PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is facing an epidemic of sorts with a significant increase in childhood diseases in the country, according to the Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA). Its representative Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail said MPA data for 2022 showed that cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, jumped more than 800%, diphtheria increased by 80% and measles saw a 63% hike. “The rise in cases of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in the country follows the Covid-19 pandemic, which took priority over other health concerns,” he said. Nationwide, cases of pertussis leapt 818% in 2022 to 101 from just 11 recorded in 2021. Incidents of pertussis, diphtheria and measles fell during the Covid-19 pandemic but increased again last year. Experts in public health and leading paediatricians such as Zulkifli, Dr Amar-Singh H.S.S. from Ipoh Hospital and private practitioner Dr Musa Mohd Nordin concurred that even a small decline in vaccination rates could disrupt herd immunity, potentially leading to disease outbreaks in the country. Zulkifli said the current situation showed a dangerous trend as Malaysia has been trying to eliminate measles, but the deadline has been deferred numerous times. “The current goal is for next year. But after looking at the data, I’ve concluded that it is impossible to achieve one case per million people for three consecutive years. “This is because we are unable to have nearly 100% of the population protected against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis,” he said. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh attributed the decline in vaccination rates to the diversion of resources and attention to the Covid-19 pandemic and its management. “This disrupted the steady progress made in vaccinating against childhood diseases in previous years and resulted in a backlog of missed (vaccination) opportunities.” Sharifa said the pandemic has undoubtedly affected vaccination rates and herd immunity in the country. “The halt in routine immunisation programmes and the temporary closure of clinics and healthcare facilities led to a significant decrease in access to vaccines. “As a result, the population’s immunity levels have decreased, causing it to be more vulnerable to diseases that can be fatal to children.” oExperts call for more effort to trace cases, identify hotspots and prioritise catch-up vaccinations █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [emailprotected] 4 page INSIDE Public warned of ‘ugly’ beauty centres TELLING IT AS IT IS ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 3, 2023 No. 8363 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my Nine 17-year-old students from a boarding school were charged in the Teluk Intan Magistrate’s Court last year over the assault of a 14-year-old schoolmate. – BERNAMAPIC Bullying, sexual harassment guidelines to make schools safer KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has introduced two sets of guidelines for handling misconduct, specifically addressing bullying and sexual harassment, which are expected to become essential components in establishing a safe school environment. However, experts believe the effectiveness of the guidelines depends on the extent to which the measures are implemented, which requires cooperation and commitment from all parties to ensure its success and better protection for students. An expert in criminology at the Centre for Applied Psychology, Policy and Social Work Studies in Universiti Utara Malaysia, Dr Zalmizy Hussin, said the guidelines were created to assist school authorities on how to manage such situations. He stressed the importance of a holistic approach in addressing bullying and sexual harassment issues, including awareness, psychosocial support for victims and perpetrators as well as law enforcement, when necessary. “Addressing bullying and sexual harassment requires cooperation from everyone, including students, teachers, parents and the local community. “Spreading awareness on these issues is essential for preventing bullying and sexual harassment in educational environments. They should be integrated into a more extensive and all-encompassing strategy to address these issues.” On Sept 22, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said both guidelines are important to continue advocacy sessions at all levels, ensuring awareness, responsibility and awareness of related issues, enabling collective efforts to address them effectively. She added that the loss of herd immunity increases the prevalence of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases, resulting in widespread transmission among the community. Sharifa said in response to this, the government has implemented various initiatives to address the problem, such as providing free vaccinations under the National Immunisation Programme. “However, more efforts are required to trace potential cases, identify hotspots and prioritise catch-up vaccination programmes, which must reach marginalised communities, urban poor areas and rural regions.” She emphasised that it is essential to acknowledge the specific regions and demographics that are most affected by the lower vaccination rates. Sharifa also said the focus should be on low-income states and urban poor areas. These can be identified through the Statistics Department national income per person data and are crucial to ensuring targeted interventions. Turn to — page 4 According to Fadhlina, the implementation of the guidelines, including various components, will be detailed through a circular to be issued by the ministry to all educational institutions, Bernama reported. However, Zalmizy said the guidelines cannot be the sole solution and support is required from various other measures to ensure efficient implementation, including raising awareness, action guidelines, victim protection and law enforcement. Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Centre of Education and Diversity senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad said: “We expect everyone to recognise that bullying is harmful and sexual harassment is a crime that must be eliminated, not a challenge we should face in the future.” 5 page Tzu Chi to hold humanity improvement exhibition (Below) A woman showing pictures of her son, a victim of a school bullying case that occurred in Kulim in 2014. – BERNAMAPIC Spike in child maladies
2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME ‘M’sia-NZ ties stronger now’ KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah yesterday said bilateral ties between Malaysia and New Zealand are now stronger than ever, and it is mainly because the two nations understand each other’s economic needs and sensitivities. “Malaysia’s Foreign minister and the Investment, Trade and Industry minister visited New Zealand this year, while we hosted New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta in August last year. “This exchange of visits has paved the way for closer cooperation related to the economic and halal sectors, as well as the empowerment of indigenous communities. “It is indeed timely that our multi-faceted cooperation reached a historic milestone with the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in May.” The King was speaking at a state banquet held in honour of New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and her delegation at Istana Negara. The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was also present. Al-Sultan Abdullah said Malaysia and New Zealand have enjoyed robust growth in trade relations and in 2022, New Zealand remained among Malaysia’s top three trading partners in the Pacific region. “Malaysia is also among New Zealand’s top three trading partners in the Asean region.” He added that the bilateral relations covered various areas ranging from people-to-people interactions to the education and economic fields. The King said New Zealand is an important partner in higher education, with over 800 Malaysian students currently pursuing their studies in various fields in that country. He added that Malaysia would continue to extend a warm welcome to all visitors from New Zealand. The King pointed out that more than 15,000 tourists from New Zealand visited Malaysia in 2022, and expressed hope that this Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah Aminah with Kiro and her husband Dr Richard Davies at the orchid-naming ceremony in Istana Negara yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC oMulti-faceted cooperation reached historic milestone with elevation of relations to strategic partnership in May, says King Sultan launches tree planting initiative KUALA TERENGGANU: The Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin launched a tree planting programme along Pantai Batu Buruk and Pantai Pandak yesterday. The programme, a collaboration between Petronas and the Terengganu government, was held in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of Sultan Mizan’s reign. Also present were State Secretary Datuk Seri Tengku Farok Husin Tengku Abdul Jalil and state Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Food Security and Commodities Committee chairman Dr Azman Ibrahim. Petronas East Coast general manager Mohammad Ahmad Shazly Ramli said as many as 3,000 trees of various species were planted along the beach to promote environmental sustainability. He said the tree planting programme along the 11.3km area is also in line with Petronas’ aspirations towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the campaign to plant 100 million trees under the Greening Malaysia programme. “This initiative is also in line with Petronas’ target to plant one million trees nationwide by 2027. Among the tree species planted are ketapang, casuarina, coconut and ambung-ambung, which function as erosion prevention barriers as well as buffers to avert destruction due to natural disasters.” – Bernama number would continue to increase to reach pre-Covid levels, which averaged 56,000 per year. “We hope more Malaysian students will be allowed to study in New Zealand in future.” Al-Sultan Abdullah said he was elated by the state visit by Kiro, describing it as a sign of the existing close ties between the two countries. “It is hoped that this state visit will further strengthen the friendship and bilateral ties between Malaysia and New Zealand.” This is Kiro’s maiden visit to Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region after assuming office on Oct 21, 2021. The welcoming ceremony for Kiro at the parade ground began with the Royal Malaysian Air Force central band singing the New Zealand and Malaysian national anthems led by Kapt Sabri Hamil, which was followed by a 21-gun salute, Bernama reported. She inspected a guard of honour mounted by four officers and 103 rank-and-file personnel of the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Mejar Mohd Waqiyudin Abd Rahman. Kiro and Al-Sultan Abdullah then planted a Pokok Nona (Annona Squamosa) in the palace courtyard. The two leaders held a meeting at Dewan Seri Maharaja and later attended an orchid-naming ceremony, during which a hybrid orchid was named Dendrobium Cynthia Kiro in honour of the New Zealand leader. New Zealand is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in the Pacific region, with total trade between the two nations reaching RM6.32 billion as of June this year, an increase of 15.3% from RM5.48 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2022. More activity centres for seniors IPOH: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is setting up more senior citizen activity centres nationwide to face the challenges of Malaysia becoming an ageing nation by 2030. Deputy Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu said with the increase in the number of centres, the elderly could continue to engage in activities to keep them healthy, active, productive and positive. “The establishment of more centres could reduce the dependence of senior citizens on charitable organisations.” She was speaking at the opening of the Senior Citizens Day national-level celebrations at the Casuarina Meru Convention Centre on Sunday. The event, with the theme Hak Warga Emas: Merentas Generasi (Elderly Rights: Across Generations), was also attended by State Women, Family, Social Welfare, Cooperative and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Salbiah Mohamed. Aiman Athirah said the ministry is currently expanding its strategic cooperation with government-linked companies to assist the government to provide services to the elderly. She said one of the initiatives to ensure the welfare of the target group is a shared responsibility effort by the ministry’s strategic partners such as government agencies, the corporate sector, private companies, non-governmental agencies and individuals to implement corporate social responsibility programmes. Aiman Athirah said the new direction for senior citizen services under the 12th Malaysia Plan, such as the Senior Citizens Central Database and activity centres could have a significant impact on the well-being of the elderly. She added that the Senior Citizen Action Plan should be reviewed from time to time to ensure the continuation of a sustainable national senior citizen policy. “It is the government’s commitment towards creating self-reliant, dignified and respected senior citizens who can optimise their potential through healthy, positive, active and proactive ageing.” – Bernama No school activities if API exceeds 100 KUANTAN: Schools have been asked to comply with set guidelines in the wake of the haze that is affecting some areas in the country, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the guidelines stipulate that schools cannot conduct outdoor activities if the air pollution index (API) reading exceeds 100. “We stress that these guidelines apply to everyone and must be followed to avoid any untoward incidents,” she said after the closing ceremony of the national-level Mahrajan Al-Quran programme yesterday. The number of areas with unhealthy API readings increased to 16 this morning involving nine states, with Cheras in Kuala Lumpur recording the highest reading at 164. “We will seek the advice of the Health Ministry from time to time on recommendations to close (schools) or wear face masks and so on.” Meanwhile, on the teachershortage issue, Fadhlina said it is temporary, and the ministry is working with the Education Service Commission to address the problem. “The shortage is temporary and we have just completed interviews for one-off recruitments, and are currently in the process of hiring teachers on a contract basis.” The media had previously reported that the National Union of Teaching Profession had claimed that schools nationwide were experiencing a shortage of over 20,000 teachers, and needed an immediate solution. – Bernama Ankara suicide bombing condemned PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has strongly condemned the suicide bombing in Ankara on Sunday, which injured two police officers. “Malaysia stands in solidarity with the Turkiye government and the international community in rejecting any acts of violence aimed at disrupting the legitimate political process,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement yesterday. Anadolu Agency reported that a suicide bomber blew himself up in front of the Security Directorate General in the capital at 9.30am local time. Two police officers suffered minor injuries while another terrorist was killed by security forces at the entrance. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that there was no report of any Malaysian involved in the incident. It added that the Malaysian Embassy in Turkiye is monitoring the development and closely liaising with relevant local authorities for more information. “Malaysians in Turkiye are urged to take precautions and always adhere to the travel advisories issued by local authorities.” Malaysians in Turkiye seeking assistance may contact the Malaysian Embassy in Ankara at 00 (90-312) 44635 47/ 48 or 00 (90 – 5078128406) (Mobile) or email [emailprotected]. They may also contact the consulate general in Istanbul at 00 (90-212) 989 10 01 or email m w i s t a n b u l @ k l n . g o v. m y . – Bernama
3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 Govt to ensure EV option for all KUALA LUMPUR: The government will ensure that electric vehicle (EV) ownership is available to all income groups through targeted subsidies and financial assistance, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, adding that the government is also ramping up efforts to expand and enhance the country’s EV charging infrastructure. “As we look to the future and the upcoming Budget 2024, our focus remains on inclusivity, aligning with the Madani Economy Framework,” he said at the launch of the Tesla Centre in Cyberjaya yesterday. He said the implementation of policies and initiatives has had a positive impact on the local automotive industry, reflecting the government’s commitment in developing a holistic EV ecosystem. The number of registered EVs increased to over 3,400 units in 2022 and exceeded 7,500 units by September this year. “Investments in our EV industry have reached an impressive RM26.2 billion from 2018 up to March this year,” he said, adding that EV policies must be in tandem with the recently launched New Energy Transition Roadmap 2030 (NETR). “This is important because there is no point in having thousands of EVs on the road if Malaysia is not ‘greening its grid’ fast enough by developing more and more renewable energy (RE) sources,” he said, adding that NETR aims to accelerate investments in grid infrastructure, with incentives for RE development. Tengku Zafrul also said Tesla’s presence in Malaysia will enhance the EV ecosystem and boost the nation’s potential as a regional EV production hub, which could attract further investments in the sector. He said with Tesla’s presence, Malaysia is ready to expedite the transition to EVs and the nation is set to see a surge in technological advancements, research and development in the EV sector. “We look forward to seeing more local talent being nurtured, more local businesses thriving in the EV supply chain and more innovations that would put Malaysia on the global map of sustainable transportation.”– Bernama Activities planned for World Space Week MALACCA: The transmission and reception of Slow Scan Television (SSTV) used by astronauts on the International Space Station will be highlighted by the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters’ Society (Marts) in conjunction with World Space Week (WSW) 2023, from tomorrow to Oct 10. Marts honorary secretary Zanirul Akhmal Zanirun said SSTV is a picture or data transmission method via amateur radio that can be done without broadband connection. “This method is very important in emergency or disaster situations, during telephone and internet service disruption or in out-of-network coverage areas. “Amateur radio is not just for communicating like using a telephone, but has other functions such as tracking a location with coordinates, communicating with satellites, sending images and data, morse code communication and fox hunting,” he said in a statement yesterday. Zanirul Akhmal said Marts will also have a display of high frequency, very high frequency and ultra high frequency communication radio equipment that can be used for voice communication within and outside the country. Other items to be exhibited include satellite communications equipment, a radiosonde (weather balloon) tracking instrument, morse code apparatus and Automatic Packet Reporting System apparatus set up. He said WSW is an international event featuring space science, technology and applications and is being held in appreciation of those who have contributed to the betterment of the human condition through space technology. “It is hoped that the activities organised will be able to increase public interest, especially students, in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,” he said. WSW is observed worldwide from Oct 4 to 10 every year to commemorate the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite on Oct 4, 1957, and the signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space on Oct 10, 1967. In 2022, WSW witnessed over 11,200 activities carried out by various parties in 87 countries throughout the six-day event. – Bernama Reshuffle at Prime Minister’s Dept KUALA LUMPUR: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) yesterday launched Bulan Menabung Simpan SSPN (BMS) 2023, in an effort to become the community’s preferred savings product. Its chairman Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim said BMS is its annual signature programme, implemented in 2018 to improve savings practices in addition to promoting Simpan SSPN as a product of choice. “Since Simpan SSPN’s inception 19 years ago, deposits have increased yearly. As of Aug 31, the total amount of Simpan SSPN deposits was RM15.81 billion, involving 6.04 million accounts. This proves that Simpan SSPN continues to be the best savings product in the country. “PTPTN is targeting RM220 million deposits in Simpan SSPN this year. I am optimistic that BMS 2023 will receive encouraging response from the community in Malaysia,” she said in her speech at the launch on Sunday. Also present at the ceremony were Higher Education Ministry deputy secretary Datuk Dr Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian and PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid, Bernama reported. Norliza said PTPTN’s commitment to encourage a savings culture is translated in the PTPTN Strategic Plan 2021-2025 and is in line with the agency’s aspirations to transform the community’s mindset from borrowing to saving, to prevent their children from being saddled with debt after graduation. During the ceremony, cash prizes worth RM2,023 were presented to winners of the WOW Syoknya Raya campaign, namely B. Machap and Mohd Yazeed Othman, as well as “Action Song” Simpan SSPN 2023 winner, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Desa Petaling. Machap, 39, from Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan said she was surprised to win and at the same time happy about saving with Simpan SSPN Plus. “I am happy and proud. The savings are for my children’s future,” said the security guard, a mother of three, who began saving with SSPN Plus in March. Meanwhile, Mohd Yazeed, 37, said his children were the motivation for him to save with Simpan SSPN, which opened in October last year. “Spending on children’s education is very important and this is one of the opportunities we have. It is our responsibility to ensure that our children have an education fund for their future,” said the father of five. PTPTN optimistic on latest savings plan oCorporation aims to make scheme product of choice for community, with RM220m deposits target for 2023 Residents putting on face masks as the API worsens yesterday in Sri Damansara, Selangor. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA /THESUN PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister’s Department has announced in a statement that its deputy secretary-general (Finance and Development) Datuk Awang Alik Jeman has been appointed senior deputy secretary-general effective yesterday. Its deputy secretary-general (Cabinet) Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah was appointed to replace Awang Alik, also effective yesterday. Awang Alik, 56, who has a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Malaya has served in the public service for 25 years, starting as an administrative and diplomatic officer in 1998. He has served in several ministries, departments and agencies such as the Public Service Department, Parliament, Defence Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry. Abdul Halim, 52, who holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Universiti Putra Malaysia, has served for 27 years in the civil service. “Hopefully, Awang Alik and Abdul Halim’s experience, skills and leadership would empower and strengthen the department, in line with the aspirations of the people and towards the development of a Madani nation,” the statement said. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings have been recorded at 16 locations involving nine states as of 9am yesterday. Based on the API Management System (Apims) website, Cheras in the federal capital recorded the highest API at 164, followed by Nilai and Seremban in Negeri Sembilan with readings of 163 and 158 respectively. Unhealthy readings were also recorded in Putrajaya at 156, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Banting in Selangor at 157, Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan at 156, with Bukit Rambai in Malacca, Batu Muda, Kuala Lumpur and Johan Setia in Selangor at 153. Other places with API exceeding 100 were Klang in Selangor at 152, Alor Gajah in Malaccaa at 138, Taiping in Perak at 137, Seberang Jaya in Penang at 107 and Tangkak in Johor at 104. Forty-five Apims stations throughout the country recorded moderate API levels while seven registered good readings. – Bernama High API reading recorded in nine states
4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Public warned of ‘ugly’ beauty centres READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME SHAH ALAM: A cosmetic surgeon has warned the public against visiting beauty centres for plastic surgery as it could lead to complications and even death as in a recent case. Dr Siti Muyassarah Rusli, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon at a medical centre, was commenting on illegal cosmetic procedures being marketed on social media and carried out under the guise of beauty treatments. In an Aug 2 incident, a woman died after undergoing breast augmentation carried out at a double-storey house in Skudai, Johor. It was performed by a beautician. oCosmetic procedures at unlicensed establishments could result in infections, complications and even death: Expert Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ █ BY QALIF ZUHAIR [emailprotected] “People need to understand that beauty parlours are not authorised to perform any cosmetic surgery as these should only be done by medically trained professionals. “Beauty parlours cannot perform even minimally invasive treatments like botox and fillers, let alone full-fledged cosmetic surgeries like double-eyelid enhancements and breast augmentation due to the risk of infection and other complications.” However, Siti Muyassarah said some members of the public visit beauty parlours for popular cosmetic procedures after being deceived by heavy marketing on social media. She said some patients even pay as much as that charged by medical professionals after falling for the hard sell and promotions. “Cosmetic surgeries are generally not cheap due to certain rules and regulations that need to be adhered to by accredited medical clinics and healthcare centres. “Going cheap will usually mean cutting costs that may jeopardise patient safety. Also, these ‘unlicensed surgeons’ can easily botch the procedure, requiring patients to visit a certified plastic surgeon to ‘repair’ the complications.” Siti Muyassarah said patients could suffer serious infections, wound complications, damage to surrounding organs and bone structures, and face cardiac and pulmonary risks or even death. “There are many complaints regarding invasive treatments performed by beauticians that are not regulated by the Health Ministry. These backdoor services are heavily influenced by cost versus profit.” General surgeon Dr Mohd Hanis Ahmad at a medical centre in Subang Jaya said it is crucial to note that aesthetic procedures should never be conducted in non-medical settings. He said when potential victims are being treated, they might be unaware of the condition and dangers of products like silicone that is used in breast augmentation. “The patient’s safety should be the primary concern and aesthetic medical practice is only to be performed in an approved healthcare facility. “Performing such procedures at home, in hotel rooms, or shops is illegal and goes against the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998. Those convicted can be fined up to RM500,000 and or jailed for up to six years.” He said while beauticians are permitted to perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion or laser treatments, surgical procedures must only be carried out by qualified surgeons. “According to the Guidelines On Aesthetic Medical Practice For Registered Medical Practitioners, only filler injections that do not contain silicone or fat are allowed to be done by beauticians. The type of filler substance used must also be officially recognised and approved. “Any invasive treatment must be done by trained medical professionals like dermatologists and plastic surgeons who are registered with a valid Annual Practising Certificate from the Malaysian Medical Council,” he said. ‘Ensure vaccines are accessible’ She said primary care clinics and general practitioners must conduct regular screenings as well as active and passive case detection. Parents should also be allowed to take time off from work to accompany their children for immunisations without any salary deduction. “Healthcare professionals and the government have a vital role in promoting disease awareness and increasing vaccination rates. “Continuous efforts must be made to provide accurate information and ensure vaccines are accessible and affordable to all. “We should also dispel myths such as the MMR vaccine causing autism and mothers believing that breastfeeding their child will protect them from diseases.” Sharifa said schools and educational institutions should also play a significant role in addressing the issue of lower vaccination rates. “Collaboration between the Education and Health ministries is necessary to implement catch-up programmes in schools, with potential sponsorship from private organisations. “By aggressively making these efforts, Malaysia can protect its children from unnecessary suffering and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases,” she said. From front page New steps to alleviate rice issue KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved the implementation of four additional intervention measures to overcome the rice supply issue in the country. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said these included directing the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to increase the distribution of local white rice in rural areas, including sundry shops. “Because the sales margin of local white rice is only 50 sen per 10kg, the government will bear the transport costs for Fama,” he said yesterday. Mohamad added that for Sabah and Sarawak, the government agreed to grant a subsidy of RM950 per tonne for imported white rice beginning Thursday, making it available at a retail price of RM31 per 10kg. – Bernama Mohamad (centre) fielding questions at a press conference yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC
5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 Kedah MB denies making defamatory remarks SHAH ALAM: In a statement of defence filed at the High Court yesterday, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor denied having made defamatory statements against Berjaya Corp Berhad founder and adviser Tan Sri Vincent Tan. Sanusi claimed his comments were taken out of context and were “fair comment” and “qualified privilege”, adding that they served only to emphasise that he would take care of the people’s welfare and not safeguard the interests of corporations. He denied mentioning Berjaya Land Berhad (BLand) in his speech, or saying Tan was corrupt, or that either had done anything illegal █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [emailprotected] Senior citizen found strangled at home BALING: A 71-year-old man was found strangled with his legs and hands bound at his house in Taman Desa Bidara, Kuala Ketil on Sunday. District police chief Supt Shamsudin Mamat said in a statement they received a call at around 3pm that a man had been found unconscious. “The victim lived alone since his wife died eight years ago. The body was lying on the bed in the master bedroom with a kain pelikat wound around his neck and his legs and hands tied up. “Investigations found no signs of a break-in at his single-storey terrace house. Closed-circuit television footage of a neighbouring house showed two male suspects leaving the scene on a dark-coloured motorcycle at about 3pm. “A gold chain, ring and wallet were reported missing. The motive is believed to be robbery.” He said the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code and the body of the victim was sent to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for a post-mortem. Shamsudin added that two men, aged 23 and 25, were arrested at 3am yesterday to assist in investigations. He urged those with information on the case to contact the Baling district police headquarters at 04-470 8222, investigating officer ASP Tan See Yean at 019-668 7687 or the nearest police station. – Bernama Foundation to hold humanity improvement exhibition PETALING JAYA: The Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia will be organising its first science exhibition at the Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 8 until Feb 29, jointly organised by the National Health Research Institutes and the National Science and Technology Museum of Taiwan. Exhibition coordinator Choong Kah Meng said the “Disease Prevention Combat Camp” event will use interactive games to instil basic knowledge and raise awareness among youths, families and communities about infectious diseases. He said the exhibition will focus on three key elements – prevention, community responsibility and accurate information. “We wish to emphasise the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent the spread oFive-month event by Tzu Chi includes activities focusing on science, prevention of diseases, parenting and societal values █ BYALLEN WONG [emailprotected] Flood evacuees in Kedah decrease to 67 ALOR SETAR: The number of flood evacuees in Kedah dropped to 67 individuals from 23 families as of 8am yesterday, compared with 114 from 36 families on Sunday. State Civil Defence Force disaster management secretariat division chief Mejar (PA) Muhammad Suhaimi Mohd Zain said in a statement only two temporary relief centres are still operating in the Kota Setar district. He said 63 individuals from 22 families are housed at SK Taman Aman, while a family of four are taking shelter at SK Seri Gunung. Another two centres in the Kota Setar district were closed yesterday after floodwaters receded. “The SK Taman Aman centre, which was opened on Sept 26, closed at 9.30am while the SK Seri Gunung centre, which started operating on Sept 28, was shut at 8am.” – Bernama Two killed in road collision IPOH: A man and a boy died while 11 others were injured in a collision involving a car and a van at Jalan Gerik-Baling yesterday. Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said in a statement they were alerted at about 2am. “Paramedics confirmed that the two individuals in the car died at the scene,” he said, adding that the rest were sent to hospital for treatment while the bodies of the victims were handed to police. “Three men, four women and four boys were travelling in the van.” – Bernama SERIOUS CASE ... Eleven youths, including two teenagers, arriving at the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court yesterday to face charges of trafficking various drugs weighing more than 19kg. – BERNAMAPIC to break the law. Sanusi also denied saying Tan and BLand had lied to the people of Selangor and the public. Tan filed a RM200 million defamation suit against Sanusi for comments made during a Jelajah Mega PN Best/PN Best Sayangi Kedah Sejahtera mega tour on Aug 2. Sanusi allegedly made false and baseless allegations against Tan and BLand, implicating them in the RM700 million Selangor Maritime Gate project to rehabilitate the Klang River. Tan and BLand are demanding a public apology and RM200 million in compensation from the PAS leader. Through his legal representatives, Tan said the comments implied that he is a corrupt person, corrupt businessman and a crony to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Tan also claimed the comments implied that he benefited directly or indirectly, or received for free 600 acres of land from the Selangor government. He added that Sanusi’s comments implied that he had given benefits to the Selangor government in return for the land, causing the state to incur losses of RM180 million. “The defamatory statements were completely untrue, extreme, vile and specious/spurious and had no basis whatsoever.” However, Sanusi said the comments he made about the land are true and that Tan and BLand were given the land by the state government for a river project. Special purpose vehicle Landasan Lumayan Berjaya Sdn Bhd (LLBSB) was reportedly formed through a joint venture between Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated subsidiary Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (with a 45% stake) and Berjaya Hartanah Bhd (55%) to clean and develop the Klang River, among others. Tan’s lawyers said in a statement he and BLand never obtained and were never awarded any land measuring 600 acres valued at RM10 billion, as alleged by Sanusi. “Only several parcels of land totalling 103.6 acres were identified as feasible for development and granted approval for alienation to LLBSB by the Selangor government with specific conditions.” They added that BLand was required to raise funds to pay the premium based on the market rate for the alienation of the 103.6-acre land to LLBSB. of infectious diseases and include messages about vaccination and practising good hygiene. “Everyone has a role to play in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. (The event) encourages individuals to protect themselves and consider the health and well-being of their communities by following recommended guidelines.” Choong said providing accurate and reliable information is crucial in combating misinformation and fear associated with infectious diseases, adding that it is important to seek information from trusted sources such as healthcare professionals and government agencies, which would help the public make informed decisions about health and safety. He also said the exhibition is mainly aimed at promoting science education for students or children aged four and above, through easy-to-understand and informative graphics and text, along with engaging interactive games. “We have prepared activities that are mostly suited for young children such as an augmented reality setup, question and answer session, motion-sensing game and others involving detection and simulation.” Tzu Chi is also organising activities that promote parent-child bonding and humanitarian awareness. Choong said activities such as storytelling, a presentation on Tzu Chi voluntary work, workshops and parenting, marriage and self-improvement seminars will be held throughout the five months. “The seminars will take place from November onwards, with guest speakers delivering messages on various topics. “We hope that more people will become interested in the community services that we have been carrying out in Malaysia and the rest of the world. “By promoting universal values such as love for others, we can cultivate a society with greater kindness and spread peace throughout the world.” Choong said Tzu Chi has no plans to organise health checkups at the moment, but will consider it at the later stages of the exhibition, adding that at least 200 visitors are expected per day during weekends. Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying is expected to officiate at the launch ceremony.
6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Bangladesh dengue deaths top 1,000 DHAKA: More than 1,000 people in Bangladesh have died of dengue fever since the start of the year, official figures showed, in the country’s worst recorded outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease. Dengue is a disease endemic to tropical areas that causes high fevers, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and, in the most serious cases, bleeding that can lead to death. The World Health Organisation has warned that dengue – and other diseases caused by mosquito-borne viruses such as chikungunya, yellow fever and zika – are spreading faster and further due to climate change. Figures from the country’s Directorate-General of Health oMosquito-borne diseases spreading faster and further due to climate change: WHO Services published on Sunday night said 1,006 people had died, among more than 200,000 confirmed cases. The agency’s former director Be-Nazir Ahmed told AFP yesterday that the number of deaths so far this year was higher than every previous year combined since 2000. “It’s a massive health event, both in Bangladesh and in the world.” Among the dead are 112 children aged 15 and under, including infants, according to the official data. This year’s figures dwarf the previous highest total from 2022, when 281 deaths were recorded. Scientists have attributed this year’s outbreak to irregular rainfall and hotter temperatures during the annual monsoon season that have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Bangladesh has recorded cases of dengue from the 1960s but documented its first outbreak of dengue haemorrhagic fever, a severe and sometimes fatal symptom of the disease, in 2000. The virus that causes the disease is now endemic to Bangladesh, which has seen a trend of worsening outbreaks since the turn of the century. Most cases are recorded during the July to September monsoon season, the months which bring the vast majority of the country’s annual rainfall, along with occasional floods and landslides. But Bangladeshi hospitals have also begun to admit patients suffering from the disease during winter months in recent years. Dengue wards in Dhaka’s major hospitals are currently filled with patients being treated beneath mosquito nets under the watchful and worried eyes of family members. World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last month that the outbreak was “putting huge pressure on the health system” in Bangladesh. The agency’s alert and response director Abdi Mahamud said the same month that such outbreaks were a “canary in the coal mine of the climate crisis”. He said a combination of factors including climate change and this year’s El Nino warming weather pattern had contributed to severe dengue outbreaks in several areas including Bangladesh and South America. – AFP Indonesia launches ‘Whoosh’ high-speed railway JAKARTA: Indonesia launched Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway yesterday, a delayed, multibillion-dollar project backed by China that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo hailed as “a symbol of our modernisation”. With a top speed of 350kph, the bullet train “Whoosh” can get between the capital Jakarta and Bandung in 45 minutes. The 140km journey would previously have taken about three hours by train. “The Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train marks our efficient, friendly, and integrated mass transport system,” Jokowi Staff waiting to greet passengers at the Padalarang station in West Java yesterday. – REUTERSPIC said during a ceremony at the capital’s central station. “It is a symbol of our modernisation in the public transport, seamlessly connecting with other modes of transport.” Jokowi said the 600-capacity train was the first high-speed rail transport in Southeast Asia. It is part of Beijing’s Belt and Road initiative – a decade-old programme of China-backed infrastructure projects. The president said the name was actually an acronym, standing for a tagline of Waktu Hemat, Operasi Optimal, Sistem Handal – which in Bahasa Indonesia means “Saving time, optimal operation, reliable system”. It was built by PT KCIC, which is made up of four Indonesian state companies and Beijing’s China Railway International Co. The project was initially set to cost less than US$5 billion and be completed by 2019. However, delays caused by construction challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in costs. In preparation for its opening, officials have conducted public trials for the new high-speed route. Last week, Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi confirmed that the government would extend the high-speed train route from Bandung to the country’s secondbiggest city Surabaya. – AFP Marcos Jr suffers ‘significant’ drop in approval rating MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has suffered a “significant” drop in his approval rating as soaring consumer prices in the Philippines undermine his support, a polling organisation said yesterday. The Pulse Asia Survey, conducted from Sept 10 to 14, found 65% of 1,200 respondents approved of the president’s performance, down 15 points from 80% in a June poll, marking the first decline in approval scores for the son of the late Philippine strongman, also Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos secured a landslide victory in a presidential election last year in the first win by a majority since a 1986 “people power” uprising that brought an end to his father’s two-decade rule. The older Marcos died in 1989 in Hawaii. “Continuing increase in prices of basic commodities and services and unfulfilled promise of reducing these”, likely caused the “significant” drop in the approval ratings, said Ronald Holmes, president of Pulse Asia. Marcos’ presidential communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Marcos, who is also agriculture secretary, has struggled to keep inflation in check, with the pace of price increases still outside the government’s 2% to 4% target despite interventions like food tariff cuts. The annual rate of inflation was 6.6% at the end of August. Last month, Marcos imposed price ceilings for rice. Vice-President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, also suffered a decline in approval ratings, dropping 11 points to 73%. – Reuters Pakistan doctor, mechanic arrested over illegal transplant surgeries ISLAMABAD: Pakistan police busted an organ trafficking ring run by a disgraced doctor and a motor mechanic, who conducted at least 328 illegal kidney transplants, authorities said. Fawad Mukhtar – a doctor already arrested five times for malpractice – used the unnamed mechanic as a surgical assistant and anaesthetist on vulnerable patients lured from hospitals, according to a police probe. Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said transplants were conducted in private homes, at times without the patient’s knowledge, with kidneys sold for up to 10 million rupees (RM165,000) each. The arrested eight-man gang was said to be operating across eastern Punjab province as well as in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, causing at least three fatalities. “The facts and figures that have come to us make the heart tremble,” Naqvi said during a press conference on Sunday night. “There are a lot more transplants and illegal surgeries than this. These are the ones that we have confirmed.” Pakistan outlawed the commercial trade of human organs in 2010, imposing a decade-long jail term and steep fines in hopes of curbing sales to overseas clients by exploitative middlemen. In January, Punjab police busted another organ trafficking ring when a missing 14-year-old boy was found in an underground lab after having his kidney removed. – AFP B R I E F SJAPAN’S TOP TALENT AGENCY TO DISSOLVE TOKYO: Japan’s top talent agency Johnny & Associates said yesterday it would split into two entities. The agency will also be changing its name, disassociating itself from its founder Johnny Kitagawa. The agency, which represents only male entertainers, last month admitted that Kitagawa, who died in 2019, had abused hundreds of boys and young men seeking stardom going back to at least the 1970s. It said 325 people so far have sought damages. The agency would change its name to “Smile-Up” and focus exclusively on compensating Kitagawa’s victims. A separate company would be spun off to take over the talent management business. – Reuters ENDANGERED RHINO BORN IN INDONESIA JAKARTA: An endangered Sumatran rhinoceros, the smallest and hairiest of the five extant rhino species, was born in Indonesia last week in a conservation area, the government said yesterday. Weighing 27kg, the yet-to-be named female calf, was born on Saturday at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary facility in Way Kambas National Park, Lampung province. Covered in black hair, the newborn stood 45 minutes after her birth. On the next day, she began to walk around the jungle, the Environment Ministry said in a statement. The mother, 22-year-old Ratu, was in a healthy condition, the ministry said. – Reuters PHILIPPINES AND U.S. BEGIN ANNUAL DRILLS MANILA: The US and the Philippines launched annual joint naval war games yesterday, days after the latest diplomatic row between Manila and Beijing over the disputed South China Sea. More than a thousand sailors from the two allies are taking part in the annual Samasama (Tagalog for Together) anti-submarine, surface and electronic warfare drills off Manila and the south of Luzon, the main island of the Philippines. US Pacific Command chief Vice-Admiral Karl Thomas told sailors at an opening ceremony in Manila that the rights of all nations to ensure national sovereignty were “under attack every day on the high seas”. – AFP
7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 KYIV: EU foreign ministers held their first ever meeting outside the bloc in Ukraine yesterday, a show of support for the country after a pro-Russian candidate won an election in Slovakia and the US Congress omitted funding for Kyiv from a spending bill. “We are convening a historic meeting of EU foreign ministers here in Ukraine, candidate country and future member of EU,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. “We are here to express our solidarity and support to the Ukrainian people.” Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was proud to host the meeting. “For the first time in history, outside current EU borders. But also within its future borders.” Washington insists its firm military and political support for Ukraine has not wavered, despite Congress having excluded Ukraine funds from an emergency spending deal reached to avert a government shutdown. Kuleba told reporters that Kyiv was still confident of American backing. “We don’t feel that the US support has been shattered ... because the United States understands that what is at stake in Ukraine is much bigger than just Ukraine.” In Slovakia, pro-Russian former prime minister Robert Fico won the most votes in an election on Sunday and will get a first chance to form a government. His campaign had called for “not a single round” of ammunition from Slovakia’s reserves to be sent to Ukraine. “We are not changing that we are prepared to help Ukraine in a humanitarian way. “We are prepared to help with the reconstruction but you know our opinion on arming Ukraine,” Fico said. – Reuters Top Republican faces revolt over shutdown deal WASHINGTON: The future of Republican House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy looked in serious jeopardy on Sunday, with hardliners in his own party moving to oust him and Democrats blaming him for bringing the US government close to a total shutdown. McCarthy brokered a last-gasp deal on Saturday to keep the government funded for another 45 days, but right-wing Republicans were furious that it did not include the deep spending cuts they demanded, while Democrats said the speaker had reneged on promises aimed at avoiding a budget crisis in the first place. A leading hardline Republican said he would move to oust McCarthy as House speaker for striking the deal with Democrats. “I do intend to file a motion to vacate Speaker McCarthy this week,” Congressman Matt Gaetz told CNN. “I think we need to rip off the band-aid.” Gaetz is a leading figure within a small group of far-right Republican legislators who brought the government to the brink of shutdown with their refusal to adopt fresh federal funding without deep spending cuts. President Joe Biden lambasted both McCarthy and the hardliners on Sunday for failing to live up to an agreement forged around a debt crisis months ago that was meant to avoid a damaging shutdown fight – and for stripping out support for Ukraine. “Stop playing games, get this done,” Biden said during a press conference, adding that he was “sick and tired of the brinksmanship, and so are the American people”. “It’s time to end governing by crisis and keep your word when you give it.” Speaking to CNN, Gaetz acknowledged that despite vocal anger on the left, Democrats could nonetheless back McCarthy as speaker, particularly after he brokered the bipartisan shutdown compromise. “The only way McCarthy is speaker at the end of this coming week is if Democrats bail him out. “Now, they probably will.” McCarthy had only barely survived a bruising battle in January involving a record 15 rounds of voting to become the 55th House speaker. In order to gain the gavel, he was forced to make concessions to his party’s far-right bloc, including the rule change – which Gaetz is now promising to use – that makes it possible for a single member to call a vote for a new speaker of the House. McCarthy was left extremely vulnerable to factions in his own party when Republicans won only a razor-thin majority in the House in last November’s midterm elections. But the speaker remained confident he would not succumb to a motion to remove him. “I will survive,” he told CBS. – AFP Turkiye hits back after Ankara bombing ANKARA: Turkiye said it unleashed air strikes on militant targets in northern Iraq and detained suspects in Istanbul, hours after Kurdish militants said they orchestrated the first bomb attack in the capital Ankara in years. On Sunday, two attackers detonated a bomb near government buildings in Ankara, leaving them both dead and wounding two policemen. The outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group claimed responsibility. The Defence Ministry said many militants were “neutralised”, a term mostly used to mean killed, in air strikes that destroyed 20 targets – caves, shelters and depots used by the PKK in Iraq’s Metina, Hakurk, Qandil and Gara regions. Turkiye has stepped up military action against the PKK in northern Iraq over the last few years in operations it said were conducted under self-defence rights arising from Article 51 of the United Nations charter. On Sunday, CCTV footage obtained by Reuters showed a vehicle pulling up outside the Interior Ministry’s main gate in Ankara and one of its occupants quickly walking towards the building before being engulfed in an explosion. The bomb killed one attacker and security forces killed the other, officials said. One attacker was identified as a PKK member and work was continuing on identifying the other one, an Interior Ministry statement said, adding that explosives, grenades, a rocket launcher and various guns were seized at the scene. It said the attackers had hijacked the vehicle and killed its driver in Kayseri, a city 260km southeast of Ankara. Counter-terrorism police have since detained 20 people in raids targeting PKK-linked suspects in Istanbul and elsewhere, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said yesterday. – Reuters B R I E F SFRANCE TO VACCINATE MILLIONS OF DUCKS PARIS: France yesterday began Europe’s only vaccination campaign against bird flu in ducks, hoping to avoid mass culls of millions of birds that have dearly cost the industry in recent years. “There’s high pressure from the virus, but vaccination should mean we only face individual cases, avoiding the tidal wave sweeping through farms,” said Jocelyn Marguerie, poultry chief at the SNGTV farm vets’ association. The two-jab course for ducklings – starting at 10 days old – is obligatory in farms raising more than 250 birds from this month. Producing livers for foie gras or meat, France’s duck sector is especially sensitive to the virus. The birds shed it before symptoms ever appear, allowing it to spread unchecked. – AFP 10 KILLED IN MEXICO CHURCH ROOF COLLAPSE MEXICO CITY: At least 10 people, including three children, were killed and 60 more injured when the roof of a church came crashing down on a baptism in northeastern Mexico on Sunday. The disaster struck the coastal town of Ciudad Madero, in Tamaulipas state, with a Red Cross rescuer telling local media that 80 people had been in attendance at the Santa Cruz parish when the roof caved in. “Unfortunately, 10 people are confirmed dead. Of these, five are women, two men and three children,” Tamaulipas governor Americo Villarreal told reporters at the scene. At least 60 people were treated for injuries, the governor said, with 23 still hospitalised. – AFP Call for tougher action against retail crime LONDON: Retail leaders in the UK are calling for tougher punishments for attacks on shop workers due to the “unacceptable levels of violence and abuse” they face. Over 90 business leaders, including those from Tesco, Greggs, Boots, WHSmith, and Primark, have written a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman, urging for a change in the law to make it a specific criminal offence to assault or abuse retail staff. The proposed change would categorise violent incidents against retail workers, such as those conducting age checks or preventing theft, as “aggravated” offences, leading to more severe sentences. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which organised the letter, argues that previous legislative changes have not oMake it specific criminal offence to attack shop staff: UK business leaders gone far enough in protecting retail workers. The introduction of a standalone offence would not only provide better protection for retail staff but also act as a deterrent to potential offenders. The industry is calling for immediate action on this matter. Scotland has already taken a similar step in 2021, and the letter urges England and Wales to follow suit. A survey conducted by the BRC found that incidents of violence and abuse towards retail workers have almost doubled in the 2021/2022 financial year compared with pre-pandemic levels. Retailers estimate that around £953 million (RM5.5 billion) has been stolen from them. Retailers have also complained about the lack of police response to assaults on their staff and the rising levels of shoplifting and organised looting. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson emphasised the urgency of taking action against retail crime. She highlighted the threat posed by organised gangs, who are not only stealing from stores but also using weapons to intimidate staff. She stressed that it is unacceptable for shop workers to face violence or abuse while simply doing their jobs. In addition to tougher punishments, the letter also emphasises the need for the police to prioritise these offenses and improve their response to incidents. According to the BRC, nearly half of its members (44%) rated the police response to these incidents as “poor or very poor”. The retail industry’s plea for tougher punishments reflects the growing concern over the safety and well-being of UK shop workers. The increase in incidents of violence and abuse is alarming, and urgent action is needed to address this issue. By introducing a specific criminal offense for assaulting or abusing retail workers, the industry hopes to send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. It is now up to the government to respond to these calls and prioritise the safety of those who have played a crucial role in keeping the country running during the pandemic. – Agencies EU foreign ministers convene in Ukraine A Ukrainian serviceman visiting graves at the Lychakiv Cemetery to mark Defenders Day of Ukraine in the city of Lviv. – AFPPIC
8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 SPEAK UP Darker side of Modi’s India FOR a long time, leaders and the Western media have been lenient towards India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, preferring to focus attention on China’s threats and deficiencies while lauding India as a bastion of democracy and role model for developing nations. Thus, the glaring reality and inconvenient facts of Modi’s governance since accession to power – including a deeply flawed democracy, an inability to tackle endemic violence, bigotry, poverty and socio-economic discontent as well as increasing repression against non-Hindu minorities – have been ignored. This is to enlist India as a strategic ally in the quest to contain, challenge and counter China’s ascent. The latest major development in international relations was the sensational revelation by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, implicating Indian operatives in the political assassination of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Niijar. Following Trudeau’s announcement that Canadian security and intelligence agencies are “pursuing credible allegations against agents of the government of India”, who were behind the assassination of an Indian-born Canadian citizen in British Columbia last June, India immediately dismissed the accusation as “absurd” and “motivated”. Trudeau has reiterated the accusation and emphasised that by pursuing the case, Canada is upholding the “rules-based international order that we believe in”. This is the same “rules-based international order” often invoked by the US in its international affairs when seeking justification for sanctions, interventions or engaging in direct military conflicts. From the Indian side, besides the official denial and disavowal of involvement, there has been an accompanying disparaging description of Canada by Foreign Minister spokesman, Arindam Bagchi, about its “growing reputation as a place, haven for terrorists, extremists and organised crime”, and a counter demand that the Canadian government cracks down on anti-India groups operating from Canada. The US, the most important player in this row between its two political allies on the world stage – Canada, a minor power seen by some as a US lackey and doormat, and India, an aspiring superpower – has emphasised the need for the two countries to work together on the case. In response to a question about the issue, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said: “We want to see accountability, and it is important that the investigation run its course and lead to that result”. However, the US is not intending for Canada to penalise India in any way in this particular case. Accountability and outcomes On the investigation, according to US Ambassador to Canada David Cohen, it was “shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners”, which informed Trudeau of the possible involvement of Indian agents in the murder. The Five Eyes network of the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand has been described as “one of the most comprehensive known espionage alliances in human history”. With the network’s main target being Russia and China, and with India identified by US Congress’ Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations as a potential partner to work with in “confronting great power competition from China and Russia”, it is certain that Trudeau has evidence on Indian official involvement. Noteworthy, too, is that the Five Eyes countries of the UK and Australia have said they are monitoring the situation and communicating with Indian officials. This is all the accountability that the world can expect from the West in response to Modi’s India’s dark side. Sound and fury show now over For Trudeau and Modi, now that the immediate sound and fury show is over, there is a ceasefire and gradual return to normal relations. However, the outcomes for their respective political standings are quite different. Modi’s domestic image has been considerably strengthened by this particular episode and should stand him and his BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) party well in the state elections and Indian general election due next year. On the other hand, Trudeau has not benefitted from the entanglement, with polls showing a plunge in his popularity, and an Ipsos survey amid the Indian standoff revealing that only 31% of Canadians now prefer him as their leader while 40% are in favour of the Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. The latest developments show that Trudeau is unwilling to further antagonise Modi and the US by pursuing the case despite his initial pronouncement. A hasty retreat and loss of face for Trudeau in this instance appears easier to deal with than losing the support of the US, which may affect his power base in Canada. The wild card for Modi’s India is the impact on the Sikh diaspora in Canada, Australia and the UK as well as the Sikh community in India. The discord and tensions have had ripple effects in disparate areas, including remittances from Canada to Punjab, community sense of belonging and loyalties and, most importantly, on the Sikh struggle for a separate ethno-religious homeland for Khalistan. That struggle killed tens of thousands in the 1980s and ‘90s and was eventually crushed. Today, the independence drive has been provided with a renewed and unpredictable impetus. The Five Eyes members will be monitoring developments in this controversy and will also be actively involved in behind-the-scene efforts to cover up Indian involvement. This will ensure that India, whatever its failure in abiding by the Western version of a rules-based international order, remains the centrepiece of their Indo-Pacific strategy to maintain Western dominance and bring down China. LimTeck Ghee’s Another Take is aimed at demystifying social orthodoxy. Comments: [emailprotected] ““The discord and tensions have had ripple effects in disparate areas, including remittances from Canada to Punjab, community sense of belonging and loyalties and, most importantly, on the Sikh struggle for a separate ethno-religious homeland for Khalistan. Consequences of law-breaking by illegal Immigrants and refugees THE consequences for illegal immigrants and refugees who violate societal norms and laws can vary depending on the specific situation and context. Transgressing social norms and laws may result in legal consequences, such as arrest, detention, deportation and criminal charges. The severity of these consequences can vary depending on the nature and gravity of the transgression. In cases where illegal immigrants and refugees engage in criminal behaviour, they may be more inclined to attempt bribing corrupt law enforcement officers. Once they are confident that they can bribe officials, they become bold and begin to show disregard and disrespect for the law. Furthermore, transgressions of social norms and laws can give rise to tensions and conflicts within the communities of the host nation. Such conflicts may result in a loss of trust and social cohesion, ultimately leading to increased prejudice and discrimination against the entire immigrant or refugee population. Moreover, individuals involved in illicit activities may be susceptible to exploitation as they may be less inclined to report crimes committed against them due to their legal status. This can expose them to exploitation by human traffickers, employers offering below minimum wage or landlords providing inadequate housing conditions. Violations of laws can pose a significant threat to public safety and security. This can include instances where individuals engage in activities, such as drug trafficking, gang affiliations or violent offences. These incidents can affect public perceptions of immigrants and refugees, even though they may involve only a small fraction of the illegal immigrant and refugee population. When individuals break the law, there are undeniable economic ramifications. There will be additional strain on public resources, such as healthcare, education, law enforcement and social welfare systems. Those who are financially strained may not have the means to cover the costs for proper documentation, potentially placing a burden on the host society. Transgressions of societal norms and laws by certain individuals within the immigrant or refugee community can reinforce stereotypes and negative narratives about the entire group. This can fuel anti-immigrant sentiment and promote the perception that all immigrants and refugees are lawbreakers, which can complicate the process for legitimate asylum seekers to secure protection. Those who violate social norms and laws can spur reactionary policies, strategies and practices that can adversely affect the entire immigrant and refugee population. This may include more stringent immigration enforcement, increased restrictions on asylum and harsher treatment towards individuals seeking legitimate avenues for entry or residency. While it is crucial to recognise that breaches of social norms and laws can happen within any population, it is equally vital to approach this topic with nuance and grasp its ramifications. We should refrain from generalising and labelling all immigrants or refugees as violators or threats. Our Malaysia Madani government must address this issue with utmost priority. The writer is a criminologist at the Centre for Policy Research at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Comments: [emailprotected] With the ceasefire in place, relations between Trudeau and Modi have returned to normal. – REUTERSPIC COMMENT by Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy ANOTHER TAKE BY LIM TECK GHEE
9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 NESTLÉ Malaysia, in its commitment to protect the environment, progressing towards net-zero emissions, and plastic neutrality, recently collected two tonnes of plastic waste from around eight beaches nationwide. The effort was a result of the company’s annual nationwide beach and ocean clean-up initiative. The recent exercise involved some 400 dedicated Nestlé Cares volunteers who also toiled beneath the waves in underwater clean-ups at Perhentian Island, Terengganu; and Mabul Island, Sabah, where reef conservation activities also took place. Nestlé Cares is Nestlé Malaysia’s employee volunteer programme. It organises a host of activities on a quarterly basis, including programmes with underprivileged Some of Nestlé Malaysia’s ‘Nestlé Cares’ volunteers during the company’s annual nationwide beach and ocean clean-up, and reef conservation at Perhentian Island, Terengganu; and Mabul Island, Sabah. Nestlé continues fight against plastic waste children, the disabled community as well as environmental initiatives, among others. Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad CEO Juan Aranols said: “Nestlé Malaysia’s annual beach and underwater clean-ups are a great platform for civic engagement and environmental awareness amongst our employees. Advancing our actions to fight against plastic pollution and spearhead plastic neutrality goes in parallel with continued virgin plastic reduction content in our products and our efforts to promote responsible waste management in Malaysia through the collection, separation and recycling of materials.” “It is heartening to see our Nestlé Cares volunteers once again coming together across the nation. We were honoured by the involvement of representatives from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation as well as from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change.” Aranols also stated that collective action is key to overcoming environmental challenges and spearheading meaningful changes towards a more sustainable Malaysia. “We hope this initiative inspires more action from the public and we invite Malaysians to join us in taking better care of our planet and namely the oceans by ensuring the responsible disposal of waste.” Nestlé Malaysia reminds the public that the plastic collected through such an activity is “just the tip of the iceberg” of the company’s extensive waste collection efforts. Its main programme, Project SAVE, which focuses on plastic neutrality through five voluntary Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives, namely Kita Recycle (KitaR) targeting rural areas, Klang River Plastic Collection Programme, CARETon Project, Strata Recycling Programme and Door-to-Door Collection & Recycling Programme. This year, those programmes will result in the collection of 12,000 tonnes of waste by year-end, and nearly 20,000 tonnes of waste since the launch in 2020, with approximately two-thirds of this volume being plastics. “On the frontlines of the fight against climate change, Nestlé Malaysia also achieved a significant milestone earlier this year with the completion of the first million trees in our ambitious reforestation programme, Project RELeaf,” the company states. Slated to plant a total of three million trees, Project RELeaf aims to remove 700,000 tonnes of carbon over the course of a decade once completed, aligning with Nestlé’s global pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. “With all these endeavours, Nestlé stands as a beacon of sustainability, championing a greener, cleaner and more ecoconscious future for Malaysia.” Nestlé Malaysia CEO Juan Aranols and an aquatic friend during the company’s beach and ocean clean-up, and reef conservation. Shaping a future for the workforce AS the highly anticipated Budget 2024 approaches, four key areas need attention to propel the welfare of Malaysia’s workforce and accelerate the country’s digital evolution. 1. Equitable taxation and compensation policies Given the rising cost of living, it is imperative to establish fair taxation policies to safeguard the financial well-being of the workforce. We need progressive taxation measures that protect the earnings of lower-income individuals to improve their overall financial security. Additionally, the government should reward businesses that invest in their employees through tax incentives, especially those aligned with the Progressive Wage System, a policy that will be tabled in the forthcoming Budget. These measures will not only benefit employees but also contribute to the promotion of an inclusive and prosperous society. 2. Strengthening employee financial wellbeing In today’s complex economic landscape, the financial well-being of employees is of utmost importance. The government should implement financial literacy programmes tailored to the specific requirements of the workforce. These programmes will equip employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage their finances, invest wisely and plan for their retirement. Furthermore, the government should initiate financial assistance programmes and allocate grants, with the objective of enhancing the affordability and accessibility of essential services, such as housing, healthcare and education. These initiatives will alleviate the financial strains experienced by employees, ultimately improving their overall quality of life. 3. Accelerating digitalisation and skills development We are entrenched in the digital era, and it is imperative that our workforce is ready. The government should expedite digitalisation efforts across all sectors, offering incentives to businesses that embrace digital technologies. To equip the workforce with the necessary skills to excel in the digital economy, the government should implement comprehensive programmes for the development of digital skills, accompanied by adequate funding. Continuous learning and opportunities for reskilling are essential in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that employees remain competitive and adaptable in the constantly changing job market. The government should continue the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Programme (MySTEP), which has played a significant role in boosting the employability of graduates through a train-and-place format. This is a win-win situation, offering graduates an opportunity to acquire relevant work experience in the companies they are assigned to while also enabling participating employers access to a skilled workforce, with government backing. 4. Balancing labour market flexibility and job security Achieving a balance between labour market flexibility and job security is paramount. Human Resources experts recognise the importance of fair labour practices, including benefits, such as paid family leave and flexible work arrangements. The pandemic has reshaped mindsets and attitudes regarding work as well as its role in our daily lives. Today, skilled individuals are increasingly gravitating towards companies that demonstrate a culture that prioritises the well-being of their employees. For a significant shift towards greater flexibility in the workplace, the government, employers and labour unions need to work collaboratively. Furthermore, it is advisable to broaden the scope of government-driven initiatives focused on job placement and transition programmes, such as the MySTEP, as well as various digital upskilling programmes spearheaded by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. These programmes will assist employees in finding new opportunities within an evolving job market, especially now as digitalisation reshapes industries. In conclusion, our vision should revolve around the advancement and well-being of the Malaysian workforce. By advocating for equitable taxation, promoting financial empowerment, accelerating digitalisation and striking a balance in the labour market, we can aspire to forge a promising future for employees while contributing to Malaysia’s progress as a dynamic and inclusive nation. The writer is the founder and managing director of talents solutions company Aisling Group. Comments: [emailprotected] COMMENT by Melissa Norman Reskilling is essential for employees to remain competitive in a constantly evolving job market. – BERNAMAPIC
10 HEALTH & WELLNESS theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 Brain implants could restore paralysed patients’ arm movements A PARALYSED Swiss man has become the first person to test a new technology that reads his thoughts using AI and then transmits signals through his own nervous system to his arms, hands and fingers in order to restore movement. The treatment, a combination of a brain-computer interface and a spinal implant, had previously allowed a paraplegic patient to walk again, a breakthrough that was published in the scientific journal Nature in May. But this is the first time it is being used for an “upper extremity function,” Onward, the Dutch company behind it, said Wednesday. “The mobility of the arm is more complex,” surgeon Jocelyne Bloch, who carried out the implantation procedures, told AFP. Though walking comes with its own challenges, notably balance, “the musculature of the hand is quite fine, with many different small muscles activated at the same time for certain movements,” she said. The patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a 46-year-old who lost the use of his arms after a fall. Two operations were carried out last month at the Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland. The first involved removing a small piece of cranial bone and inserting the brain implant, which was developed by the French group CEA-Clinatec and measures a few centimetres in diameter. In the second, surgeons placed a stimulator roughly the size of a credit card developed by Onward inside the patient’s abdomen and connected it through electrodes to the top of his spinal column. The brain-computer interface (BCI) records brain signals and decodes them using artificial intelligence to make sense of the patient’s intentions, acting as a “digital bridge” to send these instructions on to the spinal cord stimulator. “It’s going well so far,” said Bloch, who co-founded Onward and is a consultant for the company. “We are able to record brain activity, and we know that the stimulation works,” she said. “But it is too early to talk about what progress he has made.” The patient is still in the training phase, teaching his brain implant to recognise the different desired movements. The movements will then have to be practiced many times before they can become natural. The process will take a few months, according to Dr Bloch. Two more patients are scheduled to participate in this clinical trial, and the full results will be published later. Spinal cord stimulation has already been used in the past to successfully move paralysed patients’ arms, but without reading their thoughts by pairing it with a brain implant. And brain implants have already been used so that a patient can Brain implant technology is being used to transmit signals through paralysed patients’ nervous systems to move arms, hands and fingers. Not just a tasty treat WITH roasted h a z e l n u t s , caramelised pecans or even praline concoctions, chocolate is not just a tasty treat - in recent years, the list of its various benefits has grown as we have become aware of its many nutritional aspects. To mark World Cocoa and Chocolate Day on Oct 1, we look back at some of the most recent discoveries that make our daily little indulgence that much sweeter. Chocolate can help us combat jet lag It is not easy to cope with the fatigue that comes with a long-haul flight and changing several time zones. While some passengers like to indulge in some wine on their flight, it is actually not advisable to drink alcohol on these journeys because it disrupts sleep and can make you more dehydrated. However, if you need a little indulgence, munching on some chocolate might even help you face changing time zones better. That is one of the surprising conclusions reached by the team of scientists that Qantas worked with in the runup to the launch of its ultralong-haul flight between Sydney and New York. An analysis was carried out with a number of travellers to see if there were certain practices and foods that helped reduce the impact of jet lag. It can also be part of a heart-healthy diet Researchers like to study chocolate; proof is its appearance in a large number of highly diverse studies in a range of areas. Eating moderate amounts of chocolate was found to potentially decrease the risk of the heart beating irregularly. In other words, there could be less risk of being diagnosed with potentially fatal atrial fibrillation if you eat chocolate in moderation. This was the conclusion of research published in the journal Heart and conducted by scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre (BIDMC), in collaboration with researchers at The benefits of eating chocolate are backed up by science. oScience says our love for chocolate is healthy for us Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Aalborg University, and the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Denmark. Dark chocolate gets particular attention, as it contains a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate. And it’s in cocoa that flavanols are found - antioxidants in the flavonoids group that are believed to fight inflammation and may even help prevent blood clots, according to the American Heart Association. It helps prevent feeling low You might feel pleasure biting into a little piece of dark chocolate studded with hazelnuts, and it’s not your imagination. And once again, it’s the presence of cocoa that has beneficial effects, this time on our mental well-being. In 2020, the American Psychiatric Association endorsed chocolate’s positive impact on mental health, highlighting research conducted by University College London on over 13,000 American adults. The polyphenols contained in dark chocolate can act as mood boosters. Unlike milk chocolate, which contains less cocoa and therefore fewer polyphenols, consuming dark chocolate can have a positive impact on stress. Last year, the University of Seoul, South Korea, also found that a daily dose of chocolate containing 85% cocoa was associated with a better mood. The findings underlined the importance of the link between the brain and intestinal flora. It might even help protect us from UV rays Do not worry, no one is recommending slathering on melted dark chocolate instead of sunscreen to prevent sunburn. However, in 2021, scientists at the Madrid Institute of Science, Technology and Nutrition reviewed various studies on cocoa flavonols and human health from the past two decades. Among the studies were some that observed positive effects from flavonol consumption on photoprotection thanks to improved skin density and hydration. - ETX STUDIO control an exoskeleton. The Battelle research organisation used a brain implant to restore movement in a patient’s arm through a sleeve of electrodes placed on the forearm, stimulating the muscles required from above. “Onward is unique in our focus on restoring movement in people who have paralysis by stimulating the spinal cord,” the company’s CEO, Dave Marver, told AFP, adding the technology could be commercialised by the end of the decade. Brain implants were long trapped in the realm of science fiction, but the field is now rapidly growing thanks to firms like Synchron and Elon Musk’s Neuralink. They are working on having paralysed patients control computers through thought, restoring, for example, the ability to write. - ETX STUDIO
KLCI 1,418.76 STI 3,208.86 HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI 31,759.88 97.74 TSEC 16,557.31 203.57 KOSPI CLOSED S&P/ASX200 7,033.20 TUESDAY OCTOBER 3, 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 October 2, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) KNM 1,312,300 14.0 +1.5 EMCC 1,309,700 41.0 -1.0 FINTEC 1,005,300 0.0 UNCH WIDAD 6,457,500 51.0 UNCH UEMS 6,087,500 81.0 -3.0 EXCHANGERATES OCTOBER 2, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.7615 4.6285 4.6185 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0830 2.9620 2.9460 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4830 3.3840 3.3760 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.5060 3.4130 3.4010 1 EURO 5.0420 4.8800 4.8600 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8690 2.7650 2.7490 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4830 3.3840 3.3760 1 STERLING POUND 5.8150 5.6350 5.6150 1 SWISS FRANC 5.1870 5.0690 5.0540 100 UAE DIRHAM 131.2400 124.4900 124.2900 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.4030 4.1170 3.9170 100 CHINESE RENMINBI N/A N/A N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 61.4900 58.4500 58.2500 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.8300 5.4800 5.2800 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0319 0.0289 0.0239 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.1890 3.0890 3.0790 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR N/A N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6800 1.5700 1.3700 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.5300 8.0400 7.8400 100 QATAR RIYAL 132.1600 125.4600 125.2600 100 SAUDI RIYAL 128.4800 121.9700 121.7700 100 THAI BAHT 13.5600 12.0200 11.6200 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY October 2, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,538.90 -43.36 FBMKLCI 1,418.76 -5.41 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 552.45 -0.17 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 170.43 -1.06 CONSTRUCTION 183.28 -1.34 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,876.11 -42.06 ENERGY 888.58 -5.16 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 577.69 +4.46 HEALTH CARE 1,680.92 +13.23 TRANSPORTATION 920.24 -4.23 PROPERTY 863.28 -12.02 PLANTATION 6,853.14 -27.21 FBMSHA 10,823.14 -51.38 FBMACE 5,146.11 -29.13 TECHNOLOGY 62.41 -0.48 TURNOVER VALUE 3.015 BIL RM1.800 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS October 2, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM RAPID 228,100 25.20 +0.60 NESTLE 38,400 127.00 +0.50 PETDAG 134,700 22.64 +0.26 HARISON 7,900 8.59 +0.21 UTDPLT 138,000 16.80 +0.16 5 TOP LOSERS October 2, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM MPI 25,000 27.00 -0.46 PANAMY 11,700 18.92 -0.22 PPB 1,243,400 15.28 -0.20 BPLANT 46,667,000 1.27 -0.19 CHINAETF-MYR 300 4.73 -0.12 5.41 8.55 15.40 CLOSED CLOSED CME: Harm reduction policies can yield huge savings PETALING JAYA: Boutique think tank Center for Market Education (CME) estimates that over RM1.1 billion in government spending can be saved every year if the government adopts harm reduction policies in the industries of public health and transportation. This research finding is outlined in the recently released Policy Paper Nr 6, Harm Reduction, Healthcare Savings and Economic Growth: A Strategy for Malaysia, authored by CME CEO Dr Carmelo Ferlito and Research Assistant Imran Shamsunahar. Starting with the impact of harm reduction applied to the consumption of nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, they estimate healthcare savings of up to RM787.78 million in 10 years, deriving from declines in adult smoking due to switching to less harmful alternatives. Furthermore, switching just 1% of the smoking population to alternative products could potentially save RM2.61 billion in loss of productivity (in this case, gain of productivity). In other words, this represents a yearly saving equivalent to 0.16% of Malaysia’s GDP, Imran explained. Looking at the estimated healthcare savings deriving from the application of harm reduction to electric vehicles, the paper projected that achieving the WHO 2025 targets would bring the healthcare cost down to US$21.919 billion (RM103.195 billion) (-70%) due to air pollution. Based on the government’s targets of having 15% of the total industry volume (TIV) made up of EVs and hybrids by 2030, and to 38% by 2040, it was projected that healthcare savings would be between 6.43% and 24.93% of the current pollution-related costs. This could lead to savings from reduced emissions of between US$755.89 million and US$1.157 billion (RM3.559 billion and RM5.448 billion) by 2030 and between US$1.915 billion and US$2.932 billion (RM9.015 billion and RM13.803 billion) by 2040. As semiconductors are an essential component for both EVs and electronic devices for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, and given the prominent role of Malaysia in this industry, the paper estimated that the right set of harm reduction policies can generate the following spillover effects on the semiconductor industry and its ecosystem over a period of 10 years: 0 Almost US$65 billion (more than RM305 billion) in private and government DDIs and FDIs through more than 550 projects; and 0 More than 300,000 jobs (direct, indirect and induced). World Bank revises view on Malaysia’s economy KUALA LUMPUR: The World Bank has adjusted Malaysia’s economic growth forecast for 2023, lowering it to 3.9% from the previous estimate of 4.3% while the projection for 2024 has been raised to 4.3% from the previous 4.2%. World Bank Malaysia lead economist Apurva Sanghi (pix) said, “The reason for this (2023) should come as no surprise, we have lower global growth this year than last year. But it’s not just external factors that weigh down on Malaysia’s growth, it’s also domestic factors.” Explaining further, he added, “First is simply base effects … because growth was high last year, growth registers lower this year. Second, extreme weather events, hot weather affecting agricultural output earlier this year. That has an implication … most rice production in Malaysia is concentrated in northern Malaysia. So extreme weather events can have a disproportionate impact on agriculture, rice, and food security. There are (also) dampening effects on spending oLowers 2023 growth forecast to 3.9% but upgrades projection for next year to 4.3% █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected] MBSB completes RM1.01b acquisition of MIDF KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Building Society Bhd (MBSB) following Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s (PNB) acquisition of MIDF for RM1.01 billion. The purchase consideration was settled by the issuance of 1.05 billion new MBSB shares at RM0.9652 per share (final consideration shares) allotted to PNB yesterday. The shares will be listed on Bursa Securities’ Main Market tomorrow, MBSB said in a statement yesterday. PNB emerged as MBSB’s substantial shareholder with a 12.78% equity stake while the Employees Provident Fund’s shareholding was reduced to 57.45% from 65.78%. “The completion of this merger is strategically compelling as the enlarged group would emerge financially resilient,” MBSB’s group CEO Rafe Haneef said. As a major player in Islamic banking, its capacity is also strengthened via a bigger balance sheet, a wider reach and a whole range of new offerings from consumer banking, commercial and small and medium enterprises banking, to corporate and investment banking businesses, he said. – Bernama growth from monetary policy normalisation, especially on interest rate sensitive sectors.” Apurva told this to reporters at the release of the October 2023 East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Economic Update and part one of the September 2023 Malaysia Economic Monitor (MEM) yesterday. According to the EAP update, the main driver of growth is expected to be domestic private sector spending. Private consumption is forecasted to expand at a relatively robust rate of 5.2% in 2023. This will be sustained by improvements in labour market conditions and the government’s ongoing household income support initiatives. “Gross exports are projected to contract by 5.8%, contrasting with a 14.5% growth in 2022 because of subdued global growth prospects and weakening international trade momentum. Headline consumer price inflation is projected to moderate, falling within the range of 2.5% and 3% in 2023. This primarily reflects the relaxation of global supply constraints and the stabilisation of commodity price,” said Apurva. Meanwhile, the economist said that the higher projection for 2024 is based on better external prospects – a stronger global growth, higher oil prices, stronger domestic demand, domestically higher number of approved investments, tourism that is bouncing back, improvements in the labour market, and overall easing inflation. “So indeed 2024 underscores an improvement in growth momentum relative to 2023. Again, keeping in mind that the benefits of growth have not trickled down fully, about half a million households still remain under the poverty line. “Real estate and construction output levels are still below pre-pandemic levels. But next year should be better than this year,” he added. He also highlighted that in the short term, the US-China trade war is benefiting Malaysia’s semiconductor industry. “One bright spot in Malaysia has been the semiconductor industry. In fact, Malaysia semiconductors rival the combined total of other major Asean countries … Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. And in particular, under semiconductors is IC, integrated circuits that recorded the most robust growth rate of about 30% in this time period (since 2009). “But this can be a risk factor down the road if US sanctions disrupt China’s supply and consequently impact Malaysia’s ability to produce more downstream related semiconductor products,” he added. See also page 12 Participation 31.1 45.3 23.6 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 573.6 791.5 435.4 1800.5 Sold RM m 547.0 838.7 414.8 1800.5 Net RM m 26.6 -47.2 20.6 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 2/10/2023
12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 SUNBIZ @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME PETALING JAYA: Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) aims to promote Malaysia’s halal branding and foster collaboration with foreign companies at the World Halal Business Conference Circuit 2023 (WHBC Circuit) in the UK. Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun pointed out that the certification issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) is globally recognised and can be regarded as a Malaysian brand that is an asset or commodity to the country. Currently, he said, the demand for the Jakim halal certificate is huge with more than 150 countries eager to cooperate with HDC and Jakim. “As of now, there are 84 certification bodies from 47 countries worldwide, that have used our standards and worked with Jakim for their respective certification in their countries. “So, we continue (our efforts) to ensure Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the halal economy through our resilient certification process,” he told reporters after the pre-launch of the WHBC Circuit yesterday. Khairul said that Malaysia can leverage its position through working together and assisting multinational companies to obtain the halal certification and concurrently, entice the companies to expand into the country. “It is a multi pronged strategy, we assist multinational companies to obtain the Jakim halal certification, we bring them into a new halal market. At the same time, we want them to open up their operations in Malaysia and contribute to the economy,” he added. He said that the foreign direct investment through expansion will boost the economy as the locally produced goods which are exported, will increase Malaysia’s export value. At the same time, the economy will benefit from the tax collection and job creation for the locals. Presently, he noted that the global halal market size is at US$3 trillion (RM14.13 trillion), which is anticipated to grow to US$5 trillion (RM23.56 trillion) in 2030. He added that Malaysia has set to increase its halal economy contribution to RM230 billion in 2030, or 10.8% of the gross domestic product from 2022’s RM60 billion. “Are we only aiming to flourish domestically? We want to also benefit from the huge immense potential in the global halal market. Directly or indirectly, it will definitely benefit the Malaysian economy,” he said. Meanwhile, the WHBC is organised by HDC and hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. Themed “Halal Opportunities in a Borderless World”, it will be the second event abroad after WHBC Melbourne, last year. The event aims to make a significant contribution to the development of the halal industries in Malaysia, the UK as well as across the European Union. It is one of the government’s strategies to make Malaysia a global halal hub. In addition, the conference will be a platform for the global business community to network. Affin Hwang Investment Bank launches CME futures contracts KUALA LUMPUR: Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd has launched Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) futures contracts in partnership with the CME Group to provide investors with broader investment opportunities. It said these contracts incorporate a diverse range of commodities including energy, agricultural products, metals, and others, with round-the-clock trading to allow investors to trade according to their schedules – providing robust liquidity, market transparency and risk management strategies. Affin Hwang Investment Bank CEO Nurjesmi Mohd Nashir said the launch of CME Future Contracts emphasised the bank’s commitment to continuously introduce new products to local investors. “This signifies our continuous growth in the financial markets, offering our valued clients a broader spectrum of investment choices and bolstering portfolio diversification, enabling them to navigate and thrive in evolving market landscapes,” he said during the launch. Commenting on the market outlook, Nurjesmi said that the local stock market is expected to continue trading sideways during the fourth quarter this year, taking its cue from uncertainties in the global market performance. Meanwhile, CME Group managing director and head of Asia Pacific Russell Beattie said Malaysia is currently the country in the Southeast Asia region, ex-Singapore, with the highest trading volumes – an important growth market for the group in the region. “Over the past four years, trading volumes of our derivative products from Malaysia have grown at a compounding annual growth rate of close to 32%.” – Bernama HDC to promote Malaysia’s halal branding at world event oDemand for Jakim’s halal certificate is huge with more than 150 countries eager to forge cooperation, says chairman Medium to long-term revenue strategy to restore fiscal buffers: World Bank KUALA LUMPUR: The World Bank has called on the Malaysian government to establish a medium to long term revenue strategy spanning at least five years to restore fiscal buffers. With federal tax revenues below 12% of GDP, World Bank Malaysia lead economist Apurva Sanghi highlighted the importance of setting clear revenue goals while managing spending efficiently. “Malaysia is an ageing nation. It will soon be an aged nation. Demographics are a significant factor here. So keeping that in mind, an even longer-term view of how demographics will shape the fiscal view of the economy is absolutely essential,” he told reporters at the release of the October 2023 East Asia and Pacific Economic Update and part one of the September 2023 Malaysia Economic Monitor yesterday. He said that the most crucial thing is to have a longer-term fiscal view of what the Malaysian economy needs to spend on and therefore, how much more revenue needs to be mobilised. “So right now, to the best of our knowledge, there is no target of revenue that needs to be raised. We know that revenues are low, below 12% of GDP. But how much do they need to be increased by? Is it 12.1%? Is it 13%? Is it 15%? Is it 20%? We don’t know,” he added. Depending on the revenue gap between the current state of revenues and what needs to be raised, he said, the government should work on determining the optimal mixture of taxation instruments. “And do you need GST? I don’t think so. You can tweak and tinker around to get that hypothetical 0.1 percentage point increase. But if the gap is, if the revenue target is from 12% to 20%, then you need to have a more holistic view on what is the optimal mix of instruments that would give the most revenue, which might include GST, which by nature is more aggressive,” he said. 5G connectivity critical for success of any enterprise: Ericsson KUALA LUMPUR: 5G connectivity is critical for the success of any enterprise today, said Ericsson head of Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, David Hägerbro. “Digitalisation is transforming everything from the delivery of education and how we socialise to how we run our businesses. There are three key enablers to digitalisation, which are compute, storage, and connectivity. This is the reason Ericsson believes that 5G connectivity is critical for the success of any enterprise today,” said Hägerbro at the Ericsson’s global Imagine Live event in Malaysia recently. He said that connectivity powered by 5G will be a strategic component for digitalisation because it provides the necessary high performance, low latency, coverage, scalability, reliability, and security. “In Malaysia, the connectivity to drive Industry 4.0 is already available based on the world-class 5G network available today. The availability and coverage of 5G allows consumers and enterprises to access and use the service even in rural unconnected areas by using Fixed Wireless Access technology. 5G is also key to bridging the digital divide in the country by connecting the unconnected in Malaysia,” he added. Ericsson is building Malaysia’s 5G network for Digital Nasional Bhd. 5G coverage in Malaysia’s populated areas is currently around 68.8% and is on track to reach 80% by the end of the year. █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [emailprotected] From left: HDC chief commercial officer Adly Mohamed, Khairul, and CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari at the event. DHL Express announces price adjustments for 2024 KUALA LUMPUR: DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, announced price adjustments yesterday that will take effect on Jan 1, 2024. The average increase in Malaysia will be 4.9%. A number of services and surcharges will also be adjusted. “Overall, the global macroeconomic situation has started to stabilise although uncertainty remains. Through these turbulent times, we deliver stable and reliable services to all our customers globally,” said DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei managing director Julian Neo. With the annual price adjustment, he added, they can continue to invest in improved solutions, increase flexibility across their network and focus on their responsibility to the environment to deliver resilient and sustainable logistic solutions. Prices are adjusted on an annual basis by DHL Express, taking into consideration inflation and currency dynamics as well as administrative costs related to regulatory and security measures. National and international authorities regularly update these measures in the more than 220 countries and territories that DHL Express serves. Depending on local conditions, price adjustments will vary from country to country. █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected]
13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 BMI maintains Malaysia’s 2023 budget deficit forecast at 4.9% of GDP KUALA LUMPUR: BMI has maintained its 2023 forecast for Malaysia’s federal government budget deficit at 4.9% of gross domestic product (GDP), compared with 5.6% in 2022. In a report published yesterday, the Fitch Solutions unit said the forecast is slightly above the government’s projection, which forecasts a deficit of 5.0%. “Up till the first half of 2023 (H1’23), the federal government’s revenue and expenditure have trended closely to the projections stipulated at the start of the year, and on this trajectory, we believe that the government is on track to achieve its target. “Looking ahead, we expect Malaysia’s federal government’s budget deficit to narrow to 4.3% of GDP in 2024,” it said. Meanwhile, BMI also forecasts revenue growth to slow marginally to 15.3% of GDP in 2023 from 16.5% of GDP in 2022 due to the reduction in income tax payable for certain income brackets. “As of H1’23, the federal government’s revenue collection stood at 51.1% of the prevailing target for 2023 and sits above the five-year average of 47.8%. “Revenue collection for H1’23 stood at RM148.4 billion, up 16.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) and was mainly attributed to a pick up in tax revenue collection,” it noted. It said total tax revenue from direct and indirect tax increased by 17.4% y-o-y in H1’23 to RM54.7 billion. “Of this, the increase in direct tax collected due to higher income taxes outweighed the drop in windfall profit levy on crude palm oil, which led to lower indirect tax,” it added. Besides, BMI expects total government debt to reach 60.8% of GDP in 2023 – while this will mark a marginal increase from 59.6% of GDP in 2022, the figure sits below the revised statutory debt limit of 65.0%. “Additionally, as of June 2023, total federal government debt of RM1,145 billion (60.6% of GDP) is in line with our forecast. “Of this, 97.3% of total government debt are ringgit-denominated securities, which limits exposure to foreign exchange risk,” it said. It noted that the government has also laid out plans to bring down fiscal deficit levels over the medium term. According to the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework 2023-2025, the government plans to reduce its fiscal deficit gradually to 3.2% by the end of 2025, which would take the 2023- 2025 average to 4.1% of GDP. “We expect total government debt to increase over the coming years as the country continues to run budget deficits,” it said. – Bernama Local retail investors turn net buyers on Bursa with RM143m last week KUALA LUMPUR: Local retailers bought RM143.1 million worth of equities on Bursa Malaysia last week, putting an end to their 11- week net selling streak, according to MIDF Research. Year to date, retailers have recorded net sales amounting to RM622.6 million, it said. Meanwhile, foreign investors turned to net sellers last week with sales amounting to RM44.7 million following two weeks of net buying, the research house said in a report yesterday. The top three sectors with net foreign inflows for the week were utilities (RM86.7 million), technology (RM34.9 million) and property (RM30.7 million). Meanwhile, the top three sectors that recorded net foreign outflows were financial services (RM75.7 million), consumer products and services (RM41.3 million) and healthcare (RM33.3 million), it said. MIDF Research said local institutions continued their net selling trend for the third consecutive week with net sales of RM98.5 million. “The bulk of the outflow took place on Tuesday, coinciding with the release of Malaysia’s Producer Price Index (PPI) data. “The PPI showed an improvement for the second consecutive month, with a slower contraction of 1.8 per cent in August 2023 as compared with July 2023 at 2.3%,” it said. Local institutions have been net buyers year to date, accumulating RM2.59 billion, the research house said. In terms of participation, there was an increase in average daily trading volume among foreign investors by 3.9% last week, while local retailers and local institutions saw a decrease of 6.2% and 9.2%, respectively. MIDF Research also said that based on the countries that it monitored, only Malaysia saw a net inflow of US$143.4 million (RM675.4 million) in September, while the remaining seven countries experienced net outflows. “Taiwan had the most substantial outflow, amounting to US$5.89 billion,” it added. – Bernama Affin Bank appoints oil, gas veteran as director PETALING JAYA: Affin Bank has appointed oil and gas veteran Emeliana Dallan Rice-Oxley as an independent and non-executive director, with immediate effect. In an announcement to Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Affin Bank said Emeliana, 60, has 35 years of experience in the exploration business with expertise in driving profitable growth in new geographies. Currently, Emeliana is an independent non-executive director of Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd since Oct 4, 2022. She is also an independent non-executive director of PGS ASA, Norway since April 26, 2023. She is a member of the Business Advisory Board of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and the advisory board for the Womens Global Leadership Conference, Houston. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of South Carolina in 1985. Jaya Grocer opens ‘pop-up’ store in Sunway Pyramid PETALING JAYA: Mass premium supermarket chain Jaya Grocer has opened a “pop-up” store at Sunway Pyramid shopping mall. The pop-up store is a temporary site pending renovations and fit-out works to its new flagship store at the mall, which is scheduled to open by the fourth quarter of next year. The store has two parts – one offering groceries and is already open to the public and the other offering Baker’s Son and imported products from Coles of Australia and elsewhere will open next week. Jaya Grocer CEO Adelene Foo said, “We know our massive fit-out work is going to take months, so we’d rather give our loyal customers an immediate option to continue shopping with us in the meantime.” Sunway Pyramid senior general manager Jason Chin said, “We’re so excited to welcome Jaya Grocer on board, especially when they have taken the initiative to set up a pop-up store to serve customers in the interim.” Foo (standing, ninth from right) and deputy CEO Daniel Teng (standing, seventh from left) with their team celebrating the opening of the ‘pop-up’ store at Sunway Pyramid on Sunday. Nestle promotes sustainable cocoa farming in Borneo PETALING JAYA: In line with its efforts to diversify and localise its ingredients supply through its Farmer Connect programme, Nestle Malaysia Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) to collaborate on the Nestle Borneo Cocoa Initiative (NBCI). The collaboration will promote sustainable and responsible sourcing, as well as the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices by the farmers involved. This is part of the global Nestle Cocoa Plan Initiative established in 2009, with the aim of shaping a responsible cocoa supply chain that improves the livelihoods of the farming communities, eliminates child labour and provides a framework of transparency and traceability, while improving yields and quality of the crop. This initiative marks the first expansion of Nestle Malaysia’s Farmer Connect programme to East Malaysia. As part of the NBCI implementation, the company is launching its Nestle Farmer Connect Responsible Cocoa Sourcing programme in Sarawak. This programme will support local farmers in the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices that will help protect the soil, improve yield and elevate the quality of local cocoa production. Initially, the cocoa produced through this initiative will be used for the manufacturing of Kit Kat products in Chembong, Negeri Sembilan. The Chembong facility is the largest Nestle Confectionery plant in Asean and a key export manufacturing hub. Nestle Malaysia CEO Juan Aranols said Ramle (left) shaking hands with Aranols. Witnessing the event are Fadillah (back row, fourth from right) and Plantation and Commodities Ministry deputy secretary-general (strategic planning and management) Abdul Hadi Omar (back row, left). oFirm, board collaborate in responsible sourcing and adoption of regenerative agriculture practices by farmers that with the partnership in place, the company will now be able to expand its efforts to empower cocoa farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to cultivate the crop sustainably. “It is truly exciting times for Nestle Malaysia, as we continue to ramp up our efforts to diversify and expand the availability of locally produced, responsibly sourced high-quality raw materials and ingredients for our products,” he added. MCB director-general Datuk Ramle Kasin said, “This MoU represents a major stride forward in our quest for sustainable cocoa farming. Nestle Malaysia’s extensive experience and resources, coupled with our network and industry expertise, will undoubtedly create a positive impact on our local farmers and the environment. Together, we aim to establish a model that promotes economic growth through sustainable practices.” Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, attended the event.
14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 SUNBIZ Japan watching forex moves with ‘strong sense of urgency’ TOKYO: Japan’s key economic ministers kept investors wary of currency market intervention, warning that authorities were watching with a “strong sense of urgency” as the yen slid closer to the 150 per dollar level yesterday, its weakest in nearly a year. Last September, Japanese authorities conducted their first intervention in 24 years, when the yen weakened past 145 per dollar, and speculation has mounted that they will step in again with the yen under constant pressure due to a yawning yield gap against the dollar. A fundamental reason for the yen’s weakness, however, is the divergent monetary policies being conducted by the Bank of Japan and the US Federal Reserve. – REUTERSPIC oAuthorities issue verbal warnings to bolster yen as dollar near one-year high, close to key ¥150 level “As I said before, we are closely watching market moves with a strong sense of urgency,” Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki told Reuters yesterday. The finance minister has jurisdiction over currency intervention, but he declined to comment on whether it was a possibility at this point. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno echoed his stance, telling reporters that the government would continue to monitor currency moves with “a high sense of urgency”. He also repeated that it is important that the currency market moves in a stable manner reflecting fundamentals. Japanese officials in a recent few weeks have said they would not rule out any options on intervention, but they have yet to utter the tell-tale phrases they used before unleashing intervention last year. Investors believe an increase in the speed of the yen’s depreciation would be more likely to trigger intervention than a move past any specific level. A fundamental reason for the yen’s weakness, however, is the divergent monetary policies being conducted by the Bank of Japan and the US Federal Reserve. In a separate development, a key survey showed confidence among Japan’s largest manufacturers rose as business conditions improved for the second-straight quarter, The Bank of Japan’s closely watched quarterly Tankan survey is considered the broadest indicator of how Japanese businesses are faring. It reports the difference between the percentage of firms that are upbeat and those that see conditions as unfavourable. Among major manufacturers, business confidence rose to plus nine from plus five three months earlier, the survey showed. The headline figure – the highest level since June last year – came after the first improvement in seven quarters in July, and beat market expectations of plus six. Optimism also grew among non-manufacturers, from plus 23 to plus 27, which was the sixth-straight quarterly improvement and the highest level since November 1991 and against market expectations of plus 24. – Reuters, AFP World Bank keeps China’s 2023 growth forecast but lowers next year’s outlook BEIJING: The World Bank has maintained its forecast for China’s 2023 economic growth at 5.1%, in line with its previous estimate in April, but trimmed its prediction for 2024 to 4.4% from 4.8%, citing the persistent weakness of its property sector. For East Asia and the Pacific including China, the bank slightly trimmed its 2023 gross domestic product growth forecast to 5.0% from its prior 5.1% estimate, the World Bank said in its semi-annual regional update released on Sunday. For 2024, the bank lowered its regional outlook to 4.5% growth from 4.8%, dragged down by external factors including a sluggish global economy, high interest rates and trade protectionism. “Almost 3,000 new restrictions were imposed on global trade in 2022, three times as large as those in 2019,” the World Bank said. For China, the bounce-back from the reopening of the economy following three years of ultrastringent zero-Covid policies has faded, and elevated debt and weakness in its property sector are weighing on growth, the World Bank said in the report. After months of mostly dismal data, the world’s second-largest economy has started to show signs of stabilisation. China’s factory activity expanded for the first time in six months in September, an official survey showed on Saturday. Initial signs of improvement had emerged in August, with factory production and retail sales growth accelerating while declines of exports and imports narrowed and deflationary pressures eased. Profits at industrial firms posted a surprise 17.2% jump in August, reversing July’s 6.7% decline. Analysts say more policy support will be needed to ensure China’s economy can hit the government’s growth target of about 5% this year. Stronger structural reforms including further liberalisation of the “hukou” residence permit system, stronger social safety nets and greater regulatory predictability for investments in innovative and green products could help revive consumption and investment, creating the basis for sustainable growth, the World Bank said. China’s economic sluggishness has polarised government advisers over the best way forward. The pro-reform camp is beating the drum for faster structural reforms, including relaxing the hukou system, to spur consumption and removing market entry barriers for private firms at the cost of state giants. – Reuters Singapore SPAC Vertex Tech to buy streaming platform in landmark deal SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Vertex Technology Acquisition Corp (VTAC) will buy live streaming platform 17LIVE Inc for up to S$925.1 million (RM3.18 billion), the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) backed by state investor Temasek said yesterday. The deal is the first purchase of a private company by a SPAC listed in the city-state since 2021 when the Singapore Exchange allowed SPACs, or shell firms, to float shares in a bid to position itself as a hub for this type of vehicle in Asia. VTAC was Singapore’s first SPAC to be listed, going public in early 2022 and raising about S$200 million. The proforma equity value of VTAC’s proposed deal would be up to S$1.16 billion, it said. VTAC would also raise funds from institutional or accredited investors, or a combination of both, by way of private placement in relation to the deal. VTAC shares have risen 6.2% so far this year, while Singapore’s benchmark stock index is down around 1%. 17LIVE chairman and co-founder Joseph Phua said the listing would allow the company to grow in Southeast Asia and globally. 17LIVE had just over half a million average monthly active users in the first half of fiscal 2023 and counts Japan and Taiwan as its key markets. It generated revenue of US$363.7 million (RM1.7 billion) in 2022 and has been profitable since 2020. “We see 17LIVE as a company at its inflection point, backed by a strong management bench,” VTAC chief executive Jiang Hong Hui said in a statement. VTAC will issue up to 160.6 million new shares at S$5 each and another 24.4 million new shares once certain financial targets are met. VTAC said it expected the necessary approvals to complete the deal by the end of 2023 after which the company would be renamed 17LIVE Group Ltd and trade on the Singapore stock exchange. It has appointed DBS as its sole issue manager on the proposed transaction, with the Singaporean bank and UBS acting as its joint financial advisers too. – Reuters Brunei-based GallopAir says in talks with potential investors KUALA LUMPUR: GallopAir, a new Brunei-based airline, is in talks with potential investors and plans to launch operations after taking delivery of its first Chinese aircraft in the second half of next year, its chief executive told Reuters. GallopAir last month announced a US$2 billion (RM9.4 billion) deal to buy 30 regional and narrow-body jets from Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac). It became the first carrier outside China to order the statebacked firm’s narrow-body C919 jet. It is in discussions with “several prospective investors”, and is seeking opportunities for collaboration and investment from the Brunei government and local companies, CEO Cham Chi said in an emailed statement to Reuters. Chi said the airline, owned by Chinese businessman Yang Qiang, expects to take delivery of its first ARJ21 aircraft in the third quarter of 2024 pending regulatory approvals. The delivery of the 30 planes will occur in phases over the next several years. GallopAir, incorporated in January this year, is owned by Yang, who is also chairman of China’s Shaanxi Tianju Group, through a Singapore-based entity. – Reuters B R I E F SENI ANNOUNCES BIG GAS DISCOVERY IN INDONESIA MILAN: Italian energy group Eni announced yesterday a big gas discovery in Indonesia, opening the door to a strengthening of its position in the Asian country, where it has been present since 2001 with a portfolio of exploration and production assets. The group said the discovery was from the Geng North-1 exploration well drilled in the North Ganal PSC, about 85km off the coast of East Kalimantan. Preliminary estimates indicated a total discovered volume of 5 trillion cubic feet of gas . – Reuters COINBASE GETS S’PORE PAYMENTS LICENCE SINGAPORE: The Singapore arm of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase said yesterday it had obtained a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence from the city-state’s central bank. The licence, granted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), will allow the largest US crypto exchange to offer digital payment token services to individuals and institutions in Singapore. Reuters EUROZONE FACTORY ACTIVITY STILL IN SLUMP LONDON: Eurozone manufacturing activity remained mired in a deep and broad-based downturn last month, according to a survey which showed yesterday that demand kept shrinking at a pace rarely surpassed since the data was first collected in 1997. HCOB's final eurozone manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by S&P Global, dipped to 43.4 in September from August's 43.5, matching a preliminary estimate. – Reuters
3 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 3 T U E S D A Y Uncover a horrifying truth Only two forces in the world The sword and the spirit of Napoleon on page 16 page17 Betty Boop comes alive Shrek’s invitation to his Swamp house page18 page19
16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 TO direct a film involving one of history’s most famous military generals, Ridley Scott had to adapt the same mindset as Napoleon Bonaparte. “I can read all the books in the world about him, but instead, because the film is such a large event, I rely on my very good team,” Scott told Entertainment Weekly (EW). “My team does marvellous military costumes like I’ve never seen before. The costumes are mind-blowing and then I have a military expert for cause-andeffect battle sequences. That’s all coordinated. I plan it, in a funny kind of way, a little bit like a battle.” In the interview, Scott detailed how thorough the crew had to be when orchestrating a film on the scale of Napoleon, especially as they had to try and believably emulate Napoleon Bonaparte’s military excursions in big war sequences. The new film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as Napoleon’s wife, Josephine. Their romance serves as the centrepiece of the film while still chronicling Napoleon’s military career. Based on EW’s article and Scott’s comments, Napoleon might cover the “Ulm campaign”, the “Battle of Austerlitz”, and the invasion of Russia. “What happened with the burning of Moscow was that he became even more impressed by what the Russians would do to obviate a loss. In a way, they neutralised his victory.” Though he is more known for his science fiction films like Alien and Blade Runner, Scott is no stranger to directing films that are historic epics and grand in scale. “These kinds of films are like climbing a mountain,” Scott said. “At ground level, the peak looks a long way off. But as you climb up the hill with your partners in this ridiculously challenging Lego kit of information you’re trying to put together, sometimes pieces don’t fit, and you’re already at 20,000 feet. It’s a continual, day-by-day process, but that’s why I do it. I love it.” Napoleon will be in cinemas on Nov 22. @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME With great paw-er comes great responsibility Intergalactic misfits, new voices IN the growing PAW Patrol franchise, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie has joined the pack, bringing an even more animated spectacle to a decade-old series of films and television series. After a meteorite crashes in Adventure City, destroying the PAW Patrol headquarters, the rescue dogs are endowed with superpowers after the mysterious crystals within the space rock get attached to their dog tags. Calling themselves “Mighty Pups”, the dogs use their new powers to amplify their mission of helping people. Meanwhile, in prison, mad scientist Victoria Vance (Taraji P. Henson) and Mayor Humdinger (Ron Pardo) team up to steal the crystals from Ryder (Finn Lee-Epp) and the Mighty Pups. There is really not much to say about the film. As something geared towards children, Mighty Movie is serviceable, even if its “true purpose” - selling toys from the franchise - is unsubtle. Parents, take heed, as there is an entire sequence involving the dogs suiting up (cue “Each toy sold separately”) and several sequences involving each dog’s vehicles (cue “Each figurine sold separately”). In this feature film length product placement, credit where its due, the film incorporates a moral value of sorts through Skye, a co*ckapoo struggling with the existential dread of being the smallest dog among the others, especially when Ryder brings in the “Junior Patrollers”, three literal puppies that are bigger than Skye. Skye gains super strength and the ability to fly, which becomes the film’s metaphor that inner strength defies the physical size of someone. Meanwhile, parents can at least quietly laugh at the film’s unintentional euphemism that size does not matter. – BY The series has been running since 2013. MARK MATHEN VICTOR AFTER 148 days, the writers’ strike in Hollywood has come to an end. The duration has made the strike a historic Hollywood labour battle and the second longest in the Writers Guild of America’s history. It concluded on Sept 27 due to a vote from guild leadership that officially authorised around 11,500 members to return to work. Tasks that for months were prohibited by strike rules - pitching, selling scripts, taking meetings, responding to notes - were sanctioned, with writers’ rooms reconvening per usual. “This will allow writers to return to work during the ratification process, but it will not affect the membership’s right to make a final determination on contract approval,” the WGA negotiating committee stated. The news broke on Sept 26, several days after studios, represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and the union spent the entire weekend working on a deal involving a new three-year contract. Major industry leaders such as Disney’s Bob Iger, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley were in attendance at the bargaining table. The WGA news signals an end to one half of a historic labour standoff in entertainment; SAG-AFTRA is still out on strike. Neither the union nor the AMPTP have announced new bargaining dates, and both remain deadlocked on issues of general wage increases, a proposal to give union members a cut of platform subscriber revenue when their streaming projects succeed and regulations on artificial intelligence, among others. In simpler terms, despite the writers going back to work, production on all the stalled projects will not resume without the actors. – WGA votes to lift strike order after 148 days BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Napoleonic undertaking undertaking Writers’ strike ends OUT next month, the trailer for Rick and Morty’s seventh season dropped on Sept 26, featuring two new voice actors playing the titular grandfather-grandson duo. Adult Swim, the network behind Rick and Morty, has chosen to withhold the names of the new voice talents, at least until the show’s season premiere. These new actors are replacing Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland, who was dismissed from the show after misconduct allegations involving domestic abuse. Roiland previously voiced both Rick and Morty throughout the show’s previous six seasons. In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, an Adult Swim insider claims that the network wants the show to “speak for itself”, and that the names of the voice actors are being temporarily kept secret to “preserve the viewing experience for fans”. The official season seven description makes a self-aware jab at the recasting, claiming that “Rick and Morty are back and sounding more like themselves than ever”. Rick and Morty, a science fiction animated sitcom made with adults as its target audience, was an instant global hit when it first came out in 2013, and it has since become part of the cultural zeitgeist. Across all cable platforms, Adult Swim has pointed out that Rick and Morty was the top comedy media during seasons three to six. The series reached over 19 million viewers on linear broadcast in 2022, remains a top series on streaming service Max, and has won two Emmy Awards for outstanding animated programme. Rick and Morty will return on Oct 15. – BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Actor Phoenix plays Napoleon. The Mighty Pup vehicles are going to sell like hotcakes in toy stores. – PIC BY UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES oWhen in Rome, do as the Romans do █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR
17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 Gannibal season two unveiled PREPARE for an electrifying return as Gannibal season two takes you on an even more thrilling journey. Following an engaging first season that concluded with a nail-biting cliffhanger, the stellar cast is back to deliver the spine-tingling continuation to this unmissable saga. A record-breaking debut After an awe-inspiring debut season that earned Yuya Yagira a prestigious Best Actor nomination at the upcoming Busan International Film Festival’s Asia Contents Awards and Global OTT Awards and propelled the show to become the most-watched locally produced original series on Disney+ (Hotstar) in Japan within its first month (based on hours streamed), Gannibal is set to make its triumphant return exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar. A stellar ensemble returns Season two reintroduces the powerhouse trio - Yuya Yagira as police officer Daigo Agawa, Show Kasamatsu as Keisuke Goto, the enigmatic head of the Goto family, and Riho Yoshioka as Yuki Agawa, Daigo’s unwaveringly supportive wife. The creative dream team also makes a comeback, with screenwriter and Academy Award-nominee Takamasa Oe, director Shinzo Katayama, and producer Teruhisa Yamamoto, known for his role in the 2022 Academy Award-winning Drive My Car. Unveiling darker secrets Set in a fictional Japanese village, the first season of Gannibal introduced us to Daigo Agawa, a tormented police officer struggling with guilt over a traumatic event involving his daughter. His seemingly promising new start takes a sinister turn as unsettling events unfold, leading Daigo to a horrifying revelation about the villagers and the enigmatic Goto family. Season one was a pulsepounding rollercoaster of emotions that left viewers hanging on the edge of a heart-stopping cliff. Dive deeper into the Abyss In season two, it will delve further into the village’s nightmarish secrets and join Daigo on his quest to escape the impossible and bring the nefarious Goto family to justice. The stakes are higher, the suspense more intense, and the mysteries even darker. Join the thrill ride Don’t miss out on the electrifying G a n n i b a l experience. Don’t forget to bingewatch season one and prepare yourself for the heartpounding return of Gannibal season two. Get ready to be spellbound. The second season promises a terrifying ride to all the viewers. – DISNEY+ HOTSTAR █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ tour concert film goes global TAYLOR SWIFT’S Eras Tour concert film is expected to be the cinematic event of the season, and now it is going global, with tickets expected to go on sale in more than 100 countries. The film was already slated for an Oct 13 release in the US but will now be available from that date at cinemas worldwide, including every Odeon location across Europe, according to a Tuesday statement from theatre giant AMC. “The tour isn’t the only thing we’re taking worldwide. I have been so excited to tell you all that The Eras Tour concert film is now officially coming to theatres worldwide on Oct 13”, Swift posted on Instagram. When 33-year-old Swift first announced the film, it broke the record for pre-sales in the US in one day, raking in US$37 million (RM173 million). It is expected the film could exceed US$100 million (RM471.5 million) in the US during its opening weekend. “I think we could be talking about the biggest film of the fall season, which is pretty incredible,” Jeff Bock, an analyst for box office tracker Exhibitor Relations, recently told AFP. Swift is taking a break from her wildly popular tour that began in March - performances will resume in Nov and run late into next year. Some analysts expect it will become the first tour to break the symbolic US$1 billion (RM4 billion) mark. Over the weekend, Swift made news not for the tour but for her love life, fueling rumours around her possible relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce when she was seen watching the Super Bowl winner’s game from a luxury box alongside the tight end’s mother. - ETX STUDIO The singer will resume her performances in November and run late into next year. oSwift is taking a break from her wildly popular tour that began in March US box office hits low point for the year THE US box office hit a 2023 low this weekend, with top film The Nun II estimated to take in a paltry US$8.4 million (RM39 million), industry watchers said Sunday. “The numbers are not good,” said David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research, describing an entire month of poor results. He said the months-long strikes by Hollywood screenwriters and actors - reportedly at a key point Sunday - “cannot end soon enough.” The strikes have prevented stars from promoting upcoming films. This weekend’s top five films had a combined take of roughly US$31 million (RM145 million) - less than Barbie alone earned in its fourth weekend out. Warner Bros’ The Nun II, starring Taissa Farmiga in a tale of Gothic horror and possession, has led the box office for the past few weeks, despite posting tepid numbers. Nearly tying it this weekend was the new action film Expend4bles, at an estimated US$8.3 million (RM39 million) for the Friday-throughSunday period, Exhibitor Relations reported. The Lionsgate movie, the fourth in a series, has a veteran team of Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren - joined by franchise newcomers including Megan Fox, 50 Cent and Andy Garcia - heading to Libya to try to prevent a mercenary from stealing nuclear warheads. In third place, down one spot from last weekend, was 20th Century’s A Haunting in Venice, Kenneth Branagh’s latest Agatha Christie-inspired film, at US$6.3 million (RM30 million). Branagh again plays the legendary Belgian detective Hercules Poirot. The fourth spot went to Sony’s The Equaliser 3, at US$4.7 million (RM22 million). Denzel Washington plays a retired US Marine and drug-enforcement agent taking on many bad guys. And holding on in fifth - in its 10th weekend out - was Warner Bros. blockbuster Barbie, at US$3.2 million (RM15 million). The Greta Gerwig paean to pinkness has now taken in US$630.5 million (RM2.96 billion) domestically and an additional US$797 million (RM3.74 billion) internationally. - ETX STUDIO Rounding out the top 10 were: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - US$3 million (RM14 million) It Lives Inside - US$2.6 million (RM12 million) Dumb Money - US$2.5 million (RM11 million) Blue Beetle - US$1.8 million (RM8 million) Oppenheimer - US$1.6 million (RM7 million) The US box office hit a 2023 low this weekend, with top film The Nun II estimated to take in just US$8.4 million.
18 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME BRINGING Betty Boop to life on stage is a captivating creative endeavour that combines talent, technology, and artistic interpretation. In “BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical,“ this iconic character is meticulously crafted into a vibrant performance. The key to this transformation is casting the right actress, and Jasmine Amy Rogers fits the bill perfectly. Her triple-threat skills as an actress, singer, and dancer, along with her infectious laugh and vibrant personality, make her an ideal choice for portraying the baby-faced flapper. Betty Boop’s iconic appearance, characterized by her oversized head, large eyes, heart-shaped lips, and signature red dress, is faithfully recreated by dedicated costume and makeup teams. This meticulous process breathes life into the character, capturing her essence on stage. Under the guidance of director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, extensive rehearsals fine-tuned the cast’s ability to capture Betty Boop’s playful and flirtatious demeanor. Choreographed dance routines, expressive gestures, and melodious singing come together to convey her irresistible charm. The stage design transports the audience to the Jazz Age with elaborate sets, vibrant colours, and vintage-inspired props. Visual effects and lighting further enhance the experience, creating dreamlike sequences reminiscent of Betty Boop’s animated world. The musical score, filled with catchy tunes and jazzy melodies, immerses the audience in the Roaring Twenties, where Betty Boop thrived. After perfecting the production in Chicago, the aim is to charm Broadway audiences. Through the magic of live theatre, viewers are transported into Betty Boop’s whimsical world, allowing them to relive nostalgia and appreciate the timeless appeal of this beloved character. In “BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical,“ the process of bringing Betty Boop to life is a labour of love and creativity. The essence of this iconic character is carefully preserved and beautifully presented on stage for audiences to enjoy and celebrate once more. - AFP Bringing Betty Boop to life Rogers: breathing life into the iconic Betty Boop. power, you can better manage stress, anxiety, and negative thinking. By starting your day with this affirmation, you set the stage for emotional resilience and mental clarity. “I trust in my ability to overcome challenges.” Life is filled with obstacles and setbacks, but you can build unwavering confidence in your ability to overcome them. This affirmation instills a sense of resilience and determination. It reminds you that challenges are opportunities for growth and that you have the skills and inner strength to triumph over them. Trust in yourself and your capabilities can lead to greater success and fulfilment. “I radiate positivity and attract positivity in return.” The energy you project into the world often comes back to you. By repeating this affirmation, you set the intention to exude positivity and attract positive people and experiences into your life. A positive attitude can create a ripple effect in your interactions with others, leading to stronger relationships and a more joyful existence. “I am constantly evolving and becoming the best version of myself.” Embrace the idea that personal growth is a lifelong journey. This affirmation encourages a growth mindset, motivating you to continuously improve and become the best version of yourself. By acknowledging your potential for growth, you open yourself up to new opportunities, skills, and experiences that can enrich your life in meaningful ways. “I am at peace with my past and excited for my future.” Release any lingering regrets or worries about the past and greet the future with anticipation. This affirmation invites you to make peace with your past mistakes and experiences, freeing you to move forward with enthusiasm and optimism. When you let go of the past, you can focus on creating a brighter future. “I am in charge of my happiness, and I choose to be happy today.” Happiness is a choice, and this affirmation empowers you to make that choice every day. It reminds you that you hold the key to your own happiness and that external circ*mstances do not have to dictate your mood. By repeating this affirmation, you set the intention to find joy in the little moments, appreciate the beauty around you, and maintain a positive outlook, regardless of what the day may bring. Choosing happiness can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Starting your day with positive affirmations can be a transformative practice. These seven affirmations serve as powerful reminders of your inner strength, potential, and capacity for happiness. By incorporating them into your morning routine, you can cultivate a more positive mindset, build resilience, and create a life filled with gratitude, optimism and personal growth. Positive affirmations are concise, uplifting statements that can boost your confidence, enhance your outlook, and improve your overall well-being. Let’s explore eight powerful affirmations that can transform your mornings, helping you face the day with optimism and resilience. “I am worthy of love and happiness.” Start your day by affirming your self-worth. Remind yourself that you deserve love and happiness in all aspects of your life. By acknowledging your worthiness, you open the door to a positive mindset that attracts positivity into your life. This affirmation can help boost your self-esteem and encourage you to pursue your dreams and relationships with confidence. “I am grateful for the opportunities today will bring.” Gratitude is a powerful force for positivity. When you express gratitude for the opportunities that lie ahead, you shift your focus away from potential challenges and towards the potential for growth and learning. This affirmation encourages you to embrace the day’s challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development. A grateful mindset can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. “I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.” Empower yourself to take control of your inner world by repeating this affirmation. It reminds you that you have the power to choose your thoughts and emotions, rather than being controlled by them. When you recognise this oHere are eight positive affirmations to start your day Affirmations are the spoken or written declarations that shape our beliefs and thoughts. – MEDIUM Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine can be a transformative practice. – FREEPIK These concise statements act as mental scripts that when repeated regularly can empower individuals to overcome challenges. – FREEPIK █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Empower your mornings Affirmations are invitations to change, fostering the belief that we have the capacity to shape our own destinies through the power of thought and intention. – FREEPIK
19 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 Fancy a free mini-break in Shrek’s swamp? FANCY stepping into the world of Shrek? From Oct 13, Airbnb will be offering a few lucky fans the chance to spend a few days in the swamp where the DreamWorks ogre lives. And while it’s a relatively short experience, it also happens to be free. You would not have to travel to the “Kingdom of Far Far Away,” but to the hills of the Scottish Highlands to step through the door of Shrek’s legendary home. The Airbnb platform has announced a new experience, offering users the chance to spend the night in one of the most cult locations from the DreamWorks movie. However, unlike other properties on offer on the site, Shrek’s Swamp will not be available for regular bookings. Instead, Airbnb is offering a two-night stay for up to three people. The exact address will only be provided after booking. To try to book this experience, interested parties will need to make a reservation request on Oct 13 at 6 pm BST, directly on the Airbnb website. While Airbnb specifies that this is not a contest, there is no indication of how the winners will be chosen. Moreover, the lucky guests woold not be able to select just any date, as their stay must take place between Oct 27 and 29. A great way to celebrate Halloween early. And to mark the occasion, the platform has also announced a donation to the HopScotch Children’s Charity, which “provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips,” without specifying the amount of the said donation. Visitors can discover a decor similar to that of the cult movie and tuck into a parfait and waffles. What is Airbnb will be offering a twonight stay for up to three guests in Shrek’s swamp. Travelling solo I N a world that often emphasises the importance of companionship and shared experiences, there is something truly liberating and transformative about embarking on a solo journey. Travelling alone opens up a world of unique opportunities, self-discovery and unparalleled adventures. In this feature, we will explore the many perks of travelling solo, from personal growth and self-confidence to the freedom to craft your own itinerary and the chance to meet new people from all walks of life. Self-Discovery Travelling solo provides an unparalleled opportunity for selfdiscovery. Without the distractions and familiar comforts of home, you will be forced to confront your true self and learn more about your own desires, fears, and strengths. Whether it is navigating through foreign cities, trying new foods, or engaging in meaningful conversations with locals, every experience contributes to your personal growth. Solo travel allows you to set your own pace, make spontaneous decisions, and fully immerse yourself in the present moment. This selfreliance fosters a deeper understanding of your capabilities and resilience, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. Freedom and flexibility One of the most significant perks of solo travel is the absolute freedom and flexibility it offers. You are the captain of your adventure, and you can change course whenever you please. Want to spend an extra day in that charming village you stumbled Travelling to unknown places and destinations will force you to learn to depend on yourself in difficult times. – PICS BY FREEPIK oJourney to selfdiscovery and adventure █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Solo travellers are offered an experience that is worth the risk. You will be more aware on what’s happening around you when you are travelling alone. more, just like in the movie, visitors will have to go outside to use the bathroom. This is not the first time that Airbnb has offered stays in locations seen in cult movies or TV shows. Users have already been offered the chance to bunk down in Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex and the City and the Home Alone house, for example. This trend is similar to that of “setjetting,” or choosing your vacation destination based on locations featured in movies and TV shows. - ETX STUDIO traditions. Solo travellers are also more approachable and open to making new friends. You will find that people are often eager to strike up conversations with you, whether it is a fellow traveller at a hostel, a friendly local in a cafe, or a tour guide sharing their insights. These interactions can provide unique insights and enrich your travel experience. Enhanced problem-solving skills Navigating the challenges of solo travel hones your problem-solving skills. From figuring out public transportation in a foreign city to managing unexpected setbacks, you will develop a heightened sense of adaptability and resourcefulness. Overcoming these challenges not only empowers you but also equips you with valuable life skills that extend beyond your travels. Facing and conquering obstacles alone can be incredibly rewarding and boost your selfconfidence. It is a reminder that you are capable of handling whatever life throws your way, both on the road and in your daily life. Spiritual and emotional renewal Solo travel offers a unique opportunity for spiritual and emotional renewal. It allows you to disconnect from the demands of everyday life, find solitude in nature, or seek solace in the quiet corners of a bustling city. Whether you are meditating on a mountain top or journaling by the sea, solo travel provides the space and time for introspection and self-reflection. Many solo travellers report a sense of liberation and renewal during their journeys. They find clarity, inspiration, and a deeper connection with themselves. It is a chance to recharge your mental and emotional batteries and return home with a fresh perspective on life. Empowering independence Independence is a hallmark of solo travel, and it is empowering. As you navigate unfamiliar terrain, make decisions on your own, and take responsibility for your well-being, you will gain a sense of self-reliance and independence that can be incredibly empowering. This new-found independence extends beyond your travels and can positively impact various aspects of your life. You will become more confident, better at decision-making, and more resilient in the face of adversity. So, if you have ever considered embarking on a solo journey, remember that the world is your oyster, and the perks of travelling alone are waiting to be discovered. upon? No problem. Feel like taking a detour to explore an off-the-beatenpath attraction? You can do it without compromising anyone else’s plans. Solo travellers have the freedom to craft their itineraries according to their own interests and preferences. There is no need to compromise, negotiate, or follow someone else’s schedule. You are free to follow your whims and indulge in serendipitous discoveries that can make your trip truly unforgettable. Authentic cultural experiences Travelling alone often encourages a more immersive and authentic cultural experience. Without the comfort of a travel companion, you’re more likely to engage with locals and step out of your comfort zone. This can lead to meaningful interactions and a deeper understanding of the destination’s culture, customs and
20 LIFESTYLE theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Shake to perform in KL FRENCH-BASED Malaysian singer Datuk Sheikh Abdullah, popularly known as Datuk Shake is set to make a comeback to Malaysia with a concert on Dec 16. The popular veteran pop singer will be treating his fans to a nostalgic musical journey in a two-hour concert at Zepp KL. Organised by InTour Live Events and iMe Entertainment Group, Shake, renowned for hits like Tu sais je t’aime (You Know I Love You), Umi, Pulanglah, and Anugerah Dari Kegagalan, will showcase a vast array of his popular songs, including those in English and French. According to a statement released by the organisers, the Shake Zepp KL Concert is a walk down memory lane for fans to relive Shake’s timeless classics from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. This includes his most recent works, such as Chameleon (2012), which will also enchant the Renowned Malaysian pop veteran Zepp KL 2023 tour. - INTOUR LIVE EVENTS █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL audience and provide them with an unforgettable experience. was the first Asian artist to achieve fame in France, Europe and French-speaking countries, including Canada, singing in French in 1976. Making his debut in Malay music in 1983 and subsequently adopting the stage name “Datuk Shake”, he rose to prominence as an internationally acclaimed artist based in Paris and was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et Lettre (Knight of the Order of Arts, Letters, and Merits) by the French government in recognition of his efforts in promoting the French language and culture throughout Asia. As a testament to his dedication to showcasing Malaysia on the global stage through his music career, His Majesty the Sultan of Johor (Malaysia), the late Sultan Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim Al Masyhur, conferred the title of Datuk upon Shake in 1979. Datuk Shake had initially planned to return to Malaysia in 2020 to meet his fans, but the plan was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the opportunity has now come to fruition with the proposal from InTour Live Events and iMe Entertainment Group for the legendary singer, now residing in Paris, France, to hold a concert. “I will keep my promise to my fans who still love me. We are eagerly anticipating this. See you soon. I am thrilled to perform at Zepp KL,” he exclaimed excitedly. Tickets for the concert, priced between RM358 and RM598, will be available for purchase starting today at 11am through ticketcharge.com.my. Also available for RM5,000 is a premium box with seating for eight individuals. Project G by TAR UMT RECENTLY, TAR UMT, or Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology launced Project G, a groundbreaking sustainability endeavour tailored to empower and engage Generation Z in championing sustainable practices while prioritising mental well-being. Made possible with the generous support of Google, Project G aims to supercharge TAR UMT’s sustainability initiatives, propelling them towards creating a more positive impact on society. The grand unveiling of Project G took place during an event titled “Project G Celebration Day”, where students and green heroes collaborated to pave the way for a greener future. The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of a remarkable 2D sustainable art piece, painstakingly crafted by TAR UMT students from 2D sustainable art showcase. - PICS BY GOOGLE/TAR UMT oSustainability initiative fuelled by Google █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Google’s APAC Real Estate and Workplace Services (REWS) Sustainability Partner. Project G by TAR UMT supported by Google. recycled materials. This masterpiece, drawing inspiration from traditional batik patterns and vibrant flowers, embodies the essence of mental wellness. It encapsulates the concept of “grit,” symbolising unwavering determination and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Cindy Poh Huay Yuet, programme leader and lecturer at TAR UMT, expressed her gratitude for Google’s invaluable support, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainability. She stated, “We are thrilled to embark on this project with Google, an organisation that embraces technology to drive sustainability. Project G not only enriches our students’ educational experiences but also empowers them to actively contribute to sustainability and wellness initiatives, leaving a profound and lasting impact on both our university and the wider community.” Within the Project G framework, students have teamed up with Google to form a group of green heroes, which includes thought leaders, Google employees, and enthusiastic students. These green heroes serve as beacons of inspiration, spotlighting innovative sustainable practices such as upcycling and sharing valuable tips through engaging short videos. Their mission is to inspire viewers to embrace recycling creatively and adopt a sustainable lifestyle. Google’s APAC Real Estate and Workplace Services (REWS) Sustainability Partner, Richard Navarro, graced the event with his presence and spoke about the REWS team’s efforts to translate sustainability goals into tangible actions across Google’s offices. He noted, “It’s a privilege to be part of this programme and witness TAR UMT students driving Project G to create a positive impact among Generation Z. At REWS, we share the vision of taking bold actions to address the carbon impact of our buildings and operations. Google has been at the forefront of corporate sustainability. As we move towards our third decade of climate action, we are committed to offsetting the embodied carbon from our building materials and food.” Google also shared insightful search trends that shed light on how Malaysians perceive sustainability. Search interest in sustainability reached an all-time high in Malaysia this year, ranking the country among the Top 10 in the world for searches related to thrifting between January 2022 and now. Additionally, search interest in food security and food waste reached an all-time high in Malaysia in 2023, with a remarkable +150% increase in food security searches compared to the previous 20 months. At the heart of Project G is “Project G Diaries”, a creative mixed reality concept featuring an animated character named Chapu. Chapu embarks on a captivating journey across the university campus, championing environmental and mental wellness practices and encouraging green behaviours. Chapu’s endearing character serves as a voice to engage and motivate Generation Z students through social media channels. Symbolising the core values of Project G, TAR UMT students have ingeniously crafted a distinctive logo. The logo intertwines the letter “G” with a leaf shape, symbolising Project G’s dedication to fostering sustainability, promoting environmental and mental wellness, and advocating for green practices. The logo’s three layers of green represent Grit, Green, and Generation Z, while its design takes the form of a globe, reflecting our collective care for Mother Earth. For a deeper dive into the world of Project G, visit their Instagram page at tarumt.official. Join TAR UMT, Google, and the green heroes on this transformative journey towards a more sustainable and mentally resilient future. Together, we can make a lasting impact that transcends generations.
theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 21 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF VNIX (M) SDN. BHD. [201101027574] (955709-W) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act 2016, the Final Meeting of the members of the Company will be held at Suite 2-2-12, Menara KLH, Off 2 ½ Mile, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 10th November 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes:- 1) To receive the Liquidator’s final accounts showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and the property of the Company has been disposed. 2) To authorise the Liquidator to lodge with the Registrar of the Companies and with the Official Receiver a return of the holding of the final meeting and its date with a copy of the account attached to such return within seven (7) days from the final meeting. 3) The Company be dissolved under Section 459(5) of the Companies Act 2016 on the expiration of three (3) months after the lodging of the return with the Registrar of the Companies and with the Official Receiver. 4) The books, accounts and documents of the Company be disposed after the expiry of one (1) month from the dissolution date. Dated: 3rd October 2023 Yap Chee Keong Liquidator Kuala Lumpur JOBS DB MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. (IN MEMBER’S VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) [Registration No.: 199901006194 (481094-T)] Liquidators’ Office: 12th Floor, Menara Symphony, No. 5, Jalan Prof. Khoo Kay Kim, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: 03-7890 4800 Fax: 03-7890 4650 NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, a Final Meeting of the Company will be held at 12th Floor, Menara Symphony, No. 5, Jalan Prof. Khoo Kay Kim, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia on Thursday, 2 November 2023 at 10.00 a.m. for the following purposes: - 1. To receive the Statement of Account from the Liquidators showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted. 2. To determine pursuant to Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, the manner in which the books, accounts and documents of the Liquidators and of the Company thereof shall be disposed of. FOR AND ON BEHALF OF JOBS DB MALAYSIA SDN. BHD. (IN MEMBER’S VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) TAI YIT CHAN TAN AI NING Liquidators Selangor Darul Ehsan Date: 3 October 2023 NOTES: 1) The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing (in the common or usual form), under the hand of the appointer or his attorney duly authorised in writing or, if the appointor is a corporation, either under seal or under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorised. A proxy may, but need not be, a member of the Company. The instrument appointing a proxy to vote at meeting shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll on behalf of the appointer. 2) The instrument appointing a proxy, together with the power of attorney or other authority, if any, under which it is signed or a notarially certified copy of that power or authority shall be deposited at the liquidators’ office at Boardroom Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd., 12th Floor, Menara Symphony, No. 5, Jalan Prof. Khoo Kay Kim, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the time set for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote, or, in the case of a poll, not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the time appointed for the taking of the poll, and in default the instrument of proxy shall not be treated as valid. 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MUTUAL SUPREME SDN. BHD. Company No: 199601018068(390419-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Mutual Supreme Sdn. Bhd. 199601018068 (390419-M) duly convened at No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, the following Special Resolution was duly passed on 26 September 2023 : SPECIAL RESOLUTION - MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING UP That approval be and is hereby given to place the Company into Members’ Voluntary Winding Up pursuant to Section 439(1) of the Companies Act, 2016.” ORDINARY RESOLUTION - APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR That, subject to the passing of the Special Resolution, approval be and is hereby given to appoint Yew Teck Huat, I/C No. 630424-08-6159 of No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak as Liquidator for the purpose of the aforesaid winding up and to authorise the Directors to fix his remuneration.” Dated : 3 October 2023 Chairman Leong Ah Kow @ Leang Lean Yow IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF MUTUAL SUPREME SDN. BHD. Company No: 199601018068(390419-M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the above company which is being wound up voluntarily are required on or before 4 November 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them and the names and address of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the liquidators of the said company at No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan, 30250 Ipoh, Perak and if so required by notice in writing from the said liquidator are by their solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. Dated : 3 October 2023 Yew Teck Huat Liquidator No. 21 (1st Floor) Jalan Chew Boon Juan 30250 Ipoh, Perak. 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: WA-A72M-11325-07/2023 ANTARA YAYASAN IHSAN RAKYAT (No Syarikat:201201017719 [1003231-A]) …PLAINTIF DAN MUHAMMAD MASHURHURI BIN SHAHARUDIN (No. K/P:870309-56-5309) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) Kepada: - 1) MUHAMMAD MASHURHURI BIN SHAHARUDIN SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Sesyen Kuala Lumpur , dalam Guaman No. WA-A72M-11325-07/2023 oleh Yayasan Ihsan Rakyat (“Plaintif”) yang beralamat di di Tingkat 19, Menara Teo Chew, No. 1, Jalan Lumut, 50400 Kuala Lumpur di mana Plaintif menuntut terhadap kamu antara lain untuk membayar semula pinjaman, faedah dan kos. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 10.07.2023 dilaksanakan secara penyampaian ganti terhadap kamu dengan menghantar melalui serahan melalui menampalkan pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur, menampalkan di alamat terakhir yang diketahui Plaintif dan mengiklankan sekali di suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’ dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian akan disifatkan sebagai penyerahan lengkap dan sempurna terhadap kamu dalam masa empat belas (14) hari selepas tarikh penampalan atau pengiklanan yang terakhir tersebut. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah memasukkan kehadiran sama ada secara sendiri atau melalui peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 3 haribulan Oktober, 2023 ………t.t……… TETUAN GM TAN & COMPANY Peguamcara Plaintif NOTIS (IKLAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI) ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan GM Tan & Company,peguamcara pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di C-10-28, Block C, Lobby 2, Centum Oasis Corporate Park, No. 2, Jalan PJU 1A/2, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel No. : +603 2714 5456 E-mel :[emailprotected] Faks No.: +603 2714 5457 Ruj Kami:GMT/ YIR(RCE)/00780(R)/2023 DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KAJANG DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA PERMOHONAN PERLAKSAAN NO.: BH-76J-75-08/2023 ANTARA TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD [No. Syarikat: 199001009294 (200866-W)] …PEMIUTANG PENGHAKIMAN DAN NIK AZIZAN @ NIK AZMAN BIN AWANG [NO. K/P.: 641009-71-5003 (7400568)] ...PENGHUTANG PENGHAKIMAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada, NIK AZIZAN @ NIK AZMAN BIN AWANG [NO. K. P. : 641009-71-5003 (7400568)] No. 12, Jalan BM 6/9C, Seksyen 6, Bandar Bukit Mahkota 43000 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Dalam perkara Saman Penghutang Penghakiman yang dikeluarkan pada 23 haribulan Ogos 2023. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan Saman Penghutang Penghakiman telah dikeluarkan terhadap Penghutang Penghakiman dalam Mahkamah Majistret di Kajang dalam Permohonan Perlaksanaan No. BH-76J-75-08/2023 oleh Tenaga Nasional Berhad [No. Syarikat: 199001009294] (200866-W)] di mana tuntutan Penghutang Penghakiman ialah untuk jumlah RM8,340.91 setakat 17/3/2023 berserta faedah pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh 5/12/2022 sehingga 17/3/2023 sebanyak RM117.69, faedah ke atas jumlah RM8,340.91 pada kadar 5% setahun dari 18/3/2023 sehingga 23/8/2023 sebanyak RM181.67 dan kos sebanyak RM1,227.10 dan berikutan dengan penghakiman itu masih lagi berhutang sebanyak RM9,867.37 dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa sesalinan Saman Penghutang Penghakiman bertarikh 23/8/2023 dan Penghakiman Ingkar Kehadiran bertarikh 17/3/2023 disampaikan terhadap Penghutang Penghakiman di atas melalui Penyampaian Ganti iaitu dengan menampalkan sesalinan Saman Penghutang Penghakiman bertarikh 23/8/2023 dan Penghakiman Ingkar Kehadiran bertarikh 17/3/2023 tersebut di Papan Notis Mahkamah ini, penampalan di alamat Penghutang Penghakiman di No. 12, Jalan BM 6/9C, Seksyen 6, Bandar Bukit Mahkota, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan (selepas ini “alamat Penghutang Penghakiman”) dan juga mengiklankannya sekali (1) dalam surat khabar harian tempatan dan saya percaya bahawa penyampaian itu menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup ke atas Penghutang Penghakiman tersebut tujuh (7) hari selepas dari tarikh pengiklanan atau penampalan tersebut Sekiranya kamu berhajat untuk membuat pembelaan terhadap tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah diwakili oleh Peguambela kamu di hadapan Mahkamah Majistret Kajang pada 18/10/2023 (secara E-Review), jam 9.00 pagi. Sekiranya kamu gagal berbuat demikian maka Waran Tangkap akan dimasukkan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 3 haribulan Oktober 2023 …..….………tt…….…….. Tetuan Sandosh Anandan Peguamcara bagi Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti Bentuk Iklan ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Sandosh Anandan, Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit A502, Blok A, Kelana Square, No. 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: 03-78065819 / 03-7804607 Fax: 03-78807409 (Ruj: SA/L/TNB/NIK AZIZAN/1843/2022/SA) 322 Notices MAJISTRET DI KUALA KUBU BHARU DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: BF-A72NCvC-165-07/2023 Antara MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) ...PLAINTIF Dan PENTADBIR HARTA PUSAKA BAGI SHAHRIR BIN ABD MANAF (“SI MATI”) (NO. K/P: 541225-01-5783/4757688) …DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN Kepada, PENTADBIR HARTA PUSAKA BAGI SHAHRIR BIN ABD MANAF (NO. K/P:541225-01-5783/4757688) E-301 Casa Venicia Condo Bukit Idaman Selayang 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor PENTADBIR HARTA PUSAKA BAGI SHAHRIR BIN ABD MANAF (NO. K/P:541225-01-5783/4757688) No. 5 Jalan Kantansari 3 Perumahan Jalan Kantansari, Bandar Sungai Buaya 48010 Rawang, Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Kubu Bharu dalam Guaman Sivil No. BF-A72NCvC-165-07/2023 oleh MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) yang beralamat di Jalan Bukit Kerajaan, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah ini telah memberi perintah bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 18.07.2023 hendaklah dilaksanakan secara penyampaian ganti kepada Defendan dengan menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada papan kenyataan di Mahkamah Majistret, Kuala Kubu Bharu, menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada alamat terakhir Defendan yang diketahui dan juga secara menyiarkan sesalinan Notis Periklanan untuk sekali sahaja di suratkhabar tempatan dan bahawa penyampaian sedemikian hendaklah menjadi satu penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup dalam tempoh empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dokumen tersebut dan pengiklanan notis tersebut mengikut yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari penampalan dan penyiaran pengiklanan ini, memfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran. Kegagalan kamu untuk berbuat demikian boleh menyebabkan Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 03 haribulan Oktober 2023. t.t. …………………………… Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif Law Practice of K.A. Ramu Notis Penyampaian Secara Pengiklanan ini telah dikeluarkan oleh Law Practice of K. A. Ramu , Peguambela & Peguamcara, peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang dinamakan diatas dan yang mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di 15-1-A Jalan MH3, Taman Muzaffar Heights, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Tel : 03-76665625 Ruj : KARV/LIT/MDHS(SM)/1663/2021 Email:[emailprotected] MAJISTRET DI KUALA KUBU BHARU DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: BF-A72NCvC-169-07/2023 Antara MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) ...PLAINTIF Dan SAMSU NAZRI BIN MD NOOR (NO. K/P: 730309-01-6145/A2399008) …DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN Kepada, SAMSU NAZRI BIN MD NOOR (NO. K/P:730309-01-6145/A2399008) A-10-7 PPR Taman Mulia Jalan Budiman, Bandar Tun Razak 56100 Kuala Lumpur SAMSU NAZRI BIN MD NOOR (NO. K/P:730309-01-6145/A239908) No. D-1-7, Persiaran Bunga Raya Apartment Buginvila, Taman Bunga Raya 48300 Rawang, Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Kubu Bharu dalam Guaman Sivil No. BF-A72NCvC-169-07/2023 oleh MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) yang beralamat di Jalan Bukit Kerajaan, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah ini telah memberi perintah bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 24.07.2023 hendaklah dilaksanakan secara penyampaian ganti kepada Defendan dengan menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada papan kenyataan di Mahkamah Majistret, Kuala Kubu Bharu, menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada alamat terakhir Defendan yang diketahui dan juga secara menyiarkan sesalinan Notis Periklanan untuk sekali sahaja di suratkhabar tempatan dan bahawa penyampaian sedemikian hendaklah menjadi satu penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup dalam tempoh empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dokumen tersebut dan pengiklanan notis tersebut mengikut yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari penampalan dan penyiaran pengiklanan ini, memfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran. Kegagalan kamu untuk berbuat demikian boleh menyebabkan Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 03 haribulan Oktober 2023. t.t. …………………………… Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif Law Practice of K.A. Ramu Notis Penyampaian Secara Pengiklanan ini telah dikeluarkan oleh Law Practice of K. A. Ramu , Peguambela & Peguamcara, peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang dinamakan diatas dan yang mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di 15-1-A Jalan MH3, Taman Muzaffar Heights, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Tel: 03-76665625 Ruj : KARV/LIT/MDHS(SN)/1645/2021 Email:[emailprotected] 322 Notices 322 Notices Item Reg No Make Model Price 1 VHG6995 2022 YAMAHA LAGENDA 115Z 3200 2 WWN7683 2012 PERODUA MYVI 15000 3 VGP5572 2021 PROTON IRIZ 36200 4 WC2872C 2015 PERODUA ALZA 33350 5 WVK244 2011 HONDA CITY 18000 6 VDK57 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 E 182000 7 VGM2378 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ S560 E 382000 8 WB2569H 2015 PROTON SAGA 9470 9 BQF720 2020 PERODUA MYVI AV 39800 10 VDS6124 2019 PROTON EXORA 36950 11 E2628 2018 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 240000 12 TAX5400 2010 HONDA CITY 1.5L I-VTEC 18000 13 BML9702 2014 PERODUA MYVI 15000 14 SMS4193 2021 MERCEDES-BENZ E200 285000 15 VHV2596 2022 PERODUA MYVI 34400 16 SD8333N 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 E 177000 For more information contact us at 016-6999170 | 012-5553727 (WhatsApp) www.pickles.my | [emailprotected] Scan QR to download Pickles Auctions App PICKLES ASIA SDN BHD [1231292-D] Lot 19391, Batu 8 ½, Jalan Klang Lama, Taman Desaria, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Bank Repossessed bikes and cars for sale by auction. All auctions are conducted via eBidding on Wednesday 4, 11, 18, and 25, October at 10.00am (bikes) and 11.00am (cars). All are invited to join our PUBLIC AUCTION. Viewing and inspection on every Tuesday from 9.30am - 5.30pm. Download Pickles Auctions app to view all auction listings or visit www.pickles.my 322 Notices 322 Notices MAJISTRET DI KUALA KUBU BHARU DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: BF-A72NCvC-155-07/2023 Antara MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) ...PLAINTIF Dan ZAINURIN BIN MOHAMMAD (NO. K/P: 630530-01-5995/7041229) …DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN Kepada, ZAINURIN BIN MOHAMMAD (NO. K/P:630530-01-5995/7041229) No. 29 Jalan AP 1/2 Taman Aman Putra 47130 Puchong, Selangor ZAINURIN BIN MOHAMMAD (NO. K/P:630530-01-5995/7041229) No. C-10-8, Persiaran Bunga Raya Apartment Buginvila, Taman Bunga Raya 48300 Rawang, Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Kubu Bharu dalam Guaman Sivil No. BF-A72NCvC-155-07/2023 oleh MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) yang beralamat di Jalan Bukit Kerajaan, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah ini telah memberi perintah bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 12.07.2023 hendaklah dilaksanakan secara penyampaian ganti kepada Defendan dengan menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada papan kenyataan di Mahkamah Majistret, Kuala Kubu Bharu, menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada alamat terakhir Defendan yang diketahui dan juga secara menyiarkan sesalinan Notis Periklanan untuk sekali sahaja di suratkhabar tempatan dan bahawa penyampaian sedemikian hendaklah menjadi satu penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup dalam tempoh empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dokumen tersebut dan pengiklanan notis tersebut mengikut yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari penampalan dan penyiaran pengiklanan ini, memfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran. Kegagalan kamu untuk berbuat demikian boleh menyebabkan Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 03 haribulan Oktober 2023. t.t. …………………………… Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif Law Practice of K.A. Ramu Notis Penyampaian Secara Pengiklanan ini telah dikeluarkan oleh Law Practice of K. A. Ramu , Peguambela & Peguamcara, peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang dinamakan diatas dan yang mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di 15-1-A Jalan MH3, Taman Muzaffar Heights, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Tel: 03-76665625 Ruj : KARV/LIT/MDHS(ZM)/1656/2021 Email:[emailprotected] MAJISTRET DI KUALA KUBU BHARU DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: BF-A72NCvC-142-07/2023 Antara MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) ...PLAINTIF Dan NORLELA BINTI ABDUL RAHMAN (NO. K/P: 660226-05-5324/A0365023) …DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN Kepada, NORLELA BINTI ABDUL RAHMAN (NO. K/P:660226-05-5324/A0365023) NO. 511 Jalan Springhill 8/2 Bandar Springhill 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan NORLELA BINTI ABDUL RAHMAN (NO. K/P:660226-05-5324/A0365023) No. C-2-13A, Persiaran Bunga Raya Apartment Buginvila, Taman Bunga Raya 48300 Rawang, Selangor AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Kubu Bharu dalam Guaman Sivil No. BF-A72NCvC-142-07/2023 oleh MAJLIS PERBANDARAN HULU SELANGOR (dahulunya dikenali sebagai MAJLIS DAERAH HULU SELANGOR) yang beralamat di Jalan Bukit Kerajaan, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan Mahkamah ini telah memberi perintah bahawa Writ Saman bertarikh 06.07.2023 hendaklah dilaksanakan secara penyampaian ganti kepada Defendan dengan menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada papan kenyataan di Mahkamah Majistret, Kuala Kubu Bharu, menampalkan satu salinan perintah ini pada alamat terakhir Defendan yang diketahui dan juga secara menyiarkan sesalinan Notis Periklanan untuk sekali sahaja di suratkhabar tempatan dan bahawa penyampaian sedemikian hendaklah menjadi satu penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup dalam tempoh empat belas (14) hari dari tarikh akhir penampalan dokumen tersebut dan pengiklanan notis tersebut mengikut yang mana lebih lewat. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empat belas (14) hari dari penampalan dan penyiaran pengiklanan ini, memfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran. Kegagalan kamu untuk berbuat demikian boleh menyebabkan Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 03 haribulan Oktober 2023. t.t. …………………………… Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif Law Practice of K.A. Ramu Notis Penyampaian Secara Pengiklanan ini telah dikeluarkan oleh Law Practice of K. A. Ramu , Peguambela & Peguamcara, peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang dinamakan diatas dan yang mempunyai alamat penyampaiannya di 15-1-A Jalan MH3, Taman Muzaffar Heights, 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Tel: 03-76665625 Ruj : KARV/LIT/MDHS(NAB)/1634/2021 Email:[emailprotected] 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KAJANG DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO.: BH-A72NCVC-275-08/2023 ANTARA TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD [No. Syarikat : 199001009294 (200866-W) …PLAINTIF DAN SONG KOK FUI [NO. K/P.: 701123-10-5593] ...DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada, SONG KOK FUI [NO. K/P.: 701123-10-5593] No. 445, Jalan 13 Sungai Chua, Kajang 43000 Selangor Darul Ehsan Dalam perkara Writ yang dikeluarkan pada 28 haribulan Ogos 2023. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan Writ telah dikeluarkan terhadap Defendan dalam Mahkamah Majistret di Kajang dalam Guaman No. BH-A72NCVC-275-08/2023 oleh Tenaga Nasional Berhad [No. Syarikat: 199001009294] (200866-W)] di mana tuntutan Plaintif ialah untuk jumlah RM6,657.55, faedah ke atas jumlah RM6,657.55 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh pemfailan saman sehingga tarikh penghakiman, faedah ke atas jumlah RM6,657.55 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan kos dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa sesalinan Writ bertarikh 28/8/2023 dan Penyata Tuntutan bertarikh 28/8/2023 disampaikan kepada kamu melalui Penyampaian Ganti iaitu dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ dan Penyata Tuntutan tersebut di Papan Notis Mahkamah Kajang, penampalan di alamat Defendan di No. 445, Jalan 13, Sungai Chua, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan juga mengiklankannya sekali (1) dalam surat khabar tempatan ‘The Sun’ dan saya percaya bahawa penyampaian itu menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup ke atas Defendan tersebut empatbelas (14) hari selepas dari tarikh pengiklanan atau penampalan tersebut. Sekiranya kamu berhajat untuk membuat pembelaan terhadap tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah diwakili oleh Peguambela kamu di hadapan Mahkamah Majistret Kajang pada 24/10/2023 (secara E-Review), jam 9.00 pagi. Sekiranya kamu gagal berbuat demikian maka Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 3 haribulan Oktober 2023 …..….………tt…….…….. Tetuan Sandosh Anandan Peguamcara bagi Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti Bentuk Iklan ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Sandosh Anandan, Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit A502, Blok A, Kelana Square, No. 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: 03-78065819 / 03-7804607 Fax: 03-78807409 (Ruj:SA/L/TNB/SongKokFui/1931/2023/ SA) IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR IN THE FEDERAL TERRITORY OF MALAYSIA COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO: WA-28NCC-535-06/2023 In the matter of Section 466 of the Companies Act, 2016 And In the matter of AIRSEA GLOBAL LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD (Company No. 200601011705 [731445-U]) BETWEEN PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD (Company No. 199101010745 [221057-V]) PETITIONER AND AIRSEA GLOBAL LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD (Company No. 200601011705 [731445-U]) RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION Notice is hereby given that a petition for winding-up of the above-named company by the High Court was, on the 12th day of June 2023 presented by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad of Level 10, Block 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 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 morning, on the 5th day of Oktober, 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 Level 10, Block 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s Solicitor is Messrs Ghazi & Lim of 12th Level, Unit 8, Wisma New Asia, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. Ghazi & Lim Solicitors 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 Messrs Ghazi & Lim, notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or if a firm, the name and address of the firm, and must be signed by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the above-named not later than twelve (12.00) o’clock noon of the 4th day of October, 2023. This Notice is filed by Messrs. Ghazi & Lim, Advocates for and behalf of the Petitioner whose address for service is at 12th Level, Unit 8, Wisma New Asia, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur. (Ref: P13/23/MRG/NSN) 322 Notices Advertise with us & connect to our urban readers. KLANG VALLEY PENANG | KEDAH PERAK | PERLIS PAHANG | KELANTAN TERENGGANU MS. Shoba TEL: 03-7784 8888 FAX: 03-7784 4424 MALACCA | SEREMBAN MR. Rajah TEL: 012-628 2844 FAX: 06-764 2051 JOHOR BAHRU MS. Anne Lim TEL: 013-770 6699 FAX: 07-355 5549
22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 SPORTS Dota2 delivers bronze THE national e-sports camp captured another medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games when they defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in Dota2 at the Hangzhou E-Sports Centre yesterday. The national Dota2 team of Chan Kok Hong, Cheng Jin Xiang, Thiay Jun Wen, Ng Wei Poong and Yap Jian Wei were a class above Amanbek Iunusali Uulu, Abdyrakhman Raiapov, Kyialbek Taiirov, Bektur Kulov and Bakyt Emilzhanov of Kyrgyzstan in the bronze-medal playoff. The national team, who targeted the gold medal, had to be contented with the bronze after losing 2-1 to China in yesterday’s semifinals, which also saw Kyrgyzstan losing 2-0 to Mongolia. Jun Wen, also known as JT, said they were not satisfied with the bronze. “The team is good, we should keep pushing ourselves to be a better team. We can do better than bronze,” he said. National shuttlers clear first hurdle NATIONAL men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia made up for his failure in the team event last week by eliminating Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long in the opening round of the individual event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games yesterday. However, the 25- year-old former AllEngland champion had to slog for over an hour as he bounced back from a first-game deficit to beat Angus 15-21, 21-15, 21-16 at the Binjiang Gymnasium. Zii Jia will take on Timor Leste’s Maurinho Gusmao de Jesus in the second round. Malaysian men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik also had to huff and puff for 90 minutes before subduing the Taiwanese pair of Lu Ching-Yao-Yang Po-Han 21-23, 21-13, 23-21 in their first-round match. Aaron-Wooi Yik will face Thailand’s Supak Jomkoh-Supissara Paewsampran in round two. Men’s quartet storm into 4x100 final THE national men’s 4x100 metres(m) quartet ran a good race yesterday to qualify for the Asian Games final at the Hangzhou Olympic Stadium. Khairul Hafiz Jantan, Muhammad Arsyad Md Saat, Jonathan Nyepa and Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi clocked 39.40 seconds to finish third in Heat 1 of round one, behind China’s Chen Guanfeng, Xie Zhenye, Yan Haibin and Chen Jiapeng (38.62s) and South Korea’s Lee Jeontae, Kim Kukyoung, Lee Jaeseong and Park Wonjin (38.75s). The Malaysians were placed fourth overall in the first round yesterday to enter the final. “Our run was not perfect yet because we were running together for the first time this year. We are not satisfied with our performance today and I believe we will do better tomorrow. “The plan is to stay focused and get enough rest to be in good condition so that we can produce a good timing for our country,” said Muhammad Azeem, who won the 100m bronze two days ago. The final is scheduled for 9.25pm today. Archers through to quarterfinals THE national mixed and men’s compound archery teams overcame their respective opponents in the 1/8 elimination round at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games at the Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre yesterday. The experienced pairing of Mohd Juwaidi MazukiFatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh created a sensation by equalling the national record in the mixed team event when they defeated Singapore’s Woon Teng Ng-Contessa Loh 158-151. Waiting for the Malaysians in tomorrow’s quarterfinals will be India, who defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 159-151. Mohd Juwaidi’s experience came in handy in the men’s team event as he guided Malaysia, also comprising Alang Ariff Aqil Muhammad Ghaz and Mohamad Syafiq Md Ariffin, to eliminate Bangladesh 231-229 in the 1/8 elimination round. In Thursday’s quarterfinals, the Malaysian team will face Iran, who beat Saudi Arabia 231- 223. Simply the best European captain Donald emotional after ‘stressful’ Ryder Cup win EMOTIONAL European captain Luke Donald reflected on a “stressful” afternoon after his team got over the line to regain the Ryder Cup. Europe held off a spirited display from the United States in Sunday’s singles to clinch a memorable 16.5 - 11.5 triumph in Rome. Tommy Fleetwood’s 3&1 win over Rickie Fowler ultimately sealed victory, one which had looked likely since Europe’s 4-0 whitewash in the foursomes on Friday morning. Donald said: “Pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, it’s been an amazing journey and I enjoyed this one. “It was stressful. The US put up a fight today and hats off to them. Unbelievable, but I’m so proud of my 12 guys. “We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me. “It started off great, we got off to great start, we needed some blue on the board early and a few matches changed to red and you kept looking at the board and thinking ‘Where are we going to find 14.5 points?’ but we always had some guys at the back who looked good.” Asked where it ranked in his career, Donald said: “This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and these guys because of these moments. “We play for each other, we get to share in that success together and we get to spend this week together and we will have those memories forever. “I gave them a good culture to succeed, hopefully I laid out a good plan in how I thought they were going to win and then it was staying out of the way. “They had to play well and they did the job, I’m happy they trusted me. In historic Rome we made history today.” Donald believes his team proved the doubters wrong following their 19-9 defeat in America two years ago, saying: “Not many people gave us a chance after Whistling Straits. “We were big underdogs, we started to show some form in the last six months and I couldn’t be happier with with the team I’ve got and I think these guys will be around for a long time.” Beaten US captain Zach Johnson was in floods of tears after his side’s defeat. Struggling to get out his words, Johnson told NBC: “I think the Europeans played phenomenal golf. It really is that simple. “My guys showed true heart and grit, a lot of character. They played for each other and I love them, but hats off to Luke. “They played great and they were very impressive. I think we got outplayed. “I’m proud of my guys, they fought. It’s not them, it’s on me. Maybe it’s some poor decisions, something to reflect (on). I don’t know yet. “I don’t have the brainwaves to function right now. I’ll reflect on this and Team USA will be better off at some point. We will diagnose every little bit of it. “I’m not making excuses, Europe outplayed us and they earned it.” – The Independent Waiting game for Springboks after Tonga victory SOUTH AFRICA all but sealed a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals with a 49-18 victory over Tonga in Marseille yesterday, although there is a slim mathematical chance they still might not even make the knockout phases. The Springboks ran in seven tries to Tonga’s three to nab a crucial bonus point to leave them atop Pool B on 15 points. The two teams who will advance to the quarterfinals will be decided when the world’s No. 1 ranked team Ireland – who beat the Boks last week – take on Scotland, ranked fifth, in Paris on Saturday. A win for Ireland would see them finish in top spot and South Africa as runners-up. However, should Scotland beat Ireland by a margin of 21 points or more, with both teams scoring four tries to earn an attacking bonus point, that would mean all three teams would finish pool play on 15 points. That permutation would see the Scots topping the group on points difference ahead of Ireland, in second spot thanks to their better head-tohead record against the Boks, in third. “We’ll have to wait,” said Boks coach Jacques Nienaber. “Our pool gets sorted out on Saturday so it’s a waiting game. “The key thing for us was to get the win first and then to get a bonus point and then obviously to try to get as many points as we could to put ourselves in the position to get out of our pool.” Nienaber added: “The reality is that where we are currently, I think between ourselves, Ireland and Scotland everybody can still miss out on the quarterfinal, every single team, all three of those teams. The pool will only be decided on Saturday.” Tonga coach Toutai Kefu said he was proud of his team’s performance after disappointing opening losses to Ireland (59-16) and Scotland (45-17). They will wrap up their campaign confident of a first victory of this World Cup against Romania in Lille on Sunday. “The boys had a real dig. One of the main things we stressed before the game was putting on a performance that everyone would be proud of and that was one of them.” – AFP AN emotional Rory McIlroy said a heated argument with an American caddie in the car park of Marco Simeone inspired his career-best display to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup in Rome. McIlroy revealed the furious scenes at the end of the second day’s play left him “the angriest I’ve ever been” in his career after the Northern Irishman had to be held back by teammate Shane Lowry amid an exchange with US caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay. But McIlroy said the argument lit a fire in his belly as he came out to beat Sam Burns in the singles and claim his fourth victory of the week, helping set the platform for Europe to claim a victory over the USA. McIlroy revealed he was also motivated to get revenge on Europe’s record defeat at Whistling Straits two years ago, which had left the fourtime major champion in tears after only contributing one victory. The 34-year-old said he had made up with caddie Mackay, as well as the caddie of Patrick Cantlay, Joe La Cava, whose behaviour when celebrating a half on the 18th had irked McIlroy and led to the furious exchange that spilled over intp the car park. Afterwards, McIlroy fought back the tears and told BBC 5 Live: “Walking off the 18th yesterday was probably the angriest I’ve ever been in my career. “I said it to the US guys, I thought it was disgraceful what went on and I made that clear. I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week. “I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies.” McIlroy went on to say he had texted Mackay and apologised to the caddie before the start of the singles. “I texted and apologised,” said McIlroy. “I was angry. I didn’t agree with what happened on 18. I let it fuel the fire today. It focused me and I went out and got the point. It’s a great bounceback after Whistling Straits.” – The Independent ‘Disgraceful’ US antics inspires McIlroy MEDAL TALLY (SELECTED) Gold Silver Bronze China 142 77 39 Japan 31 43 45 S. Korea 31 39 62 India 13 22 23 Taiwan 12 10 17 Uzbekistan 11 14 18 Thailand 10 7 16 Hong Kong 6 10 5 North Korea 6 10 5 Kazakhstan 4 7 26 MALAYSIA 3 4 14 ASIAN GAMES ASIAN GAMES Europe captain Luke Donald (centre) poses with The Ryder Cup and his player after the presentation ceremony following the final day of the tournament in Rome. – AFPPIX
23 SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 3, 2023 Ancelotti plotting revenge Madrid coach returns to Napoli with point to prove REAL MADRID coach Carlo Ancelotti is not a man to hold a grudge, as reflected by his return to the Spanish capital despite being harshly sacked by Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez in 2015. However the 64-year-old veteran would doubtless enjoy proving a point when his Madrid side visit Napoli in the Champions League tomorrow (3am Malaysian time) at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Ancelotti was axed by president Aurelio De Laurentiis in December 2019, less than an hour after helping Napoli reach the Champions League knockout stages with a 4- 0 thrashing of Genk. The Italian side were struggling in seventh in Serie A at the time and won their first Scudetto for 33 years in 2023, so De Laurentiis will consider his decisions more than justified. Ancelotti spent a year and a half in charge of Napoli, guiding them to a second place finish in the 2018-19 campaign, but his tenure was abruptly cut short in its sophom*ore year. At the time it seemed Ancelotti had reached the game’s summit years earlier and was on the way down football’s food chain, with his next appointment at Everton appearing to confirm that. Dressing room tensions and a dispute with De Laurentiis over a training camp led to his downfall in Campania. The president appeared to think Ancelotti did not have it in him to manage the squad. However Ancelotti’s surprise return to the helm of Madrid in 2021 put him back among the elite, and in 2022 he won his fourth Champions League title as a coach, more than anyone else, as well as La Liga to complete a superb double. Madrid’s 3-0 win at Girona on Sunday ensures they also arrive in Italy as leaders in La Liga, after a wobble in the derby against rivals Atletico Madrid. Jude Bellingham has seven goals and two assists this season across all competitions, largely playing in the No. 10 role, despite his capacity to operate in deeper areas. It was an “invention” by Ancelotti to help cover for the departed Karim Benzema and so far it has paid dividends for the England international, top scorer in Spain. The visit to Napoli will be another acid test for both Ancelotti’s plan and Madrid’s squad depth, with striker Victor Osimhen in excellent form, despite his recent anger over the club insulting him on social media network TikTok. Los Blancos are without injured defender David Alaba, leaving only Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez available in central defence. Napoli coach Rudi Garcia will also be looking forward to the game – he was due to face Madrid when at Roma in 2016, but was sacked ahead of the last 16 tie. – AFP NOTTINGHAM FOREST boss Steve Cooper felt it was another bad day for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited after some controversial decisions in his side’s 1-1 draw with Brentford. The PGMOL were forced to stand intended fourth official Darren England down at the City Ground after his mistake on Saturday night when, as VAR in Tottenham’s game against Liverpool, he failed to act properly in overturning the decision to rule out Luis Diaz’s goal for offside. And both managers were left complaining after the draw as Nicolas Dominguez’s header cancelled out Christian Norgaard’s opener, which came immediately after Moussa Niakhate was sent off. That is the decision that irked Cooper the most, the boss insisting that his defender’s tackle, where he raked his studs down Yoane Wissa’s calf, was accidental. Cooper said: “Honestly, if he doesn’t give him a second yellow, nobody mentions it. All of your colleagues on TV and radio have said the same. “With it being the only Premier League game of the day, the PGMOL needed a real clean day and unfortunately they have got the opposite. “We want to help referees, we will moan and complain as much as anyone else, it is just the nature of it. We’ll try and do it respectfully, but sometimes it’s hard. They have got to help themselves. “I’m annoyed with the first yellow, he shouldn’t have lunged in. The second yellow would not even have been mentioned… of course it was accidental. You need football understanding to see that. It’s a contact game. “The last thing they needed today was talking points about decision-making, but that’s what they’ve got.” Brentford boss Thomas Frank says he is “tired” of talking about VAR after he thought his side were denied a clear penalty. Frank believes Wissa was fouled by Matt Turner early in the second half when he closed down the Forest goalkeeper and was caught by Turner’s follow through, while Brentford also had two penalty appeals turned down. Referee Paul Tierney did not give anything and the incident was not even checked by VAR Michael Oliver. “I am tired of talking about it, I understand you guys need to ask the question,” he said. “I just want to talk about performances. “I think the two handball situations, some managers would claim them as penalty, I won’t. I think I would really hate that if they were given against my team. “But the Wissa one is a clear penalty, you can’t go through the man, that is an unfortunate mistake from VAR, especially when that is clear and obvious. “Unfortunately our players are too honest, we need to be a little bit more nasty, I would never say that to the players, I like honest players.” – The Independent Frustrated Cooper says refs have to help themselves █ JONATHAN VEAL Strong comeback from Atletico ATLETICO MADRID produced a fine comeback from two goals down to beat Cadiz 3-2 and climb to fourth in La Liga yesterday. Diego Simeone’s side were hit twice early on by the Andalucian minnows but dominated the game and triumphed thanks to an Angel Correa brace and Nahuel Molina’s strike. “The comeback today makes me very happy because it was not easy after the two goals,” Simeone told DAZN. “The team calmly found the path to victory.” Correa missed Thursday’s win over Osasuna with a knee sprain he sustained in the Madrid derby triumph last weekend but said he came back as soon as possible to help Atletico. “I wanted to force it, with a bit of pain, to help the team and it turned out well,” said Correa, who started in attack in place of the suspended Alvaro Morata. “Today the coach told me that I should play as the number nine to give more freedom to (Antoine) Griezmann.” Lukaku lifts Roma, Juve held ROMELU LUKAKU helped Roma to only their second win of the Serie A season as the Belgian striker scored in a 2-0 victory over Frosinone yesterday, while Juventus laboured to a goalless draw at Atalanta. Lukaku grabbed his third goal in five league games for Roma after latching onto a clever pass from Paulo Dybala midway through the first half. Dybala served up the delivery from which Roma wrapped up the points as Lorenzo Pellegrini volleyed in the Argentine’s free-kick at the far post in the 83rd minute. “It’s an important win with lots of hard work and efficiency in front of goal,” said Lukaku, who returned for another spell in Italy on loan from Chelsea. “We’re in a difficult situation, but the season is still long. We need to keep playing like that.” Juventus had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate in Bergamo as the visitors struggled to create chances in the absence of Dusan Vlahovic. Juventus slipped a spot to fourth behind reigning champions Napoli and are four points behind leaders Inter Milan, who are joined at the top by AC Milan. LA LIGA: Almeria 3 (Suarez 41, 44, 45+1) Granada 3 (Zaragoza 65-pen, R Sanchez 70, Uzuni 86), Alaves 0 Osasuna 2 (Arnaiz 36, Budimir 90), Atletico Madrid 3 (Correa 32, 66, Molina 46) Cadiz 2 (Pires 12, Marti 27), Real Betis 3 (Diao 41, Roca 52, Abde 85) Valencia 0. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Real Madrid 8 7 0 1 16 6 21 Barcelona 8 6 2 0 19 8 20 Girona 8 6 1 1 18 11 19 Atletico 7 5 1 1 18 7 16 Real Sociedad 8 4 3 1 16 10 15 SERIE A: Bologna 3 (Orsolini 21, 66, 90+2) Empoli 0, Udinese 2 (Lucca 23, Matturro 90+1- og) Genoa 2 (Gudmundsson 14, 41), Atalanta 0 Juventus 0, Roma 2 (Lukaku 21, Pellegrini 83) Frosinone 0. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Inter Milan 7 6 0 1 19 3 18 AC Milan 7 6 0 1 15 8 18 Napoli 7 4 2 1 16 6 14 Juventus 7 4 2 1 12 6 14 Atalanta 7 4 1 2 11 5 13 BUNDESLIGA: Darmstadt 4 Werder Bremen 2, SC Freiburg 2 Augsburg 0. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts B. Leverkusen 6 5 1 0 20 6 16 Stuttgart 6 5 0 1 19 7 15 Bayern Munich 6 4 2 0 20 6 14 B. Dortmund 6 4 2 0 12 6 14 RB Leipzig 6 4 1 1 16 6 13 FRENCH LIGUE 1: Reims 2 Lyon 0, Le Havre 0 Lille 2, Nice 0 Brest 0, Toulouse 3 Metz 0, Lorient 0 Montpellier 3, Rennes 3 Nantes 1. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Monaco 7 4 2 1 18 10 14 Brest 7 4 2 1 8 6 14 Reims 7 4 1 2 13 8 13 Nice 7 3 4 0 8 4 13 Paris SG 7 3 3 1 14 6 12 Mudryk trying hard to adapt to Chelsea culture CHELSEA boss Mauricio Pochettino says Mykhailo Mudryk is making a concerted effort to adapt to life in England and fulfil his potential as a “unique” player after an indifferent start to his career at Stamford Bridge. The Ukrainian moved from Shakhtar Donetsk in January for a fee that could rise to £88 million (RM510m), but he has featured only inconsistently in the starting XI under successive managers and is yet to score his first Blues goal. Mudryk has started each of Chelsea’s last three games and has shown flashes of promising in short bursts, including the beginnings of a burgeoning on-field relationship with new striker Nicolas Jackson. And Pochettino said the winger is making the effort that he expects of his players to integrate as he waits for his expensively assembled side to gel. “The life of these guys, when they are so young, (it) changed,” said the manager, whose squad with an average age of just over 23 is the youngest in the Premier League this season. “You pay big money, big change form where they came. Also it’s not about to arrive and to perform when you are young. “It’s about to adapt, it’s about to help them to settle. Then the most difficult thing is to understand what these guys need to settle and to feel comfortable and to express their talent. “If you ask me about Misha, he’s a very talented player of course, but you need to go with him very slowly. Cultural and everything is completely different to Latin people, from different countries or part of the world. “He’s now trying to be more open, to adapt and be more involved in every situation, not only on the field but outside also. I think he’s doing a massive effort to try to integrate himself and to understand better what it means to play like a team. “He’s unique. I can’t find a player to say he is similar, I can’t remember one. It’s a good challenge for him, and it’s a good challenge for us.” – The Independent █ ROBERT O’CONNOR RESULTS & STANDINGS SIDENETTING Mudryk
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] LIVERPOOL have criticised the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and warned they will “explore the range of options available” following the VAR controversy at Tottenham. The PGMOL admitted VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook failed to act after Luis Diaz’s 34th-minute strike at Tottenham was wrongly ruled out for offside. Still images of the incident showed Cristian Romero playing Diaz onside. The disallowed goal came with the match still goalless but after Curtis Jones had been controversially sent off following England’s intervention. Liverpool went on to lose 2-1. The officials were stood down from duty for the rest of the weekend but Liverpool will continue to pursue the matter. A statement read: “Liverpool Football Club acknowledges PGMOL’s admission of their failures last night. It is clear that the correct application of the laws of the game did not occur, resulting in sporting integrity being undermined. “We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR. “It is therefore unsatisfactory that sufficient time was not afforded to allow the correct decision to be made and that there was no subsequent intervention. “That such failings have already been categorised as ‘significant human error’ is also unacceptable. Any and all outcomes should be established only by the review and with full transparency. “This is vital for the reliability of future decision making as it applies to all clubs with learnings being used to make improvements to processes in order to ensure this kind of situation cannot occur again. “In the meantime, we will explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution.” England was due to be fourth official at Sunday’s Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford, while Cook was to be assistant referee for the west London derby between Fulham and Chelsea. Son Heung-min put Spurs in front moments after Diaz’s goal was disallowed, and although Cody Gakpo levelled, Tottenham won 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time own goal from Joel Matip, with Liverpool finishing the game with nine men after Diogo Jota also saw red. Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, English Premier League record goal scorer Alan Shearer expressed his bewilderment at the disallowed goal by Diaz. “It’s incomprehensible. The one bit of VAR that we have accepted, learnt and can’t argue about is the offside,” said Shearer. “Now this is going to put so much doubt into decisions that have gone on beforehand and in the future because of this. “It is a monumental error, he is clearly onside. We actually spotted straight away within a second or two that it’s not offside. “What we’re led to believe is that Darren England, who was in the VAR hub and Daniel Cook who was the assistant VAR, they have done all that they should have done in terms of drawing the lines. “Instead of saying to referee Simon Hooper you need to allow the goal, for some reason, he’s had a huge lapse in concentration and said check complete.” The former Newcastle striker questioned why the VAR referee, Darren England, and the assistant VAR, Daniel Cook, didn’t rectify the mistake before the game continued. He argued that there was ample time (around 30-35 seconds) between the decision and the restart of play and that Cook should have intervened to prevent the error from affecting the match further. “I’ve worked out there’s about 30-35 seconds to him making the decision and then kickoff. “It’s a huge error, that’s the VAR (referee) Darren England but why can’t Daniel Cook say: ‘Hold on a minute, before you kickoff, we need to stop this rather than going through this process’. They could have and should have stopped it before kickoff.” – The Independent/Agencies or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME TUESDAY • OCTOBER 3, 2023 Liverpool to ‘explore options’ in response to ‘unacceptable’ VAR error INJURY-HIT Bayern Munich travel to Copenhagen tomorrow (3am Malaysian time) in the Champions League, facing a depth problem which is effectively of their own making. Injuries kept first-teamers Serge Gnabry and Matthijs de Ligt out of Bayern’s 2-2 draw at RB Leipzig. Gnabry will miss weeks with a broken arm while De Ligt also looks set to miss tomorrow’s match. Combine the duo’s absence with injury clouds hovering above remaining centrebacks Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae and the Bayern hierarchy may begin to understand manager Thomas Tuchel’s persistent complaints about a lack of depth in his squad. Bayern remain undefeated in the league, German Cup and Champions League this season, but have made a habit of conceding goals against better sides. The German champions have conceded three in meetings with RB Leipzig and Manchester United so far this season, along with two against league leaders Bayer Leverkusen and again against Leipzig. While Bayern make tomorrow’s trip to Copenhagen as strong favourites, it is the kind of midweek fixture that will test their depth as they hope to fight for all trophies on offer this season. Despite a transfer window which brought England captain Harry Kane, Serie A defender of the year Kim and Konrad Laimer to Munich, Bayern allowed several players to leave in the summer. The list of departures included France defenders Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Marcel Sabitzer and right-back Josip Stanisic. After the window shut in early September, Tuchel described his squad as “a bit thin, a bit small” saying it was “thinner than before (the window closed)”. A frustrated Tuchel told Germany’s Sky network “it’s a courageous squad composition. We’ll see if it’s enough for the club’s goals this season.” Complaining about a lack of depth is hardly unusual for managers and in particular for Bayern managers. Tuchel’s predecessors Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann made similar complaints during their tenures – and any transfer window where a club lands Kane and Kim should be viewed as at least in part a success. However the way in which Bayern allowed the closing of the window to sneak up on them gives some substance to Tuchel’s complaints. Tuchel admitted in September “we wouldn’t have let Stani (Stanisic) go if we had known about Benji (Pavard) leaving”, despite the 2018 World Cup winner having pushed for a transfer for weeks. Injuries to De Ligt, Kim and Upamecano forced Tuchel to select midfielder Leon Goretzka and wingback Noussair Mazraoui in central defence in Bayern’s 4-0 German Cup win over Preussen Muenster last Tuesday, an added irony considering Pavard’s stated positional aims. Bayern’s depth concerns were best illustrated on Sunday, when former centreback Jerome Boateng was seen training with the side ahead of a possible return. Boateng won the 2013 and 2020 Champions League titles with Bayern but was deemed surplus to requirements in the summer of 2021 and allowed to leave for free. Bayern announced Boateng’s return to training on their website, with German media indicating the club wanted to see if the 2014 World Cup winner would be able to return to the squad. Relegated to the bench last season, Boateng played just eight matches with Lyon and is likely to serve as little more than a back-up in Tuchel’s side should he re-sign. Bayern captain Joshua Kimmich tried to put a positive spin on the situation after the Leipzig draw on Saturday, saying “it can be an advantage sometimes when the squad is a little smaller, because everyone is required and everyone is important.” “It’s still the case with us that we’ve got players on the bench we can bring in to change the game.” – AFP Size matters as Bayern Munich face Champions League test Sources: UEFA, Gracenote Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS MATCHDAY 2: OCT 4 Head-to-head GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D UEFA Champions League 2023-24 3 1 1 0 3 1 1 0 3 3 0 0 3 1 1 0 1 0 0 -1 4 0 0 -4 1 1 -1 -1 2 0 0 -2 Standings PtsGD Man Utd ENG Galatasaray TUR Copenhagen DEN Bayern GER Bayern Copenhagen Galatasaray Man Utd PSV NED Sevilla ESP Lens FRA Arsenal ENG Arsenal Lens Sevilla PSV Napoli ITA Real Madrid ESP Union Berlin GER Braga POR Napoli Real Braga Union Berlin Salzburg AUT Real Sociedad ESP Internazionale ITA Benfica POR Salzburg Inter Sociedad Benfica W D L 2 3 1 1 1 0 3 2 0 First meeting 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 3 1 0 1 WINNING FEELING Bayern started campaign with thrilling 4-3 victory over Man Utd – secured perfect group stage record, winning all six matches, in three of last four seasons 25 18 18 30 Bayern Real Madrid Barcelona Man City Barcelona 2017- 2012-17 2016-20 2018-21 2009-12 35 Bayern: Most UEFA Champions League group stage matches unbeaten AWAY DAYS Bayern travel to Copenhagen having lost last encounter on Danish soil against Brøndby in 1998 Bayern: Away record in Champions League L41 D33 Harry Kane Scored first hat-trick for Bayern against Bochum, with two assists W63 Reds want action Tuchel
