwest of the Klang Valley, which marks the 10th anniversary of IJM’s Rimbayu township. Senior general manager Chai Kian Soon said that Avela is “a reminder that family size, mobility, age, and encouraging social inclusion are factors that we have considered when adapting and building lifetime homes in this agefree haven”. Avela homes are conceptualised as abodes for multi-generational families staying together under the same roof. In terms of demographics, it is catered to mid-affluent and mature homeowners. It has a gross development value (GDV) of RM572 million. With a RM206 million GDV, the first Phase 17A comprises 164 units, while the next two Phases 17B and 17C will comprise 136 and 145 units, respectively. It is a low-density development with 445 units within its gated and guarded enclave. There are two types of residences namely 22’ x 70’ doublestorey Link Homes (Type B), sized at 2,400 sq ft to 2,428 sq ft and the larger 30’ x 70’ double-storey Garden Homes (Type A) sized at 2,745 sq ft. Homeowner’s elders with limited mobility can occupy the sizable elderlyfriendly bedroom with ample space on the ground floor. Meanwhile, Chai said that the group’s aim at Avela is to foster healthy ageing by cultivating a neighbourhood that cares. “In the same brushstroke, social isolation among the elderly along with degenerative diseases such as dementia can be warded off with efforts made to maintain their daily routines and to allow them to continuously engage with their family, neighbours, in-coming visitors, and the community at large,” he said in a statement. The development is well-connected to Kesas, Kemuning-Shah Alam highways, Elite, SKVE and the WCE expressways, which will be completed in 2024. Avela’s Multigenerational Play Area Juwai IQI launches anti-money laundering push with AI component KUALA LUMPUR: Juwai IQI cofounder and group CEO Kashif Ansari said that the company will launch a major new anti-money laundering push with an artificial intelligence (AI) component with the goal to improve security and reduce by as much as 50% the typical homebuyer’s compliance time. Juwai IQI aims to lead the industry in compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLA). The company is Asia’s largest proptech and operates a network of 30,000 real estate agents globally, including one of Malaysia’s largest real estate agent teams. Juwai IQI is also building a 1,000-strong data and technology team at its new Kuala Lumpur headquarters. “It is vital to maintain affordability and accessibility in the housing sector by preventing money laundering and criminal activity,” said Kashif, adding that they want to ensure that housing remains affordable and available to the rakyat by keeping laundered money and criminal syndicates out. “There is an enormous amount of dirty money seeking a way into the regular economy. Transparency International estimates there is as much as US$32 trillion (RM141 trillion) of illicit wealth in the world. “Without strong anti-money laundry regimes, that money could distort the home market and make it harder for families to afford their own homes and build financial security. If we did not tackle money laundering, we would undermine the legitimate private home market and permit bad actors to gain influence and distort prices,” said Kashif. He added that their enforcement is focused on the secondary market. Real estate agents like Juwai IQI are responsible for enforcing AMLA in the secondary market, while developers and lawyers do so in the off-plan market. “We have put artificial intelligence at the centre of our efforts. Our new technologies will reduce the amount of time it takes the typical homebuyer to comply with AMLA by as much as 50%. Our most important task is to verify the identity of those buying real estate to ensure they are legitimate individuals or organisations. We collect copies of their identification, check their sources of income, and so on,” said Kashif.
KLCI 1,409.62 STI 3,214.21 HANG SENG 19,115.93 SCI 3,204.75 NIKKEI 30,682.68 275.09 TSEC 16,159.32 KOSPI 2,567.45 S&P/ASX200 7,213.80 THURSDAY MAY 25, 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 24, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) SAPNRG 176,196,800 3.5 UNCH BAHVEST 82,049,700 19.0 +3.0 HSI-CLZ 76,980,100 22.0 -5.0 BSLCORP 55,501,700 4.0 -1.0 TANCO 53,324,200 55.0 +0.5 EXCHANGERATES MAY 24, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.6420 4.5060 4.4830 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0870 2.9640 2.9520 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4460 3.3460 3.3360 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4360 3.3440 3.3140 1 EURO 5.0110 4.8470 4.8190 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.9150 2.8070 2.7950 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4460 3.3460 3.3360 1 STERLING POUND 5.7780 5.5950 5.5590 1 SWISS FRANC 5.1400 5.0190 5.0010 100 UAE DIRHAM 127.9400 121.2600 120.4000 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3790 4.0730 3.9070 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 66.2500 63.4300 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 59.8900 56.8900 56.4400 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.7000 5.3500 5.1200 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0323 0.0292 0.0241 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3560 3.2490 3.2330 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR N/A N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6500 1.5400 1.3400 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.4400 7.9600 7.7100 100 QATAR RIYAL 128.4400 121.9300 121.4500 100 SAUDI RIYAL 125.1900 118.8400 117.9800 100 THAI BAHT 14.0500 12.4600 12.0100 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY May 24, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,340.40 -30.10 FBMKLCI 1,409.62 -1.92 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 565.23 -3.13 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 164.00 -0.13 CONSTRUCTION 159.02 -1.21 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,349.30 -60.80 ENERGY 830.14 -6.71 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 596.14 -2.67 HEALTH CARE 1,904.59 -28.60 TRANSPORTATION 906.41 -3.17 PROPERTY 685.93 -3.91 PLANTATION 6,936.67 -38.40 FBMSHA 10,716.70 -25.40 FBMACE 4,947.80 +30.01 TECHNOLOGY 56.97 -0.02 TURNOVER VALUE 2.548 BIL RM1.697 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS May 24, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM HEXTECH 59,100 24.86 +0.36 HLFG 165,700 17.72 +0.22 BLDPLNT 3,000 10.32 +0.14 HSI-HNF 8,213,700 0.56 +0.135 HSI-HNA 31,000 1.10 +0.12 5 TOP LOSERS May 24, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM HEIM 163,700 26.52 -0.52 AJI 76,700 14.20 -0.34 F&N 227,100 26.22 -0.34 RAPID 39,700 20.12 -0.34 HLBANK 567,500 19.48 -0.32 1.92 3.87 315.32 41.49 28.71 0.10 46.10 Work with China firms, M’sian textile makers told KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian textile industry should collaborate with manufacturers from China to transform local textile production processes and systems through digitalisation and automation, in order to boost productivity and increase revenue, said Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA) chairman Datuk Seri Tan Thian Poh. He said the textile industry in Malaysia has become “stagnant”, as it was “deemed to be a labour intensive industry”, pointing out that times have changed and the industry has moved towards automation, which indicates less dependence on labour. “We need to transform, automate and to have the management skills ... that means the flow system, it’s the whole production process. We need to learn and I believe the best partners to learn this from is China because they have proven it,” he told reporters during a press conference at the China Textile City Overseas Mini Fair – a business-matching event – here yesterday. Tan said Malaysia should adopt a productivity-linked system such as practised in China, whereby manufacturers pay wages based on employees’ productivity and “the more you produce, the more you earn”. He noted that there is a call to increase the minimum wage in the country, but the productivity level issue must be addressed because low productivity levels could be detrimental to competitiveness which is needed for the industry to thrive. Tan opined that the main disadvantage for Malaysia is the availability of labour, not the cost of labour. He said foreign labour supply is only able to offer short- to medium-term solutions but it is not From left: Han, Rozita, Tan and Shaoxing Keqiao Textile City Overseas Market Promotion Association executive president Wei Changjun, during the event. oLearn from them as we need to transform, automate to keep up with the times: MTMA chairman █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [emailprotected] Tune Protect unveils digital solutions for SMEs, MSMEs KUALA LUMPUR: Tune Protect Group, through its wholly owned subsidiaries Tune Protect Life (TPL) and Tune Protect Malaysia (TPM), yesterday launched digital solutions to bridge the protection gap and make insurance more accessible to SMEs and MSMEs in Malaysia. The innovative digital solutions are an employee health and life insurance offering by TPL and a one-stop microsite offering customised business insurance by TPM. At a press conference in conjunction with the launch, Tune Protect CEO Rohit Nambiar said the digital insurer wants to make insurance more accessible to SMEs and MSMEs. “It is unfortunate to see that despite being a vital part of the economy, █ BYRANJIT SINGH [emailprotected] sustainable in the long run for local players to depend on the government for continuous supply of foreign workers. “We have to rescale our local (textile businesses), make the job more lucrative not competitive. We (should) make our local (textile businesses) more productive so they can earn more wages and the business can thrive. So we need this transformation and automation,” he added. The way forward, Tan said, is for Malaysia to focus on branding and retailing. With online retailing, Malaysian companies do not need to set up an overseas branch to conduct operations. Citing the success of Chinese online fast fashion retailer Shein, he said Malaysian textile players should move towards that direction and “try to emulate” the company. In 2022, Tan said, Malaysia’s total imports of textile and apparel from China were valued at RM5.8 billion while Malaysia’s exports to China were RM1 billion. On the mini fair, Shaoxing Keqiao Textile City Overseas Market Promotion Association secretary-general Jun Han said the business-matching event is expected to achieve US$5 million (RM22.96 million) in potential sales, based on similar editions held earlier in Vietnam and South Korea. He said the association hopes to play a bigger role in the future and that the Chinese companies in attendance “want to see your factories”, which indicates their interest for manufacturing expansion in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Malaysia Investment Development Authority’s building technology and lifestyle division director Rozita Ibrahim disclosed that it is in final discussions with a Chinese textile company which intends to expand its factory in Malaysia. “This year, we will receive quite a big investment from one existing company in Malaysia, they are going for expansion,” she shared. Rozita said the authority is focused on investments involving the upstream aspect of the textile industry, as Malaysia is “lacking in upstream products, starting from fibres, yarn and textiles”, and aims to attract investments involving smart and technical textiles. The business-matching event, which was organised by MTMA and the association, was aimed at bridging the gap in the supply chain of the textile and apparel industry in Malaysia. It was attended by more than 100 Malaysian buyers as well as 22 Chinese manufacturers. contributing 37.4% to GDP (gross domestic product) in 2021, SMEs remain largely uninsured or underinsured. This protection gap exposes them to significant risks and vulnerabilities. “Hence why, we as a digital insurer, are taking proactive steps to address the insurance needs of MSME, leveraging our digital-first approach.” TPL launched a first-in-market employee insurance solution which offers business owners or employers the flexibility to purchase life or medical/health insurance, or both, for their employees directly on a business-to-consumer channel. This offering has a unique value proposition of three years’ fixed premium guarantee, which means business owners pay the same amount annually during the period. Incorporated with the solution is a health/wellness-based rewards programme called Activ8, which aims to improve employees’ health, well-being and productivity through annual health screening and digital coaching programmes. Business owners are able to purchase the SME EZY product and plan of their choice directly, with a rebate of up to 10%. TPM, meanwhile, introduced the userfriendly home-grown SME Microsite, a onestop platform for business owners and small businesses to obtain customised insurance solutions. The microsite offers easy access to information, enabling MSMEs to make informed decisions about their coverage needs. It also provides a marketplace for MSMEs, offering profession-based insurance bundles such as Business Shield with a 15% platformexclusive premium rebates and connecting them with partners’ offerings. Participation 47.4 26.5 26.1 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 804.3 467.1 426.4 1697.8 Sold RM m 804.7 433.6 459.5 1697.8 Net RM m -0.4 33.5 -33.1 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) 24/05/2023
12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 SUNBIZ Store N Go integrates influencer marketing solutions into services PETALING JAYA: Store N Go, a home-grown e-fulfilment provider, has combined influencer marketing solutions with warehousing and fulfilment services. Said to be the first in Malaysia, the inclusion of influencer marketing into Store N Go’s ecosystem aims to boost the competitiveness of homebased businesses and SMEs, many of which have digitised operations but lack the resources for active digital marketing. Store N Go’s influencer marketing solutions currently span a growing inhouse team of 24 influencers on TikTok, covering a variety of consumer interests from beauty to lifestyle. With this latest addition to its services, the brand said it is poised to become a one-stop brand management solution for SMEs looking to centralise their fulfilment and marketing efforts. Store N Go founder and CEO Tee Kee Lion said: “Having worked with a SME-majority clientele, we realised there is a very real need to level the online playing field, especially as less than 25% of SMEs are able to move beyond basic digitalisation. “What Store N Go offers is an endto-end ecosystem that closes that gap – we manage a business’ entire fulfilment process, while simultaneously building their brand through multiple marketing channels and taking them further to high-potential audiences that they have yet to reach,” he said in a statement. In keeping with the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, Store N Go also provides upskilling training to its team of influencers. The training sessions are administered by digital experts, and covers a range of topics such as TikTok shop marketing tools, livestream host training, and content creation classes. Additionally, Store N Go provides businesses with detailed performance data analytics of their influencer marketing campaigns. This enables business owners to better identify customers’ online influences and to easily scale the influencers engaged depending on campaign scale and need, from nano to microinfluencers. To date, Store N Go said, it has connected local startups and SMEs with an average increase in sales of 99.28%, compared on year-to-date basis with March 2022. Following this entry into the digital marketing solutions space, Store N Go plans to continue expanding its network of influencers and key opinion leaders. Furthermore, the brand is preparing to explore emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain within the fulfilment industry to further streamline logistics and marketing operations for SMEs. UMW Group auto arms register healthy sales in April KUALA LUMPUR: The UMW Group registered 25,641 units in April 2023, bringing the total sales for the first four months of the year to 129,424 units. Both UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) and UMW’s associate company, Perodua, recorded healthy sales in April despite a shorter working month due to the Hari Raya holidays. UMWT registered 6,767 units in April 2023, marginally lower than the 6,946 units delivered in April 2022. For the first four months of 2023, UMWT registered 31,986 units, representing a 9% growth compared with the 29,393 units registered in the corresponding period of 2022. As of April 2023, UMWT’s market share stood at 13.4%. UMWT expects demand and sales to be sustained throughout the year, supported by the introduction of new and facelift models. To refresh its model line-up, UMWT started taking orders for the all-new Lexus RX 350 last week. Perodua registered 18,874 units in April 2023 compared with 25,654 units delivered in April 2022. Year-to-date April 2023, Perodua registered 97,438 units, 12% higher than the 87,278 units delivered in the same period of 2022. Accordingly, Perodua has achieved 31% of its sales target for 2023 of 314,000 units. For the first four months of 2023, Perodua’s market share has increased to 40.7% from the 39.1% recorded for the full-year 2022. Moving forward, Perodua is expected to continue to fulfil its encouraging outstanding bookings which continues to remain healthy. UMW Holdings Bhd president and Group CEO, Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said, “We are pleased with the healthy sales registered by both UMWT and Perodua in April 2023. Yearto-date, both companies have also registered higher sales compared with the same period of 2022, with an improved combined market share of 54.1%.” Matrix Concepts registers RM56.5m Q1 net profit, declares 2.25 sen dividend PETALING JAYA: Property developer Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd reported a lower net profit of RM56.56 million for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared with RM61.08 million in the same quarter of 2022. The decline is attributed to lower margin contributions from its Klang Valley development and reduced revenue from industrial properties. However, revenue for the quarter saw an increase at RM302.21 million against RM250.81 million in the previous year’s corresponding quarter. “The higher revenue was driven by an increase in contribution from the group’s property development division. This is in line with the improving labour shortage issue with the steady stream of new recruitment since late 2022,” it said in a bourse filing. For the full year, the group’s net profit reached RM208.54 million, surpassing the RM205.20 million recorded in FY22. Similarly, the annual revenue rose to RM1.12 billion from RM892.40 million. Matrix Concept has declared a fourth interim dividend of 2.25 sen, with entitlement date on June 22, 2023, and payable on July 6, 2023. Airbus sees growth potential for its helicopters in Malaysia LANGKAWI: Airbus Industrie believes its helicopter business has potential for growth in Malaysia, especially for the super medium utility H175, according to its Asia-Pacific marketing and sales vice-president/head, Fabrice Rochereau (pic). Speaking at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023, Rochereau said Southeast Asia made up onethird of the company’s helicopter bookings last year, where Malaysia is a key market for Airbus. The aircraft manufacturer takes the lead today in the country’s rotorcraft market with a 46% share. “Airbus has been actively supporting helicopter operations in Malaysia for 50 years. Today, close to 100 Airbus helicopters are flying in the country for a variety of civil, parapublic and military missions,” he added. Among the in-service helicopters is the iconic fleet of 12 H225M that has been serving the needs of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) since 2012. Designed for the most demanding missions, these multi-role H225Ms have actively participated in numerous military exercises and humanitarian missions over the last ten years, including flood rescue, pandemic aid and lifesaving operations. The air force’s H225M fleet has been recognised as the world’s highest military flyer of the type, achieving over 26,000 flight hours to-date. Rochereau also highlighted the recent successful entry-into-service of Airbus H175 in Malaysia’s growing energy sector, with local operators Hornbill Skyways and HAS International. “There are currently three H175 operating in Miri, providing offshore aviation services for gas and oil customers. Collectively, these H175 have already flown 370 hours in just seven weeks, with positive feedback from our customers on the helicopter’s outstanding flight performance, excellent payload and o Aerospace giant optimistc of market for the super medium utility H175 Airbus’ H175 super medium utility helicopter. cabin comfort. We are expecting more of this helicopter type to join the energy market across the country in the coming months,” said Rochereau. Besides offshore support, the H175 is renowned for its multi-mission capabilities. It has been deployed around the world in support of law enforcement, search-andrescue, helicopter emergency medical services, governmental VIP transport, as well as private and business aviation. On growth potential for Malaysia’s rotorcraft market, Rochereau sees mid to long term demand driven by fleet renewals, modernisation, maritime and military uses. “Growth in the military segment will be fulfilled by a mix of new acquisitions and replacements across maritime security, military training, search and rescue, and tactical transport. This is a market best suited for H175 for maritime and rescue operations, the versatile H135 for training, and the multirole H225M to meet a wide range of mission requirements,” he said. Speaking on Airbus Helicopters’ presence in Malaysia, Axel de Pascal, managing director of the business, said that its customers’ operations are well supported by a strong footprint in Subang. It houses Airbus’ regional helicopter MRO hub, completion and delivery centre, and a helicopter simulation training centre. This is in addition to the on-site technical support for RMAF’s H225M fleet in Kuantan, and now a dedicated support team in Miri for H175 operators. Airbus expects to maintain its market share with a strong local team and excellent products to meet the country’s needs. “Malaysia is an important market for Airbus Helicopters where we have strong roots. We also see great prospects across the various segments and are confident that our products represent the best combination of capability and value,” said Rochereau. Global Component to promote Pecca aircraft seat covers in region KUALA LUMPUR: Global Component Asia Sdn Bhd and Pecca Aviation Services Sdn Bhd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aviation Exhibition 2023 to promote Pecca Aviation’s aircraft seat cover products in Malaysia and the wider region. Global Component Asia and Pecca Aviation will engage in joint marketing efforts to promote Pecca’s aircraft seat covers for both civil and enforcement/defence markets in aircraft cabin upgrade. Global Component Asia, with its extensive experience in the maintenance, repairing, and overhaul industry, will leverage its network and resources to increase Pecca Aviation’s market penetration in the region. “We are delighted to collaborate with Pecca Aviation to promote their high-quality aircraft seat cover products,” Global Component Asia chairman Datuk Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi said. Meanwhile, Pecca Group executive director Teoh Zi Yi said “We are excited to partner with Global Component Asia, a prominent player in the regional aviation industry.” He added the deal highlights its competitive advantage in the aviation market, as the only European Union Aviation Safety Agency-certified Production Organisation Approval C2 Certificate holder in Malaysia to date.
13 * SUNBIZ theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME German firms in M’sia upbeat about business development KUALA LUMPUR: German companies in Malaysia expect a more promising outlook for business development in the next 12 months despite naming inflation as a top concern in the next five years, the latest AHK World Business Outlook Spring 2023 survey found. The bi-annual survey which captures the sentiments of German firms operating in Malaysia saw 70.5% of respondents saying they expect better business development while 53.3% said their company’s current business situation remained unchanged. In terms of the companies’ evaluation of the Malaysian economic development for the next 12 months, 51.1% said the condition would remain the same and 33.3% expect things to be better – these trends signal a continued positive outlook that indicates normalised economic activity and a steady rebound after external shocks from the past few years. 53.3% of German companies in Malaysia also said they will continue to invest locally while 28.9% intend to increase their expenditure to develop their oThey see promising outlook in next 12 months, although inflation remains a concern, survey shows business. In line with this, more than half (51.1%) of the companies surveyed said they will be increasing the number of employees. “In the face of high inflation rates globally and – particularly in Europe – increasingly dirigiste measures from the governments, employers are struggling with challenging market conditions. On the other hand, optimism in creating a brighter job market and increased labour demands is good news for Malaysia’s declining unemployment rate which is typically associated with a growing economy,” said Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) executive director Daniel Bernbeck, “As the official voice of German trade in Malaysia, our latest Spring 2023 survey indicates a positive outlook for the Malaysian economy that echoes the views of many economists who believe that Malaysia will not likely fall into a recession this year.” In terms of the most significant risks German businesses foresee in the next 12 months, respondents said demand would be a concern (62.2%) followed by a shortage of qualified workers (51.1%), economic policy framework conditions (33.3%), raw material prices (31.1%) and labour costs (26.7%). When asked what are the biggest geopolitical challenges for German businesses in Malaysia in the next five years, half of the respondents named inflation as a top concern (50%). Secondly, businesses voiced concern over the geo-economic fragmentation and an increase in political influence on supply chains through legislation and trade barriers (45.5%). In third place, 38.6% said the security of raw materials and energy supply would be a hurdle for businesses in the next five years. “Amid fierce competition in the region and global economic uncertainties, Malaysia’s political stability along with its open market policies, infrastructure and diverse talent pool will enable it to continue to achieve its goal as a foreign direct investment destination and to weather the challenges ahead,” Bernbeck said. To further cushion businesses from external shocks which the global community faced from various shortages that ensued from the Covid-19 lockdowns across the world, half of the German firms in Malaysia surveyed said they prefer to source for supplies domestically for their supply chain diversification strategy and when entering new markets. German businesses based here also chose proximity, favouring neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore for their supply chain needs and new market considerations. The AHK World Business Outlook Spring 2023 survey was conducted from March 20,2023 until April 16, 2023. REDtone transfers issued share capital from ACE Market to Main Market PETALING JAYA: REDtone Digital Bhd (REDtone) transferred its entire issued share capital from the ACE Market to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities yesterday. REDtone which is a provider of integrated telecommunications and digital infrastructure services to the Malaysian government and enterprises saw its share price open at 61 sen on the same day. Its group CEO Lau Bik Soon said the transfer to the Main Market was a testimony of the company’s resilience and strong foundation, as well as the ability to deliver favourable results in a challenging business environment. “The Main Market listing will power-up our market presence and growth especially in the Managed Telco Network Services (MTNS) segment and telecommunications solutions for the enterprise market. The MTNS segment is expected to remain as the main contributor for the group amidst the ongoing large scale telecommunication infrastructure projects such as Jendela and the 5G rollout,” said Lau in a statement. He also said that the company will also pursue growth in the booming telecommunications segment as there was an exponential growth in demand for reliable connectivity, intelligent IP (Internet Protocol) telephony and collaboration tools in line with an increasingly digitalised economy. The MTNS segment is expected to remain as the main contributor for the group amidst the ongoing large scale telecommuni cation infrastructure projects such as Jendela and the 5G rollout, “We are also constantly exploring new technologies, with the aim of developing new services and revenue streams, to deliver strong and sustainable growth,” added Lau. REDtone also sees a huge potential in technology driven solutions such as Smart Farming which has seen encouraging takeup. As one of the leaders in the space, the company aims to continue working with government agencies, forestry and agriculture policy makers within the country and across the region, to address the challenges faced in food security, farm management, forest asset management, monitoring habitat loss and deforestation. For the 9MFY23 period, the REDtone Group posted a revenue of RM147 million and profit after tax and minority interest of RM49 million, representing an increase of 27.1% and 68.29% year-on-year respectively mainly contributed by its telecommunication services segment. At the midday break yesterday, REDtone had risen 4.13% or 0.025 sen to 63 sen, with 6.87 million shares traded, giving it a market capitalisation of RM486.96 million. UOB Malaysia unveils refreshed mobile banking app UOB TMRW PETALING JAYA: UOB Malaysia Bhd has launched its refreshed mobile banking app, UOB TMRW which integrates data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning models. UOB said that the app underscores the bank’s commitment to provide customers with a simpler, smarter and more personalised banking experience for customers. UOB TMRW app has the capabilities in investments, payments and rewards that serves customer’s unique needs and preferences. Through the app, customers can get an overview of their investment portfolios including information such as mark-to-market values and real-time performances. In addition, the bank will incorporate a comprehensive suite of self-service features for UOB cards in UOB TMRW later this year. Customers will be able to perform card services through the app including card activations, temporary credit limit increase, applications for payment instalments, card replacements and balance conversions. UOB Malaysia managing director and country head of personal financial services Ronnie Lim said that with mobile apps being the most frequently used platform for banking services in the country, Malaysians place higher trust in digital transactions performed on mobile apps compared to other forms of service delivery channels postpandemic. Following the completion of UOB’s acquisition of Citigroup’s consumer banking business in Malaysia in Nov 2022, the integration of IT systems into a single platform is currently underway. Former Citigroup customers can look forward to accessing services and solutions offered by UOB TMRW once the integration is completed by the third quarter of this year. Samsung Galaxy users can now gain access to ONE Esports via their smartphone KUALA LUMPUR: The ONE Esports mobile app powered by Samsung has been launched exclusively for Samsung Galaxy smartphones, giving Samsung Galaxy users latest news in esports. Born out of a long-term partnership between ONE Esports and Samsung in Southeast Asia, the newly launched app is exclusive to Samsung Galaxy smartphones in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The ONE Esports mobile app was developed with gaming enthusiasts in mind and its joint development is testament to Samsung’s commitment and enthusiastic support of the gaming community. Samsung Galaxy users will have exclusive early access to content created, syndicated and aggregated on the ONE Esports mobile app. The customisable in-app push notification system ensures that Samsung Galaxy users will be the first to be notified about breaking esports news and the latest game updates. “Empowering Samsung Galaxy users through our technology is at the core of our brand. The ONE Esports mobile app delivers on this promise with first-access content to give our gaming and esports fans that extra edge,” said Carl Nordenberg, regional head of mobile experience business, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania. Meanwhile, ONE Esports CEO Carlos Alimurung said, “This app is the perfect one-stop hub for gaming and esports enthusiasts, providing them with access to the latest news, exclusive content, and a variety of features that will keep them ahead of the game.” T7 Global starts FY23 with higher revenue, net profit in first quarter KUALA LUMPUR: Energy solutions provider T7 Global Bhd reported an increase in revenue and profit after tax and minority interest by 52% and 56% respectively to RM94 million and RM4.2 million for the first quarter of financial year 2023 (Q1’23) compared with Q1’22. Furthermore, the group’s order book stands at an impressive RM2.5 billion. The company said this yesterday when announcing its earnings for Q1’23. T7 Global CEO Tan Kay Zhuin said, “Despite the moderation of oil prices in Q1FYE2023, our results are good as we continue to improve our commercial and operational excellence. This was largely attributable to the support from T7 Global’s stakeholders and I am appreciative of their confidence and trust in the group. “We remain focused on delivering sustainable growth and we ensure prudent management of our assets as well as our financial commitments.”
14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 SUNBIZ /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME US board: More tech investment needed to boost aviation safety B R I E F SUNIQLO TO EXIT RUSSIA, PAVING WAY FOR SALE OF BUSINESS TOKYO: Japanese brand Uniqlo has decided to leave Russia after suspending its operation there last year, paving the way for a sale of the business, the Izvestia newspaper cited Russia’s deputy trade minister as saying. Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing suspended the clothing brand’s operations in Russia in March, 2022, joining scores of international companies, after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in what it dubbed a “special military operation”. – Reuters LENOVO QUARTERLY REVENUE HIT BY PC DEMAND SLUMP HONG KONG: China’s Lenovo Group Ltd yesterday reported a 24% fall in revenue for the January-March quarter, meeting market expectations, as demand for personal computers (PCs) continued to slump. The world’s largest PC maker said fourth-quarter revenue was US$12.63 billion (RM58 billion), down 24% from the same period a year earlier and marking the third consecutive quarter of on-year decline. The outbreak of Covid-19 gave a huge boost to electronics sales as consumers and companies alike stocked up on equipment or upgraded existing gear to accommodate a shift to remote work. However, revenue started contracting last year as demand began to fall. For the previous quarter, Lenovo reported a decline in revenue of 24%, its steepest in 14 years. – Reuters Japan’s factory mood turns bright as economy recovers TOKYO: Business sentiment at big Japanese manufacturers turned positive for the first time this year and service-sector morale hit a fivemonth high, the Reuters Tankan poll showed, as the economy continued to improve from a Covid-led recession. Yesterday’s monthly poll, which tracks the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) closely watched quarterly tankan survey, found that manufacturers are also upbeat about the coming three months, while service-sector morale was seen down a tad. The solid reading may further fuel speculation that the BOJ will embark on normalising its easing policy sooner rather than later. However, governor Kazuo Ueda has repeatedly said that inflation, supported by wage hikes, needs to track at a sustainable rate of 2% before the bank could consider any exit. “Given Governor Ueda’s cautious stance on global economy, it still takes time for the BOJ to embark on normalising monetary policy,” said Yoshimasa Maruyama, chief market economist at SMBC Nikko Securities. oAuto firms and oil refineries among manufacturers reporting positive responses, as supply chain bottlenecks eased “Big manufacturers‘ sentiment rose on improvements in the auto industry and it’s likely to stay in positive territory, although the pace of recovery will be moderate.” The sentiment index for big manufacturers reached +6, up from April, the survey of 493 firms, of which 241 responded during May 10-19, showed. It was the first positive reading this year and is seen rising further in August. Auto firms and oil refineries were among manufacturers reporting positive responses, as supply chain bottlenecks eased. “As daily life normalises after the pandemic, customers’ appetite for purchasing has turned higher, helping department store sales in urban areas post double-digit growth,” a retailer manager wrote. UK inflation falls by less than expected Many however, complained about the costs of doing business, reflecting still high global inflation on goods and services. “Weak yen and elevated crude pushed up costs of everything from raw materials to services, which hurt consumption,” a food processing firm’s manager wrote. The service-sector index rose slightly from April to 25, its highest reading this year, led by retailers and real estate and construction firms. The world’s No. 3 economy emerged from recession in JanuaryMarch as a post-Covid consumption rebound offset global headwinds, offering hopes for domestic demand-led growth. Last month, the BOJ’s tankan showed manufacturers’ sentiment soured in January-March to its worst in more than two years. – Reuters Despite the most recent fall, inflation continued to eat into the spending power of workers whose pay is rising by less. – AFPPIX LONDON: Britain’s stubbornly high inflation rate fell by less than expected last month and a closely watched measure of core price rises surged to a 31-year high, according to official data that raised the chances of more interest rate hikes. Consumer prices rose by 8.7% in annual terms in April, down from 10.1% in March but still leaving Britain with the joint highest rate of inflation among Group of Seven advanced economies alongside Italy. In Western Europe, only Austria had a higher rate. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast that the headline CPI annual rate would drop to 8.2% in April, moving further away from October’s 41-year high of 11.1%. Earlier this month, the Bank of England (BoE) forecast inflation of 8.4% for April. British government bond prices plunged as investors piled on bets that the BoE will be forced to raise interest rates repeatedly until the end of the year. “With inflation proving stickier than the bank expected, it now seems all but certain that the Bank will raise interest rates from 4.5% to 4.75% in June and perhaps a bit further in the months after,” Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said. Governor Andrew Bailey and other top BoE officials have come under increasing criticism for the surge in inflation. One lawmaker accused central banks of a “woeful neglect of duty” on Tuesday during a hearing in parliament. High inflation is a problem for Britain’s government as well as the BoE. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised at the start of 2023 to halve inflation, which would require it to fall to around 5% by the end of the year. Sunak made the promise as one of his priorities for 2023 before an expected national election next year, with his Conservative Party flagging in opinion polls. The BoE is due to announce its next decision on rates on June 22 and after yesterday’s data investors were pricing the likelihood of another quarter-percentage point increase in borrowing costs next month at 100%, up from 83% on Tuesday. Sterling rose against the US dollar and the euro after the figures were published before giving up some of those gains. Two measures of underling price growth that are closely watched by the BoE – core inflation, which excludes energy, food and tobacco prices, and price increases in the services sector – both hit their highest rates since March 1992. The economists polled by Reuters had largely expected the core inflation rate to be unchanged. Despite the most recent fall, inflation continued to eat into the spending power of workers whose pay is rising by less. The BoE is worried that the surge in inflation might lead to a lasting upward shift in wage demands and businesses’ pricing strategies, exacerbated by a post-pandemic cut in Britain’s labour force and problems caused by Brexit. Annual food and drink price inflation – which soared to its highest rate since 1977 in March – cooled only marginally in April to 19.1% from 19.2%. “Although it is positive that it (inflation) is now in single digits, food prices are still rising too fast,” finance minister Jeremy Hunt said in a statement. “We must stick resolutely to the plan to get inflation down.” The ONS data offered some signs that price rises for goods will slow, potentially helping soften some of the pain for consumers paying more for services. Prices paid by factories rose by the least in more than two years, up 3.9% compared with April 2022. The prices they charged increased by 5.4%, the smallest increase since July 2021. – Reuters WASHINGTON: The US needs to invest more in aviation safety technology solutions after a series of close-call runway incidents this year, the head of the US National Transportation Safety Board said on Tuesday. The NTSB is investigating six runway incursion events since January including some that could have been catastrophic. Technology systems that help detect aircraft and ground vehicles at airports to prevent runway incursion are currently used at 43 US airports. That technology needs to be upgraded and all other commercial airports also need additional technology, Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, told reporters. She was speaking after a five-hour meeting with industry, union, government and academic representatives on ways to address runway incursions. The US has about 500 commercial airports. The US runway incursion rate steadily increased from late 2022 and into 2023, peaking in March at 33 per 1 million takeoffs and landings. That rate fell to 19 in April. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the rate was coming closer to normal levels and vowed continued vigilance. The US has not had a major fatal US passenger airline crash since February 2009. In March, the FAA said it was taking steps to improve air traffic control, convening a safety summit and issuing a safety alert. In April, it named an independent safety review team and on Monday, it announced an investment of US$100 million (RM456 million) in 12 airports for improvements to taxiways and lighting to reduce runway incursions. Homendy said a FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 that came within about 115 feet of each other in Austin on Feb 4 in poor visibility conditions could have been a “terrible tragedy.” Near-miss incidents have also occurred in Boston, Florida and include a near collision at New York’s JFK airport between a Delta Air Lines plane and an American Airlines Boeing 777. – Reuters
2 5 M A Y 2 0 2 3 T H U R S D A Y Regrowing the future I NSIDE bomb-proof frozen vaults underneath the English countryside hides a treasure trove of 40,000 species of wild plant seeds from around the world, many of which are in danger of disappearing. The world’s largest seed bank, located in the sleepy countryside south of London, is in a race against time because two out of five plant species are threatened with extinction, according to scientists. Britain’s David Attenborough, a leading environmental figure of international renown, has called the Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) “perhaps the most significant conservation initiative ever”. “The purpose is conservation of wild species through seeds, against those species becoming extinct, in the long run,“ explained John Dickie, the project’s senior research leader. The 70-year-old has been involved with the MSB since its inception in the late 1990s and the opening of its current home in 2000 to celebrate the millennium. A total of 2.5 billion seeds are stored at the MSB in Wakehurst, 56m outside London, and at a branch of the capital’s Kew Gardens botanical gardens. They come in all shapes, colours and sizes, and belong to 40,020 different species originating from 190 countries. Nearly 20% of the world’s flora is preserved at Wakehurst, with priority given to plants that are threatened, particularly by climate change, and endemic plants that can only be found in one geographical area. Plants that have a societal function, such as for medical or economic use, also have their place. Not rocket science “Plant species are endangered for a number of reasons but mainly through land use change, and increasingly through climate change,” said Dickie. “Some plants will adapt. Others are not adaptable. At least they are here rather than not existing anymore,” he added. Dickey at the facility, which is a branch of Kew Gardens botanical garden. – ALL PIX BY AFP oThe Noah’s Ark for plants beneath the English countryside The Millennium Seed Bank holds some 40,000 plant species from around the world. Priority is given to storing plants under threat. New seeds arrive at the facility every week. Seeds are first cleaned then stored in glass jars before being catalogued and stored. The seeds are stored at sub-zero temperatures in underground vaults. Wakehurst receives new seeds from all over the world every week and then the process of saving them begins. That process is “based on the technology that has already been in use for crop species”, said Dickie. “It’s not rocket science. Dry it, freeze it. It’s just chemistry,“ he added, explaining that, once frozen, the seeds can be stored for decades, probably centuries. Dickie’s team of around 20 researchers and various volunteers works in public view in their glassfronted laboratory. Lucy Taylor is working on Albizia Polyphylla seeds that have arrived from Madagascar. “Madagascar is a very interesting place for us. As it was disconnected from Africa, there’s a unique flora. And there’s also a lot of pressure on land,” she said. One of her jobs is to separate the empty seeds from the rest. No regrets, bar one “Many of them can be empty or infested with bugs or some kind of disease, so it’s important for us to clean them as much as we can,” explained Taylor. “We want to have the best quality collection possible but also space in our bank vault is limited.” The seeds are X-rayed for diseases, and each is given its own identity card, with its name, country of origin and date of arrival at the MSB. The seeds are then stored in glass jars before scientists – kitted up like Arctic explorers – take them to the minus 20°C underground vaults, built to withstand floods, bombings and radiation. The largest collection of seeds is from the orchid family. But there are also rare plants, such as the world’s smallest water lily and the Deschampsia Antarctica, also known as Antarctic hair grass, one of two flowering plants native to the frozen continent. The MSB, which receives public funding and donations, has partnerships with 90 countries. Some, such as Indonesia, refuse to share their seeds with the MSB, but keep them on their territory and take responsibility for their conservation. Others, however, seem out of reach. One of Dickie’s few regrets is that he has no relationship with Iran. – AFP
16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Strength from his mother Renner and his mother Cearley at the 2008 Academy Awards. – REUTERS oJeremy Renner pays tribute to the one person who has stood by his side through his success and his recent accident ON Tuesday, Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner shared a photo to his Instagram Story of a newspaper clipping featuring a picture of himself as a child alongside his mother, Valerie Cearley. The photo appeared to be published in a local Nevada newspaper back when he received his first Oscar nomination for his performance in 2008’s The Hurt Locker. He also brought his mother as his date to the Academy Awards. “This came to my attention. Love you, mama,“ the Avengers star wrote in a caption above the picture. Renner also paid tribute to his mother in a heartwarming Instagram post he shared on Mother’s Day. The actor posted three photos of his mother taken over the years, as he apologised in his caption “for the weight I’ve made you carry” and noted her “grace and strength” in recent months. He concluded his message with the heartfelt: “Thank you, love you mama ... My rock.” Cearley has been taking an active role in caring for her 52-year-old son in the months following his life-changing Jan 1 snowplow accident, in which Renner broke over 30 bones and underwent multiple surgeries after his snowplow – said to weigh at least 6,500kg – ran him over while he was helping his nephew Alex get a stuck vehicle out of the snow. Renner shared a video to his Instagram Story of Cearley and his sister comforting him from his hospital bed in the days immediately following the incident. Since then, the actor has amazed everyone by getting back on his feet in almost-record time, and was well enough to walk the red carpet in April for his Disney+ show Rennervations. That same month, the actor told Diane Sawyer during ABC’s hour-long special concerning the accident and his subsequent miraculous recovery that it was all due to the strength he gained from his mother. “I think I’m mentally strong. I don’t know about other people,“ he said, when Sawyer asked if he believes he is “stronger than most people.” “I know I’m mentally strong, and I get that from my mum,“ Renner added. – by Mark Mathen Victor Nick Cannon takes over for Jamie Foxx AS Jamie Foxx takes some time off to recover at home, Nick Cannon has stepped in to fill in for him as the host of the hit game show Beat Shazam. Foxx, a renowned actor and singer, was recently hospitalised due to a “severe” and still-undisclosed medical condition. As Foxx is currently focusing on his health and healing, Cannon has graciously assumed the hosting duties to ensure the show continues without interruption. Cannon’s stint began on Tuesday night, and he started off by offering a heartfelt acknowledgment to Foxx. “Now, I know what you all are thinking: that ain’t Jamie Foxx,“ Cannon (right) Cannon and Osbourne are filling in for Foxx and his daughter. – TWITTER was quoted as saying. “And you are absolutely right. I’m actually Nick Cannon, and I’m honoured that Jamie asked me to fill in for him, so make no mistake: this is Jamie Foxx’s house. “He has hosted this show for five seasons and given way almost US$12 million (RM54.8 million). It’s amazing.” Expressing his commitment to upholding Foxx’s legacy, Cannon shared his determination to give his best in hosting the show. Fellow celebrity Kelly Osbourne was also introduced as guest DJ, stepping in for Foxx’s daughter Corinne, who is devotedly attending to her father’s needs during this time. The network extended warm wishes to Foxx for a speedy recovery, expressing their gratitude for Cannon’s willingness to step in and assist during the summer. Osbourne, recognising Foxx as an immensely talented individual, expressed her deep admiration for him and considered it a great honour to temporarily fill in for his daughter. While an official announcement regarding the Foxxes’ comeback to Beat Shazam is still pending, it has been revealed that the father-daughter duo will make a return to the network in the following year. They are set to host a fresh musical guessing game show titled We Are Family. In a joint statement, the two expressed their excitement about the development of their future show. The statement read in part: “We are thrilled to be developing We Are Family with Jeff Apploff and our friends at FOX Entertainment after so much success with six seasons of Beat Shazam.” – by Thashine Selvakumaran BLACKPINK’s Jennie on acting debut K-POP star Jennie from BLACKPINK recently shared her excitement about her upcoming acting debut in the highly anticipated HBO series, The Idol. In an exclusive profile with WWD, Jennie expressed gratitude and a range of emotions, saying: “It’s overwhelming, but I’m thankful. All of those things at the same time.” She added: “Especially as it’s the first step in my acting career, I was honoured to be able to come.” Speaking to the outlet while attending her first Cannes Film Festival, Jennie also stated that she’s “been admiring” Idol co-creator Sam Levinson “for a very long time.” The BLACKPINK singer went on to say that the Euphoria showrunner took the subject matter seriously. “I trusted Sam to be collaborative with all the scenes we would be working on together because it was about the industry. The fact that it was about the music industry fascinated me, and I thought I could bring something to the role,” she said. “It was an opportunity to just be myself and be brave. I didn’t really train for it, or prep anything. Sam wanted me to just be myself.” Jennie added that starring in the music industry drama was very different from starring in BLACKPINK’s captivating music videos for hits like Ddu-Du, Ddu-Du, Pink Venom, and more. “It definitely was a challenge, because I’ve never experienced anything like that before,” she said. “It was like, breaking a wall for me.” Jennie stars in The Idol alongside Lily-Rose Depp, The Weeknd, Troye Sivan, Rachel Sennott, Dan Levy, and others. The star-studded series will air on HBO (Astro Ch 411) on June 5, 2023. – by Hazique Zairill Jennie called her acting experience ‘overwhelming’. – INSTAGRAM Danielle overshadows Halle Bailey in Korea? RECENTLY, some controversy was sparked over Disney Korea’s marketing strategy for The Little Mermaid. Netizens claimed that Disney Korea’s advertisem*nts were hiding Halle Bailey as the lead actress and instead looked to be promoting NEWJEANS’ member Danielle (below), who is the voice actress for Ariel in the Korean dub. This is evident from countless online posts that proved the promotional kiosks for The Little Mermaid featured Danielle instead of Bailey. There were also TV commercials that promoted Danielle’s music video for the movie’s theme song Part of Your World instead of the actual film. Bailey made history back in 2019 when she became the first Black actress to play Ariel. Some fans were quite outspoken in their dislike of her casting. Director Rob Marshall spoke against the negativity, saying: “I didn’t think that it was a big deal, casting a woman of colour.” He added: “When that controversy arose, from narrow-minded people, I thought, ‘Wow, that really feels like it’s coming from another century. Are we really still there?’”. The recent complaints have also highlighted how Bailey was shown in silhouette in Disney Korea’s official trailer thumbnails which differed greatly from Walt Disney Studios’ in which she was the centre of the shot. This controversy itself garnered mixed opinions that had their own take on it and while it’s all valid, Bailey is undoubtedly a great casting for Ariel, as proven by Marshall. – by Yasmin Zulraez
17 ENTERTAINMENT READ OUR theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME A timeless Disney classic The Little Mermaid is a live-action remake directed by Rob Marshall starring Halle Bailey as Ariel.– ALL PIX BY DISNEY oThis film proves that love conquers all █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The Little Mermaid is a fun and beautiful story that kids and adults would love. Javier Bardem as a strict but caring father was so well portrayed in the film. BASED on the 1989 Disney animation, which itself was adapted from the Hans Christian Andersen story, Rob Marshall’s remake of The Little Mermaid tells the story of mermaid Ariel, who strikes an agreement with Ursula to give up her voice for the chance to meet the man of her dreams, Prince Eric (Jonah Andre Hauer-King), on dry land. The filmmakers create a cast of fresh, immediately likeable characters as the narrative develops and the melodrama unfolds. Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Diggs), an intelligent crab, and Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), a fish who may not always be relied upon, decide to follow Ariel. In a scene that blends humour and peril in the finest Disney fashion, they offer comedic relief. I adored how vivid the entire film was, from start to finish. The animation was really well done, and all six sisters were breathtakingly stunning, including Bridgerton actress Simone Ashley as Ariel’s sister Indira. She barely had five seconds of screen time, which surprised me because I was expecting her to have a few lines. Halle Bailey improves the liveaction adaptation of The Little Mermaid, which maintains the passion of the classic story. The Little Mermaid has been the subject of debate ever since Disney initially unveiled the teaser. People expressed outrage that a Black actress was chosen to play the mermaid instead of a white actor. Six things to know about Indiana Jones INDIANA Jones turned archaeology into a swashbuckling adventure of snake pits and lost treasures. As 80-year-old Harrison Ford donned the beat-up fedora and evertrusty whip for a fifth and final outing in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last Thursday, here are six facts about one of the world’s best-loved movie heroes: Born in Hawaii Fittingly for the globetrotting Indy, whose escapades have taken him from the Himalayas to Shanghai nightclubs, the project was born in Hawaii. It was there, lounging on a Maui beach in 1977, that George Lucas and Steven Spielberg mulled ideas to follow their respective hits, Star Wars and Jaws. The beach brainstorms would make movie history. Produced by Lucas and directed by Spielberg, 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark was a triumph at the box office and scooped four Oscars. Two sequels – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – built a legend that has inspired theme parks, video games and mountains of merchandise. A fourth outing nearly two decades later, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull brought the combined box office takings to nearly US$2 billion (RM9.14 billion). Dog’s name The inspiration behind the character came from both real and imaginary sources. There was the archaeologist Hiram Bingham who discovered Machu Picchu, Tintin creator Herge, and Clint Eastwood’s Westerns. As for the name, Lucas first chose Indiana Smith – changed to “Jones” by Spielberg – taking the first part from his Alaskan Malamute pet dog, already the inspiration for Chewbacca in Star Wars. Bond without the gadgets Although Spielberg dreamed of directing a James Bond film, Lucas insisted part of Indy’s appeal was that this hero would be a “Bond without the gadgets”. There would be no explosive watches or Aston Martins with ejectable seats – Indy would triumph with ropes, knives and ingenuity. He bore all the hallmarks of a classic Lucas-Spielberg character: a geeky hero with a comical, ironic side, whose affairs with women were more complicated than any Bondstyle conquests. Ford not first choice Spielberg wanted Ford, but Lucas was reluctant to re-use his lead actor from Star Wars, from which he wanted a break. Nick Nolte, Jeff Bridges and Bill Murray were considered before the spotlight settled on Tom Selleck, but the moustachioed charmer had already signed up for TV detective show Magnum, PI. Later, thousands of actresses tried out for the role of Willie in the second film, including Sharon Stone, but it finally went to Kate Capshaw. Capshaw did not go on to a glittering Hollywood career, but she The fedora worn by Harrison Ford’s character Indiana Jones in the Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark film. – AFP did become Mrs Spielberg in 1991. Spielberg’s comeback While the Indiana Jones project was brewing, Spielberg was on the back foot after his film, 1941, flopped. He was also gaining a reputation as a big-spending director who ran overtime and could be tyrannical on set, even leaving two days early from the filming of Jaws, fearing his team would try to drown him, such was his unpopularity. Lucas’s project marked a career turning point for Spielberg – proving he could work fast, on time, in budget, and with big success. Eye of the cobra Indy’s extreme fear of snakes, or ophidiophobia, has been a frequent plot point. For the classic scene in which Indy falls into a pit full of the slithering reptiles, Spielberg did not hold back on the props: 6,500 live cobras, plus a few bits of watering hoses. – ETX Studio E-VALUE 8 ACTING 8 PLOT 7 0 DIRECTOR: Rob Marshall 0 CAST: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem But I have to admit that Bailey was fantastic as Ariel. Her youthful purity as a mermaid was actually quite impressionable. Bailey truly was the best person to play Ariel. Her interpretation of the character as naïve, and her beautiful singing, were enough to make up for the shortcomings of the original Ariel. Javier Bardem, who played King Triton, the King of the Sea, was yet another great casting example. I really like his performance and charm in the film, and the mere fact that he looked so good as a merman was enough to put a grin on my face anytime I saw him. The choice of Melissa McCarthy as the film’s antagonist was excellent. She gave off the impression of being the main character because to her charisma and deft portrayal of a villain. Hauer-King’s performance as Eric was good; nothing particularly noteworthy about that character, but it wasn’t bad either. Since leaving her family and home to be with the love of her life isn’t something I can agree with, The Little Mermaid’s plot is my least favourite of all the Disney animated films. Not that I didn’t support her relationship with Price Eric. I was delighted when Ariel’s wish came true and she was allowed to live out her romantic fantasies. So, if I were to overlook the storyline, I would say that I truly like the film’s beautiful visuals, language, music, and cinematography. There’s nothing to complain about, everything was very well directed. The movie largely adheres to the original story. Disney proved that the film belongs to all Disney fans, not just children. I’m happy that it seems like the movie came out good, despite the fact that there was initially a lot of controversy around it. For all Disney fans, this is the ideal opportunity to go watch with friends and family in order to bring back happy memories from your youth. I assure you that you won’t be let down. The Little Mermaid is now showing in theatres. Melissa McCarthy’s as the villainous character, Ursula didn’t disappoint.
18 HEALTH theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 WHO warns against using artificial sweeteners AI-powered breathalyzer to detect Covid-19? ARTIFICIAL sweeteners, used to replace sugar in a vast range of products, do not help in losing weight and can have serious health effects, according to the World Health Organization. The United Nations’ health agency released new guidelines on Monday advising against using socalled non-sugar sweeteners or NSS. A systematic review of available evidence “suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children”, the WHO said. In addition, results from the review “suggest that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term use of NSS, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mortality in adults”. Sweeteners are consumed by millions of people every day in products like diet soda or to sweeten coffee, partly as a way to avoid weight gain from sugar. But how healthy these substitutes are has long been a matter of controversy. The WHO’s director for nutrition and food safety, Francesco Branca, stressed that replacing ordinary sugar with artificial sweeteners “does not help with weight control in the long term”. “People need to consider other ways to reduce free sugars intake, such as consuming food with naturally occurring sugars, like fruit or unsweetened food and beverages,“ he said. “NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. People should reduce the sweetness of the diet altogether, starting early in life, to improve their health.” The WHO said its new recommendation applied to everyone except individuals with pre-existing diabetes. It includes all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified sweeteners not classified as sugars found in manufactured foods and beverages or sold on their own to be added to products by consumers. – ETX Studio Sweeteners are consumed by millions of people every day in products like diet soda or to sweeten coffee, partly to avoid weight gain. – GETTY Blowing into a breathalyzer could soon tell you whether you have Covid-19 or more serious diseases like cancer. – GETTY NEARLY 337 million life years were lost in the two first years of the Covid-19 pandemic, as millions of people died prematurely, the World Health Organization said recently. The UN health agency’s annual world statistics report also showed a swelling threat from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The most dramatic finding, based on data up to 2022, was the estimate of how many years of life Covid had taken, WHO said. The pandemic has wreaked global devastation and officially killed nearly seven million people, with the true figure believed to be closer to 20 million. The WHO report lays bare how the virus itself and the broader impact of the crisis abruptly cut short the lives of millions of people. While the WHO officially registered 5.4 million Covid deaths in 2020 and 2021, its excess mortality data shows around 14.9 million people actually likely died due to the crisis over that period. Even more striking, perhaps, it said the statistics show that during those two years alone, Covid resulted in the loss globally of 336.8 million years that otherwise would have been lived. “It’s like losing 22 years of life for every excess death,” Samira Asma, WHO’s assistant chief for data and analytics, told reporters ahead of the launch. Off-track “Significant inequities underpin the distribution of Covid-19 cases and deaths, as well as access to vaccinations,” the report said. The WHO warned that the pandemic had helped throw offtrack many health-related indicators that had been improving for years. During the first two decades of the century, the world saw significant improvements in maternal and child health, with deaths falling by onethird and one-half respectively. The incidence of infectious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis and malaria also declined significantly, as did the risk of premature death from NCDs. Global life expectancy rose from 67 years in 2000 to 73 in 2019. But after the pandemic hit, existing inequalities in access to high-quality health care, routine immunisations and financial protection deepened, among other things sending the long-improving trends on malaria and TB in the opposite direction. Stark message And while the world still enjoys health progress overall, the share of deaths caused each year by NCDs has grown, the study showed. In 2000, around 61 percent of global deaths annually were linked to NCDs. By 2019, almost 74 percent were. “If this trend continues, NCDs are projected to account for about 86 percent of the 90 million annual deaths by mid-century,“ WHO said in a statement. “The report sends a stark message on the threat of noncommunicable diseases, which take an immense and increasing toll,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. The findings, he said, show the need for “a substantial increase in investments in health and health systems to get back on track towards the Sustainable Development Goals.” NCD deaths were increasing despite a reduction in exposure to many health risks, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unsafe water and sanitation, WHO said. Exposure to other risks like air pollution however remained high, it said. The report warned in particular that the prevalence of obesity was growing with no sign of reversal. – ETX Studio Broader impact of Covid oHundreds of millions of life years lost to pandemic says, WHO Nearly 337 million life years were lost in the two first years of the Covid-19 pandemic, as millions of people died prematurely. – AFP SOON, you might only need to blow into a breathalyzer to find out if you have Covid-19 or other, more serious diseases like cancer and diabetes. A team of US researchers has used artificial intelligence to develop a kind of breathalyzer that can diagnose various diseases quickly and accurately. Scientists from the University of Colorado, Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology are working on a new kind of AI-powered breathalyzer that could detect Covid-19 and other diseases such as cancer and diabetes in real-time, just from a person’s exhaled breath. The results of their research are published in the Journal of Breath Research. “Our results demonstrate the promise of breath analysis as an alternative, rapid, non-invasive test for Covid-19 and highlight its remarkable potential for diagnosing diverse conditions and disease states,” says study first author Qizhong Liang, in a news release. This breathalyzer works with “frequency comb spectroscopy”, a technique that uses laser light to distinguish one molecule from another. It is able to identify biomarkers of disease in human breath. In order to ensure more accurate detection, the researchers integrated artificial intelligence. “Molecules increase or decrease in concentrations when associated with specific health conditions,” explains Qizhong Liang. “Machine learning analyzes this information, identifies patterns and develops criteria we can use to predict a diagnosis.” An initial trial was conducted between May 2021 and January 2022, collecting breath samples from 170 CU Boulder students who had undergone PCR testing in the previous 48 hours, either by submitting a saliva or nasal swab. Half had tested positive, half negative. When compared with the PCR tests performed, the results obtained with the breathalyzer were found to be accurate, matching in 85% of cases. However, the study, which is small in scale, requires more subjects to effectively confirm the effectiveness of the breathalyzer. And there is still much to be learned, says the senior author of the research, Jun Ye. “With one breath, we can collect so many data points from you, but then what? We only understand how a few molecules correlate with specific conditions.” The research team is currently working on miniaturizing the breathalyzer system to the size of a chip. This could boost the potential uses of this test, which could then be integrated into various devices, possibly even smartphones. The test is also being improved in order to detect a maximum number of possible diseases. For example, the researchers are working with several pediatric and respiratory specialists to refine the functionalities of the breathalyzer. Their objective is to “explore how the breathalyzer can not only diagnose diseases but also enable scientists to better understand them, offering hints about immune responses, nutritional deficiencies and other factors that could contribute to or exacerbate illness,“ the news release explains. – ETX Studio
19 TECH theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 APPLE fans and gaming enthusiasts have reason to rejoice, as the tech giant has just expanded its Apple Arcade service with 20 new games. The most recent additions to the popular subscription-based gaming platform include both classic titles, such as Temple Run, and exclusive new releases, such as WHAT THE CAR?, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Disney SpellStruck, and Cityscapes: Sim Builder. Apple expanded its subscription-based Apple Arcade service on May 4, highlighting Apple’s ongoing investment in the gaming industry and desire to provide its users with a highquality gaming experience. By adding more games to its library, Apple shows that it is committed to gaming and shows that its Arcade service is still a top priority. Since its debut in 2019, Apple Arcade has provided subscribers with distinct benefits. It offers an entertaining and secure gaming experience for users of all age groups, without any advertisem*nts or in-app purchases and ensures user privacy. The service also adds new games every week, making it exciting for the subscribers. The games can be accessed across various Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, all in one comprehensive subscription, with the advantage of having up to six family members. Along with indie games and well-known international franchises, Apple Arcade offers games created by some of the best developers in the world. Fast-paced action games, intense multiplayer matches, engaging sports games, fun adventures, and relaxing puzzle games are all part of the vast library of mobile games. For only RM19.90 per month, you can access up to 200 games from anywhere and at any time. For me, it’s quite affordable, easy and amazing because you don’t have to hassle too much scrolling through the app store to find games. Let’s take a look at some of the new Apple Arcade games that were █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL Titanic shipwreck captured in first full digital scan THE first full-sized 3D scan of the Titanic shipwreck published last week may reveal more details about the ocean liner’s fateful journey across the Atlantic more than a century ago. The high-resolution images, published by the BBC, reconstruct the wreck that lies at a depth of nearly 4,000 metres in great detail and were created using deep-sea mapping. The luxury passenger liner sank after colliding with an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York in April 1912, leaving more than 1,500 dead. The tragedy has passed into pop culture legend, with numerous books and films made about the event. The shipwreck has been explored extensively since it was first discovered in 1985 around 650 kilometres off the coast of Canada, but cameras were never able to capture the ship in its entirety. The reconstruction was carried out in 2022 by deep-sea mapping company Magellan Ltd and Atlantic Productions, who are making a documentary about the project. Submersibles remotely controlled by a specialist ship spent over 200 hours surveying the wreck at the bottom of the Atlantic, taking over 700,000 images to create the scan. Magellan’s Gerhard Seiffert, who led the planning for the expedition, told the BBC they were not allowed to touch anything “so as not to damage the wreck”. “The other challenge is that you have to map every square centimetre – even uninteresting parts, like on the debris field you have to map mud, but you need this to fill in between all these interesting objects.” The images show the wreck – its stern and bow lying apart surrounded by debris – as if it were lifted from the water, revealing even the smallest details, like the serial number on one of the propellers. The new scans may shed more light on what exactly happened to the liner with historians and scientists racing against time as the ship is disintegrating. “Now we are finally getting to see Titanic without human interpretation, derived directly from evidence and data,“ Parks Stephenson, who has studied the Titanic for many years, told the BBC. Stephenson said there is “still much to learn” from the wreck, which is “essentially the last surviving eyewitness to the disaster”. “And she has stories to tell,“ he added. – ETX Studio Over four decades, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have captivated viewers with their unique blend of action, humour, and personality. – PARAMOUNT GLOBAL Submersibles remotely controlled from a specialist ship spent over 200 hours surveying the wreck at the bottom of the Atlantic, taking over 700,000 images to create the scan. – AFP released below: TMNT Splintered Fate (Paramount Global) TMNT Splintered Fate is a singleplayer and cooperative multiplayer roguelike dungeon crawler, with a focus on narrative as well as real-time action. Playing as the four teenage mutant ninja brothers, each run (and failure) will gradually reveal more about the story. WHAT THE CAR? (Triband) WHAT THE CAR? is a new comedy masterpiece from the indie developers behind offbeat blockbuster titles like WHAT THE GOLF? and WHAT THE BAT? Players take on the role of an unusual race automobile with continuously changing features such as legs, wings, and even the common cold in this humorous racing adventure. The quirky physics-based gameplay makes each race a delightful journey full of surprising twists and turns. Disney Spelltruck (Artist Arcade) Disney SpellStruck is an imaginative crossword-style word game developed by Fun + Games, which is led by one of the co-creators of Words with Friends. The game is a familyfriendly adventure game with singleplayer, competitive multiplayer, and daily challenge modes. Characters from Disney and Pixar will be prominently featured, offering a variety of puzzles (whose difficulty will escalate based on your performance) and abilities. Cityscapes: Sim Builder (Magic Fuel Games) Cityscapes: Sim Builder is a citybuilding management simulation created for mobile devices. It was created by several SimCity Simulators from Maxis. Mayors must design strategies to keep citizens healthy and happy. Sustainability requires players to balance citizens’ basic requirements like housing, jobs, and utilities with industry and transportation’s environmental impact. Cityscapes: Sim Builder lets you construct and play for hours with magnificent 3D architecture. Farming Simulator 20+ (GIANTS Software) Feel the excitement and challenges of managing a farm. Collect a variety of commodities, including wheat, barley, cotton, and sunflowers, and tend to cows, pigs, sheep, and horses. Sell products in a dynamic market and reinvest profits in new equipment and farm expansion. With over 100 realistic vehicles and equipment from top manufacturers like John Deere, Case IH, and Massey Ferguson, players can experience farming like never before. More games, more fun oApple has been quietly improving its awardwinning Apple Arcade service, and it now appears to be a lot cooler! One of the most interesting games in Apple’s new Arcade features is displayed here in a screenshot from the game called WHAT THE CAR?. –TRIBAND Apple has just released 20 new games on its subscription-based Apple Arcade service. – APPLE Veteran sim builders designed this sustainable mobile city-building game. – MAGIC FUEL GAMES
20 FEATURE theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 Supporting visually-impaired athletes THIRTEEN students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam joined forces to organise a heartwarming friendly futsal tournament, paying tribute to our national blind football team, Harimau Buta. The event, held at the Hockey Stadium UiTM Shah Alam, was a resounding success, leaving a profound impact on all who attended. The organising committee, comprised of final-year students from the College of Computing, Informatics and Media, known as PRime Agency, under the astute leadership of Nelly Natasha, alongside the guidance of esteemed lecturer Abuzar Abdul Halim, spared no effort in ensuring the event was a testament to unity, compassion, and the human spirit. The primary goal of this event is to generate support and donations for the Blind Football Association of Malaysia (BFAM) in preparation for their participation in the ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia this June. The event aims to raise funds through both in-kind contributions and monetary donations, enabling BFAM to compete at the highest level of football. PRime Agency expressed their genuine admiration for the one-day event emphasizing its ability to captivate, enlighten, and touch the hearts of attendees. Collaborating with the national blind football team was a privilege that PRime Agency cherished deeply, and they thoroughly enjoyed working alongside their esteemed coach, Sunny Shalesh, to make this event a reality. “We were truly amazed by the impact of the event, which surpassed The event was a testament to unity, compassion, and the human spirit. oUiTM Shah Alam celebrates a day of unity and inspiration with Harimau Buta through friendly futsal match Another outstanding result by Beaconhouse students and guidance from my family and teachers.”. Jo Dee was also thrilled to be recognised on a global level, “I am in disbelief to have secured a top position worldwide. It was not easy but it is certainly worth it. I encourage everyone to believe in (from left) Louise Gan, Jayden Choo, Lim Jo Dee and Prisha Aditi Palani. BEACONHOUSE Sri Inai International School, one of the leading institutions under the Beaconhouse Group known for its excellent education, has announced impressive achievements of its students in the recent Cambridge IGCSE Examinations. The school is proud to recognise four top achievers who have brought great honour to the institution and the country with their exceptional results. Among the high achievers, Jayden Choo has achieved the highest score globally in Additional Mathematics, while Lim Jo Dee has also secured the top position worldwide in Information & Communication Technology. Their outstanding accomplishment is a testament to their dedication and hard work. Jayden commented on his achievement with excitement: “Achieving this success isn’t easy but it’s possible with hard work and goal-oriented. I am thankful and ever indebted to the strong support our expectations. The crowd had an enjoyable time throughout the night, filled with laughter and even tears of joy as they witnessed the passion and determination of the visually impaired athletes. It was truly heartwarming to see the profound effect that their performances had on everyone present.” The tournament itself served as an exhilarating experience for participants, who passionately registered to contribute towards a noble cause, raising funds for the Blind Football Association Malaysia (BFAM). Witnessing the enthusiastic engagement of the public further solidified the tournament’s status as a thrilling spectacle. “We were informed that many of the attendees witnessed such sports for the first time, and it was truly an eye-opening and inspiring experience for them. The exhibition match between Harimau Buta and UiTM United was a remarkable highlight, showcasing the talent, skill, and determination of blind footballers while fostering unity and camaraderie among players and spectators.” Coach Sunny Shalesh engaged with the public in an interactive discussion on blind football, leaving attendees with a newfound understanding of the challenges and themselves because nothing is impossible”. Adding to the list of great achievements from students at Beaconhouse Sri Inai , Gan Louise and Prisha Aditi Palani have both earned High Achievement Awards in Foreign Language and French World Literature, respectively. Their outstanding results demonstrate their commitment to excellence and the exceptional education provided by the Beaconhouse Group. “We are incredibly proud of our students’ accomplishments in the Cambridge IGCSE Examinations,“ said the Regional Director of Beaconhouse South East Asia, Mr Basit Humayun. “Their perseverance, dedication, and commitment to learning have resulted in exceptional results, and we are delighted to recognise their outstanding achievements. We are certain that this is just the start of a promising future for them. This is just the beginning for them, as we are proud to produce excellent students and life-long learners”. These impressive results further enhance the Beaconhouse Sri Inai International School’s reputation as a leading educational institution. These achievements are a testament to the high-quality teaching and supportive learning environment at the school. The Beaconhouse group remains committed to providing its students with a well-rounded education that nurtures their intellectual curiosity and inspires them to achieve their full potential. By providing world-class education, Beaconhouse aims to develop students as lifelong learners while instilling them with Asian values. Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 16-year-olds. It is taken in over 150 countries and in more than 5000 schools around the world. More than 2200 universities in 90 countries formally recognise Cambridge qualifications, including all UK universities and over 850 in the United States. triumphs faced by visually impaired athletes. This eye-opening encounter fostered empathy and respect for their abilities, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present. PRime Agency expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their selfless contributions to the event’s success. The community’s overwhelming support reaffirms our society’s unity and compassion. The friendly futsal tournament demonstrates the power of unity, inclusivity, and inspiration. It reminds us that with determination and compassion, we can overcome any obstacles. On that note, we are actively raising funds to support the preparation of the Blind Football Association of Malaysia (BFAM), also known as Harimau Buta, for their participation in the upcoming ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia this June. For more info regarding PRime Agency, please visit their official Instagram account @_primeagency.
21 * SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO. PA-28NCC-19-03/2023 Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1) (e) dan Seksyen 466 (1) (a) Akta SyarikatSyarikat 2016 Dan Dalam Perkara Famous Delicacies Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 199601042214 (414567-D) Dan Dalam Perkara Kaedah-Kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat-Syarikat 1972 ANTARA Special Coral Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 911874-U) PEMPETISYEN DAN Famous Delicacies Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat : 199601042214 (414567-D)) RESPONDEN PENGIKLANAN PETISYEN Notis kini diberi bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan syarikat Famous Delicacies Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 199601042214 (414567-D) oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah dikemukakan pada 14/2/2023 oleh Special Coral Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 911874-U) yang beralamat di 1F-78 Queensbay Mall, 100 Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang dan bahawa Petisyen tersebut telah diarah untuk didengar dihadapan Mahkamah yang bersidang di Pulau Pinang pada 9.00 pagi, pada 31 Julai 2023 dan sesiapa pemiutang atau penyumbang kepada syarikat tersebut yang berminat untuk menyokong atau membangkang terhadap mana-mana Perintah yang dibuat di atas Petisyen tersebut boleh menghadiri pada masa Pendengaran dengan sendiri atau melalui Peguamcaranya untuk tujuan ini; dan sesalinan Petisyen akan diberi kepada sesiapa Pemiutang atau Penyumbang kepada Syarikat tersebut yang memohon kepada penandatangan seperti dibawah dengan bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di 1F-78 Queensbay Mall, 100 Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen adalah Tetuan San Law Chambers yang mana alamat untuk penyampaiannya adalah di Unit 6.2, Tingkat 6, Wisma Leader, No. 8, Jalan Larut, 10050 Pulau Pinang. Ditandatangani ………………………… Peguamcara untuk Pempetisyen Nota: Sesiapa yang ingin menghadiri pada pendengaran Petisyen tersebut mestilah menyampaikan ke atas atau kirim melalui pos kepada peguamcara yang dinamakan diatas satu notis bertulis akan tujuan untuk berbuat demikian. Notis ini mesti menyatakan nama dan alamat orang itu atau, jikalau sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, atau peguamcara mereka (jika ada) dan mesti disampaikan atau jika dikirim melalui pos hendaklah dalam masa yang memadai sampai kepada yang dinamakan di atas tidak lewat daripada pukul 12 tengahari pada 28/7/2023 (hari sebelum hari ditetapkan untuk pendengaran Petisyen). (Ruj. : DLMS/DL/797/20/Awin)/Rse. DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO : WA-A72-73- 04/2023 ANTARA GREAT EASTERN LIFE ASSURANCE (MALAYSIA) BERHAD [No. Syarikat: 93745-A] ... PLAINTIF DAN 1. CHAN POO HOOK [No. K/P: 630315-10-5939] 2. THAM WAI LAN [No. K/P: 650310-10-6770] ...DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI - BENTUK IKLAN Kepada : 1. CHAN POO HOOK 2. THAM WAI LAN kedua-duanya beralamat di No. 10, Jalan TS 3 Taman Templer Saujana 48000 Rawang Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur Guaman No. WAA72-73-04/2023 oleh Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad yang mempunyai alamat berdaftar dan perniagaannya di Level 20, Menara Great Eastern, No. 303, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur untuk jumlah RM80,850-85 setakat 05/01/2023 dan faedah pada kadar 2% sebulan ke atas jumlah RM80,850-85 dari 06/01/2023 sehingga penyelesaian sepenuhnya dan kos tindakan ini. Dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ dalam tindakan ini kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan ini kamu hendaklah dalam tempoh 21 hari dari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini, termasuk hari pengiklanan, memasukkan kehadiran di Pendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamu ingkar memasukkan kehadiran, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 17 Mei 2023. t.t. ………………………… WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA Peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini dikeluarkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [No. Telefon: 03-22018378] [Ruj. Fail: L3 15675] [e-mel : [emailprotected]] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO: WA-28NCC-911-11/2022 In the matter of Section 465 (1)(h) of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of LINGKARAN EW SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 202001041646 (1397967-W)] BETWEEN 1. TAN SWEE LEONG (NRIC NO: 590521-10-6671) 2. GO YEW KIAT (NRIC NO: 800911-14-6189) ...PETITIONERS AND 1. WONG JIAN ON (NRIC NO: 660601-10-6315) 2. CHEAH LEAN MING (NRIC NO: 630113-08-5415) 3. LINGKARAN EW SDN. BHD. (REGISTRATION NO: 202001041646 (1397967-W)) ...RESPONDENTS ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 15th day of November, 2022, presented by TAN SWEE LEONG and GO YEW KIAT having its registered address at No. 22-2, Jalan 1/64, Off Jalan Kolam Air/ Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 4th day of July 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s registered address is at No. 22-2, Jalan 1/64, Off Jalan Kolam Air/ Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s solicitors is TIONG AND ASSOCIATES, A4-2-3A, Solaris Dutamas, No. 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. .....................signed...................... TIONG AND ASSOCIATES NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, 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 solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not latter than twelve o’clock noon of the 3th day of July 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). This ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION is filed by TIONG AND ASSOCIATES, A4-2- 3A, Solaris Dutamas, 1 Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur for the petitioners abovenamed whose registered address is at No. 22-2, Jalan 1/64, Off Jalan Kolam Air/ Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur Tel. 03- 6412 2740 Fax. 03- 6412 2739 Email. [emailprotected] Ref. CT/LIT/20221248 IN THE HIGH COURT IN MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) WINDING-UP NO.: WA-28NCC-424-05/2023 In the matter of Heng Seng & Company Sdn. Bhd. (Company Registration No.: 200901009551 (852556-P)); And In the matter of Sections 465(1)(e) and other relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2016. BETWEEN TEONG TIEK WAH (NRIC No. 801017-07-5253) … PETITIONER AND HENG SENG & COMPANY SDN. BHD. (Company No.: 200901009551 (852556-P)) … RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Respondent by the High Court was, on the 11th day of May 2023, presented by the above-named Petitioner. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the High Court of Malaya sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9.30am, on the 6th day of November 2023; AND any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; AND a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is 8D, Tingkat Kenari, Sungai Ara, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. The Petitioner’s solicitor is Fahri, Azzat & Co. of 15, Jalan PJU 7/16a, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Dated this 19th May 2023 Messrs. Fahri, Azzat & Co., Solicitor for the Petitioner. Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Solicitor for the Petitioner 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 solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve o’clock noon of the day 5th of November 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the petition). IN THE HIGH COURT IN MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) WINDING-UP NO. WA-28NCC-439-05/2023 In the matter of HSC Logistics Sdn. Bhd. (Company Registration No.: 202001019206 (1375526-M)); And In the matter of Sections 465(1)(e) and/or 466(1)(a) and other relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2016. BETWEEN TEONG TIEK WAH (NRIC No. 801017-07-5253) … PETITIONER AND HSC LOGISTICS SDN. BHD. (Company No.: 202001019206 (1375526-M)) … RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Respondent by the High Court was, on the 15th day of May 2023, presented by the above-named Petitioner. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the High Court of Malaya sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9 o’clock in the morning, on the 9th day of November 2023; AND any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; AND a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is 8D, Tingkat Kenari, Sungai Ara, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. The Petitioner’s solicitor is Fahri, Azzat & Co. of 15, Jalan PJU 7/16a, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Dated this 19th May 2023 Messrs. Fahri, Azzat & Co., Solicitor for the Petitioner. Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Solicitor for the Petitioner 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 solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve o’clock noon of the day 8th of November 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the petition). IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU IN THE STATE OF JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM, MALAYSIA COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. JA – 28NCC – 71 – 05 / 2023 In the matter of Section 464(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016. And In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) read together with Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016. And In the Matter of HONG DA ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [Company No: 201601001683 (1172609-W)] BETWEEN SENSION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. (Company No: 871176-X) … PETITIONER AND HONG DA ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [Company No: 201601001683 (1172609-W)] … 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 18th day of May, 2023 presented by SENSION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. (Company No: 871176-X) of No. 66, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/27, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. AND that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the High Court of Malaya at Johor Bahru at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday the 18th day of July, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is No. 66, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/27, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs Tan Vincent & Co., Advocates & Solicitors of No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2, Taman Nusa Bestari 2, 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. - Signed - ................................. Messrs Tan Vincent & Co. Solicitors for the Petitioner Advocates & Solicitors No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2 Taman Nusa Bestari 2 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Tan Vincent & Co., notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their 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 12 noon of the 17th day of July, 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). (Ref: TVC/LIT/23/104/SESB/h) 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PWF CAPITAL LAND SDN. BHD. Company No.: 200601033074 (752833-H) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act 2016, a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at Suite 12-A, Level 12 Menara Northam, No. 55 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Georgetown, Penang on 30th June 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes :- 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up of the Company has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon. 2. To resolve under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the Liquidator be destroyed one (1) month after the Company has been dissolved. Ch’ng Lay Hoon Liquidator Penang Dated : 25th May 2023 Note: A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his stead and such proxy need not be a member of the Company. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at the Liquidator’s Office, Suite 12-A, Level 12 Menara Northam, No. 55 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Georgetown, Penang not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting. 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA SAMAN NO: BA-22NCvC-129-04/2023 ANTARA CHOO YEONG LIN (NO. K/P: 561031-08-5490) ... PLAINTIF DAN AMRAN BIN MOHD AMIN (NO. K/P: 670120-06-5363) … DEFENDAN NOTIS IKLAN Kepada: AMRAN BIN MOHD AMIN (NO. K/P: 670120-06-5363) PT 100, Kampung Telok Kandis, Salor, 15100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam oleh CHOO YEONG LIN (NO. K/P: 561031-08-5490) melalui Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan masing-masingnya bertarikh 05.04.2023 (“Writ Saman tersebut”) DAN BAHAWA ADALAH diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian Writ Saman tersebut kepada kamu dalam tindakan di atas hendaklah dilaksanakan dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ Saman tersebut bersama-sama dengan sesalinan Perintah Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 09.05.2023 (selanjutnya dirujuk sebagai “Perintah tersebut”) atas papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi di Shah Alam, pengeposan secara Pos Berdaftar di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui iaitu di PT 100, Kampung Telok Kandis, Salor, 15100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan dan dengan mengiklankan satu Notis mengenai Writ Saman tersebut dan Perintah tersebut terhadap kamu dalam satu akhbar tempatan iaitu “The Sun” DAN AKHIRNYA ADALAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa penyampaian ini hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup untuk Writ Saman tersebut dalam masa tujuh (7) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan, pengeposan dan pengiklanan ini. Kamu boleh memohon kepada Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam atau Tetuan WK Wong & Co., peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif salinan dokumen-dokumen tersebut. Bertarikh pada , 2023. t.t ................................................. Tetuan WK Wong & Co. Peguamcara bagi Plaintif NOTIS IKLAN ini difailkan oleh Tetuan WK WONG & CO, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat penyampaiannya di K-3A-8, No. 2, Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 03-23893465 Faks: 03-27268983 Emel: [emailprotected]] [Ruj: RW/AA/23/10183/LIT/CYL] 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO. PA-28NCC-19-03/2023 Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1) (e) dan Seksyen 466 (1) (a) Akta SyarikatSyarikat 2016 Dan Dalam Perkara Famous Delicacies Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 199601042214 (414567-D) Dan Dalam Perkara Kaedah-Kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat-Syarikat 1972 ANTARA Special Coral Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 911874-U) PEMPETISYEN DAN Famous Delicacies Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat : 199601042214 (414567-D)) RESPONDEN PENGIKLANAN PETISYEN Notis kini diberi bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan syarikat Famous Delicacies Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 199601042214 (414567-D) oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah dikemukakan pada 14/2/2023 oleh Special Coral Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat: 911874-U) yang beralamat di 1F-78 Queensbay Mall, 100 Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang dan bahawa Petisyen tersebut telah diarah untuk didengar dihadapan Mahkamah yang bersidang di Pulau Pinang pada 9.00 pagi, pada 31 Julai 2023 dan sesiapa pemiutang atau penyumbang kepada syarikat tersebut yang berminat untuk menyokong atau membangkang terhadap mana-mana Perintah yang dibuat di atas Petisyen tersebut boleh menghadiri pada masa Pendengaran dengan sendiri atau melalui Peguamcaranya untuk tujuan ini; dan sesalinan Petisyen akan diberi kepada sesiapa Pemiutang atau Penyumbang kepada Syarikat tersebut yang memohon kepada penandatangan seperti dibawah dengan bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di 1F-78 Queensbay Mall, 100 Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen adalah Tetuan San Law Chambers yang mana alamat untuk penyampaiannya adalah di Unit 6.2, Tingkat 6, Wisma Leader, No. 8, Jalan Larut, 10050 Pulau Pinang. Ditandatangani ………………………… Peguamcara untuk Pempetisyen Nota: Sesiapa yang ingin menghadiri pada pendengaran Petisyen tersebut mestilah menyampaikan ke atas atau kirim melalui pos kepada peguamcara yang dinamakan diatas satu notis bertulis akan tujuan untuk berbuat demikian. Notis ini mesti menyatakan nama dan alamat orang itu atau, jikalau sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, atau peguamcara mereka (jika ada) dan mesti disampaikan atau jika dikirim melalui pos hendaklah dalam masa yang memadai sampai kepada yang dinamakan di atas tidak lewat daripada pukul 12 tengahari pada 28/7/2023 (hari sebelum hari ditetapkan untuk pendengaran Petisyen). (Ruj. : DLMS/DL/797/20/Awin)/Rse. DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO : WA-A72-73- 04/2023 ANTARA GREAT EASTERN LIFE ASSURANCE (MALAYSIA) BERHAD [No. Syarikat: 93745-A] ... PLAINTIF DAN 1. CHAN POO HOOK [No. K/P: 630315-10-5939] 2. THAM WAI LAN [No. K/P: 650310-10-6770] ...DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI - BENTUK IKLAN Kepada : 1. CHAN POO HOOK 2. THAM WAI LAN kedua-duanya beralamat di No. 10, Jalan TS 3 Taman Templer Saujana 48000 Rawang Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret di Kuala Lumpur Guaman No. WAA72-73-04/2023 oleh Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad yang mempunyai alamat berdaftar dan perniagaannya di Level 20, Menara Great Eastern, No. 303, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur untuk jumlah RM80,850-85 setakat 05/01/2023 dan faedah pada kadar 2% sebulan ke atas jumlah RM80,850-85 dari 06/01/2023 sehingga penyelesaian sepenuhnya dan kos tindakan ini. Dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ dalam tindakan ini kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan ini kamu hendaklah dalam tempoh 21 hari dari tarikh pengiklanan notis ini, termasuk hari pengiklanan, memasukkan kehadiran di Pendaftar Mahkamah. Jika kamu ingkar memasukkan kehadiran, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 17 Mei 2023. t.t. ………………………… WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA Peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti-Bentuk Iklan ini dikeluarkan oleh WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, peguam cara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. [No. Telefon: 03-22018378] [Ruj. Fail: L3 15675] [e-mel : [emailprotected]] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO: WA-28NCC-911-11/2022 In the matter of Section 465 (1)(h) of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of LINGKARAN EW SDN. BHD. [Registration No. 202001041646 (1397967-W)] BETWEEN 1. TAN SWEE LEONG (NRIC NO: 590521-10-6671) 2. GO YEW KIAT (NRIC NO: 800911-14-6189) ...PETITIONERS AND 1. WONG JIAN ON (NRIC NO: 660601-10-6315) 2. CHEAH LEAN MING (NRIC NO: 630113-08-5415) 3. LINGKARAN EW SDN. BHD. (REGISTRATION NO: 202001041646 (1397967-W)) ...RESPONDENTS ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for winding-up of the abovenamed company by the High Court was, on the 15th day of November, 2022, presented by TAN SWEE LEONG and GO YEW KIAT having its registered address at No. 22-2, Jalan 1/64, Off Jalan Kolam Air/ Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 4th day of July 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s registered address is at No. 22-2, Jalan 1/64, Off Jalan Kolam Air/ Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s solicitors is TIONG AND ASSOCIATES, A4-2-3A, Solaris Dutamas, No. 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. .....................signed...................... TIONG AND ASSOCIATES NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed solicitors, 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 solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not latter than twelve o’clock noon of the 3th day of July 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). This ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION is filed by TIONG AND ASSOCIATES, A4-2- 3A, Solaris Dutamas, 1 Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur for the petitioners abovenamed whose registered address is at No. 22-2, Jalan 1/64, Off Jalan Kolam Air/ Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur Tel. 03- 6412 2740 Fax. 03- 6412 2739 Email. [emailprotected] Ref. CT/LIT/20221248 IN THE HIGH COURT IN MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) WINDING-UP NO.: WA-28NCC-424-05/2023 In the matter of Heng Seng & Company Sdn. Bhd. (Company Registration No.: 200901009551 (852556-P)); And In the matter of Sections 465(1)(e) and other relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2016. BETWEEN TEONG TIEK WAH (NRIC No. 801017-07-5253) … PETITIONER AND HENG SENG & COMPANY SDN. BHD. (Company No.: 200901009551 (852556-P)) … RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Respondent by the High Court was, on the 11th day of May 2023, presented by the above-named Petitioner. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the High Court of Malaya sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9.30am, on the 6th day of November 2023; AND any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; AND a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is 8D, Tingkat Kenari, Sungai Ara, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. The Petitioner’s solicitor is Fahri, Azzat & Co. of 15, Jalan PJU 7/16a, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Dated this 19th May 2023 Messrs. Fahri, Azzat & Co., Solicitor for the Petitioner. Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Solicitor for the Petitioner 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 solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve o’clock noon of the day 5th of November 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the petition). IN THE HIGH COURT IN MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) WINDING-UP NO. WA-28NCC-439-05/2023 In the matter of HSC Logistics Sdn. Bhd. (Company Registration No.: 202001019206 (1375526-M)); And In the matter of Sections 465(1)(e) and/or 466(1)(a) and other relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2016. BETWEEN TEONG TIEK WAH (NRIC No. 801017-07-5253) … PETITIONER AND HSC LOGISTICS SDN. BHD. (Company No.: 202001019206 (1375526-M)) … RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a petition for the winding-up of the abovenamed Respondent by the High Court was, on the 15th day of May 2023, presented by the above-named Petitioner. And that the said petition is directed to be heard before the High Court of Malaya sitting at Kuala Lumpur at 9 o’clock in the morning, on the 9th day of November 2023; AND any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; AND a copy of the petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is 8D, Tingkat Kenari, Sungai Ara, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang. The Petitioner’s solicitor is Fahri, Azzat & Co. of 15, Jalan PJU 7/16a, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Dated this 19th May 2023 Messrs. Fahri, Azzat & Co., Solicitor for the Petitioner. Note: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said petition must serve on or send by post to the above-named Solicitor for the Petitioner 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 solicitor (if any) and must be served, or, if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve o’clock noon of the day 8th of November 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the petition). IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT JOHOR BAHRU IN THE STATE OF JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM, MALAYSIA COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO. JA – 28NCC – 71 – 05 / 2023 In the matter of Section 464(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016. And In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) read together with Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016. And In the Matter of HONG DA ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [Company No: 201601001683 (1172609-W)] BETWEEN SENSION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. (Company No: 871176-X) … PETITIONER AND HONG DA ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. [Company No: 201601001683 (1172609-W)] … 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 18th day of May, 2023 presented by SENSION ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. (Company No: 871176-X) of No. 66, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/27, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. AND that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the Court sitting at the High Court of Malaya at Johor Bahru at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday the 18th day of July, 2023; and any creditor or contributory of the said Company desiring to support or oppose the making of an Order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is No. 66, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/27, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. The Petitioner’s Solicitors are Messrs Tan Vincent & Co., Advocates & Solicitors of No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2, Taman Nusa Bestari 2, 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor. - Signed - ................................. Messrs Tan Vincent & Co. Solicitors for the Petitioner Advocates & Solicitors No. 181A, Jalan NB 2 2/2 Taman Nusa Bestari 2 79150 Iskandar Puteri, Johor NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs Tan Vincent & Co., notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their 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 12 noon of the 17th day of July, 2023 (the day before the day appointed for the hearing of the Petition). (Ref: TVC/LIT/23/104/SESB/h) 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PWF CAPITAL LAND SDN. BHD. Company No.: 200601033074 (752833-H) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act 2016, a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at Suite 12-A, Level 12 Menara Northam, No. 55 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Georgetown, Penang on 30th June 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes :- 1. To receive the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding up of the Company has been conducted and to receive any explanations thereon. 2. To resolve under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, that the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the Liquidator be destroyed one (1) month after the Company has been dissolved. Ch’ng Lay Hoon Liquidator Penang Dated : 25th May 2023 Note: A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his stead and such proxy need not be a member of the Company. The instrument appointing a proxy must be deposited at the Liquidator’s Office, Suite 12-A, Level 12 Menara Northam, No. 55 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Georgetown, Penang not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting. 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA SAMAN NO: BA-22NCvC-129-04/2023 ANTARA CHOO YEONG LIN (NO. K/P: 561031-08-5490) ... PLAINTIF DAN AMRAN BIN MOHD AMIN (NO. K/P: 670120-06-5363) … DEFENDAN NOTIS IKLAN Kepada: AMRAN BIN MOHD AMIN (NO. K/P: 670120-06-5363) PT 100, Kampung Telok Kandis, Salor, 15100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam oleh CHOO YEONG LIN (NO. K/P: 561031-08-5490) melalui Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan masing-masingnya bertarikh 05.04.2023 (“Writ Saman tersebut”) DAN BAHAWA ADALAH diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian Writ Saman tersebut kepada kamu dalam tindakan di atas hendaklah dilaksanakan dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ Saman tersebut bersama-sama dengan sesalinan Perintah Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 09.05.2023 (selanjutnya dirujuk sebagai “Perintah tersebut”) atas papan Notis Mahkamah Tinggi di Shah Alam, pengeposan secara Pos Berdaftar di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui iaitu di PT 100, Kampung Telok Kandis, Salor, 15100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan dan dengan mengiklankan satu Notis mengenai Writ Saman tersebut dan Perintah tersebut terhadap kamu dalam satu akhbar tempatan iaitu “The Sun” DAN AKHIRNYA ADALAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa penyampaian ini hendaklah menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup untuk Writ Saman tersebut dalam masa tujuh (7) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan, pengeposan dan pengiklanan ini. Kamu boleh memohon kepada Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam atau Tetuan WK Wong & Co., peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif salinan dokumen-dokumen tersebut. Bertarikh pada , 2023. t.t ................................................. Tetuan WK Wong & Co. Peguamcara bagi Plaintif NOTIS IKLAN ini difailkan oleh Tetuan WK WONG & CO, peguamcara Plaintif yang beralamat penyampaiannya di K-3A-8, No. 2, Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 03-23893465 Faks: 03-27268983 Emel: [emailprotected]] [Ruj: RW/AA/23/10183/LIT/CYL] 322 Notices ‘No objections to Alonso’ … says Honda F1 boss after Aston Martin deal HONDA say they would not object to Fernando Alonso racing on for Aston Martin when they supply the Formula One team’s engines in 2026, despite the Spaniard’s stinging criticism during their time together at McLaren. The issue may be a moot point, with the double world champion turning 42 in July, but Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe was asked anyway when the engine deal was announced. “We have no objections whatsoever in him driving,” he told reporters when asked how Honda might respond if the team wanted Alonso to continue. The Spaniard, who won his F1 titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, joined Aston Martin this season and is enjoying a late career renaissance with four third places in five races. Aston Martin’s group CEO of performance technologies Martin Whitmarsh said Alonso was doing a great job. “He’s making a great contribution both on and off the track. Obviously I spoke to Fernando a little while ago about the direction we intended to go. “I’m sure everyone here is referring to some comments that were made probably in the heat of battle once, which were quite memorable I suppose for some, but I think he understands and respects what Honda are doing. “Honda won the 2022 and 2021 world championships (with Red Bull) and unless we can beat them this year they are going to do it again. So they are a very great partner for us and I think Fernando sees that,” he added. “Probably 2026, who knows, is outside his planning horizon at the moment… I hope he’ll be around for a number of years and if he’s as fit and as competitive as he is today then it would be fantastic to have him in the car in 2026 as well.” Alonso embarrassed Honda at their home Japanese Grand Prix in 2015 when he talked over the radio of the McLaren having a “GP2 engine”. In March 2017, with McLaren and Honda heading for a split, Alonso declared: “We have only one problem, and that is the power unit. There is no reliability and there is no power.” Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said the 2026 regulations and Formula One’s push for sustainability were in line with Honda’s carbon neutrality goals. “The key for winning will be a compact, lightweight, and high-power electric motor with a high-performance battery capable of handling high and swift power output, as well as the energy management technology,” he said. “We believe that the technologies and know-how gained from this new challenge can potentially be applied directly to our future mass production electric vehicles, such as an electric flagship sports model, and electrification technologies in various areas.” – Reuters Dhoni in no hurry to decide future CHENNAI Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he is in no rush to make a decision about his Indian Premier League future after the 41-year-old guided his team to their 10th final in 14 seasons. Four years after quitting international cricket Dhoni remains the league’s most popular player, his presence guaranteeing impressive support for Chennai even away from home. Dhoni has reinvented himself as a lower-order power-hitter to remain effective despite being well past his prime. Media reports say it could be Dhoni’s last IPL season but the wicketkeeperbatsman remained coy about his future after overseeing Chennai’s progress to Sunday’s final. “I don’t know, I have eight to nine months to decide, the small auction may be around December, so why take that headache right now?” Dhoni said. “I have ample time to decide.” The former India captain, who led the side to two World Cup titles, has been hampered by knee issues this season and wore a brace in the match against Gujarat. “I will always be there for CSK, whether that is in the playing form or sitting somewhere outside… I don’t really know,” Dhoni said. “Frankly, it takes a heavy toll. I have been out of home for literally four months… It takes a lot, but I have ample time to decide.” – AFP RAVINDRA JADEJA starred with bat and ball as Chennai Super Kings beat holders Gujarat Titans by 15 runs yesterday. Four-time winners Chennai posted 172- 7, a total their bowlers defended as they bowled out Gujarat for 157 in the top of the table playoff at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The left-handed Jadeja returned figures of 2-18 with his spin bowling following his 22 runs, which boosted the Chennai total after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 60 on an awkward pitch for batting. Fireworks lit up the sky as Chennai made their 10th Indian Premier League final. “IPL is too big to say it’s just another final,” captain MS Dhoni said when asked if Sunday’s final is “just another final” for his team. “Used to be top eight teams to compete with the best players available in the world, but now it’s 10 teams, so now it’s tougher. “It’s hard work of two months because of which we are standing over here. Lot of character showed by the individuals.” Gujarat, led by Hardik Pandya, will have another shot at making the final in Ahmedabad when they take on the winner of the second playoff between Lucknow Super Giants and five-time champions Mumbai Indians. Gaikwad was named man of the match for his 44-ball knock and a good diving catch in the deep. Shubman Gill attempted to drive Gujarat’s chase with his 42 but the rest of the batting faltered. – AFP Jadeja leads CSK to final Ravindra Jadeja. – AFPPIX
22 theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 SPORTS 580 197 +DRAGON 537 668 + HORSE 770 801 + GOAT Draw Date: 24/05/23 (Wed) Draw No: 5587/23 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 0197 7668 0801 4258 + 0015 0887 + 6155 4551 + 4073 0054 + 0902 7393 + 0333 3187 + 6728 8904 + 6979 4572 + 3709 9110 + 4359 4196 + 5540 RM9,280,828.20 0197 + 7668 7668 + 0197 0197 + 0801 0801 + 0197 7668 + 0801 0801 + 7668 RM339,045.10 RM2,218,335.70 RM1,376,527.70 RM2,286,754.20 614 258 390 015 150 887 176 155 984 551 544 073 660 054 240 902 807 393 120 333 443 187 686 728 088 904 856 979 624 572 943 709 419 110 614 359 484 196 815 540 197 668 801 RM617,424.00 197 + 668 + 801 668 + 801 + 197 197 + 801 + 668 801 + 197 + 668 668 + 197 + 801 801 + 668 + 197 Don't missed out the Special Draw on 30 May 2023! French Open enters new era Talking points in the men’s and women’s singles at Roland Garros THE 2023 French Open gets underway at Roland Garros in Paris on Sunday without defending champion Rafael Nadal and with two-time winner Novak Djokovic struggling with form and fitness. On the women’s side, Iga Swiatek can become the first back-toback women’s champion if she can shake off a worrying injury while her rivals battle inconsistent form and bruised confidence. Here are the main talking points: MENS SINGLES Nadal absence and end of era Rafael Nadal, an ever-present in Paris since his title-winning debut in 2005, will be absent from the French Open where he has been champion on 14 occasions. Failure to recover from a hip injury suffered at the Australian Open in January has also forced the soon-to-be 37-year-old to admit that 2024 will likely be his last year on tour. This French Open will be the first since 1998 that has not featured either Nadal or the now retired Roger Federer. Novak Djokovic, the man responsible for two of Nadal’s three losses in 115 matches at the tournament, would usually step into the role as title favourite. However, Djokovic has been bothered by a recurrence of a right elbow injury which has disrupted his clay court season. He failed to get past the last-eight at any of the three clay events he played this spring. He has also lost his world No. 1 spot to Carlos Alcaraz and will arrive in Paris ranked at three in the world behind Daniil Medvedev who succeeded him as Italian Open champion at the weekend. Alcaraz, Rune in generational shift When Nadal won his first French Open title in 2005, compatriot Carlos Alcaraz had only just turned two. Eighteen years later, Alcaraz is world No. 1 and the reigning US Open champion. Alcaraz made the quarterfinals last year as did Holger Rune who arrives in Paris at a career-high six in the world. Rune captured the clay title in Munich this spring and was runner-up in Monte Carlo and Rome, losing to Medvedev in the final having knocked out Djokovic in the last-eight. French wait goes on Back in 1983, Yannick Noah won the French Open, stunning defending champion Mats Wilander in straight sets in the final. He remains the last Frenchman to win his home Slam. No French player has made the men’s singles final since Henri Leconte 35 years ago. There have been agonising near-misses with Gael Monfils reaching the semifinals in 2008 and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga making the last four in 2013 and 2015. This year, however, the highest-ranked Frenchman in the draw will be Ugo Humbert at 38 in the world. WOMEN’S SINGLES Open draw Iga Swiatek remains favourite to defend her Roland Garros title having won the Stuttgart clay tournament last month before finishing runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka on the faster, higher-altitude clay of Madrid. World No. 2 Sabalenka won her maiden Grand Slam title in Australia in January but on clay the big-hitting Belarusian remains a work in progress. She has never got beyond the third round in Paris despite making at least the semifinals at all of the other three majors. Furthermore, her title win in Madrid this spring was followed by a first-up exit at the hands of 134th-ranked Sofia Kenin in Rome. Kenin, a former Australian Open champion and runner-up in Paris in 2020, in turn lost in the opening round of qualifying for the French Open on Monday, knocked out by French world No. 278 Margaux Rouvroy. Amongst the remainder of the top 10, Coco Gauff was runner-up last year while Maria Sakkari, Daria Kasatkina and Petra Kvitova have all made the semifinals. Wimbledon champion Rybakina arrives in Paris having won the Italian Open although three of her six opponents in the Rome draw retired with injury. The Russian-born Elana Kazakh has yet to get past the last-eight at Roland Garros. Ladies’ night? As part of its deal with Amazon Prime Video, the French Open introduced night sessions for the first time in 2021. Six of the first seven sessions that year featured men’s singles, leading to former women’s world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka to highlight the obvious imbalance. “It’s just honestly a bit frustrating every time you’re trying to deal with the organisation here, it’s becoming pas possible (not possible). Everything you hear is pas possible.” In 2022, only one of 10 night sessions featured a women’s singles clash. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, a former Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, t h e n c o m p o u n d e d the controversy by suggesting men’s matches have “more attraction”. She later a p o l o g i s e d , insisting her comments had been taken out of context. – AFP ABOVE: Carlos Alcaraz in action during the Madrid Masters. – AFPPIX BELOW: Iga Swiatek. – REUTERSPIX 5640/2023 24/05/2023 (WED) 8455 2138 8070 6128 8851 0895 1151 9378 0928 9323 0125 5741 4914 1634 7888 0984 5719 4340 3555 2413 1046 6997 1752 9,160,821.77 8455 8455 8455 8070 8070 2138 8070 8070 2138 2138 8455 2138 686,486.15 8455 2138 8070 DRAGON 63293 73672 3672 672 63609 7 2 3 0 845330 45330 5330 330 84533 8453 845 8 4 6,306,288.78 3,555,456.63 10 23 35 45 52 57 100,000.00 3 7 14 36 49 51 5 9 17 18 24 31 48 12,739,200.24 RM243,437 RM100,000 won on 21/05/2023 ! Star 6/50 Jackpot 2 Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System)
23 * SPORTS @thesundaily theSUN ON THURSDAY | MAY 25, 2023 FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME Reds pay heavy price Liverpool thought they’d bought the future – but two wrong moves leaves them counting the cost AS THEIR soon-to-be former teammates formed a guard of honour on Saturday, there were four presentations in all, two for men in tracksuits, two for those who have distinguished themselves in Liverpool shirts over the last eight years and who wore them at Anfield for a final time. The scorer Roberto Firmino and James Milner, the thirty-somethings who are veterans of over 300 Liverpool appearances apiece, had bowed out as influential substitutes. For the younger duo of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a watching brief felt sadly fitting. It is how they have spent much of their Liverpool careers: sometimes watching on from the bench, often from the stands. Neither has reached 150 appearances in all competitions, even including outings as a substitute. Keita has started 49 League games since his £52 million (RM280m) move, or 26% of those in his five years at Anfield, Oxlade-Chamberlain 46 in six, which is just 21%. This season, the Englishman has played 335 Premier League minutes – just 10% of Liverpool’s – and the Guinean 294, or 8.9%. They have had spells as ever-presents on injury bulletins. The departing quartet fall into two categories: a pair who realised their potential and a duo who did not. It is not entirely their fault. OxladeChamberlain’s Anfield career can be divided into two. He was electric for three months before suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Roma in the 2018 Champions League semifinals. Though he had a fine 2019-20 season, he never recaptured that zest. For some, Keita’s time on Merseyside was summed up by his shot in last season’s Champions League final: skied, it was a missed opportunity. For others, it may be epitomised by the Twitter thread of the five strangest reasons for his frequent absences, from getting hurt walking, to being injured on a plane, to a military coup. There was a farcical element but Liverpool could count the cost of two moves that went wrong. They have never had the margin for error that the Manchester clubs possess in the transfer market. For years, they got nearly all of their major signings correct, sometimes spectacularly. But Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain cost a combined £87 million (RM470m) and will leave on free transfers. With Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson ageing, perhaps the plan was for this to be the season of Naby Keita: instead it ends with him being released. Liverpool lost the generation game; the next group, whether Stefan Bajcetic, Harvey Elliott or Curtis Jones, all had periods that showed their promise but those who were supposed to represent the present either regressed or simply were not available. A consequence is that much of Liverpool’s summer budget will be devoted to midfielders; with a need to split it to get more than one. Their outlay could stretch into nine figures; in a sense, they will be looking to regenerate, to shape Klopp’s second side. Whether their eventual arrivals are Mason Mount and Alexis Mac Allister or Ryan Gravenberch and Conor Gallagher, the first ability they need to demonstrate is one Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain have lacked too often: availability. And preferably for at least 50 games a season. – The Independent Preferred bidder for Devils by end of week BIDDERS for Manchester United are hopeful there will be an announcement regarding a preferred bidder by the close of the domestic season, and potentially as early tomorrow. Although that is already much later than expected, and will bring some more clarity, sources with knowledge of the situation are describing it as “another milestone of constant milestones” in a process that could yet go on months. There has been “cautious optimism” within the INEOS bid due to the nature of the deal they put together, which still has the club priced at a higher value than Qatar’s. While the Sheikh Jassim-fronted bid did come in with a twist fourth offer after the supposed deadline for final bids had passed, and it was significantly improved on the third offer, it did not “blow Sir Jim Ratcliffe out of the water” – to use the phrase so commonly uttered in this process. It is also seen by some sources as an acknowledgement that the third offer was surprisingly low. The reporting of that did lead to a situation where there was some frustration with the Qatar bid and damaged relations, due to what one figure describes as “an attempt to brief their way to a better bid than they actually put in”. Last week’s offer, however, is at least considered to be competitive against Ratcliffe’s. Issues like tension or damaged relations are not seen as particularly influential, though, as this will come down to the hard numbers. That is nevertheless still dependent on the perspective of the numbers. Both the bidders have been arguing about how their offers are “cleaner” than the other, albeit from different sides. INEOS have been pointing to how theirs will not involve as lengthy a process through the Owners and Directors test, due to the fact it has no complications about state ownership. Meanwhile, the Jassim bid insist their bid is private, although the widespread belief is that it is ultimately backed by Qatar. It is expected that if Qatar was to be the preferred bidder, there would be fierce opposition from at least 17 clubs. The Jassim camp is arguing that their offer can be negotiated more quickly, due to the fact it is for all of the Glazers’ shares and an outright buy-out. The hope among bidders is that there will be clarity on this by tomorrow. – The Independent Vinicius Jr prompts La Liga U-turn VINICIUS JR has had the red card he received against Valencia overturned by the Spanish FA after receiving racist abuse during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla on Sunday. Valencia have been ordered to close the Mario Kempes stand for five matches as a result of the abuse with the club also fined £40,000 (RM277,342) for the “very serious offences” of their fans. Vinicius received horrendous racist abuse from some parts of the Mestalla during the encounter with monkey chants heard. After the game, the Brazilian called out La Liga and the Spanish FA (RFEF) for not taking the issue seriously enough with the incidents in Valencia the 10th time he had been racially abused this season. However, his comments were not initially well received with La Liga President Javier Tebas suggesting he had not done enough to inform himself on the situation prompting a furious response worldwide. However, two days later the RFEF have taken action, forcing Valencia to close the offending Mario Kempes stand for five games and fining the club £40,000 for the actions of their fans. Valencia can file an appeal and would have 10 days to do so. Pep issues fresh City pledge PEP GUARDIOLA insists he will not walk away from Manchester City while they remain under investigation for financial breaches. But City’s boss called on lawyers and the Premier League to get on with the process to clear the cloud of suspicion hanging over the club. Guardiola acknowledged the financial probe is casting a shadow over the club’s achievements as he urged the Premier League to solve the issue quickly for the good of everyone involved. “What I would like is if the Premier League and judges could make something happen as soon as possible then if we have done something wrong everybody will know it,” he said. “We would love it tomorrow, this afternoon even better than tomorrow. We would love it. I know fairly what we won we won on the pitch and we don’t have any doubts. “Let’s go, 24 hours sit down and lawyers present. Don’t wait two years. Why don’t we do it quicker? Let’s have it as soon as possible for the benefit of everyone.” Guardiola signed a new contract tying him to the Etihad for two more seasons and promised City fans he would not use the platform of a treble to retire in a blaze of glory. “I don’t know what it’s going to feel winning or losing the two chances we have ahead of us but I will stay next season while there are 110 breaches against us,” he confirmed. “Don’t worry, we will be there. “Three or four years? No, no, no. These two will be enough.” █ RICHARD JOLLY █ MIGUEL DELANEY LA LIGA: Real Sociedad 1 (Kubo 45+4) Almeria 0, Celta Vigo 1 (Perez 42) Girona 1 (Stuani 59- pen), Real Valldolid 3 (Christensen 2-og, Larin 22- pen, Plata 73) Barcelona 1 (Lewandowski 84). P W D L F A Pts Barcelona 36 27 4 5 66 18 85 Atletico 35 22 6 7 63 27 72 Real Madrid 35 22 5 8 70 33 71 Sociedad 36 20 8 8 48 32 68 Villarreal 35 18 6 11 54 36 60 Real Betis 35 16 8 11 43 38 56 Bilbao 35 14 8 13 46 39 50 Girona 36 13 10 13 56 51 49 Sevilla 35 13 9 13 44 49 48 Osasuna 35 13 8 14 32 39 47 Vallecano 35 12 10 13 42 47 46 Mallorca 35 12 8 15 33 40 44 Valencia 35 11 7 17 39 41 40 Celta Vigo 36 10 10 16 41 51 40 Almeria 36 11 6 19 46 62 39 Cadiz 35 9 11 15 28 50 38 Valladolid 36 11 5 20 33 63 38 Getafe 35 8 11 16 31 44 35 Espanyol 35 8 10 17 44 61 34 Elche 35 4 8 23 27 65 20 CHAMPIONS RELEGATED RESULTS & STANDINGS SHORTS Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (centre) celebrates with teammates at the end of last week’s match against Aston Villa. – AFPPIX
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [emailprotected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [emailprotected] MANCHESTER CITY are Premier League champions once again after Arsenal’s title challenge fell short under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners were top of the table for 248 days this season – the longest time a team has led the Premier League without winning it – but won just two out of their last seven matches over the run-in. Pep Guardiola’s side have been on unstoppable form since mid-February and defeated Arsenal twice to surge to their third title in a row and fifth in six seasons. It extended City’s era of dominance under Guardiola, but Arsenal will wonder what might have been. Here are five ways Arsenal can improve over the summer to challenge City for the title again next season. Reach 90 points Really, it is an absurd situation that 80- plus points is not enough to win a league. It warrants grander debates than just unthinking declarations about how competitive the Premier League is. It has come from a growing financial gap since the early 2000s that has now been taken to extremes by the Abu Dhabi project at Manchester City. You need at least 85 points to properly challenge Pep Guardiola’s and probably over 90 – if not even higher – to beat them – which is immensely demanding. Improve squad depth The true value of this campaign may be in highlighting to Arteta exactly where his team is short. He has seen they lack depth overall, but also in key areas. Arsenal are one of few clubs that at least have the resources and size to sustain something like a challenge over a mediumterm spell. This is central to their ambitions that involve a higher class of player. Arteta needs at least four. Lock down key stars Two of Arsenal’s best players this season – Bukayo Saka and William Saliba – see their contracts run out next season. Saka signed a new deal making him among the very highest earners at the club on Tuesday. The club will look tie down the 22-year-old centreback Saliba for the long term. Gabriel Martinelli’s new contract has already been agreed but there remain deals to be done with Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu over the coming months. Make tough decisions Granit Xhaka has been one of Arsenal’s players of the season, unquestionably one of the reasons for the club’s improvement this year. The midfielder’s journey from being booed off at the Emirates and to becoming a fan favourite is symbolic of what Arsenal have achieved this year – a clear reference point of where they came from to where they are now. And yet, it hasn’t been enough to get Arsenal to where they want to get to, and Xhaka is now symbolic of another phase of the journey. The midfielder is 30, he has one year left on his contract. Arsenal need to twist, and selling Xhaka to recoup a fee is a necessary step as they plot moves for Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo. It is therefore a crossroads both for Arsenal and Xhaka. Learn from the experience Rewind 12 months and Arsenal’s collapse at Newcastle cost the Gunners fourth place and Champions League football. Few predicted Arteta’s side to challenge again and many assumed that the door had closed, only for Arsenal to make a spectacular start to the next season and exceed expectations by competing for the title. The fact that Arsenal are back in the Champions League is barely mentioned now, as was the rate of their progress under Arteta. If Arsenal were a year ahead of their development by competing for the title this year, next season may see the Gunners present a truer reflection of where they are at. “The demands, the expectations, the challenges next season will be even higher,” Arteta said. The Independent or download app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my FREE access Interactive EVERTON, Leeds United and Leicester City are the three clubs heading into the final day of the Premier League season uncertain about being there again next year. Only Southampton have already been confirmed as facing the drop to the Championship. Sean Dyche’s Toffees are in the driving seat after earning a late, late point against Wolves last time out, but while survival remains in their own hands, one win in their last 10 matches doesn’t exactly offer much of a guarantee that they’ll get the job done. Ahead of the final fixtures, it’s Everton in 17th and safety on 33 points, Leicester on 31 and Leeds also on 31 – but with an inferior goal difference to both of those above them. Here’s what each of the three clubs need to survive, and what every permutation will mean on the final day of 2022/23. FINAL DAY FIXTURES (Sunday 11.30pm Malaysian time) Everton vs Bournemouth, Leeds vs Tottenham, Leicester vs West Ham. IF EVERTON WIN: We’ll start with the obvious and easy one: a victory for Sean Dyche’s side against the Cherries renders everything else irrelevant. Everton can’t finish any higher than 17th, but 36 points would make them uncatchable by either of the other two. So an Everton win means they survive, while Leicester and Leeds go down. IF EVERTON LOSE: Before turning our attention to the potential for finishing level on points, here’s the situation if the Toffees are beaten by Bournemouth. First and foremost, Leicester and Leeds have to win. If either club fail to take three points from their own matches, they are down and Everton stay up. If one of them does win and Everton lose, Everton will be relegated and whichever one of Leeds and Leicester claimed victory will stay up, the other goes down. If both Leeds and Leicester win, Everton are down in 19th and Leeds will be relegated in 18th on goal difference... unless they somehow win by nine goals more than Leicester do. So if the Foxes triumph 1-0, Leeds need to become the firstever Premier League-era club to secure a 10-0 victory to survive on goals scored. It feels an unlikely combination of events. IF EVERTON DRAW: Here’s where it gets more tricky. One point for Dyche’s side leaves them on 34. Again, if either Leeds or Leicester fail to win, they are relegated regardless of anything else, so only victories there will potentially affect matters. Everton survive if neither of the others win. So, if Everton draw, Leicester win and Leeds do not win: Leeds will be down in 19th, Everton will join them in the Championship finishing 18th. Leicester survive on goal difference. If Everton draw, Leeds win and Leicester do not win: Leicester are 19th and relegated and the last spot will go to goal difference. Everton are on -24 ahead of the weekend and a draw keeps them on the same, so Leeds (currently -27) need to win by three goals to stay up on goals scored. They are well ahead of Everton in that regard (47-33) so if we exclude ridiculous scenarios such as an Everton 18-18 draw, any three-goal win in this permutation will keep Leeds up. If Everton draw and both Leeds and Leicester win: It’s Leicester who stay up here and survive from a three-way goal difference fight. Not that it’ll matter much to either of them since they’ll be down regardless, but the order of Leeds and Everton will depend on if Leeds win by three, as in the previous permutation. WHAT EVERTON NEED: To win their own game, or for Leicester and Leeds to both not win. WHAT LEICESTER NEED: To win, and for Everton to not win. WHAT LEEDS NEED: To win and Everton lose, or to win by three if Everton draw. Leicester must also not win in either scenario. The Independent █ KARL MATCHETT THURSDAY • MAY 25, 2023 Arteta’s 2023/24 mission Arsenal will need to improve squad depth and make tough transfer decisions to challenge City What do Leeds, Everton and Leicester need to survive?
