Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8523 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) ‘Malaysia leveraging on good relations with group to facilitate settlement of Hamas-Israel conflict’ Report on — page 2 Report on — page 3 Not-for-profit organisation needs RM9 million to carry out HPV vaccination for 300,000 rural and underprivileged girls. Report on — page 4 Meeting with Hamas chief a peacemaking effort: Anwar 154 cases of deviant teachings identified last year Cancer society solicits donations to fund nationwide drive KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered the planting of 100 trees for each one that is unnecessarily felled in the city. In a post on X, Anwar said he has issued such instructions to Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh. Anwar was responding to a news report published by Bernama on Monday quoting Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa on action taken by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) after a huge tree toppled across a road during a thunderstorm recently, resulting in the death of a motorist. According to Zaliha, DBKL was subsequently instructed to cut down trees at risk of toppling, Bernama reported. She was also quoted as saying DBKL has been told to improve the Shade Tree Management Plan and to develop new guidelines pertaining to ageing or high-risk trees, which is expected to be completed by July, to address dangers posed to the public. oPM issues orders to mayor subsequent to DBKL operation to cut down at-risk trees in city aimed at minimising danger to public ‘Plant 100 trees Plant 100 trees for each felled’ or each felled’ City hall has been instructed to cut down trees that are at risk of toppling after a motorist was killed in an incident during a storm recently. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN Challenging to combat religious ideology on social media accounts operated from outside country: Deputy FT mufti
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 2 Meeting with Hamas to leverage on good ties: Anwar DOHA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has admitted that his meeting with the top Hamas leader yesterday might cause anxiety among Malaysia’s friends, especially in the West. However, he explained that Malaysia is an independent country supporting peace efforts in the Gaza Strip and is using its good relations with Hamas for this purpose. Citing Qatar as an example, he said the peninsular Arab country had used its good ties with Hamas in negotiations which led to the release of 109 captives. “We are also taking the same Anwar trying a traditional delicacy of the Kyrgyz Republic, called Borsok, upon his arrival at Manas International Airport. – BERNAMAPIC o‘Move facilitates Malaysia’s intention to support peace efforts in Gaza’ PM begins official visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began his official visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan yesterday, which will end on May 19. The visit is at the invitation of President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic, President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, according to a Foreign Ministry’s statement. Accompanying him on the Central Asian visit are Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir will join the delegation in Kyrgyzstan. In the Kyrgyz Republic, the prime minister will be received in a full state welcoming ceremony before meeting with Japarov to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of concern to both countries. At the request of the Kyrgyz government, the prime minister will also visit the indigenous community’s craft and wares exhibit at Ala Archa National Park. Trade between Malaysia and the Kyrgyz Republic totalled RM162.3 million last year, a 312.6% increase compared with 2022. Malaysia exported RM161.1 million worth of goods to the Kyrgyz Republic in 2023 and imported RM1.22 million worth of electrical and electronic products, as well as chemical products. In Kazakhstan, where President Tokayev will host the prime minister, Anwar is expected to have a KazakhstanMalaysia investment roundtable meeting with a number of Kazakhstan industries. The prime minister will meet with Tokayev on May 17 to discuss matters of importance to both countries and exchange views on regional and international issues. Malaysia’s total trade with Kazakhstan in 2023 stood at RM474.5 million, with RM465.6 million being exports of Malaysian goods to Kazakhstan and RM8.9 million being the value of imports from Kazakhstan. In Uzbekistan, Anwar is scheduled to meet Mirziyoyev for a bilateral meeting to discuss relations between Malaysia and Uzbekistan, as well as explore potential areas of cooperation. The prime minister will then visit the Imam Hazrati Complex where the original manuscript of the Caliph Usman Quran (Mashaf Uthmani) – the oldest in the world – is kept and displayed. From Tashkent, the prime minister will travel to Samarkand on May 18 , where he is expected to address the High-level Uzbekistan-Malaysian Business Forum held at the Silk Road Samarkand Tourism Complex. The forum, hosted by Uzbekistan, will also be attended by Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov. Last year, Malaysia’s trade with Uzbekistan totalled RM451.1 million, with exports to Uzbekistan amounting to RM449 million and imports accounting for RM1.99 million. – Bernama ‘No to second casino in Malaysia’ DOHA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has firmly said no to the idea of a possible second casino in the country. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, the prime minister said Malaysia is currently focusing on digital transformation, energy transition as well as artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said these are the sectors that are adequate to push future growth, among others. Therefore, he stressed, there is no need for a second casino (licence) in the country under his administration. “Affirmative no. Malaysia does not have to venture into the (second) casino business. “We are focusing on digital transformation, energy transition (and) AI, and we believe these are adequate to push the country forward,” he told moderator Haslinda Amin in a plenary session here on Tuesday. Previously, the prime minister had repeatedly denied a foreign news report about the possibility of issuing a second casino licence in Forest City, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. – Bernama T’gganu Sultan: M’sia committed to addressing climate change BANGI: Malaysia is committed to addressing issues of global concerns, especially climate change, and ensuring continued protection and assessment of the various environmental impacts in the Antarctic continent, said Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin. The Sultan, also the patron of the Sultan Mizan Antarctic Research Foundation, said Malaysia’s global ranking of 36 out of 200 countries in the publication of scientific papers, is a testament to its achievement and contribution towards understanding the Earth. “Nevertheless, I would like to emphasise that for research to thrive in Antarctica, we must have a policy framework that includes an annual allocation to support our Antarctic research endeavours continuously. “With the rising interest of research in climate change related to polar regions, sustainable research funds are crucial to strengthening our Polar Research Programme,” he said in his opening speech when officiating the 10th Malaysian International Seminar on Antarctica on Tuesday. The Sultan further said the data and evidence produced by the Malaysian polar researchers would support policymakers in making informed decisions in drafting policies to adapt and mitigate the threat of climate change. – Bernama RM1m in fines for smoking in public PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry issued 4,133 compounds totalling RM1.02 million for smoking offences last month, said Health DirectorGeneral Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan. He said a total of 7,195 notices were issued after inspecting 17,719 premises under the enforcement of the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2002. Regarding enforcement actions aimed at preventing and controlling dengue fever under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975, Muhammad Radzi said 2,642 compounds for a total of RM1.3 million were issued, with an average of RM500 for each compound. “A total of 437 cases were referred for court action and 64 cases resulted in convictions with a total fine of RM140,700,” he said a statement yesterday. Muhammad Radzi reported that last month a total of 6,818 food premises were inspected, with 154 of them ordered to close under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983. “The temporary closure of food premises enforced by the ministry ensures the cleanliness of both the premises and the food served,” he added. – Bernama approach (to leverage our good ties),” he said at the end of his threeday official visit to Qatar on Tuesday. Anwar said at the meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, Malaysia requested Hamas to consider the views of various parties to seek a speedy and peaceful settlement to the Gaza conflict, Bernama reported. He said he could see that the Hamas leader was adopting an open attitude to seek a settlement but the Israeli regime must stop its atrocities in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank. “Qatar is taking the same stance and (Qatar Prime Minister) Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told me that in his negotiations with both sides, Hamas has shown a willingness to fulfil several conditions but unfortunately, Israel refused to accept these conditions.” Anwar said Hamas, like PLO, Fatah and the Palestinian Authority, has the right to defend its territory from an occupying foreign power and Malaysia is taking the approach of supporting peacemaking efforts. “Our approach is to be in contact with the political body of Hamas and not get involved in any military activities. So, this is what we want to clarify and which I believe our friends (from the West) will raise,” he added. Anwar said in his bilateral meeting with the President of Poland Andrzej Duda on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum, he explained why he needed to meet the Hamas leader. “We explained (to Poland) there is no reason why we cannot have the discussion (with Hamas). “Malaysia is an independent country, we make a wise decision to help seek a resolution, not to instigate it. “Before the meeting, I asked the views of the Emir of Qatar and Qatar prime minister because they know the situation better and are close to Hamas, in seeking a fair peacemaking method,” he said. Anwar’s meeting with Haniyeh, the Hamas Political Bureau chief, lasted more than an hour. Also present was former Hamas chairman Khaled Mashal. That was Anwar’s first meeting with Haniyeh in his capacity as the Malaysian prime minister. Anwar had met the Hamas leader twice before, in 2020 when Haniyeh visited Malaysia and in 2019.
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 3 PETALING JAYA: According to Malaysian Islamic Development Department statistics, a total of 154 heretical teachings were declared across the country last year, said Federal Territories deputy mufti Sahibus Samahah Jamali Mohd Adnan. He called for continuous efforts to be made to enhance strategic collaboration with the authorities to ensure such teachings are more effectively combatted. “Among the teachings that are still perceived as active and dangerous include Shia, Qadiani, liberalism, and religious pluralism. Smaller groups such as the Ayah Pin, SiHulk, and the heretical teachings of Mhd Mohib Khouli continue, but not as aggressively. “In terms of the Ayah Pin heretical teachings, although it has been over five years since it was neutralised, there remain about 100 to 150 dedicated followers, including children,” he said. Recently, followers of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light are believed to be active abroad and directly disseminating their teachings via TikTok live streams. Jamali said the challenge lies in the fact that many heretical teachings on social media operate outside the country, making it difficult to act against them. “The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission, through the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, has been doing its best by closing several social media pages that are confirmed to promote heretical teachings.” Jamali said the authorities have taken various measures to curb these heretical teachings in the country, including continuous monitoring, issuing fatwas, and educating the public about the dangers of heretical teachings. “The influence of social media and the borderless nature of the digital era has led to the promotion and spread of heretical teachings transcending borders. “The mufti’s office and enforcement agencies are taking these teachings seriously because we are concerned that they may influence the younger generation.” Jamali said once they are brought to the fatwa committee meeting, the mufti’s office will issue a fatwa against any teachings, practices, doctrines or thoughts found to be heretical and deviating from true Islamic teachings. He said fatwas that have been announced become law, and violating them can be subject to legal action, including fines of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to three years and corporal punishment of up to six strokes of the rotan for each offence. “Among the offences related to fatwa are idolatry, false doctrines, the propagation of false religious doctrines, false accusations, insulting Islam, teaching religion without proper authorisation, providing opinions and publishing materials contrary to any fatwa and Syariah law. “Heretical beliefs often arise from communities with a limited understanding of Islam, especially concerning matters of aqidah (creed) and tauhid (monotheism), which make them easily influenced by contradictory religious ideas.” Jamali said some are even overly obsessed with certain leaders or groups and too readily believe what is conveyed. “This blind loyalty often leads them to unquestioningly accept teachings propagated by their chosen authority figures, regardless of their alignment with Islamic beliefs.” Jamali added that the followers of heretical teachings often perceive themselves as the righteous ones, label naysayers as heretics, and engage in syirik (associating partners with Allah). He said according to records, two followers of the heretical teachings of “God” Harun (Harun Mat Saat) were sentenced to death for the murder of the Pahang Islamic Religious Department Enforcement Division chief assistant director in 2013. “The largest attack and invasion incident was carried out by the Al-Maunah group against the National Army Battalion Camp in Gerik, Perak, in July 2000. “All of these incidents stemmed from adherence to heretical teachings, which ultimately posed a threat to national security,” He said feedback is crucial to safeguarding the faith of Muslims, and that the public can help provide information to the authorities. Socso deadline for employers KUALA LUMPUR: Employers nationwide have been given until May 31 to voluntarily register and contribute to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) before the implementation of Ops Kesan 2024 next month. Socso group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said this would be the last chance for employers to comply with the regulation without being subject to fines, prosecution or interest on late payment of contributions (ILPC). “Employers who have yet to register and contribute for their employees are urged to do so immediately. This includes both local and foreign workers as well as domestic helpers,” he said yesterday. He added that employers can register online through the Assist Portal, visit any 54 Socso offices nationwide or contact the Socso Careline at 1-300-22-8000. Mohammed Azman added that employers who fail to register their companies and employees can be issued a compound of up to RM5,000 or charged in court. “Additionally, employers will be charged an ILPC at a rate of 6% per annum for each day of late contribution payment. “They may also be charged in court and could be fined up to RM10,000 or sentenced to imprisonment for up to two years or both,” he said. On Ops Kesan 15, he said this is to ensure that all employers who employ at least one worker register their companies and employees under Sections 4 and 5 of the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) and Section 14 of the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800). Based on statistics until March 31, nearly 1.55 million employers have registered with Socso under Act 4, but only 600,819 of them were actively contributing, or have made at least one contribution within a period of 12 months, while the number of active workers stood at 9.70 million. – Bernama Call for joint efforts to combat deviant teachings oDifficult to act against groups that use social media outside country to spread ideology: FT deputy mufti Tourist visa abuse threatens granting of privileges by Saudi Arabia MECCA: Malaysia risks losing special privileges granted by Saudi Arabia if its citizens continue to violate the kingdom’s laws and regulations, including misusing tourist visas to perform haj. Malaysian Haj Delegation head Datuk Seri Syed Salleh Syed Abdul Rahman said if one is caught misusing tourist visas, it would tarnish Malaysia’s reputation and image, which has long been held in high regard by Saudi Arabia. “We need to understand that Saudi Arabia often gives Malaysia priority, facilities and privileges in various situations, including tourist visas, umrah visas and haj visas,” he said at the Tabung Haji (TH) headquarters here on Tuesday night. Syed Salleh added that Malaysia is among three Muslim countries given the privilege to use tourist visas for performing umrah. The other countries are Kazakhstan and Indonesia. “I want to advise those who plan to perform the pilgrimage to use only the haj visas as using other form of visas is against the Saudi government’s regulation, he said. This year, the Saudi government is taking a strong stance on the issue due to numerous fraud cases and overcrowding at the pilgrim tents in Mina and Arafah, which have disrupted services for legitimate haj pilgrims. Saudi authorities have started setting up roadblocks and monitoring specific routes to ensure that only those with valid haj visas are allowed into pilgrimage areas, especially in Mecca. – Bernama Govt mulls new property Act KUALA LUMPUR: The Real Property Development Act for Peninsular Malaysia is expected to be tabled in Parliament next year, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. Nga, who mooted the idea of establishing the Act, said with the modern trend of living in a mixed development that includes retail, commercial, Soho (small office, home office) and medical residence, it is timely for the government to look into establishing the Act, which would be more comprehensive, transparent and accountable. “Since 1966, there has been the Housing Development Licensing Act, which only covers residential properties. With the new Act, the interests of purchasers, developers, and landowners will be protected. “Currently, it is not finalised and the ministry is still engaging with all stakeholders on the matter. “We are open to all new ideas and adopt a fair and balanced approach while protecting the buyers’ and developers’ interests as well,” he said at the TRX Residences completion celebration of Phase 1 here on Tuesday. – Bernama █ BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI [emailprotected] TH officials welcoming the first batch of Malaysian haj pilgrims at Hotel Abraj Janadiriya in Mecca on Tuesday. – BERNAMAPIC
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 4 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper Cancer society seeks funds for HPV vaccination drive KUALA LUMPUR: The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) is appealing to the public and corporations for donations to raise RM9 million for an on-ground project to vaccinate underprivileged girls against cervical cancer. Its managing director Dr M. Murallitharan said the not-for-profit organisation spends about RM10 million yearly on activities that directly impact the public. He said NCSM requires the funds to continue providing cancer awareness education and care, and support services for people affected by the disease. “This include free cancer screening, diagnostics and treatment for rural and underprivileged communities, psychosocial support, free transit housing for patients and caregivers, subsidised cancer medication, and oNationwide campaign expected to cost RM9 million and would benefit 300,000 underprivileged girls in rural communities █ BY JOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [emailprotected] Empower voices of young people to inspire change: Former youth icon KUALA LUMPUR: The voices of young people should not be disregarded and their involvement should be expanded, especially in societal and political issues, given their role as future leaders, said National Youth Icon 2011 and Asean Youth Icon 2011 Mohammad Rizan Hassan. He said the energy, spirit and idealism of young people can inspire change, unite communities and foster a sense of belonging within the nation. “By lending their voices to causes aligned with the values and aspirations of the nation, youths help shape the narrative of a country and strengthen its cultural and historical identity. “Through their actions and advocacy, young citizens can inspire others to take pride in the country, preserve its traditions and work towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity.” National Youth Day is observed every May 15 and a celebration will be held this year at Dataran Pahlawan in Banda Hilir, Malacca from May 24 to 26. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the event on May 25. The theme, “Yakin Boleh” (Confident and Capable), highlights the responsibility of the younger generation in fostering patriotism, promoting unity and contributing to national development. Malaysian Youth Council president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid called on young people to be more proactive by engaging in community activities, which can contribute to character building and development of soft skills. “This also provide opportunities and access to better education and experiences. “The youth today needs to build confidence and always prepare themselves to face various challenges,“ he said as a guest on Bernama TV’s “Darah Muda” programme on Monday. He said the theme is an extension of a Rakan Muda programme slogan. The programme, which began in 1994, is an initiative by the Youth and Sports Ministry. Among the activities lined up for the celebration in Malacca are the Palestine Solidarity Night, “Yakin Boleh” Malaysia Youth Run 2024, Youth Community Gathering, youth camping, State Arts and Culture Pavilion, career carnival and sales and exhibitions by government agencies, private companies and NGOs. The Statistics Department in 2020 revealed youths in Malaysia make up an estimated 44.2% of the total population. – Bernama Johor ART system to have 32 stations ISKANDAR PUTERI: The elevated Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system planned for Johor Bahru will have 32 stations, with a total distance of over 50km. Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the cost for the project is estimated to be nearly RM7 billion. “We chose the elevated ART system as it can be completed faster than the Light Rail Transit option. We want it to be operational with the Rapid Transit System Link, that is scheduled to begin in January 2027. “ART will have three lines, the 14.78km Iskandar Puteri line, 18.8km Skudai line and the 14km Tebrau line. A study is being conducted and is expected to be completed in August. It will then be presented to the Cabinet,” he said outside the legislative assembly building in Kota Iskandar on Tuesday. He added that the QR code system will be used for immigration clearance at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ) at the Sultan Iskandar Building and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in the middle of next month. “The first phase will involve factory bus passengers. It will then be expanded in stages for all category of commuters, with full implementation at the end of the year. “An estimated 5,000 passengers on 120 factory buses during each peak period will be involved in the first phase at both CIQs. For public commuters, including those with personal vehicles, the QR code system will be used in groups. “Passports are still required to be carried but need not be shown, it is enough to just show the QR code,” he said, adding that they were optimistic that the system would smoothen the flow of commuters at both entry points between Malaysia and Singapore. – Bernama RM104m for S’wak budget housing projects KUCHING: The Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) received an allocation of RM104.3 million this year for the implementation of affordable houses and Rumah Spektra Permata (RSP) projects in the state. Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the allocation was part of the RM262.8 million approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review. He said there are 16 physical projects involving 742 units of affordable houses and RSP in Kuching, Serian, Betong, Sarikei, Mukah, Miri and Limbang, and one non-physical project in the form of grants for the issuance of strata titles for HDC flats. “To date, 12 projects consisting 655 units are ongoing while the remaining four projects are at the planning stage,” he said during the Sarawak legislative assembly. – Bernama RM34m to instal flood warning network KUCHING: The federal government has approved an allocation of RM34.2 million to instal a flood forecasting and warning system at Sungai Sarawak and Sungai Batang Rajang in Sibu. State Public Health, Local Government and Housing Deputy Premier and Minister Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the amount was approved as part of an allocation given to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). “The project is currently in the detailed design stage and DID is expected to call for a tender by the third quarter of 2024,” he said during a state legislative assembly on Tuesday. Sim said DID also received RM8.6 million under the National Hydrological Network Programme to set up 10 new hydrological stations and upgrade 76 existing ones statewide. “The project is scheduled to be completed by the second quarter of 2024.” – Bernama SOPHISTICATED TECH ... An exhibitor showing a motorcycle on display at the Metaltech 2024 convention in Mitec, Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition is one of the largest and most influential showcase in the metalworking and automation industry. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/ THESUN wellness and return to work programmes.” He said NCSM also provides holistic cancer-related services to patients, caregivers and the public through its six centres – Cancer and Health Screening Clinic, Nuclear Medicine Centre, Resource and Wellness Centre, Quit Smoking Clinic, Children’s Home of Hope and Adults’ Home of Hope. Muralitharan said this year, NCSM is focusing on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as it plans to vaccinate 300,000 rural and underprivileged girls nationwide. “This will prevent cervical cancer. We received 300,000 vaccine doses worth RM90 million for free from a manufacturer, Merck Sharp and Dohme. However, we need to raise RM9 million to carry out the on-ground project to vaccinate the girls.” He said raising the RM9 million is critical as NCSM is financed only through public donations and does not receive any government grants. Muralitharan said as part of its outreach to raise funds, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) will be organising the Toyota “Start Your Impossible” outrun on June 23, which will be held under the umbrella of Toyota’s global Start Your Impossible campaign. UMWT president Datuk K. Ravindran said the event serves as a testament to the dedication of the company in helping those in need. “Cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of death in Malaysia. This highlights the critical need to raise awareness and rally support for NCSM. By uniting with it through sport, we can significantly impact the lives of cancer patients and their families, while also supporting vital research and services aimed at combating the disease.” He said part of the proceeds from the event will be allocated to supporting NCSM in its efforts to raise cancer awareness, fund research and provide vital support services to patients and their families. “UMWT has raised funds for NCSM through the run for the past three years. “The company also topped up our funds so we could purchase a Toyota Innova, which is used by our mobile teams to visit rural areas and conduct screenings and other activities.” Established in 1966, NCSM is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and has branches in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak and Sarawak. Those keen to make donations to the organisation may claim tax exemption. NCSM is currently under the patronage of His Royal Highness Sultan Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzudin Shah. To learn more about the Toyota “Start Your Impossible” outrun and to register as a participant, please visit https://v2.checkpointspot.asia/registration/to yota_syi_outrun_2024. Registration for the run will remain open until June 2.
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 5 National kayak athlete hurt in crash JOHOR BAHRU: National kayak athlete Siti Nurul Masyitah Md Elias was seriously injured after being hit by a car driven by a man believed to be drunk in the Eastern Dispersal Link heading towards Southkey here on Saturday. South Johor Bahru police chief ACP Raub Selamat confirmed the incident and said a statement would be issued soon. Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan mechanical engineering department student association said Siti Nurul Masyitah, 22, who is a mechanical engineering diploma student, was being treated at the Columbia Hospital. “Please pray for her recovery,” it said in a Facebook post, adding that she often commutes from the polytechnic to her home to care for her mother, who has spinal problems due to an accident, and her father, who needs dialysis treatment. She was part of the national traditional boat team which won bronze at the 2023 SEA Games. A video was widely spread on social media showing the collision of the car and the athlete, who was riding a motorcycle. – Bernama Murder accused to undergo mental check KLANG: The High Court here yesterday allowed an application by a man who was charged last year with the murder of his pregnant girlfriend to be referred to a psychiatrist for mental examination. Deputy Registrar Mohd Hirman Ab Raub allowed the application by Muhammad Fakrul Aiman Sajali, 21, that was made through his lawyer Muhammad Nor Tamrin after DPP Rosnee Mohd Radzuan did not object to it. Muhammad Nor informed the court that in September last year, the defence submitted a similar application in the Sungai Besar Magistrate’s Court but it was rejected. “The magistrate was of the view that the matter was under the jurisdiction of the High Court. “The application was made under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code.” Mohd Hirman set July 23 for mention for submission of psychiatric reports and other documents. On June 1, Muhammad Fakrul was charged with murdering Nur Anisah Abdul Wahab, 21, in Jalan Sungai Limau between May 22 and 23, 2023. The charge was framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides the death sentence. – Bernama Five cops deny gang robbery charge KUALA LUMPUR: An ASP and four police corporals pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court yesterday to a charge of robbing a Chinese national woman of RM140,000 in an apartment unit. ASP Mohd Faizol Ismail, 41, Khairil Annuar Sulaiman, 39, Mohd Zaidi Jamaludin, 35, Mohd Adrafil Adlan Roslan, 28, and Ahmad Rohafiz Abdul Rani, 39, were charged with robbing Zhang Chenxuan, who is in her 20s, in Jalan Tun Razak, Wangsa Maju at 5.30pm on April 6. The charge of committing gang robbery was framed under Section 395 of the Penal Code, which provides imprisonment of up to 20 years and caning. Judge Hamidah Mohamed Deril granted bail of RM8,000 in one surety each and fixed June 20 for mention. DPP Muhammad Muhairi Mohamed Noh prosecuted while Gurmukh Singh Sandhu represented Khairil Annuar, Mohd Zaidi, Ahmad Rohafiz and Mohd Faizol. Mohd Adrafil Adlan was represented by Shah Rizal Abdul Manan. – Bernama Customs officer facing 43 graft charges spanning 5 years SEREMBAN: A Customs Department officer was charged in the Sessions Court here yesterday with 43 counts of accepting bribes amounting to RM69,350 from 2017 to 2022. Mohammad Zyed Ibrahim, 41, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read separately for nearly an hour before Judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi. The KL International Airport (KLIA) Customs officer is accused of accepting money from a company owner through online transfers from the company account to his account. The money was allegedly inducement for not inspecting the company lorries, which ferried goods out of the KLIA Cargo facility. The offences were allegedly committed through a bank in Nilai between Sept 16, 2017 and Jan 16, 2022. The charges were framed under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which provides imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. MACC DPPs Muhammad Asraf Mohamed Tahir, Nur Atiqah Mohamad Alias and Mohd Afif Ali appeared for the prosecution while the accused was represented by Muhamad Aizat Fakri, Bernama reported. Muhammad Asraf objected to the court oTotal amount of RM69,000 allegedly received from business owner as inducement to forgo inspections of company lorries carrying goods from KLIA Cargo facility offering bail, on the grounds that the accused is a Customs officer who should be responsible for controlling the entry points of the country. “The court needs to take into account the responsibility of the accused as his act of accepting bribes is a serious crime, apart from creating a negative image of the Customs Department.” He said the accused was a flight risk as authorities took 65 days to track him down, including via a media search, before he was arrested at his mother’s house in Bintulu, Sarawak on May 7. Muhamad Aizat pleaded for bail on the grounds that his client is a single father of a five-year-old and supports his 66-year-old mother and mentally impaired brother. “The accused is from Bintulu and did not run away there but instead took responsibility by taking care of his family and cooperating with MACC.” The court denied bail and set June 14 for re-mention. Court grants release of passport to Syed Saddiq PUTRAJAYA: Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman was granted temporary access to his passport by the Court of Appeal yesterday to enable him to go to Singapore and Taiwan. Syed Saddiq had applied for the temporary release of his passport to attend the wedding ceremony of the daughter of his close friend in Singapore on Saturday and to visit Taiwan from June 10 to 15 as a Malaysian representative responding to an invitation by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. A panel comprising judges Datuk Hadhariah Syed Ismail, Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and Datuk Azmi Ariffin allowed the application after DPP Mohd Afif Ali did not object to it. Syed Saddiq, 31, was ordered to return the passport to the court on or before June 18. The court also allowed a request by his lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik for the court to prepare and issue a letter to the Immigration Department director-general to enable his client to travel overseas. On Nov 9 last year, Syed Saddiq was sentenced to seven years’ jail, a RM10 million fine and two strokes of the cane by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur after being found guilty of four charges of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds and money laundering. He filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal the same day. The 2018 to 2020 Youth and Sports Minister was charged with abetting former Armada assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali to commit criminal breach of trust by misappropriating RM1 million of Armada funds that Rafiq was entrusted with. The offence was committed at CIMB Bank Bhd in Menara CIMB KL Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2 on March 6, 2020. On the second charge, Syed Saddiq was accused of misappropriating RM120,000 from Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise’s Maybank Islamic Bhd account by making Rafiq dispose of the money. He was also charged with two counts of laundering proceeds from unlawful activities via transactions of RM50,000 each from his Maybank Islamic Bhd account into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera account at a bank in Jalan Persisiran Perling, Taman Perling in Johor Bahru on June 16 and 19, 2018. The High Court allowed his application to stay the execution of all sentences pending appeal and July 12 was set for case management. – Bernama The Appeals Court released the passport of Syed Saddiq until June 18 to allow him to travel to Singapore and Taiwan. – BERNAMAPIC
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 6 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Education remains an important pillar of Malaysian society; it equips students with the skills needed to become productive and useful members of society. We invite you to showcase the best of education and the difference your institution has brought to the education landscape. Education matters so join us in 2024! Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [emailprotected] LAHAD DATU: Every two years, the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognises heroes and heroines from various backgrounds who are dedicated to serving others. This year, the MyHero Award 4.0 honoured the efforts of Tan Cheng Teng, 66, from Sabah, who has been supporting the Lahad Datu Hospital for years by raising funds to enhance its medical equipment and facilities. The only specialist hospital in the district, located in the Tawau division, it features 268 beds and comprises 12 multidisciplinary units staffed by specialists and more than 100 medical officers. Tan’s efforts have significantly impacted the community’s access to quality healthcare at the hospital. His commitment to philanthropy alongside his business endeavours earned him the endearing moniker of the hospital’s “adoptive father”, a fond reference given by its medical officers, staff and patients. “It has always been important to me to balance my business responsibilities with good deeds. I have always believed in giving back to the community, especially by supporting government hospitals. “This is not just a duty for me, but something that I am deeply passionate about, as I understand the importance of investing in the well-being of our community.” Tan said donating to the hospital is also a way for him to use his resources to make a positive impact on the lives of others and create a legacy of compassion and generosity. While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to equip public healthcare institutions, Tan said there is only so much it could do, so businesses must assist, particularly in supporting medical facilities for rural communities. “I believe businesses should give back to the communities that support them. We can save many lives by donating to hospitals that are located in rural areas. “The first thing that came to my mind was what if I led the way instead of waiting for someone else to address the matter? That is how I started to help the hospital.” Tan said every individual’s life is valuable and no one should suffer from a lack of medical resources, oSabah businessman bestowed MyHero award, earns ‘adoptive father’ moniker for efforts in aid of Lahad Datu hospital adding that he feels a personal responsibility to contribute to bridging the gap. But his advocacy does not just stop there and extends beyond fundraising. He actively engages with local organisations and individuals and urges them to contribute by purchasing medical equipment such as dialysis machines, wheelchairs and water filters, or providing financial assistance. During the pandemic, Tan mobilised resources to support frontline workers, quarantine centres and underprivileged families. Beyond his charitable work, Tan embodies inclusivity and compassion regardless of social status, race, faith or background and extends help to all who are in need. He has become a beacon of hope for many, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are cared for, needy families receive essential support and those facing adversity find relief in his generosity. Tan’s altruism has strengthened social cohesion and fostered racial harmony within the community, particularly among youths. Through his actions, he has epitomised the spirit of voluntarism and teamwork, embodying the essence of the Malaysian identity that is rooted in unity and cooperation. “By volunteering and donating to noble causes, especially hospitals, we can have well-maintained healthcare institutions that are properly equipped for public access.” Tan extends help to all in need regardless of social status, race, faith or background. KEPALA BATAS: The Guar Kepah Archaeological Gallery project is in its final phase of construction, with 98% of it completed, and is expected to open to the public at the end of the year. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the project on a 0.97ha site is expected to be completed by the end of June, but will open in December taking into account the logistics involved. “This project commenced on Nov 14, 2022. There is only a little left to be done involving some internal and external works, in addition to the layout of the exhibition space,” he told a press conference after reviewing the progress of the project on Tuesday. “In future, the gallery will be a main tourist attraction in the northern region.” Wong said the gallery will house the main exhibit, a human skeleton known as “Penang Woman” that is more than 5,000 years old and was found in 2017. In addition, 41 other skeletons found in Guar Kepah by P.V van Stein Callenfels in 1936 and kept in Leiden, the Netherlands, are in the process of being repatriated. Wong expressed confidence that the efforts to bring back all the skeletons would be realised soon, once the construction of the gallery is completed. He said discussions were held between the Dutch embassy and National Heritage Department recently, and it was understood that the government is waiting for a response from the Dutch, including the terms and conditions before signing a letter of agreement for the process of repatriation. – Bernama Guar Kepah gallery to open in December Passionate crusade to help others █ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN [emailprotected]
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 7 Lawrence Wong takes over as Singapore PM SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took over the reins yesterday making him just the second non-member of Singapore’s founding family in nearly six decades to lead the affluent citystate. Wong, 51, a US-trained economist comes from a young generation of politicians groomed for leadership in Singapore’s carefully orchestrated succession process. He becomes the first leader to have been born after the country’s independence in 1965, and he’s won public support by taking to social media to showcase his guitar skills. “Lawrence Wong has a disarming way of engaging with oLeader comes with extensive govt experience Philippine fishermen along with volunteers from a civilian-led mission Atin Ito (It’s Ours) Coalition aboard fishing boats arrive at a meeting point in the South China Sea yesterday. – AFPPIC Philippine civilian convoy sails towards disputed reef MANILA: Civilians on board fishing boats sailed yesterday towards a China-controlled reef to distribute provisions to Filipino fishermen and assert their rights to the disputed waterway. The trip to the waters around Scarborough Shoal comes two weeks after China Coast Guard vessels fired water cannons at two Philippine government boats in the same area. A lone Philippine Coast Guard boat escorted the civilian convoy, which includes around 200 people on five commercial fishing vessels and a number of smaller outriggers, organisers said. Four hours after it left a northern Philippine port, the convoy said it began handing food and fuel to Filipino fishermen and dropped a dozen buoys marked “WPS is ours”. WPS is the acronym for the West Philippine Sea, Manila’s name for the South China Sea waters west of the Philippines. A spokesman for the convoy said that there was “no Chinese presence” in the area. India Supreme Court grants bail to jailed editor NEW DELHI: India’s top court yesterday ordered the release on bail of an editor jailed in connection with a case alleging his news website received Chinese funding. Prabir Purkayastha was arrested last year after a New York Times investigation alleged his Englishlanguage outlet NewsClick had been financially supported by a network pushing Chinese propaganda. Relations between New Delhi and Beijing are tense due to a longrunning border dispute that devolved into a deadly troop clash in the Himalayas in 2020 and sent diplomacy between the two nations into deep freeze. The Supreme Court ruled that Purkayastha’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate, India’s financial crimes agency, was illegal since it failed to communicate the grounds for detention in writing to him. Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta declared his arrest “invalid in the eyes of law” and said he should be released on bail. The court said that its ruling on Purkayastha’s confinement was not a statement on the merits of the case against him. Last year the New York Times reported that NewsClick was financed by US millionaire Neville Roy Singham, saying it “sprinkled its coverage with Chinese government talking points” – claims Singham rejected. The report also accused Singham of working closely with Beijing and of “financing its propaganda worldwide”. Purkayastha, who has also denied the claims, was arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, a stringent anti-terror law under which formally charged suspects are almost never bailed. His arrest had raised international concerns over the situation for media in a country where press freedom has nosedived since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. – AFP B R I E F STHAI ACTIVIST DIES IN PRE-TRIAL DETENTION BANGKOK: A Thai political activist died in custody on Tuesday, the Department of Corrections said, and a legal aid group said she had been on a partial hunger strike during her pre-trial detention on charges including insulting the country’s monarchy. Netip*rn “Bung” Sanesangkhom, 28, was part of a small anti-monarchy group called “Thaluwang”, a name that translates to “shattering the palace”, which organised actions such as opinion polls questioning the monarchy’s power and holding small gatherings seeking the release of detained members. She had been jailed since Jan 26. Initially Netip*rn was held for one month on a contempt of court charge related to a scuffle with court guards in 2023, legal aid group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said. Her pre-trial detention was extended after a court revoked her bail from a separate royal insult case stemming from a protest in 2022, the legal aid group said. While in detention, Netip*rn refused to take food and water for a month as a protest against political activists not being granted bail. She started drinking water in late February, and then eating in April after she was sent to a prison hospital because of her deteriorating health, the legal aid group said. Netip*rn’s heart “stopped suddenly” on Tuesday, the department said in a statement, and the medical team at the prison hospital tried to revive her before sending her to Thammasat University Hospital where she was declared dead. – Reuters SEARCH CONTINUES FOR 20 MISSING IN FLOODS TANAH DATAR: Rescuers raced yesterday to find dozens of people still unaccounted for after heavy rains caused flash floods and washed volcanic debris into residential areas over the weekend, sweeping away houses and leaving 67 people dead. Hours of torrential rain on Saturday caused mud and rocks to flow into districts near one of Indonesia’s most active volcanos, destroying dozens of houses and damaging roads and mosques. “Some of the missing ones have been found. According to the police identification, 67 people died,” national disaster agency chief Suharyanto said yesterday in a press conference. He said 20 people remained missing, with rescuers saying many of the retrieved bodies were found in or around rivers after being swept away by the deluge of volcanic material, mud and rain. The mixture of ash, sand and pebbles carried down a volcano’s slopes by rain is known in Indonesia as lahar, or cold lava. Heavy equipment was deployed to clear debris from the areas worst hit by flooding and cold lava flows, which have affected transport access in six districts, said Suharyanto. More than 3,300 people have been forced to evacuate from affected areas. – AFP people, the ability to put people at ease,” said Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at Singapore Management University. After Singapore made waves by booking Taylor Swift’s only Southeast Asian date on her recent tour, a video Wong posted on social media of him playing her country ballad Love Story on guitar went viral. “Imagine the next prime minister in line welcoming Taylor Swift with his guitar at the opening scene of the concert tonight,” one Instagram user wrote, adding a pair of smiling emojis with heart-shaped eyes. While Wong has lengthy experience in government, he was not always tipped among the country’s generation of young leaders to reach top office. But he distinguished himself as co-chair of a task force to fight Covid-19, which Lee described as the “crisis of a generation”. “I believe when push comes to shove and the time comes to take hard decisions, I would do so, so long as the decision is in the interest of Singapore and Singaporeans,” Wong said in an interview with The Economist magazine. He told the publication he listens to other viewpoints. “When I go into a meeting, I do not start off assuming that I know all the answers. I want to get people’s insights, I want to get people’s perspectives, eventually thinking about what makes for the best decisions and outcomes for Singapore.” Wong has more than 200,000 followers on Instagram, where he describes himself as a “bookworm, guitar player and dog lover”. Growing up in the 1980s, his greatest influences were Eric Clapton and rock bands such as the Eagles, he said, adding that he also loves the blues. He went on to graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in the United States, respectively. He also holds a graduate degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. After university, he began his career in the civil service, where he caught the eye of the long-ruling People’s Action Party. Wong was first elected to parliament in 2011 and quickly climbed through the ranks to hold various positions, including in the defence and education ministries. He went on to serve as chief executive of the Energy Market Authority, chairman of the central bank and as Lee’s principal private secretary. Wong was appointed finance minister in 2021, a position deemed a crucial preparation for running an international financial hub like Singapore. Lee appointed Wong deputy prime minister in 2022, putting him firmly in line as heir-apparent. “Political leadership is never about one person,” Wong told reporters last year. – AFP He declined to disclose the convoy’s location, except to say the boats were “still far from the shoal”. The group had said it received reports of a “heavy presence” of Chinese vessels near the shoal. “This civilian supply mission is not just about delivering supplies, it’s about reaffirming our presence and rights in our own waters,” said organiser Edicio Dela Torre. “The world is watching, and the narrative of rightful ownership and peaceful assertion is clearly on our side.” Scarborough Shoal has been a potential flashpoint since China seized it in 2012. The reef is about 240km west of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon and nearly 900km from Hainan, the nearest major Chinese land mass. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing off rival claims and ignoring an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Beijing deploys coast guard and other boats to patrol the waterway and has turned several reefs into artificial islands that it has militarised. Tensions over the disputed waters and reefs have intensified in the past 18 months. – AFP
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 8 Taiwan keen to attend all WHO meetings TAIPEI: Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu called on the World Health Organisation yesterday to allow the island to attend all its meetings if it is serious about its goal of “Health for All”, ahead of a key summit Taipei wants to take part in. Taiwan is excluded from most international organisations because of objections by China, which considers the democratically governed island its own territory. Taiwan attended the WHO’s World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer from 2009 to 2016 under the administration of then-president Ma Ying-jeou, who signed landmark trade and tourism agreements with China. But Beijing began blocking Taiwan’s participation in 2017 after President Tsai Ing-wen won office for her refusal to agree to China’s position that both China and Taiwan are part of “one China”. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said on Monday it was Taiwan’s ruling party’s fault the island could not attend the WHA given what it called a “lack of a political basis”. Taiwan’s government says that Beijing has no right to speak for or represent Taiwan on the international stage. Speaking to lawmakers at parliament, Wu said the WHO’s director general should take the initiative to invite Taiwan to attend this month’s WHA as an observer. The WHO should also “let Taiwan fully participate in all the WHO’s meetings, activities and systems, to put into effect the WHO’s charter that health is a basic human right and achieve at an early date the ‘Health for All’ goal”, he said. He separately told reporters that Taiwan faced a “very high level of difficulty” in taking part in this year’s WHA, but said it was winning more and more support from countries for its bid to be invited this year. The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States “strongly encourages” the WHO to reinstate Taiwan’s invitation. – Reuters B R I E F SYOUTUBE AGREES TO BLOCK HK PROTEST ANTHEM MOUNTAIN VIEW: Alphabet’s YouTube on Tuesday said it would comply with a court decision and block access inside Hong Kong to 32 video links deemed prohibited content. The action follows a government application granted by Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal requesting the ban of a protest anthem called Glory to Hong Kong. The judges warned that dissidents seeking to incite secession could weaponise the song for use against the state. “We are disappointed by the court’s decision but are complying with its removal order,” YouTube said in a statement, saying it shared human rights groups’ concerns that the content ban could chill free expression online. “We’ll continue to consider our options for an appeal, to promote access to information.” – Reuters GEOLOGIST UNRAVELS MONA LISA BACKDROP MYSTERY LECCO: Over 500 years after Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, an academic has unravelled the mystery about its backdrop. Geologist and Italian Renaissance specialist Ann Pizzorusso pinpoints it to Lecco in northern Italy. According to the scholar, the arched bridge depicted in the painting would correspond to the 14thcentury Ponte Azzone Visconti. The geologist found that rock formations in Lecco were limestone, which matched what is depicted behind the noblewoman. “When you look at the Mona Lisa, you see this part of the Adda River, and you see another lake behind it, which are perfectly shown underneath these sawtooth mountains.” – Reuters Ship lost power twice before striking Baltimore bridge WASHINGTON: The container ship that collided with a major bridge in Baltimore, collapsing it within seconds, suffered two electricity blackouts in the moments before the disaster, a preliminary report by federal investigators released on Tuesday said. The Singapore-flagged Dali also lost power during maintenance twice the previous day, though the report by the National Transportation Safety Board said it was still investigating what impact that may have had. It had been clear the ship had lost power in the seconds before the stunning collapse. But the report is the first detailed examination of the events leading up to the disaster, which killed six workers who were making repairs on the bridge, and blocked the busy Port of Baltimore. In a timeline of the accident, it said the Dali was just 0.9km from the bridge when the electrical breakers that fed most of the ship’s equipment and lighting unexpectedly tripped, causing the first blackout. The ship lost propulsion and steering and began to drift off course. The crew managed to restore power briefly, but with the Dali just 0.3km from the bridge the lights went out again. An emergency generator gave the crew some steering and they made a hard turn to port but without propulsion, the bridge’s fate was sealed. The report also detailed two blackouts about 10 hours before leaving Baltimore. “The first in-port blackout was caused by the mechanical blocking of the online generator’s exhaust gas stack. The second blackout in port was related to insufficient fuel pressure for the online generator,” it said. It also said the crew had been tested multiple times, before and after the disaster, for drugs and alcohol, and that none of the results were positive. In April, the FBI launched a criminal investigation targeting the ship. President Joe Biden promised last month to “move heaven and earth” to rebuild the bridge, pledging federal funds and saying a new channel for shipping traffic would be open by the end of May. On Monday, crews demolished part of the bridge in a bid to free the Dali, which has been pinned beneath the wreckage since the collapse. – AFP ‘Boeing can be prosecuted for 737 MAX crashes’ SAN FRANCISCO: The US Justice Department on Tuesday said Boeing can be prosecuted for two subsequent 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people five years ago. Boeing breached obligations under an agreement that had shielded it against legal proceedings for the accidents, department officials said in a letter to a federal court in Texas. Boeing told AFP “we believe that we have honoured the terms of that agreement” and said that it plans to defend itself. US officials said in their letter that Boeing breached its obligations under a deferred prosecution agreement (DFA) by “failing to design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics programme to prevent and detect violations of the US fraud laws throughout its operations.” Such a breach would mean Boeing can be oFirm says it honoured agreement terms prosecuted for any violation of federal law related to the crashes, according to US justice officials. The government is evaluating how to proceed in the matter and has directed Boeing to respond by June 13. US officials also plan to confer with families of people who died in the Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashes. “This is a positive first step, and for the families, a long time coming,” said attorney Paul Cassell, who represents crash victim families. Cassell called for further action from the Department of Justice and added he would seek details regarding a “satisfactory remedy” to Boeing’s wrongdoing. In March of 2019, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed southeast of Addis Ababa, killing 157 people on board. It was the second accident in five months for a 737 MAX aircraft, a product line meant to replace the 737 NG. The first crash, involving a MAX 8 operated by Lion Air, occurred in October of the previous year in Indonesia’s Java Sea and left 189 people dead. Both aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, with investigations later pointing to trouble with the automated flight system. The aircraft were temporarily grounded or banned from airspace around the world. “We will engage with the department with the utmost transparency, as we have throughout the entire term of the agreement,” Boeing said in a statement. It said this also included “response to their questions following the Alaska Airlines 1282 accident”. The dramatic mid-flight blowout on Jan 5 of a fuselage panel on an Alaska Airlines plane precipitated the departures of a series of top Boeing officials, including CEO Dave Calhoun, who is set to step down at year’s end. It also resulted in reduced production of the 737 MAX. The US Federal Aviation Administration was sharply criticised after the crashes of two Boeing 737 MAX planes in 2018 and 2019. – AFP AT CROSSROADS ... An asylum seeker from Brazil taking water and socks donated by the American Friends Service Committee as migrants wait at a border wall to surrender to immigration officials after crossing into the US from Mexico on Tuesday. – REUTERSPIC
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 9 Court investigating Ukraine, Gaza wars vows to defy threats NEW YORK: The International Criminal Court prosecutor said on Tuesday he will not be intimidated by threats as his office investigates possible war crimes in Ukraine and Gaza. During a UN Security Council meeting on his investigation into war crimes in Libya, prosecutor Karim Khan was challenged by the ambassadors of Russia and Libya, who criticised what they called his inaction as Israel wages war in the Gaza Strip. “One wonders if the effectiveness of the ICC on this track is affected by the fact that a new bipartisan Bill has been submitted to the US Congress to sanction ICC officials involved in investigating not only the US but also its allies,” said the Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzia. Nebenzia was alluding to news reports that a Bill to this end has been submitted to the US Congress. Karim responded by citing what he said were threats against him and his office to make him halt his investigation. “We will not be swayed, whether it’s by warrants for my arrest or the arrest of elected officials of the court by the Russian Federation, or whether it’s by other elected officials in any other jurisdiction,” Karim said. In May of last year Russia put Karim on its list of wanted persons after the court issued an arrest warrant against President Vladimir Putin for his role in the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia as part of the war. In early May Karim’s office said on X that the court’s “independence and impartiality are undermined, however, when individuals threaten to retaliate against the court or against court personnel”. It did not say where the threats are coming from. “Such threats, even not acted upon, may constitute an offence” against the ICC’s “administration of justice”, the office warned, calling for an end to such activity. The court made this comment after US and Israeli media reports which suggested the ICC prosecutor could issue warrants against Israeli politicians including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. – AFP B R I E F STOP EUROPEAN DIPLOMAT SEES U.S. ‘FATIGUE’ SAN FRANCISCO: The European Union’s top diplomat said the United States is showing “fatigue” in its Middle East diplomacy and called for greater EU efforts toward a Palestinian state. The bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Israel’s war was a “man-made disaster”. “I see a certain fatigue from the US side to continue engaging in looking for a solution,” Borrell said in a speech at Stanford University released on Tuesday. “We are trying to push with the Arab people to build together to make this two-state solution a reality,” he said. The UN General Assembly last week passed a symbolic vote for Palestinian membership with the United States one of only nine countries to vote against. – AFP RED CROSS OPENS RAFAH FIELD HOSPITAL GAZA: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced the opening of a field hospital in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip with a capacity of 60 beds. It said the field hospital aims to complement and support the work of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society to meet the enormous health needs in Gaza. The hospital team will consist of about 30 medical workers, providing emergency surgical care, maternal and child health care, neonatal care, paediatric services, and outpatient clinics. The field hospital, operated by the ICRC in coordination with local and international Red Cross societies, will be able to provide medical care for about 200 people daily. – Bernama Palestinians mark ‘Nakba’ anniversary RAFAH: Tens of thousands of civilians fled the city of Rafah ahead of a threatened Israeli ground offensive, as Palestinians yesterday marked the anniversary of their “Nakba” or “catastrophe” of 1948. During the war that accompanied Israel’s creation, around 760,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes and many took refuge in what would later become the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Yesterday’s commemoration of the “Nakba” took place as multiple battles between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters across the Gaza Strip forced waves of Palestinians to flee yet again. Nearly 450,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Rafah since May 6, and around 100,000 from northern Gaza, UN agencies said. That means around a quarter of Gaza’s population of 2.4 million people have been displaced again in about one week. Since Israeli troops moved into eastern oMultiple battles force thousands to flee Rafah, the aid crossing point from Egypt has remained closed and the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing lacks “safe and logistically viable access”, a UN report said on Monday. Qatar, which has been mediating peace talks, said Gazans “have not received any aid” since May 9. Israeli police on Tuesday said they had opened an investigation after right-wing activists stopped and ransacked at least seven Gaza-bound aid trucks from Jordan, leaving food spilt on the road. One of the activists, Hana Giat, said “no humanitarian aid should go in before our hostages are out, safe in their homes”. Both the United States, which called it “a total outrage”, and Britain, said they would raise concerns about the incident with Israel’s government. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called on Israeli authorities to stop the attacks and hold those responsible to account. “I’m outraged by the repeated and still unchecked attacks perpetrated by Israeli extremists on aid convoys,” Borrell said. Clashes have rocked densely crowded Rafah but also flared again in northern and central Gaza months after troops and tanks first entered those areas. More than half of Gaza casualties women, children TEL AVIV: Women and children make up at least 56% of the thousands killed in the Gaza war, the UN said, amid controversy over the numbers from the Health Ministry in Gaza. The UN was clarifying a fresh breakdown of the death toll in Gaza, after Israel slammed the world body for “parroting propaganda”. Due to a lack of access, UN agencies have since Oct 7 relied on figures provided by the Health Ministry. This has drawn criticism from Israel, but the UN says the ministry’s casualty figures before the war were deemed reliable, and that it will strive to verify the figures “when conditions permit”. The ministry said that at least 35,173 people have been killed in the territory due to Israeli military operations since the war erupted. Gaza authorities have consistently said women and children make up a large majority of those killed in the Palestinian territory. But a fresh breakdown provided by the ministry and published by the UN last week appeared to cast doubt on that assertion. The ministry said that as of April 30 it had identified nearly 25,000 of those killed, with identification elements missing for the remainder of the nearly 10,000 others who had died. Of those fully identified, it said 40% were men, 20% women and 32% children, while another 8% were elderly – a category not broken down by gender. WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier on Tuesday said the new breakdown was “the most comprehensive” provided to date. He said that by applying the same ratio to the unidentified and assuming women represent half of the elderly, it could be expected that at least “56% women and children” were among the 35,000 dead. And that did not take into consideration the likelihood that more women and children were likely to be among those still be under the rubble “because they are the ones typically staying at home”, he said. So from a “minimum statistical calculation”, he said, “you come to 60% women and children”. Jens Laerke, a spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the new breakdown did not contradict previous estimates that women and children made up more than two thirds of those killed. It was simply “more detail about a subsection of the overall tally of 35,000 deaths”, he said. “These are not mutually exclusive.” – AFP A plume of smoke rises during Israeli bombardment in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. – AFPPIC At least five people were killed, including a woman and her child, and several others wounded, in two Israeli air strikes on Gaza City on Tuesday night. Israel last week defied a chorus of warnings, including from top ally Washington which paused a shipment of bombs, and sent troops and tanks into the east of Rafah to pursue gunmen. Battles and heavy Israeli bombardments have been reported around Rafah as well as in Gaza City and Jabalia refugee camp in the north, and Nuseirat camp in the centre. Despite threatening to withhold some arms over concerns of a Rafah assault, US President Joe Biden’s administration informed Congress on Tuesday of a US$1 billion (RM4.7 billion) weapons package for Israel, official sources said. Momentum had been building in truce negotiations, mediator Qatar’s prime minister said on Tuesday, but “what happened with Rafah has set us backward”. Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said it is almost a stalemate. “There is no clarity how to stop the war from the Israeli side,” he said. “I don’t think they are considering this as an option.”– AFP
10 THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Time for action on ‘tree-tastrophe’ I WRITE with a heavy heart and a sense of urgency in the wake of the devastating incident that occurred at Jalan Sultan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur on May 7. The fall of a massive tree not only wreaked havoc on 17 cars, a bus stop and the monorail line but it also claimed the life of a motorist and left several others injured. This tragedy is not an isolated incident but a glaring symptom of a larger issue that demands immediate attention and accountability. The pictures and videos circulating depict a towering tree with disproportionately small roots, suggesting a lack of proper maintenance and inspection. It is appalling to think such a catastrophe could unfold on a bustling thoroughfare lined with numerous imposing trees. One cannot help but wonder: Who should bear the responsibility for this tragedy? While some may hastily point fingers at the owner of the private land where the tree stood, absolving the local authority of any blame, such a simplistic attribution overlooks the shared responsibility for public safety. The local authority cannot evade accountability by merely pointing to the tree’s location on private property. It is their duty to foresee and mitigate risks associated with trees lining public roads, regardless of ownership. Furthermore, one cannot help but speculate on the potential divergent reactions had the victims of this tragedy been the family members of someone rich and powerful, a prominent politician or even the relatives of a minister or senior member of the local authority concerned. Would the response from the authorities have been swifter and more robust? Would there have been a flurry of activity to ensure justice and compensation for the victims? Such questions highlight not only the need for accountability but also the insidious influence of privilege and power in our society. Every citizen, regardless of status or background, deserves equal protection under the law and a commitment to safeguarding their safety and well-being. Moreover, this is not the first time such a calamity has occurred. In August 2023, a friend was involved in a similar incident on the Sprint Highway near Intan (the National Institute of Public Administration), which resulted in damaged vehicles and narrowly averted fatalities. She was lucky to escape fatality by mere seconds when the huge tree trunk fell on the front portion of her car, causing extreme damage. Unfortunately, she was told to claim from her insurance company as no one stepped up to take responsibility. She was informed that this was an “Act of God”. Despite the potential for tragedy, the lack of media coverage and official response allowed the issue to fade into obscurity, leaving victims without recourse. We cannot allow a cycle of negligence and impunity to persist. It is unconscionable for any party, whether private landowners or local authorities, to shirk responsibility and leave victims to bear the burden of damages without recompense. The safety and well-being of citizens must always take precedence over bureaucratic finger-pointing and indifference. As residents of Kuala Lumpur, we cannot afford to wait for tragedies to repeat themselves before taking decisive action. The abundance of trees lining our roads should be a source of pride, not fear. However, pride should be tempered with responsibility. We urge the authorities to take immediate and comprehensive measures to ensure the regular maintenance and inspection of trees along public thoroughfares. Considering the risks of potential falling trees that are in abundance throughout Kuala Lumpur, we should all call for the relevant authorities to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We cannot afford to wait for another tragedy to galvanise action. Let us honour the memory of the fallen motorist and prevent future loss by holding accountable those responsible for ensuring public safety. Prof Said Bani C.M. Din “We cannot allow a cycle of negligence and impunity to persist. It is unconscionable for any party, whether private landowners or local authorities, to shirk responsibility and leave victims to bear the burden of damages without recompense. Appeal to mayor regarding falling-tree incidents THE recent spate of falling trees in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre has shocked many, but the reaction from Kuala Lumpur (KL) City Hall and the Federal Territories (FT) minister to these occurrences is more bewildering. Reports have indicated that the minister has ordered the immediate felling of “all highrisk trees”. This is a knee-jerk reaction that lacks thoughtful consideration. Over the past two years, numerous incidents of tree falls have been recorded in areas such as Kepong Baru, Segambut and Kepong Garden, primarily stemming from inadequate tree trimming practices. The indiscriminate removal of lower branches has led to top-heavy growth, exacerbating the risk of collapses during heavy rainfall. It is evident that the contractors employed by KL City Hall are not adhering to established trimming protocols established by its team of arborists. KL City Hall personnel should inspect the trees after every trimming, but their presence at these locations is rarely seen. My repeated attempts to address these concerns through KL City Hall’s Adu@KL 2.0 platform have yielded no satisfactory responses. Even personal visits to its offices have been met with dismissive instructions to submit formal complaints via written letters to the director. This level of service is unacceptable for a public institution entrusted with citizen welfare. The FT Ministry and the mayor must engage in meaningful dialogue and devise a comprehensive plan to address the tree fall issue without compromising environmental integrity or public safety. While tree removal may seem like a quick fix, it is not the best approach. Collaborating with organisations such as the Malaysian Nature Society can yield sustainable solutions that prioritise safety and conservation. In light of these concerns, we request a response from either the mayor or the FT minister to this open letter, signalling a commitment to proactive and responsible governance in safeguarding our urban environment. Malar Balasingam Kepong Baru This tragedy is not an isolated incident but a glaring symptom of a larger issue that demands immediate attention and accountability. – REUTERSPIC LETTERS [emailprotected]
11 THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 Scion PM that modernised Singapore UNDER Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore has held its own in an era of globalised finance and cutting-edge technology, while continuing his venerated father’s policy of muzzling free media and snuffing out dissent. The premier stepped down yesterday, passing the baton to his deputy Lawrence Wong, the second non-member of the Lee family to lead the wealthy Asian nation. As the son of the country’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew, Hsien Loong had to live with the perception that he could not have become prime minister (PM) without his pedigree. However, after nearly two decades at the helm, steering Singapore through a global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic while diversifying its economy, he has left his imprint on the citystate. He has not hesitated to use defamation laws against critics, suing anyone who s u g g e s t e d corruption o r nepotism in the government. Under his watch, rules against public protests have been tightened, even a one-person demonstration can be dispersed as an illegal assembly. Hsien Loong was sworn in as the nation’s third prime minister on Aug 12, 2004 at age 52. Lacking his father’s fiery oratory and iron fist, the younger Lee, now 72, has projected a more consultative style. He has presided over efforts to retool the city-state’s export-driven economy by focusing on advanced industries such as biotechnology and electronics as well as financial services. Singapore – a small and open economy that imports most of its needs – forged a wide network of bilateral and regional free-trade agreements. Hsien Loong was born on Feb 10, 1952, to lawyers Kuan Yew and Kwa Geok Choo, during a time of race riots, trade union militancy and rising communist influence in the British colony. His father was carving out a reputation as a steely leader in the rough and tumble of Singapore politics ahead of self-rule in 1959 – when he became prime minister – and eventual independence in 1965. “Growing up as my father’s son could not but mean being exposed to politics very early. Growing up with my father, living through those years with him, made me what I am,” the younger Lee said in a eulogy after his father’s death. He joined the Singapore Armed Forces in 1971 and graduated on a scholarship from Britain’s Cambridge University in 1974 with first-class honours in mathematics and a diploma in computer science. When Cambridge’s Trinity College offered him a fellowship to teach mathematics, he wrote to his tutor: “I must go home. I have joined the Singapore Armed Forces, my father’s the PM and for me not to go home and do what I have to do would be bad for the country and for me.” He became a brigadier-general but left the military in 1984 to become an MP. Kuan Yew stepped down in 1990 as part of a succession process worked out within the longruling People’s Action Party, his son becoming deputy to successor Goh Chok Tong. Before ascending to the top job, Hsien Loong was chairman of the central bank as well as finance minister. Family feud Balancing Singapore’s strong cultural and historic ties to East and West, Hsien Loong has refused to pick a side in the US-China rivalry, carving out a niche for the country as a diplomatic honest broker. Under his leadership, Singapore hosted historic summits between then Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou and China’s Xi Jinping in 2015 as well as a 2018 meeting between US president Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Despite his seemingly charmed life, Hsien Loong had to endure two major personal crises. In 1982, his first wife Wong Ming Yang, a Malaysian-born doctor whom he met at Cambridge, died after giving birth to their second child. Three years later he married senior civil servant Ho Ching, the former chief executive of state-linked investment firm Temasek Holdings. They have two children. In 1992, Singapore was stunned when the country’s two deputy prime ministers – Hsien Loong and Ong Teng Cheong – were diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer. Hsien Loong underwent intensive treatment and was pronounced cured in 1997, but Ong died of cancer in 2002 after serving as the republic’s first directly elected president. Seen as an aloof intellectual when he first entered politics, Hsien Loong has undergone an image overhaul since becoming PM. A month after taking office, he hit the dancefloor at one of Singapore’s trendiest discos, in a bid to reach out to younger Singaporeans. However, the family’s image was stained by a bitter sibling feud that blew up after the patriarch’s death in 2015. Hsien Loong’s sister and younger brother accused him of going against their father’s wish to have the historic family bungalow demolished. The sister, Lee Wei Ling, publicly called him a “dishonourable son” and accused him of trying to capitalise on their father’s legacy to build a dynasty – a charge the brother has rejected. In his last major political speech as PM on May 1, Hsien Loong said he felt “a sense of satisfaction and completeness” as he handed over the top job. “I have done my duty, and I am happy I chose this path of public service all those many years ago,” he said. – AFP Urgent overhaul needed for national education system THE recent release of the World Bank Education Assessment – a comprehensive global evaluation based on international standards – has issued a stark wake-up call for Malaysian colleges and universities. In response, our sultans and state education ministers are advocating for a complete re-engineering of curriculums and syllabi across the national education system. Let us explore these recommendations and the projected trends for achieving excellence in education. Appearing on the front page of a newspaper recently headlined “Clarion call for quality education,” the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, urged the national government to make significant upgrades to the education curriculum, ensuring that Malaysia’s graduates are globally competitive. He added that if no changes are made at the national level, Johor is prepared to be the first state to amend its school syllabus. In Sarawak, state officials are also advancing dual language programmes for their schools. They have emphasised that those who will benefit most from constructive criticism are those who listen with an open mind and use suggestions to make positive adjustments. Tunku Ismail also stated: “If we cannot accept the facts in the World Bank Report, we should not complain if our future generation is less competitive than their peers in the global marketplace.” Furthermore, Tunku Ismail also made a powerful statement against using religion as a political tool to manipulate education or sow seeds of division. The World Bank Report noted that despite considerable government spending, Malaysian graduates are significantly behind other countries in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics and science. As a result, Malaysia is producing thousands of graduates with meaningless degrees, leading to widespread unemployment. Many with advanced degrees are reduced to working as delivery persons or Grab drivers just to make ends meet. Others choose to live in Johor and commute daily by motorcycle to Singapore, where the pay is better and the exchange rate is more favourable. In both scenarios, Malaysia is the economic loser. Upgrades to our educational system must focus on preschool education for three and four-year-olds and language proficiency in more than one language by adding English and/or Chinese to the mandated curriculum. Additionally, STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) must have strong foundations established from the early years. Courses on the value of diversity and crosscultural understanding should be included. Emphasis should also be placed on financial literacy, which is highly beneficial. We must create an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) environment, focusing on global technical skills. This will give our students a head start toward a successful future. Furthermore, we should explore the top trends and innovative ideas shaping global education in 2024. For foundational grades, the key aspects include: 1. Reducing enrolment barriers to make public education easily accessible to all. 2. Increasing student support services (such as tutoring, vision and hearing tests and counselling) to decrease grade retention and drop-out rates. 3. Significantly enhancing the quality and relevance of all academic programmes. For higher-level education, we should focus on six crucial areas: 1. Promoting greater diversity in the student population and academic staff to foster academic excellence and reduce opportunity gaps. Recognising the value of ethnic and racial diversity, educators should teach skills necessary for breaking down barriers to meaningful diversification. This will enhance academic excellence and prepare students for international competitiveness. 2. Increasing options for non-traditional students in colleges and universities. Many of these students are full-time employees, parents or retirees seeking to reskill or upskill for today’s job market. 3. Developing challenging and high-quality blended learning programmes at higher education institutions. This includes a variety of in-class learning opportunities alongside a broader selection of online learning formats such as Zoom conferences and webinars. 4. Establishing robust support systems to assist students in managing mental health challenges. Programmes should be designed to address stress management, depression, eating disorders and other mental health issues that hinder academic progress. 5. Prioritising efforts to bridge the skills gap. As Mauricio Macri, former president of Argentina, stated at the G20 in 2017, “Today’s work future is a race between technology and education,” a sentiment even more relevant today. Collaboration between higher education institutions and corporations is a promising strategy to address the escalating skills crisis. Corporate partnerships with university career services departments can facilitate internships and intensive programmes, potentially leading to full-time employment upon graduation. 6. Addressing the pervasive trend of AI and its profound implications for every career field. Access to quality AI education remains a challenge despite its increasing integration into university settings to automate timeconsuming tasks and free lecturers’ time for student engagement. While higher learning institutions recognise the pivotal role of AI in the coming years, research indicates that only 41% have a clear AI development strategy in place. Overcoming cost barriers is crucial, necessitating a vision and budget strategy that prioritises AI education in curricula. This is essential for nurturing a competitive and cutting-edge workforce in the global economy. It is imperative that we, along with our leaders and public officials, heed the findings of the World Bank Report and implement essential upgrades to our national education system. While our country holds immense potential, the current shortcomings within our education system are constraining the achievements of our future generation. Let us dare to dream big and enact the necessary changes to ensure the best opportunities for all of Malaysia’s students. By offering university admissions universally, providing scholarships as needed, eliminating discriminatory quota systems based on race, religion or ethnicity, allowing freedom in choosing areas of study and offering equal recognition for outstanding achievements, we can retain our best and brightest talents within Malaysia. We have the capability to achieve this. Let us work together to pave the way for a brilliant future. Comments: [emailprotected] COMMENT by Sathasivam Sitheravellu COMMENT “After nearly two decades at the helm, steering Singapore through a global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic while diversifying its economy, Hsien Loong has left his imprint on the city-state.
PROPERTY PROPERTY THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 12 Big projects continue to buoy sentiment KUALA LUMPUR: The positive outlook and overweight ratings on the construction sector following the rollout of infrastructure projects nationwide continued to lift market sentiment. As we enter the second quarter of 2024 (Q2’24), Budget 2024’s RM90 billion development expenditure allocation to fund projects should drive contract flows this year. The projects include the Penang LRT, Pan Borneo Sabah Phase 1, MRT3, large-scale flood mitigation projects, Sabah-Sarawak Link Road, Kuching Urban Transportation System-Green Line and water-related projects. Contract awards are expected to be forthcoming in the first half of this year. Research houses RHB Investment Bank Bhd, Kenanga Research, Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) and Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd are broadly optimistic about the industry. There are also plans to reinstate five more LRT3 stations in the Klang Valley. As for MRT3, the government is acquiring land with notifications of the identified land expected to be dish out in Q2’24, finalised in the third quarter, and awards handed out starting Q4’24. Still along the public transport vein, the Johor government will submit its proposal in late November 2024 to the federal government for Johor Bahru LRT to have three lines. While there is much focus on the rail lines, some contractors are also hoping to strike gold in renewable energy-related initiatives such as the Corporate Green Power Programme. Johor is also being touted as the fastest-growing data centre market in Southeast Asia. With all these goodies being churned out, HLIB said they should drive contract flows this year. Meanwhile, Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Oliver HC Wee told Bernama that the budget allocation for the construction industry in 2024 is over RM70 billion. Based on trends from previous years, MBAM expects this to add up to about RM100 billion inclusive of the private sector with private contracts oMajor infrastructure jobs in focus include Penang LRT, MRT3, Sabah-Sarawak Link Road and water-related contracts comprising mainly warehouses, data centres and factories manufacturing semi-conductors. “On the outlook, we have to remain neutral. Costs are rising and there are many uncertainties even as the government improves policies at the macro level to bring down costs. “At the same time, it is important to leverage innovations and technologies with industry stakeholders willing to move together towards digitalisation,” he added. Although the industry is heading in the right direction, companies need to undertake changes, Wee said. “Fairer form of contracts should be in place as we seek better ways to conduct business. “We believe a variation of price (escalation) provisions in a contract will allow for fairer risk and rewards between contracting parties against fluctuating building material price backdrop. This will subsequently reduce the number of projects being abandoned,” he noted. Industry players are bullish. Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd is optimistic about the construction industry’s growth post-Covid-19 despite various challenges including rising raw materials prices. Its FY23 core profit leapt 20% on higher construction and property billings. Chairman Datuk Tee Eng Ho said projects could progress faster as the situation improves with labour shortage no longer a concern. Tee also announced the company’s plans to pursue new opportunities with Samsung C&T Corporation via a consortium Samsung-KP JV, focusing on factory construction in Malaysia and opportunities in Penang’s Andaman Island project, estimated to be worth about RM2 billion. As for Varia Bhd (formerly Stella Holdings Bhd), its managing director Datuk Benson Lau is optimistic about sectoral growth. The biggest winners are the Klang Valley LRT’s five new stations worth RM4.7 billion, the RM11.8 billion nationwide flood mitigation programme, and Penang’s RM10 billion LRT initiative, he told Bernama. “The demand for commercial and residential buildings is rising as infrastructure projects and private investment increase. This positive momentum aligns with Varia’s growth prospects, positioning the company favourably for upcoming opportunities,” Lau said. Varia, which previously signed a memorandum of understanding with Sungai Klang Link Sdn Bhd to embark on the Sg Klang Link elevated highway project, said it is currently in the early stages of planning and development. “We are open to exploring opportunities to contribute to our growth trajectory. Our tender book currently stands at RM1.5 billion,” Lau added. Varia also received a contract from Kator Construction Sdn Bhd to undertake the Klang River flood mitigation project in Seksyen 25, Shah Alam which kicked off on Feb 1, 2024 and timeline extended to Jan 31, 2029. The first three months saw solid performance with the construction index on Bursa Malaysia at 193.83 on Jan 2. It expanded above the 200 level between January and March and stood at 223.17 on March 29. Malaysia aims to transform its economic landscape via infrastructure projects and digitalisation, which have lifted infrastructure-related counters on Bursa Malaysia Bhd since the second half of 2023. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng told Bernama that construction stocks saw a 13.5% year-to-date gain. “In the past 12 months, the construction index surged 37%. We expect the sector to be one of the best performers in 2024,” he said. Kenanga Research said firms’ earnings should improve as work progress gathers momentum amid higher contract wins. There should be a significant improvement in the sector’s earnings delivery versus Q4’23 expectations, it said. SP Setia launches Nadi 2 at Commerce Square in sem*nyih SHAH ALAM: SP Setia Bhd recently introduced its highly anticipated Nadi 2 at Setia Commerce Square situated at the central business district (CBD) of the Setia EcoHill 2 township in sem*nyih. Nadi 2, which is the second phase of the inspiring Nadi commercial development, comprises 212 shop offices, 12 semidetached shops, multiple sizes of enterprise lands and petrol station lands. It is poised to be one of the most vibrant commercial districts in the emerging sem*nyih corridor, with its strategic location adjacent to LEKAS exit 2102a. SP Setia Bhd divisional general manager Koh Sooi Meng revealed: “Riding on the success and momentum of our previous launch Nadi in Q2’23, which consisted of 86 units of shops with a GDV of RM180 million and is fully sold; we launch its sequential Nadi 2 in May 2024.” Nadi 2 will offer a few product types such as the conventional double-storey terrace shops, with 36 intermediate units comprising built-ups of 3,585 sq ft (with land sizes of 26’x75’) and with a tentative price of RM1.49 million onwards. Its eight units of expansive three-storey corner shops comprise built-ups of 8,202 sq ft (with land sizes of 42’x75’), and with a tentative price of RM3.28 million onwards. The development will also feature six limited edition semi-detached shops tailored for diverse business needs with built-ups of 5,422 sq ft (and land sizes of 70’x175’), and an estimated price of RM3.58 million onwards. Setia EcoHill 2, which is an extension of the Setia EcoHill masterplan in sem*nyih, has a total gross development value of RM5 billion. Setia EcoHill 2 is notable for its preserved, natural undulating altitudes and is located along the mountain slopes leading towards Bukit Tempurung, with more than 10,000 trees planted around the township. Boustead’s Rini Homes 8 Finale 100% taken up SKUDAI: The recently launched Rini Homes 8 Finale by Mutiara Spaces, under the umbrella of Boustead Properties Bhd, garnered an impressive market reception. The project achieved an amazing 100% take-up rate within one day since its official launch in March 2024. Located in the thriving Mutiara Rini township in Skudai, Johor, Rini Homes 8 Finale represents the second last phase of the 1,438- acre development by Boustead Properties that has transformed the landscape of Skudai. Boustead Properties Berhad CEO Khairul Azizi Ismail said, “Rini Homes 8 marks another milestone in our journey of reinvention and excellence with an impressive take-up. Since its launch, Rini Homes 8 has garnered over 5,000 registrants. Besides repeat buyers, Rini Homes 8 Finale has also been able to reach out to the younger generation and we are delighted that they will be making Mutiara Rini township their chosen home.” Rini Homes 8 Finale offers 180 contemporary double-storey homes designed to embody quality living and comfort in a sought-after location. Each home in this final phase features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and generous living spaces ranging from 2,063 sq ft to 2,436 sq ft on lot sizes of 22’ x 70’. Priced from RM818,000, these residences prioritise space, modern design, and premium living experiences. Rini Homes 8 Finale offers 180 contemporary double-storey homes designed to embody quality living and comfort in a sought-after location. KSL acquires Johor land for RM212m, plans housing development KUALA LUMPUR: KSL Holdings Bhd announced that its wholly owned subsidiary KSL Medini Development Sdn Bhd (KSLMD) has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Tropicana Firstwide Sdn Bhd, Tropicana Rhythm Crest Sdn Bhd and Tropicana Desa Mentari Sdn Bhd to buy parcels of freehold land measuring 74.19ha in Johor Bahru for RM211.58 million. The parcels of land are located in Pulai, and within a locality along Jalan Gelang Patah with the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link traversing through the land. According to KSL, the proposed acquisition enlarges the current land bank of the group to enhance future revenue and earnings – the said land will be used for a residential development project and further enhance its presence in the property market in Johor. “Once the proposed acquisition is completed, the land bank of KSL Group will be approximately 1,052.18ha located in Segamat, Batu Pahat, Muar, Mersing, Johor Bahru, Klang and Selangor. “Out of the total land bank, approximately 50% of it are in the various stages of approval and approximately another 25% are under various stages of development,” it said in a stock exchange filing. The project is expected to entail approximately 628 units of residential properties. The development is expected to commence in 2028 and is envisaged to spread over a period of eight to 10 years. “Given the distant timeframe of the expected development, the company is unable to accurately estimate the total gross development value of the projects at this stage,” it said. – Bernama Khairul Azizi said they are preparing to launch Rini Hills 3, the final residential development of Mutiara Rini township, which is poised to offer diverse living options and investment opportunities. Following the success of Rini Homes 8 Finale, they anticipate a strong market response for Rini Hills 3. With 11,398 completed houses, approximately 50,000 total population, and a GDV of RM4 billion, the Mutiara Rini township has established itself as a notable development by Boustead Properties since its inception in 1996. Mutiara Spaces has further plans to launch new property development projects this year that includes a new residential tower in Petaling Jaya with details to be announced in due course.
THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [emailprotected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [emailprotected] SCAN ME Govt ensuring sustainability of pepper industry: Johari KUALA LUMPUR: Global pepper demand is projected to continue its upward trajectory in 2024 and 2025, according to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. The minister attributed this growth to the potential applications of pepper in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals, which are driving this positive trend. “In 2023, global pepper consumption will amount to around 291,000 tonnes, an increase of 40,000 tonnes compared with the previous year. “However, Malaysia’s pepper exports declined slightly in 2023 to 5,800 tonnes worth RM149 million compared to 6,700 tonnes in the previous year worth RM180 million,” he said during the inaugural Malaysian Pepper Industry National Conference 2024 themed “Strengthening the Growth of the Pepper Industry”. His speech was read out by Deputy Construction companies urged to leverage AI to enhance efficiency KUALA LUMPUR: Construction companies should fully leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and shorten project timelines, said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. He encouraged industry players to embrace the latest modern methods for their construction project processes. “Leverage the Industry 4.0 Revolution, including advanced AI, to achieve benefits in quality, cost, time, design, accuracy, volume and more. “All these technologies should ultimately benefit humanity,“ he told a press conference after officiating at the Kuala Lumpur Public Works Department (PWD) handover of 12 completed projects here yesterday. He said AI technologies, including metaverse applications, can be utilised to monitor work processes at project sites, ensuring smooth operations and timely project completion. “In addition, 3D applications or methods are employed to visualise buildings virtually, even during the planning stages,“ he said, adding that the PWD has adopted metaverse applications in the execution of projects nationwide. Meanwhile, Ahmad recommended that the Works Ministry and its associated agencies enhance innovations to improve the quality and speed of construction for buildings, roads, bridges and slopes. “Speed and quality must progress hand in hand ... what I aim for is the enhancement of standards to achieve higher quality while ensuring faster completion times. “It may seem challenging, but with the implementation of new systems such as the prefab modular method, and the current availability of AI technology, construction of buildings, roads, bridges and slopes can be significantly enhanced,“ he said. On the handover ceremony, he said all infrastructure projects, including the renovation of existing buildings in the federal capital, have been completed at a total cost of RM57.48 million. Among the projects completed by KL PWD are the RM23.9 million upgrade of the National Sports Institute in Bukit Jalil and the RM6.79 million interior modifications of the National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage building, which was completed ahead of schedule. – Bernama Property transactions in first quarter up 34% year-on-year to RM56.5 billion KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian property market was active in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1’24), recording a 34.3% growth compared with the first quarter a year ago with more than 104,297 transactions worth RM56.53 billion. Valuation and Property Services Department director-general Abdul Razak Yusak said in terms of volume, property sub-sectors recorded positive growth in Q1’24; the commercial subsector grew by 33.4%, residential by 16.6%, industry by 14.3%, agriculture by 13.7%, and development land and others, 10.7%. “The residential sub-sector continues to dominate market activities with over 62,000 transactions, valued at over RM25 billion, comprising nearly 60% of overall property market activities. “Housing priced at RM300,000 and below dominate the market with 33,500 transactions, comprising more than 50% of total transactions,“ he said when presenting the First Quarter 2024 Real Estate Market Report in a live broadcast on Facebook yesterday. According to Abdul Razak, construction activities also showed positive growth in Q1’24 when commencements rose to more than 21,300 units, an increase of almost 8% from the previous year, while planned new developments decreased to around 11,000 units. New residential launches increased by 19.8% to 5,585 units from 4,661 units in Q1’23. The serviced apartment segment saw a 70% spike in completed units to 5,500. Projects starting construction and planned new developments each rose by more than 100% versus the same quarter in 2023. The Malaysian House Price Index rose marginally by 0.5% to 216.9 points, with house prices averaging RM468,000 a unit, Abdul Razak said. “All states recorded moderate growth of between 0.5 and 4.6%, except for Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, Malacca and Sarawak where prices contracted by between 0.2% and 2%. “Terraced housing remained stable with a positive 1.8% growth while other types of housing recorded a marginal decrease,“ he said. Completed unsold housing, commonly known as a residential overhang, decreased to 24,208 units worth RM16.49 billion compared with 25,816 units worth RM17.68 billion in Q4’23. Serviced apartment overhang rose by 5.2% to 21,913 units, with a 9.7% rise in ringgit value to RM18.16 billion. “Serviced apartment units priced between RM500,000 and RM1 million make up 58.1% of the total overhang,” he said. The performance of private purpose-built offices recorded a marginal increase, he said. “The occupancy rate of privately owned purpose-built offices rose marginally to 72% versus 71.9% in the previous quarter,“ he said. – Bernama Bursa cautiously optimistic of reaching 42 IPOs in 2024 KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd is cautiously optimistic that it will be able to achieve the goal of 42 initial public offerings in 2024 with the pace picking up in the second quarter of the year, said its vice-president of IPO marketing, Muhd Farrish Ishak. “Funds raised from IPOs have greatly increased over the years from RM2 billion in 2019 to RM3.6 billion last year. Due to the pandemic in 2020, we saw steady numbers of 30 IPOs from 2018 to 2023. But as of April 2024, we have already seen 13 IPOs coming into the market,” he added. Disclosing this at the Malaysian SME National Conference organised by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, Farrish said IPOs come from various sectors, from healthcare to technology, showcasing the diversity of the Malaysian economy. “An IPO comes into play when a company oPipeline of new listings expected to pick up steam in second quarter of year █ BY AIMIE SHAZRIE [emailprotected] has reached a certain level of maturity. It is a significant milestone that provides access to a large pool of public capital, but it also comes with increased scrutiny and regulatory requirements,” he said. An overview of the market done by Bursa Malaysia has witnessed a steady increase in IPOs from 2019. In 2022, the market saw the highest number of IPOs since 2006. Bursa Malaysia operates the Main Market, ACE Market and LEAP Market, which are designed to meet the needs of different types of companies. Farrish said LEAP is designed for small and medium enterprises to access public funding more cost-effectively and efficiently. The need for SMEs to consider an IPO is believed to be a need, as this will be used as an access to the capital and a growth facilitator. “The capital can be used for finance expansion plans, research and development and strategic initiatives. Going public and unlocking numerous opportunities for SMEs can increase access to capital and improve financial visibility,” he added. He said that three SME companies that are listed on the ACE market have been transferred to the Main Market with a total of RM697 million released from these IPOs. The market capitalisation upon IPO of these SMEs reached an impressive RM3 billion. “At the end of April 2024, these three companies’ market capitalisation had gone up over twofold, reaching a total market capitalisation of RM6.5 billion. These numbers are reflections of commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the growth of SMEs in Malaysia,” Farrish said. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin. Johari highlighted Malaysia’s position as the world’s fifth-largest pepper producer, with a production volume of about 31,000 tonnes in 2023, trailing Vietnam, Brazil, India and Indonesia. He acknowledged the current challenges facing the local and global pepper industry, particularly the imbalance between supply and demand which is exerting pressure on prices. Hence, Johari said, the government, via the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB), is implementing several dynamic and integrated programmes, projects, incentives and assistance involving smallholders and pepper entrepreneurs to ensure the sustainability of the pepper industry and boost the development of upstream and downstream industries. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government has allocated RM50 million to assist pepper farmers through the New Pepper Planting Scheme and the Mature Pepper Planting Scheme, thereby alleviating financial burdens. In addition, the government has allocated RM3 million to implement the premium quality pepper projects, while a further RM5 million was allocated to increase the involvement of competitive downstream entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Johari underscored the conference’s objective of boosting pepper demand and consumption while strengthening the downstream sector by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including small and medium enterprises, exporters, importers, hotels and restaurants. “This conference is proof that the government is committed to growing a competitive local pepper industry, capable of generating immense value to the national economy,” he said. – Bernama Farrish delivering his speech at the conference.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 14 Malaysia can realise 71% increase in foreign holdings of govt bonds: MARC KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can realise more than RM170 billion worth of inflows or a 71% increase in foreign holdings of government bonds, said Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC). In a statement, MARC said this is based on the assumption that foreign holdings of Malaysian bonds increase from the present 21% to a historical high of 36%. The statement said since 2005, the foreign share of government bonds had ranged from 4% to 36%, with the latest being 21% as at April 2024. “At 21%, foreign holdings are near the longterm average, suggesting that foreign investors have retained their interest in Malaysian government bonds despite currency volatilities caused by pivotal shifts in global interest rates. “While foreign holdings are below the 10-year average, there is no evidence of capital flight from Malaysia surpassing historical norms,” it said. Year-to-date, Malaysia’s capital markets have witnessed net foreign outflows, recording RM4 billion outflows in the local bond market and RM2.1 billion outflows in the domestic equity market as of April. This further highlights the importance of market microstructure factors to bolster the persistence and increase of portfolio investments. MARC reckoned that several steps could be taken to continuously enhance Malaysia’s structural attractiveness as an investment destination including improving Malaysia’s country risk and sovereign credit rating, raising the openness of market access and increasing market size and liquidity. “Market access includes wide-ranging criteria such as a simple and consistent foreign exchange policy, an easy registration process for international investors, ready access to a liquid derivatives market with multiple product types, lowered tax and transaction costs, and efficient settlement and custodial systems,“ it noted. – Bernama InvestSarawak signs MoU with Marubeni to explore SAF project KUCHING: InvestSarawak yesterday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Marubeni Corporation, a Japanese multinational trading and investment company, to facilitate and accelerate Marubeni’s interest in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Sarawak. This MoU will outline the collaboration between the two parties to conduct a joint prefeasibility study for a commercial-scale SAF value chain in Sarawak, said InvestSarawak and Marubeni in a joint statement. “The goal is to confirm the feasibility of producing SAF using biomass feedstock and assess the potential technology pathways for SAF production in Sarawak. “Both parties aim to establish a commercialscale SAF value chain for local consumption or export by 2030,” they said. According to the statement, the MoU will also focus on assessing expenditure requirements, identifying suitable project sites, and exploring opportunities for government subsidies and incentives in Malaysia and globally. “Biomass is biological material that comes from plants or animals, including wood, agricultural residues and algae, while SAF is a cleaner type of jet fuel made from renewable resources like microalgae instead of fossil fuels. “The biomass project could lead to downstream products, including green ammonia used in fertilisers, biogas and biofuels, renewable gases and liquid fuels for transportation and industry, and green chemicals, which are ecofriendly raw materials for industries like plastics and textiles,” they added. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: Heineken Malaysia Bhd delivered a robust performance and demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a dynamic market landscape in its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (Q1’24). Group revenue grew by 7% to RM789.17 million compared with the same quarter in 2023. The increase was driven by the effective execution of the Chinese New Year campaign and strategic commercial initiatives during the quarter. Similarly, group profit before tax rose by 12% to RM161.29 million compared with the same quarter last year. The growth was primarily driven by revenue growth, alongside effective revenue and cost management. Heineken Malaysia managing director Roland Bala said, “Coming out of a challenging year in 2023, we are pleased with the encouraging start to 2024. Whilst our Q1 performance was positive, we remain cautious, in view of the volatile trading environment and macroeconomic concerns. We will continue to build on this momentum by focusing on our EverGreen priorities, emphasising superior growth, consumercentricity, cost efficiency, sustainability, digitalisation and reinforcing a highperformance culture. “We are grateful for the unwavering support from our business partners and consumers, which has been pivotal in navigating the complexities of the past year. “The success of our marketing investments, particularly the ‘Cheers to a Bolder Tomorrow’ Chinese New Year Campaign led by Tiger Beer, has been instrumental in achieving top-line growth. This, along with innovative initiatives from the Heineken® and Guinness brands, underscores our dedication to creating memorable experiences for our consumers.” On outlook, Roland shared, “Our Q1 results are encouraging, yet we approach the future with prudence, mindful of the ongoing volatility in the trading environment and broader macroeconomic factors. Looking ahead, the group will continue to stay agile and focused in navigating external challenges to deliver a commendable performance this year. Our commitment to take a long-term view to build a sustainable business stands, as we continue to focus on delivering our EverGreen strategy to future-proof our business.” Heineken Malaysia’s board of directors does not recommend any dividend in respect of the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Heineken Malaysia brews up robust results in Q1 Sin-Kung Logistics makes flat debut on ACE Market KUALA LUMPUR: Air cargo transport specialist Sin-Kung Logistics Bhd made its debut yesterday on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia at 13 sen, which is its initial public offering (IPO) price. The counter’s flat debut came on a volume of 26.36 million shares. The counter increased to 13.5 sen after 114.05 million shares were traded. It closed at 14 sen, up 1 sen or 7.7%, on volume of 394.07 million shares. Sin-Kung Logistics is involved in the provision of trucking services with a focus on airport-to-airport road feeder service. “The rapid growth of e-commerce postpandemic, disruption in ocean shipping and supply diversification are some of the main drivers of air cargo demand in the current market,” Sin-Kung Logistics managing director Alan Ong said at the company’s listing ceremony. He said the company has managed to grow the fleet of commercial vehicles to 461 units and the listing will enhance its capacity and competency to stay at the forefront of the industry. The company is funding the expansion of commercial vehicles, warehousing and distribution business with part of the RM26 million raised from the IPO. “Sin-Kung Logistics strategy in growthcontinuation of trucking and container haulage businesses is to purchase 100 From left: Sin-Kung Logistics independent non-executive director Datuk Mohammad Dalib, Ong, executive director Angeline Ong and independent non-executive director Lee Lean Suan at the listing ceremony. oListing will enhance air cargo trucking services specialist’s capacity and competency to stay at forefront of industry █ BY AIMIE SHAZRIE [emailprotected] commercial vehicles by 2025. This is to expand our capacity for the transportation of more cargoes and containers,” said Ong. “The Red Sea crisis and e-commerce boom have somehow benefited Sin-Kung Logistics. We are well-positioned to secure more jobs as our airport-to-airport road feeder services cover extensive networks of airports,” he said. Sin Kung Logistics also plans to utilise RM10 million in funding its warehousing distribution services’ expansion to meet the upcoming rising demand from the ecommerce and manufacturing sectors. A total of RM9.6 million will be used to repay bank borrowings, RM1.1 million for working capital and the remainder of RM3.3 million is for estimated listing expenses. Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia Securities business acceleration director Zulkifli Mustafa said Sin-Kung Logistics is set to achieve the targeted market capitalisation, based on the issued share capital of 1.2 billion shares and an IPO price of 13 sen per share. “The joining of Sin-Kung Logistics marked the 15th IPO of the year. The IPO market capitalisation has witnessed a 61% increase, underscoring the resilience of our marketplace,” he added. Zulkifli said the logistics and warehousing sector plays a crucial role in the progress, facilitating the movement of goods across both domestic and international channels. The sector’s efficiency is vital to support a wide range of industries in ensuring smooth operations, he added. “I commend Sin-Kung Logistics for achieving an exceptional subscription rate of over 26 times. This appears as a clear indicator of strong investors’ confidence in the company,” Zulkifli remarked. India’s palm oil imports from Malaysia at 285,000 tonnes in April PETALING JAYA: India imported 285,829 tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia in April, accounting for 21.6% of the country’s total vegetable oil imports for the month. The imports from Malaysia comprised 50,181 tonnes of refined, bleached, and deodorised palm olein and 227,649 tonnes of crude palm oil. India’s edible oil imports in April were 1.3 million tonnes, almost 13.5% higher than the previous month’s volumes, data released by the industry group Solvent Extractors’ Association of India showed on Tuesday. The share of palm oil in last month’s imports was 52%. – Bernama
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 15 MAHB equity restructuring will benefit nation: Economist KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) possible equity restructuring will ultimately benefit the nation, especially if it supports continued upgrading and modernisation of the country’s airports as well as ancillary facilities and services, said an economist. It was reported the airport operator is mulling privatisation following rumours about a stake sale to the private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). Bursa Malaysia Bhd has approved MAHB’s request for a trading suspension effective from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday pending a material announcement. MAHB shares were last traded at RM10.40 per share. New York-headquartered GIP is a leading infrastructure investor that specialises in investing in, owning and operating some of the oAirport operator mulling privatisation following talk of stake sale to private equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners Manufacturing, govt face 40% of cyberattacks in M’sia KUALA LUMPUR: Ensign InfoSecurity (Ensign), Asia’s largest comprehensive cybersecurity solutions provider, identifies manufacturing, government, technology, media, and telecommunications as the top three targeted sectors by cyber threats in 2023. This key insight was among many others featured in the fifth edition of Ensign’s Cyber Threat Landscape Report, which draws on Ensign’s proprietary and cyber threat intelligence sources. The ranking of most-targeted sectors changed substantially from the previous year: In a press statement yesterday, it said Malaysia has become an attractive destination for multinational companies looking to relocate their high-tech manufacturing businesses into the market. However, companies in this sector are highly attractive targets for cybercriminals due to three possible reasons - the possession of valuable data ranging from contracts, supplier details, trade secrets, industrial designs, and personal information; the operation of continuously running machinery where disruptions could impact Government sector stores valuable data on national security, citizens, and public services, making it a prime target for cyber threats. – PEXELS PIX IIB broadens partnerships to strengthen GBS ecosystem in Medini JOHOR BAHRU: Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) announced a partnership expansion of Global Business Services (GBS) Iskandar @ Medini via two key memorandums of understanding with GBS Malaysia and iTrain Asia and a collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to strengthen its GBS ecosystem in Medini, Iskandar Puteri. This initiative reinforces IIB’s commitment to position Medini as the region’s first net zero carbon CBD by 2030 focusing on digitalisation, innovation, and GBS. In line with this commitment, IIB is looking to achieve a target investment of RM1 billion by 2030 in Medini. The investment target will also help generate at least 2,500 jobs in the digital economy sector thus Medini’s position as Johor’s digital and innovation hub. IIB president/CEO Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim stated, “The GBS Iskandar programme has achieved RM2.6 billion of investments and 6,500 jobs in Medini since its inception in 2016. As we embark on the next chapter of the GBS Iskandar initiative, IIB reaffirms our commitment to fostering growth and innovation within Malaysia’s GBS sector.” The collaborative venture between IIB and GBS Malaysia will focus on propelling Medini to become a premier regional hub for GBS operations. The partnership with MDEC, slated to be announced in Q3’24, is to drive foreign direct investments for the GBS industry and also to target new companies seeking a strategic and well-supported environment for expansion. MDEC CEO Mahadhir Aziz said, “Our partnership with IIB underscores MDEC’s steadfast commitment to driving digital transformation, fostering talent development, and boosting economic growth in the Global Business Services sector. This sets the stage for Johor to become a key destination for global investments. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with the Malaysia Digital (MD) national strategic initiative to advance Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, offer comprehensive business support, and further solidify Malaysia’s position as the digital hub of Asean.” Iskandar Investment Bhd is an investment holding company incorporated in November 2006 to catalyse the strategic development of Iskandar Malaysia. BCB acquires land in Batu Pahat for RM83.7m, plans mixed-use project KUALA LUMPUR: BCB Bhd has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Lian Hup Seng Sdn Bhd to acquire 59 parcels of freehold land in Batu Pahat, Johor, measuring about 116ha, including buildings and fixtures on the land for RM83.71 million. BCB said the acquisition will be funded by a combination of internally generated funds and bank financing. “This strategic move will substantially increase the land bank of BCB group and provide sustainable earnings over the medium to long term, given the favourable outlook of the property market in Johor. “The proposed development on this new land will consist of a mixeduse project featuring both residential units and retail shops. It is forecasted that this development will yield an estimated GDV of approximately RM1.1 billion upon full completion,” it said in a stock exchange filing. The group said the move will enable BCB to improve its market share and enhance the variety of products offered to homebuyers in Batu Pahat. “Anticipated to commence in the financial year 2027, the initial launch is projected to span over an approximate eight-year development period. “The proximity of this new land to the successful Evergreen Heights project bodes well for its prospects. “Drawing confidence from the positive reception and feedback received for Evergreen Heights, we are optimistic that this new venture will garner a similarly favourable response from potential buyers upon launch,” it added. – Bernama largest and most complex assets across the energy, transport, digital infrastructure as well as the water and waste management sectors. Professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng, deputy president of Malaysian Economic Association, said any enhancement to the company’s future growth will boost its competitiveness and profitability. “As mentioned by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, corporate decisions regarding ownership by listed public companies are best left to the individual entities as long as such decisions do not negatively impact national interests. The shareholders are better placed to decide how their divestment decisions add to enterprise and shareholders’ value,” he told Bernama. Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund hold 33.2% and 7% of MAHB, respectively. A news report indicated that a 30% stake in MAHB would be sold to GIP, an infrastructure investment vehicle that invests in equities and selected debts. Presently, MAHB manages 39 airports throughout Malaysia including five international airports, 17 domestic airports and 17 STOLports (Short Take-Off and Landing). Additionally, it owns and manages one international airport in Istanbul, Turkiye. Asked about Malaysia’s strict action against Israel trade, Yeah reckons that as a global company, it is unlikely that GIP will not have any asset or activity that is linked, directly or indirectly, to Israel. He said this is a dilemma the government will need to resolve, perhaps through a materiality test or proof of direct linkage between GIP and Israel. Yeah said he was also unsure whether the government holds a golden share in national strategic assets, especially MAHB. “But as a highly regulated sector, even without the golden share, the government can ensure the company operates in line with the prescribed policy and legal frameworks,” he said. safety or business operations, and generally lower cyber hygiene compared to other more tightly regulated industries. Similarly, it said the government sector holds a wealth of valuable data, including information on national security, citizens, and public services, making it a lucrative target for cyber threats. With growing interests and fragmentation in geopolitics, government agencies will continue to face increased targeting for political leverage. The report also noted that ransom was the primary motive behind more than half of all observed cyberattacks in Malaysia (58.2%), where attackers sought to financially exploit victims through extortion. This reflects a global worsening of the Ransomware threat for corporates. In a deep-dive analysis, the report explored how these attackers operate, and how they “double” extort their victims as a new tactic. Correlating both ransom and the targeted industry groups, Ensign believed that ransoms were made to capitalise on businesses supporting economic recovery post-pandemic. “The marked increase in targeted attacks on essential sectors such as manufacturing and government signals an urgent need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to cybersecurity in these areas,” said Ensign InfoSecurity, Malaysia general manager Chee Yee Cheng.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 16 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper HONG KONG: Huawei is revamping its retail strategy and aggressively opening flagship stores in China, with some just a stone’s throw away from Apple shops, as it seeks to retake the premium electronics throne in the world’s biggest smartphone market. Situated directly across from Apple’s Shanghai flagship store, Huawei’s recently renovated shop spans three floors of a famous heritage architecture building in the financial hub’s busy shopping district and includes a coffee shop and a gym. Huawei opened four such stores in major Chinese cities between December and February, an aggressive marketing blitz by a company that had largely relied on licensed distributors and is rebounding from US sanctions imposed in 2019 that had crippled its smartphone business for four years until it could source domestic replacement parts. “The Huawei flagship store is very nice. It looks much brighter inside compared to the Apple Store across the street,” said Amy Chen, a 27-year-old physiotherapist who visited the Shanghai store this week to switch to Huawei’s top-end Pura 70 Ultra from the iPhone 15 Pro in hopes of better mobile reception. Apple has 47 stores in mainland China. Huawei, which did not open a flagship store until 2019, now has 11 of them. “I think they will open more than 20 of them. Then it will eventually catch up to Apple,” said Ethan Qi, associate director at research firm Counterpoint. It marks a stark contrast to 2021 when the company’s licensed stores were shuttered across China due to product shortages caused by the US sanctions. Huawei has since developed its own chips, introduced highly popular 5G-capable products and, according to sources, has started aggressively recruiting dealers in recent months. “As Huawei now manages to ship in large quantities, given the good profit margin they could provide, (distributors) have become willing to purchase Huawei devices again,” Qi said. “Previously, many couldn’t get stock and their 4G devices didn’t sell well.” Huawei has been actively bargaining with distributors, touting the above industry average profit margins of its phones and sometimes demanding exclusionary clauses to turn them into its exclusive partners, according to two industry sources. More than 5,200 stores licensed to sell Huawei products sprang up through the first 10 months of 2023, with more than half of them in third and fourth-tier cities, according to market research firm GeoQ, helping Huawei expand its army of distribution partners nationwide. Its renewed marketing push poses a major challenge to Apple, which suffered a 6.6% plunge in iPhone sales in China to 10.8 million in the first quarter, according to IDC data. By contrast, Huawei boosted its smartphone shipments by 110% to 11.7 million in the first quarter and overtook Apple as the No. 2 smartphone vendor in China. Huawei and Apple did not respond to requests for comment. Lucas Zhong, an analyst at research firm Canalys, said Huawei had plans to build out its flagship stores since 2020 but the progress was slowed by the US sanctions, which led to a much slower iteration of its high-end products. There are still supply chain issues leading to shortages of specific models, but they are under much better control and the new phones are garnering good reviews. That means Huawei is now putting its focus squarely on selling premium products that compete with Apple, according to analysts. Huawei’s latest Pura 70 Ultra smartphone, for example, starts at 9,999 yuan (RM6,117), matching the price tag of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, while Samsung and Xiaomi are keeping prices for their premium models lower amid soft market demand. Huawei’s luxurious flagship stores display premium products ranging from smartphones to tablets, smartwatches, televisions and even electric vehicles made in partnership with Chinese automakers. “Huawei now has a long product line,” Qi said. “They need big demo areas. They will have to do it themselves because their distributors don’t have the capability to rent such a massive area.” The push to build more of its own stores also underscores Huawei’s heavy reliance on offline sales. Between 70% and 80% of Huawei’s sales come from physical stores, while Apple sees about 40% of its sales coming from online, according to Toby Zhu, another analyst at Canalys. “Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo are all being affected (by Huawei’s comeback),” Zhu said, referring to other Chinese smartphone makers. “But for now, the biggest impact has been on Apple.” And the impact is beginning to be felt beyond mainland China. Simon Lam, owner of a popular smartphone shop named Trinity Electronics in Hong Kong, said more independent smartphone shops had started selling Huawei devices in recent months. “Everybody is stocking up on some Huawei right now. Some more, some less. “People are willing to pay a lot of money for high-end Huawei, something other brands really can’t compare with.” – Reuters Chinese lenders discontinue high-yield deposit products BEIJING: A number of Chinese banks have announced they will discontinue certain deposit products that offer higher interest rates, the latest move by lenders to ease cost burdens as they face pressure on profit margins. Lenders such as Bank of Communications, Postal Savings Bank of China, Industrial Bank and China Citic Bank said they will no longer offer some personal and corporate deposit products with higher interest rates, or will lower the rates to be equal to those of demand deposits which allow withdrawals at any time. The change, effective from May 15, affect products including “call deposits” and “agreement deposits” with higher yields, according to statements release this week. Amid a slowing economy, China’s lenders have seen net interest margins – a key gauge of profitability – shrink as they grapple with pressure to lower interest rates on loans for struggling sectors at a time when loan demand is waning. China has instructed commercial banks to stop offering interest rates on deposits above deposit rate ceilings, Reuters reported last month. Smaller lenders have been particularly aggressive in luring depositors by offering higher interest rates amid economic headwinds, posing a threat to financial stability. The move is to “implement relevant regulatory requirements and further maintain market competition order”, Postal Savings Bank said in a statement. – Reuters Huawei vies with Apple for premium market oChina phonemaker opens flagship stores, adds licensed distributors TOKYO: Two of Japan’s biggest banks reported hefty increases in fourth-quarter profit yesterday and forecast record income in the coming year, signalling increased optimism about an economy that has only just exited from years of negative interest rates. The results from Mizuho Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) also show how Japanese banks are benefitting from higher interest rates in overseas markets, such as the United States, as well as a weaker yen, which inflates profits when earnings from abroad are brought home. For years Japan’s big banks have been squeezed by the central bank’s massive monetary stimulus, including negative interest rates. The Bank of Japan in March raised interest rates for the first time in more than a decade and a half, heightening expectations that banks will be able to make more money from lending. “We are extremely positive on the Japanese economy,” SMFG CEO Toru Nakashima told reporters. For the first time, Japan’s second-largest bank is forecasting full-year net profit in excess of ¥1 trillion (RM30 billion), he said. “The mindset of Japanese managers is much more optimistic than in the past,” he said. SMFG also said it would buy back up to 1.1% of its own shares, worth ¥100 billion, and cancel them, and that it would carry out a 3-for-1 stock split for shareholders as of Sept 30. Its group net profit grew more than four times to ¥170 billion, compared to the ¥150 billion implied by the LSEG consensus estimate for the full year. Smaller rival Mizuho, meanwhile, reported group net profit tripled to ¥36.7 billion. That number too beat expectations. For the current financial year, both SMFG and Mizuho forecast a net profit increases of 10% from the year just ended. SMFG expects ¥1.06 trillion and Mizuho sees ¥750 billion. Market leader Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is also due to report earnings this week. Together, the massive lenders are expected to deliver combined full-year profits of around ¥3 trillion in total, the Nikkei newspaper has reported, citing the strength of the business environment both at home and abroad. The banks are all seen benefitting from higher interest rates overseas, as well as more mergers and acquisitions and other deals in Japan. – Reuters Foreign visitors to Japan top 3m for second straight month TOKYO: Japan welcomed more than three million visitors for a second straight month in April, official data showed yesterday, setting the stage for a potential record year for tourism. The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure was 3.04 million last month, edging down from the monthly record of 3.08 million achieved in March, data from Japan National Tourism Organisation showed. Arrivals last month were up 56% from the prior year and 4% higher than in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic shut global borders. Visitors from France, Italy and the Middle East rose to record levels in April for any single month. The yen’s slide to a 34-year low has made Japan a bargain destination for foreign visitors, with arrivals set to blow past the annual record of 31.9 million seen in 2019. While the surge in arrivals is good news for Japan’s economy, it has caused frictions with locals. Complaints of litter and illegal parking caused local officials to erect a barrier this month to block a popular photo spot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. Trail restrictions and a new ¥2,000 (RM60) fee will go into effect for Mount Fuji climbers this summer after a rise in pollution and accidents during last year’s hiking season. Visitors from China, Japan’s biggest tourist market before the pandemic, exceeded 500,000 last month for the first time since January 2020 but were still 27% below the level in 2019. – Reuters Top Japanese banks forecast record profits A woman speaking with a fitness instructor at a SuperMonkey gym inside Huawei’s flagship store in Shanghai. – REUTERSPIC
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 17 OpenAI chief scientist announces departure SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever announced his departure on Tuesday from the startup that ignited an artificial intelligence tech race with its release of ChatGPT. Sutskever said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was leaving after almost a decade at OpenAI, whose “trajectory has been nothing short of miraculous”. “I’m confident that OpenAI will build AGI that is both safe and beneficial,” he added, referring to artificial general intelligence – digital technology that seeks to perform as well as or better than human cognition. Sutskever, OpenAI’s chief scientist, sat on the board that voted to remove chief executive and fellow co-founder Sam Altman in November last year. Altman’s ousting threw the San Francisco-based startup into a tumult, with the OpenAI board hiring him back a few days later after staff and investors rebelled. Sutskever’s position on the board was not renewed, but he remained in his position at OpenAI. “It was an honour and a privilege to have worked together, and I will miss everyone dearly,” Sutskever said of colleagues in the post. Sutskever added that he will focus on a personal project. OpenAI on Monday released a higher performing and even more human-like version of the artificial intelligence technology that underpins ChatGPT, making it free to all users. The new mode, GPT-4o, will be rolled out in OpenAI’s products over the next few weeks, the company said, with paid customers having unlimited access to the tool. The company said the model could generate content or understand commands in voice, text, or images. “It feels like AI from the movies,” Altman said in a blog post. Altman has previously pointed to the Scarlett Johansson character in the movie Her as an inspiration for where he would like AI interactions to go. Google also showed off its latest AI innovations at an annual developers conference on Tuesday. OpenAI and Microsoft are in a heated rivalry with Google to be generative AI’s major player, but Facebook-owner Meta and upstart Anthropic are also making big moves to compete. The day will come when “digital brains will become as good and even better than our own”, Sutskever said during a talk at a TED AI summit in San Francisco late last year. “AGI will have a dramatic impact on every area of life.” – AFP Alphabet debuts beefed-up AI search SAN FRANCISCO: Google parent Alphabet on Tuesday showed how it is building on artificial intelligence across its businesses, including a beefed-up Gemini chatbot and improvements to its prized search engine as it races to compete with AI rivals. The flurry of announcements underscores Google’s efforts to refresh its products since Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s 2022 launch of ChatGPT dazzled the public, threatening the incumbent’s long reign over online search and AI. Among Google’s latest salvos was an addition to its family of Gemini 1.5 AI models known as Flash that is faster and cheaper to run; a prototype called Project Astra, which can talk to users about anything captured on their smartphone camera in real time; and search results categorised under AI-generated headlines. “This is a moment of growth and opportunity,” Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai told reporters, when asked if the AI updates could risk Google’s profitable business. The product presentation at Google’s annual I/O developer event in Mountain View, oThis is moment of growth and opportunity, says CEO California, followed a shorter showcase by rival OpenAI on Monday. OpenAI demonstrated how ChatGPT could voice answers with human-like intonation to any written or visual prompt. CEO Sam Altman said OpenAI had delivered software that “feels like AI from the movies”. Google’s news at times covered similar ground, underscoring the fierce competition between the two AI developers. For instance, Alphabet’s AI unit, Google DeepMind, has worked to build technology that can carry out day-to-day tasks for consumers. Early results have manifested in Project Astra, a tool that can use a smartphone camera and draw conclusions about the world around it. In a demo video shown during Google I/O, a user deployed it to identify a speaker and locate glasses they had left in another part of the room. The company also teased how it could pair Project Astra with what it calls Gemini Live, a potentially more natural-sounding voice and text aide than its Google Assistant of the past. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, said of the work behind Project Astra: “We wanted to build a universal AI agent that can be truly helpful in everyday life.” Another area in which Google showed how it is facing off against rivals was video generation. The company teased Veo, an AI model that Nasdaq finishes at record as US stocks shrug off latest inflation data NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks rose on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq finishing at an all-time high as investors shrugged off data that showed April wholesale inflation topping expectations in the first of two eagerly awaited US pricing reports. US wholesale prices jumped by 0.5% last month, much above estimates in a dynamic that could keep Federal Reserve interest rates higher for longer. However, analysts noted that the gain was offset by a revision to the March report, which showed wholesale inflation cooling in that period. “The numbers were more or less in line,” said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers, who pointed to this week’s consumer price report as a key test for stocks. Following a mixed day on bourses in Europe and Asia, major stock indices in New York advanced, with the Nasdaq jumping 0.8% to finish at a record. Traders also brushed off bearish comments from Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell as they awaited last month’s US consumer price index (CPI), which carries more weight with the Federal Reserve and investors. Consensus is for annual core inflation to ease to 3.6% from 3.8%. Analysts said a miss in either direction on CPI could have a big impact on markets. “CPI is likely the keystone of the entire week, and any above-expected climb could cause a market pullback,” said Cooper Howard, director of fixed income strategy at the Schwab Centre for Financial Research. This week’s economic releases follow forecast-beating US figures for the first three months of the year that have prompted investors to whittle down their expectations for the number of rate cuts – from six in January to at most two now. “The first quarter in the United States was notable for its lack of further progress on inflation,” Powell said on Tuesday. Among individual stocks, shares in Anglo American slid 3.8% in London after the British mining group announced plans to streamline its business as it fends off a takeover worth US$43 billion from rival BHP. Anglo said it would offload coal, diamond and platinum units to focus on critical minerals. British mobile phone giant Vodafone said its annual profit slumped, but its shares jumped 4.2% as chief executive Margherita Della Valle pledged to continue the company’s focus on core activities. – AFP Hassabis (left) and Pichai at the annual I/O developers conference. – AFPPIC can spin up 1080p-resolution videos lasting longer than a minute, available to approved creators on a preview basis, filmmaker Donald Glover among them. OpenAI has promoted film-conjuring software of its own among Hollywood executives, enthralling and worrying the creative industry. Google also announced improvements to its Gemini Pro 1.5 model that is capable of making sense of a massive amount of data. On Tuesday, it said it was doubling that amount, to two million tokens, meaning the AI potentially could answer questions when given thousands of pages of text or more than an hour of video to ingest. The Pro model – starting with prompt sizes of up to one million tokens, or pieces of data – will also be available to subscribers to Google’s Gemini Advanced service. Google also shed light on its efforts to power AI with new computing chips and revamp its namesake search engine. The company announced a sixth-generation tensor processing unit (TPU), which aims to give it and its Google Cloud customers an alternative to industry heavyweight Nvidia’s powerful processors. The new chip will be available to its cloud customers later this year, Google said. Meanwhile, for US users of Google Search browsing the Web in English, the company said it soon will use AI to help organise search results for queries on dining, recipes, and eventually movies, books and other content. Also for Google search, the company is rolling out AI Overviews to all users in the US this week, after a long period of public testing since last year’s I/O event. The feature uses generative AI to synthesise information and answer more complex queries for which there is no simple answer on the Web. – Reuters
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 18 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Shine comes off De Beers amid waning demand JOHANNESBURG: Mining titan Anglo American announced on Tuesday it planned to sell off the world’s long-dominant diamond supplier De Beers, with analysts pointing to pressure from cheaper lab-grown stones and volatile consumer demand. De Beers was founded in 1888 by the British colonial figure Cecil Rhodes and has long dominated the trade in diamonds from southern Africa, from mining right through to jewellery sales. The company has since 2011 been majority-owned by mining giant Anglo American, while the government of Botswana holds a 15% stake in the firm which lies at the heart of its economic strategy. But on Tuesday, Anglo-American announced that it planned to split or sell off its diamond operations as it fights off a huge takeover bid by its Australian rival BHP. Diamonds may be a luxury commodity associated with engagement rings and crown jewels, but Anglo American is betting that less glamorous iron and copper will provide a more secure path to growth. De Beers chief executive Al Cook put a brave face on the decision and promised a new strategy. “I am confident that we will remain the diamond leader for the next century,” he vowed. But industry experts told AFP Anglo American’s decision reflected a diamond market facing competition from lab-made gems and a downturn in consumer spending, particularly in China. Paul Zimnisky, an independent diamond industry analyst based in the United States, calculates that prices have fallen 25% to 30% since a high in the first quarter of 2022. “There was highly unusual volatility in diamond demand over the last four years,” he told AFP. Diamonds fared better than many luxury products during the Covid-19 epidemic, as even wealthy consumers were forced to avoid travel or high-end dining, even as stimulus spending boosted markets. But in the post-pandemic epidemic oCheaper lab-grown stones and volatile consumer demand pressure top diamond supplier Sunak warns UK must boost food production LONDON: The UK needs to reduce its reliance on imports of fruit and vegetables, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told farmers on Tuesday, as he sought to make food security a top priority against climate and geopolitical threats. Sunak hosted some 70 farmers and other growers at his Downing Street office and residence in central London, telling them they were “vital to the security and the fabric of our country”. The “Farm to Fork” summit coincided with the publication of the government’s first food security index, to “monitor the impacts of external factors, such as Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine or extreme adverse weather events” on supplies. But it also comes as Sunak seeks the traditional support of rural voters for a general election expected later this year, with indications that they may back the main Labour opposition instead of his ruling Conservatives. The past 18 months have been the wettest on record in England, and second wettest six months across the United Kingdom, hitting crop yields and putting pressure on farmers. Food delivery problems from the European mainland have also bitten since Brexit, while production costs have risen and recruitment of foreign seasonal workers have been hit by new immigration requirements. The government’s new index shows that Britain produces 17% of the fruit and 55% of the vegetables that end up on British plates – well behind meat, dairy and grains. British agriculture provides around 60% of the food consumed in the UK, but farmers fear this share is falling. All areas of farming – arable, livestock, poultry, horticulture and dairy – are expected to decrease production over the next year, according to a recent survey by the National Farmers Union. Several demonstrations have taken place in recent months against the post-Brexit agricultural policy of Sunak’s Tory government, which has been in power for 14 years. The UK has signed several trade deals since leaving the EU in 2020 but farmers say some of the deals, and a lack of import checks, is allowing poorer quality food to come into Britain from countries with less stringent regulations. A policy in England of paying farmers to create habitats for environmental reasons was also taking land out of food production, they argue. – AFP Brazil govt sacks CEO of state oil company Petrobras BRASILIA: The government of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced on Tuesday that the CEO of state oil company Petrobras has been sacked. The move follows a recent spat between Petrobras and shareholders over dividend payments, which heightened concerns about the government’s influence in the publicly traded company’s decision-making. Jean Paul Prates (pic), a former state senator and ally of Lula, “has been dismissed,“ a presidential spokesman said on Tuesday evening. A lawyer and economist, Prates was appointed last January by the Petrobras board of directors soon after leftist Lula was sworn in for a third term. He previously held office from 2003 to 2011. Prates previously served as a senator in the state of Rio Grande do Norte and was a member of Lula’s Workers’ Party. When nominating him for the job, the president described Prates as a specialist in the energy sector with 30 years experience in the oil, natural gas, biofuels and renewable energy sectors. But the 55-year-old has faced fierce criticism in recent months after Petrobras announced it would not pay an extraordinary dividend to investors following its second-highest net profit ever last year. The March announcement caused the company’s share price to plummet and was seen by some analysts and opponents as direct government intervention. Lula has repeatedly accused Petrobras executives of thinking only of satisfying the group’s shareholders, to the detriment of consumers. Prates at the time said on X that it was “legitimate” for the board to take a position “guided by the president” and his ministers. “That is exactly what happened” in relation to the dividend decision, he added. The Petrobras board eventually approved the dividend payment late last month. The company confirmed in a statement on Tuesday it had received a request for the board to meet on the early termination of Prates’s mandate. Just over half of Petrobras’s capital is held by the Brazilian state, and the rest by private shareholders. – AFP Renault to pursue autonomous minibuses PARIS: French automaker Renault said yesterday it will pursue developing autonomous minibuses for public transit but would stick to driving assistance features for personal cars for the time being. It announced it will demonstrate the readiness of the technology for public transport by running a shuttle bus service, together with its partner WeRide, at the Roland-Garros tennis tournament in Paris later this month. The minibuses will ferry visitors between a parking lot and the Roland-Garros stadium complex. Renault offers driving assistance features on many of its models that allow drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel but they must keep their eyes on the road and be ready to take control of the car at any instant. “Further automation of some functions, with the aim of achieving complete vehicle autonomy, seems unlikely for the time being, given current regulations, customer expectations and the cost of the complex technology involved,” Renault said in a statement. The firm said there was a huge gap in technological complexity to get to the point where drivers do not need to pay attention to the road. “At this stage, the induced cost to be borne by customers, in relation to the driving benefits, would make demand insufficient or even anecdotal,” it said. But that cost proposition is different when applied to public transportation, and this is where Renault said it would focus. “When it comes to public transportation, Renault Group intends to be a real player in sustainable and autonomous mobility,” it said. Renault said it is developing an electric, robotised, and pre-equipped minibus platform that will host various automation solutions from its specialist partners. It announced a new collaboration with autonomous driving firm WeRide for large-scale commercial deployment of vehicles capable of managing driving situations on their own within a defined area. While these vehicles do not have an on-board operator, they still have remote supervision. – AFP diamonds have not bounced back as quickly as some commodities. Experts cite several reasons for this. The rise in lab-made diamonds as a cheaper alternative to the gems mined by De Beers in Botswana has cut into the cheaper end of the market. “I estimate lab-diamond jewellery represented less than 1% of the global diamond jewellery market a decade ago,” Zimnisky said. “Today it is pushing 20%-plus. Consumers have been drawn to the much lower price point of lab diamonds, which can be upwards of 90% less than an equivalent natural diamond.” Another issue is depressed demand in China, the world’s second biggest diamond consumer after the United States, where consumer spending has yet to rebound post-crisis. Edahn Golan, another leading diamond industry consultant, said it may have been “short-sighted” for Anglo-American to turn its back on De Beers so soon after buying a majority stake. American consumers, he argues, see the lab-grown diamonds as the cheaper entry-level product and aspire to eventually buy mined diamonds. In any case, diamonds retain their symbolic value as engagement rings and always bounce back. – AFP Sunak eating fruit from Berry Gardens Growers during the Farm to Fork summit in Downing Street. – REUTERSPIC
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) MSM 2.8 -0.34 89539 AJI 16.56 -0.32 2800 PPB 15.3 -0.3 4331 CITAGLB-PA 1.03 -0.17 14 PCHEM 6.81 -0.16 35,522 SBAGAN 6.46 -0.15 1,178 JISHAN 0.52 -0.14 1,000 PETDAG 20.86 -0.14 4,365 KOBAY 2.15 -0.13 49,107 KLUANG 5.78 -0.12 199 SIMEPLT 4.44 -0.11 28489 SUNWAY 3.4 -0.11 331,580 AHEALTH 3.07 -0.105 4,104 ARKA 1.83 -0.1 357 HLFG 17.4 -0.1 1169 KOTRA 4.7 -0.1 325 GCB 3.1 -0.09 78,192 AMEREIT 1.42 -0.08 4,760 GESHEN 4.12 -0.08 1,233 MPI 32.52 -0.08 2,006 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME TOPGLOV 1.26 0.3 31.25 5,068,854 SINKUNG 0.14 0.01 7.69 3,940,721 SUPERMX 1.08 0.215 24.86 3,253,131 CAREPLS 0.38 0.075 24.59 2,802,526 MYEG 1.03 0.05 5.1 1,387,841 AHB 0.145 0.015 11.54 1,094,031 ICONIC 0.115 0.005 4.55 979,959 PA 0.38 0.03 8.57 875,689 HARTA 3.82 0.86 29.05 848,947 TWL 0.025 - - 846,937 HLT 0.225 0.05 28.57 747,309 KOSSAN 2.74 0.36 15.13 595,750 NEXGRAM 0.025 -0.005 -16.67 573,626 JAKS 0.125 -0.005 -3.85 573,475 MMAG 0.31 -0.06 -16.22 548,048 HEXCARE 0.265 0.035 15.22 546,978 COMFORT 0.56 0.09 19.15 524,057 SNS 0.445 -0.035 -7.29 512,081 MAHSING 1.34 0.08 6.35 501,618 ALPHA 0.32 - - 474,625 SUNBIZ presents a summary of the day’s trading activity on Bursa Malaysia and other markets in an easy to digest format. MARKET ROUND-UP: MAY 15 [ Sources: Bursa Malaysia, Bernama, shareinvestor.com and websites DISCLAIMER: The data and reports are provided as a service to investors. Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. INDEX CHANGE FBMEMAS 12,184.60 +47.56 FBMKLCI 1,603.23 -2.65 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 600.80 -1.09 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 192.40 -1.06 CONSTRUCTION 228.84 -1.28 FINANCIAL SERVICES 17,509.60 -21.40 ENERGY 985.93 +0.06 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 599.67 -0.67 HEALTH CARE 2,344.72 +206.23 TRANSPORTATION 1,098.13 -4.69 PROPERTY 1,068.53 -2.39 PLANTATION 7,384.87 -49.72 FBMSHA 12,390.70 +58.36 FBMACE 5,285.69 -38.72 TECHNOLOGY 68.89 +0.76 TURNOVER: 6.199 bil VALUE: RM4.668 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 39,558.11 +126.60 +0.32 S&P 500 (US) 5,246.68 +25.26 +0.48 NASDAQ (US) 16,511.18 +122.94 +0.75 NYSE (US) 18,220.81 +86.86 +0.48 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 5,087.36 +7.07 +0.14 FTSE 100 (UK) 8,461.31 +33.18 +0.39 DAX (GER) 18,815.88 +99.46 +0.53 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 38,385.73 +29.67 +0.08 TOPIX (JPN) 2,730.88 -0.07 0.00 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 19,073.71 -41.35 -0.22 CSI 300 (CHN) 3,626.06 -30.99 -0.85 SH SE COM (CHN) 3,119.90 -25.87 -0.82 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2,730.34 +3.13 +0.11 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 178.18 +0.63 +0.35 ASX 200 (AUS) 7,753.70 +26.94 +0.35 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 8,020.91 +25.20 +0.32 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 72,977.50 -127.11 -0.17 FBM KLCI 1,603.23 -2.65 -0.17 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3,291.36 -21.99 -0.66 WTI (US$/BBL.) 78.53 +0.51 +0.65 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 82.86 +0.48 +0.58 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2,378.40 +18.50 +0.78 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 29.15 +0.44 +0.02 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 1,052.33 +14.18 +1.37 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 505.10 +15.60 +0.03 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 10,114.00 -71.50 -0.70 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 470.25 +2.75 +0.59 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 679.50 +7.00 +1.04 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 43.82 +0.42 +0.97 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 7,464.00 +142.00 +1.94 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 166.80 +1.70 +1.03 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, May 15 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) CLOUD 0.02 -60 25 MTRONIC 0.015 -25 14,058 TAWIN-PA 0.015 -25 12,140 JISHAN 0.52 -21.21 1,000 AGES-PA 0.025 - 11,005 NEXGRAM 0.025 -16.67 573,626 MMAG 0.31 -16.22 548,048 KAMDAR 0.26 -14.75 1,659 CITAGLB-PA 1.03 -14.17 14 TFP 0.035 -12.5 32,847 AVI 0.04 -11.11 5,132 PDZ 0.04 -11.11 52314 AT 0.205 -10.87 253,350 MSM 2.8 -10.83 89,539 FITTERS 0.045 -10 3,720 WAJA 0.045 -10 1020 ASDION 0.055 -8.33 16536 AASIA 0.11 -8.33 280 ECOHLDS 0.055 -8.33 377 KANGER 0.055 -8.33 19,036 Top 20 Losers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) HARTA 3.82 0.86 848,947 HEIM 24.2 0.52 3,494 KOSSAN 2.74 0.36 595,750 DLADY 32.94 0.3 415 TOPGLOV 1.26 0.3 5,068,854 SUPERMX 1.08 0.215 3,253,131 F&N 32.48 0.2 3,778 KSENG 5.98 0.2 3,706 GREATEC 4.72 0.19 29579 SAM 5.83 0.15 9,817 HLIND 10.82 0.14 414 BKAWAN 20.2 0.12 122 PMBTECH 2.7 0.12 5369 VITROX 7.57 0.12 4,554 YLI 0.77 0.12 51,509 KEYFIELD 1.97 0.11 53,130 YTL 3.63 0.11 186,915 ALLIANZ-PA 22.9 0.1 150 PARAGON 3.5 0.1 1,428 YTLPOWR 5.14 0.1 212,034 Top 20 Gainers (By RM) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (%) VOLUME (’00) EAH 0.01 100 110,281 LAMBO 0.03 50 10,554 TALAMT 0.015 50 9,472 MQTECH 0.02 33.33 11,737 TWL-LA 0.02 33.33 82052 TOPGLOV 1.26 31.25 5068854 ADVENTA 0.41 30.16 432,713 HARTA 3.82 29.05 848947 HLT 0.225 28.57 747,309 ALAM 0.025 25 40170 YB-LA 0.025 25 2431 SUPERMX 1.08 24.86 3,253,131 CAREPLS 0.38 24.59 2,802,526 OCNCASH 0.42 23.53 85823 IHB 0.195 21.88 39,196 G3 0.03 20 12,213 COMFORT 0.56 19.15 524,057 YLI 0.77 18.46 51,509 BIOHLDG 0.105 16.67 171,947 TAWIN 0.035 16.67 440,162 Top 20 Gainers (By %) 1,603.23pts May 15, 2024 Bursa snaps two-day winning streak, closes at intraday low BURSA Malaysia ended trading at an intraday low yesterday, snapping a two-day winning streak as investors hesitated to make significant moves ahead of the upcoming US economic report. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI fell 2.65 points or 0.17 per cent to 1,603.23 compared to yesterday’s close of 1,605.88. The barometer index opened 0.13 of-a-point easier at 1,605.75 and reached an intraday high of 1,607.64 during the late morning session. On the broader market, decliners led advancers 579 to 574, with 475 counters unchanged, 740 untraded, and 23 others suspended. Turnover increased to 6.2 billion units worth RM4.69 billion from 4.69 billion units worth RM3.19 billion on Tuesday. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan said the US consumer price index (CPI) data slated for release later today is pivotal for the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) future interest rate decisions. “Doubts arose due to yesterday’s stronger-thananticipated US producer price index data, casting uncertainty on the Fed’s potential rate cut timeline,“ he told Bernama. Among heavyweights, Maybank was flat at RM9.88, Public Bank slid two sen to RM4.15, CIMB dipped one sen to RM6.78, Tenaga Nasional lost four sen to RM12.40, and Petronas Chemicals slipped 16 sen to RM6.81. As for the actives, Top Glove surged 30 sen to RM1.26, SinKung Logistics added one sen to 14 sen, Supermax Corp soared 21.5 sen to RM1.08, Careplus firmed 7.5 sen to 38 sen, and MY E.G. Services put on five sen to RM1.03. Participation 24.41 49.19 26.40 100.00 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 1028.57 2257.47 1382.72 4668.75 Sold RM m 1249.90 2336.11 1082.74 4668.75 Net RM m -221.33 -78.65 299.98 0.00 % 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) 15/5/2024
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 20 MARKETS/FROM THE BROKERS SUNBIZ presents extracts of a selection of commentaries and research reports received from stockbrokers on counters that could be of interest to investors. [Compiled by SunBiz Team DISCLAIMER: The information is extracted from stockbrokers’ commentaries and research reports and do not represent the views or opinions of Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd. It is not a solicitation, recommendation or an offer to buy or sell the equities featured. Sun Media Corporation shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences resulting from usage of the information. MAHSING’S latest M Series product, i.e. RM500 million M Zenya in Kepong has been another thumping success with a take-up rate of 92% in less than a month after its launch in May 2024. This stretches its winning streak (i.e. achieving a take-up rate of more than 90% within a year after the launch) following M Minori (RM519 million launched in Oct 2023) and M Nova (RM790 million launched in Aug 2023). With the latest success, we believe MAHSING is on track to surpass its FY24 sales target of RM2.5 billion (FY23 sales target: RM2.2 billion). To recap, MAHSING’s M series products target largely first-time house buyers and upgraders in Kuala Lumpur. The key selling point is high quality products at affordable price points, typically below RM600k. MAHSING is still on the lookout for more development land. This follows a slew of land acquisitions in the Klang Valley and Johor recently. Funding is not an issue given its strong balance sheet with a net gearing of only 0.08x as at end-FY23. The group extended it plastic pallet operations to Jakarta in Q1’24 and intends to further expand within Southeast Asia, with Thailand and the Philippines specifically mentioned as next targets. The key drivers of the business are the booming regional e-commerce markets and the preference for plastic pallets over wooden ones for the former’s durability. It has plans to spin off this business within the next three years. Meanwhile, for its glove manufacturing business, it will continue to focus on high-margin medical gloves. A pick-up in orders should take the business a step closer to its break-even point. We raise our FY24-25 net profit forecasts by 8% and 9%, respectively, lift our TP by 44% to RM1.60 (from RM1.11) and upgrade our call to OUTPERFORM from UNDERPERFORM. KOSSAN Rubber stands to benefit from the potential trade diversion following the recent announcement of a higher import tariff on Chinese glove makers. Execution remain crucial at this juncture, as the US presidential elections are set to take place in Q3’24. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai released a list of proposed strategic sectors (up to 14) to be subjected to tariffs (or new tariffs imposed for certain products) ranging from 25-100%. Notably, medical gloves were listed with a proposed tariff hike to 25% from 7.5% currently, to take effect in 2026. The current tariff structure imposed on Chinese glove makers is: i) 7.5% on medical grade gloves; ii) 25% on industrial grade gloves. After incorporating the 25% tariff, Chinese glovemakers’ ASPs would increase to US$20-21.25 per 1000 pieces from the current level of US$16-17. This could essentially narrow the price gap between gloves produced in China and those made in Malaysia, which are currently selling at US$20 (and are not subject to import tariffs by the US). While the new tariffs are expected to be effective from 2026, this may allow Chinese manufacturers to reconsider their expansion plans into overseas markets to circumvent the tariff hike. In our view, overseas expansions could make Chinese glove makers less cost competitive (as manufacturers in China use coal, a cheaper fuel as compared to natural gas). We keep our earnings estimates unchanged as the effect of trade diversions is expected to be seen by 2026. Nonetheless, we take this opportunity to lower our required return assumption to 8% from 9% to factor in the improvement in market dynamics. Still BUY, higher RM2.65 DCF-derived TP. Q1’24 net profit of RM123 million (+11% YoY, +24% QoQ) accounted for 30% of both ours and consensus full-year earnings estimates. We deem this in-line as softer sales volume is likely to occur in subsequent quarters once price adjustments are in effect. No dividends were declared, as expected, as they are typically announced in Q2 and Q4. HEIM’s Q1’24 revenue grew 7% YoY mainly due to robust Chinese New Year (CNY) sales volume and front-loading activities before price hikes (est. +5% to +8%) were implemented on April 1. Group EBIT increased by a wider +13% YoY due to A&P cost phasing and better product mix, we suspect. On a QoQ basis, stronger topline and bottomline growth of +8% QoQ and +24% QoQ respectively were on the back of higher festive sales from CNY. We expect earnings to ease in sequential quarters as sales volume and general consumer demand slows down amid a combination of higher product ASPs and lack of festive-led sales momentum. That said, group margins could improve as rising raw material costs are partially mitigated. Key catalysts to sales volume in 2H24 may arise from lifts in consumer disposable income from financial support measures (eg. EPF Account 3 withdrawal) or any influx in inbound tourism. HEIM’s Q1’24 results were within expectations. Recent product price adjustments may hurt sales volume in the short-term but consumer spending may gradually increase from financial support measures in 2H24. Maintain BUY with an unchanged DCF-TP of RM28.20. FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7725 4.6385 4.6285 1 Australian Dollar 3.1830 3.0580 3.0420 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5310 3.4300 3.4220 1 Canadian Dollar 3.4950 3.4030 3.3910 1 Euro 5.1730 5.0070 4.9870 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9000 2.7940 2.7780 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5310 3.4300 3.4220 1 Sterling Pound 6.0190 5.8320 5.8120 1 Swiss Franc 5.2520 5.1320 5.1170 100 UAE Dirham 131.5500 124.7600 124.5600 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.1670 3.8800 3.6800 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.4700 63.6800 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.0700 65.4200 65.2200 100 Hongkong Dollar 61.7900 58.7300 58.5300 100 Indian Rupee 5.8100 5.4600 5.2600 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0307 0.0278 0.0228 100 Japanese Yen 3.0560 2.9590 2.9490 100 New Taiwan Dollar 15.8000 N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 45.3900 41.7500 41.5500 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7500 1.6400 1.4400 100 Philippine Peso 8.3800 7.9000 7.7000 100 Qatar Riyal 132.5100 125.7900 125.5900 100 Saudi Riyal 128.7700 122.2400 122.0400 100 South Africa Rand 26.9200 24.3100 24.1100 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.6300 1.5000 1.3000 100 Swedish Krona 45.5800 41.5300 41.3300 100 Thai Baht 13.6500 12.1100 11.7100 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Regional currencies strengthen against dollar THE ringgit strengthened further against the US dollar at the close yesterday following US Federal Reserve (Fed) chair Jerome Powell’s comment on interest rate. At 6pm, the ringgit rose to 4.7050/7075 versus the greenback from Tuesday’s close of 4.7160/7190. On Tuesday, Powell indicated that the US central bank’s next interest rate move is unlikely to be a hike after the release of a higher-than-expected US Producer Price Index for April, which climbed 2.2% year-on-year. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the regional currencies were also displaying a similar trend by continuing to appreciate against the greenback. “While the timing for a rate cut remains an open debate, at least we can safely rule out a rate hike by the Fed. “It’s a question of how long the Fed will maintain its restrictive monetary stance and whether it will be successful in bringing the inflation rate towards the 2% target,” he told Bernama. The ringgit traded lower at the close against a basket of major currencies. It depreciated versus the Japanese yen to 3.0189/0207 from Tuesday’s close of 3.0161/0182, slid vis-a-vis the British pound to 5.9391/9423 from 5.9158/9195 yesterday, and fell against the euro to 5.0941/0968 from 5.0900/0932 previously. The local note also traded lower against Asean currencies. It decreased against the Singapore dollar to 3.4873/4894 from 3.4848/4873 at Tuesday’s close and inched down vis-a-vis the Indonesian rupiah to 293.5/293.8 from 292.7/293.3 previously. Ringgit revisits 4.70 level after Fed chief’s comments THE ringgit’s uptrend continues, revisiting the 4.70 level as the Federal Reserve (Fed)’s reassurance about interest rates helped ease worries following higher-than-expected US Producer Price Index (PPI) data. Fed chair Jerome Powell indicated that the US central bank’s next interest rate move is unlikely to be a hike, describing the reading as more mixed than hot, given that prior-period data was revised lower. At 9am, the ringgit strengthened to 4.7070/7115 against the greenback from Tuesday’s close of 4.7160/7190. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the forex markets seemed to have shrugged off the higher-than-expected US PPI, which came in at 0.5% month-on-month in April against consensus estimates of 0.3%. “Market participants were paying close attention to the Fed chair’s remarks on inflation during an event hosted by the Foreign Bankers’ Association in Amsterdam. “He highlighted that the prevailing monetary policy is restrictive by all measures, and the disinflationary trend should continue and move towards the 2.0% goal,” he told Bernama. As a result, the US Dollar Index (DXY) was down 0.19% to 105.017 points, while the two- and 10-year US Treasury note yields fell 4.0 and 3.0 basis points to 4.81% and 4.45%, respectively. “As such, the ringgit could be well supported as the odds for a US rate hike are quite slim,” he noted. Next, the market will monitor the release of the US Consumer Price Index tonight and Malaysia’s economic data tomorrow. The ringgit traded mostly lower against a basket of major currencies. The local note also traded mixed against Asean currencies. Heineken Malaysia Bhd Buy. Target price: RM28.20 Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd Buy. Target price: RM2.65 Mah Sing Group Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM1.60 Source: Kenanga Research Source: RHB Research Source: Maybank Investment Bank May 15, 2024: RM24.20 May 15, 2024: RM2.74 May 15, 2024: RM1.34
Hope and ambitions mbitions Dina Aminudin’s ina Aminudin’s journey from ourney from broadcasting roadcasting major to ajor to entertainment ntertainment industry diva ndustry diva – P22 WEEKLY FOCUS MONDAY Discover cuttingedge world of Gaming and Tech TUESDAY Ultimate guide to Travel and Leisure WEDNESDAY Latest in Fashion and Beauty sense THURSDAY Inside the world of Social Media Influencers FRIDAY Culinary delights and Beverage trends THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [emailprotected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [emailprotected] SCAN ME INSIDE p 23 Influencing the brand game p 24 Ninja Kamui reviewed – PIC COURTESY OF DINA AMINUDIN INSIDE p 25 Le French Festival revelry p 26 Olivia Rodrigo skips Malaysia for Asia tour
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 22 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper FROM studying law to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Dina Aminudin’s story is one of passion, determination and resilience. “I started as a law student during my foundation year, but I eventually switched to mass communications in broadcasting for my bachelor’s degree because of my immense passion and deep curiosity about cameras,” Dina told theSun. Her academic transition was fuelled by a fascination with cameras that would eventually shape her career in acting and hosting. Opportunity knocks Dina’s background in broadcasting has been instrumental in her multifaceted career. “My academic background in broadcasting has provided me with a solid understanding of camera technology and production theory. When I transitioned into acting and hosting, I was able to apply this theoretical knowledge practically,” shared the 23-year-old. This unique advantage has significantly contributed to her growth in the industry, allowing her to excel both in front of and behind the camera. Choosing between education and the opportunity of a lifetime is always challenging. For Dina, the decision came in the form of an invitation to compete in Dewi Remaja. “As someone who highly values education, deciding to take a semester break was not an easy choice. However, it ultimately proved to be the best decision because Dewi Remaja provided me with a significant platform to broaden my perspective,” reflected the Johorborn lass. This experience not only boosted her confidence but also expanded her professional network, which proved pivotal in shaping her career. Managing academic pursuits alongside a flourishing career in modelling and acting is no small feat. Dina attributes her success to effective time management and prioritisation. “Effective time management is crucial in balancing my studies and work commitments. I rely on a regularly updated calendar to keep track of assignments, exam dates and deadlines,” she shared. Her dedication and focus on her goals have enabled her to strike a balance and prevent burnout, making her journey in the industry both rewarding and manageable. The reality of showbiz Dina’s versatility shines through her diverse roles in TV dramas, fashion shows and commercials. “To portray these roles successfully, I go Camera, lights... action! oFrom broadcasting major to entertainment industry diva, Dina Aminudin’s journey is one of passion and perseverance Her academic transition was fuelled by a fascination with cameras that would eventually shape her career in acting and hosting. – PICS COURTESY OF DINA AMINUDIN Dina acknowledges that there are many challenges that come with being an actress. █ BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ The experience in Dewi Remaja also expanded her professional network. Dina’s background in broadcasting has been instrumental in her multifaceted career. Dina’s versatility shines through her diverse roles. deep into understanding the characters. This involves extensive practice and experimentation with my lines until they become second nature,” she explained. Her commitment to authenticity and preparation has enhanced her performances and contributed to her growing skill set, making her a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Despite the glamour and excitement, Dina acknowledges the challenges that come with being an actress. “Being an actress can be a lot of fun. But all that glitters is not gold. One must expect facing criticism not only from the audience but also from old-timers who have been in the game longer than you have,” she admitted. However, she viewed criticism as an opportunity for growth and remains steadfast in her determination to succeed. Lasting legacy Looking ahead, Dina has ambitious plans for her future in the entertainment industry. “Now that I am in the entertainment industry, I aim to become a versatile actress capable of portraying roles across various genres. Eventually, I also dream of transitioning into directing, creating films that impart valuable lessons to audiences,” stated Dina. With a blend of talent, knowledge and resilience, the ambitious young lady aspires to inspire others and leave a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. Dina’s journey from a law student to a successful actress, host and model is a testament to her passion, perseverance and dedication. Despite the challenges and sacrifices along the way, she has remained committed to her goals and continues to evolve and thrive in the ever-changing entertainment industry. As she continues to carve her path, Dina’s journey is proof that dreams can indeed come true with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck.
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 23 oA compilation of ambassadors redefining influence BRAND ambassadors have become an important part of any business’s strategy in today’s digital world. These figures, often celebrities or renowned personalities, represent the essence of a brand by embodying its values and identity. However, as the marketing landscape evolves, so does the ensemble of brand ambassadors. Fresh faces and talents continuously join the fray, offering their distinct voices and perspectives to the brands they endorse. In this edition, the focus is on the latest additions to the world of brand ambassadorship. From established stars to rising sensations, each individual brings their unique persona and influence to the brands they represent, enriching the brand story and building stronger connections with audiences worldwide. Here are some of the diverse talents who have recently taken on the role of brand ambassadorship. Celine – Danielle of NewJeans The latest addition to Celine’s roster of global ambassadors is Danielle, a rising K-pop star from girl group NewJeans. Joining the ranks of wellknown personalities like Blackpink’s Lisa, BTS’s V and South Korean actor Park Bo-gum, Danielle brings her unique style and talent to the fashion house. Back in March, the fashion house shared on social media X a captivating black and white image of Danielle adorned in a classic Celine e n s e m b l e . Sporting a cropped black logo T-shirt, paired with jeans and a sleek black jacket, Danielle displays effortless style with her signature long dark waves. █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Longines added Hungarian model Palvin to its roster of ‘ambassadors of elegance’. Pylkkanen is Glenfiddich and The Balvenie’s new Southeast Asia malts ambassador. At just 18 years old, the Australian-Korean K-pop idol has already made a significant impact as part of NewJeans. Since their official debut in August 2022, with the EP New Jeans, the group has garnered widespread recognition for their captivating blend of R&B, electropop, and hip-hop. Their success has seen them top the Billboard charts and grace prestigious stages such as Coachella, solidifying their status as international sensations. Longines – Barbara Palvin Swiss watchmaker Longines recently announced supermodel Barbara Palvin as its newest “ambassador of elegance”. Known for her casual yet refined style, the 30-year-old Hungarian-born model brings a fresh perspective to elegance that is both approachable and captivating. Longines CEO Matthias Breschan expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting Palvin’s presence at the launch of the Mini DolceVita collection last year in New York as setting the stage for this successful partnership. He noted that Palvin epitomises true elegance while embodying the modern and confident woman envisioned by Longines. Discovered at the age of 13 in 2007, Palvin has risen to prominence in the fashion industry, earning recognition as Sports Illustrated’s Rookie of the Year in 2016. She has graced the covers of global editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. Palvin’s debut shoot for Longines features her wearing the Longines Dolce Vita, showing off her natural class and timeless charm. Chaumet – Aya Asahina Japanese actress and model Aya Asahina have been appointed as an ambassador for the renowned Parisian jeweller Chaumet, embodying the essence of the Maison and its exquisite creations. With her talent and charisma, Asahina elegantly represents the values of Chaumet, and is the ideal fit to be the brand’s ambassador for Japan, given her immense popularity in her home country. As a woman, a mother, and both as an actress and a model, she embodies Chaumet’s philosophy, blending flexibility with strength and delicacy with assertiveness. Expressing her excitement about her new role, Asahina said: “It is an honour to be part of the historic Chaumet family, which has been around since 1780. As Chaumet’s ambassador in Japan, I want to convey the charm of jewellery, which values human connections, to everyone. I am also looking forward to spending a wonderful time wearing the creations myself!” Going forward, the actress will participate in various initiatives to showcase the allure of Chaumet to audiences in Japan. Christian Louboutin – Yang Mi French luxury house Christian Louboutin recently welcomed actress Yang Mi as its brand a m b a s s a d o r . Renowned as one of Asia’s most i n f l u e n t i a l actors, Yang has m a s t e r f u l l y p o r t r a y e d French jeweller Chaumet has named Asahina as its Japan brand ambassador. Star-powered brands Renowned as one of Asia’s most influential actors, Yang has portrayed numerous beloved characters. numerous beloved characters. As per the statement, Yang’s confidence and maturity complement Maison’s distinctive style, effortlessly radiating charm. Her dedication to her craft aligns seamlessly with the brand’s founder and designer’s passionate pursuit of artistic expression. The brand eagerly anticipates the collaboration, stating: “Yang is a talented and charismatic actress; her unique vision of fashion and bold energy perfectly reflects our brand values. Welcome her on board!” Glennfiddich & The Balvenie – Jyri Pylkkanen William Grant & Sons, the independent family-owned distiller, has appointed Jyri Pylkkanen as its new regional malts brand ambassador for Southeast Asia, focusing primarily on Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. Pylkkanen was selected for his extensive experience and passion in the spirits industry, where he has spent over a decade developing awardwinning brand concepts and e x e c u t i n g successful product launches. In his role as regional brand a m b a s s a d o r , Pylkkanen will be instrumental in fostering advocacy and supporting the continued growth of Glenfiddich and The Balvenie in the Southeast Asian market. Meanwhile, The Balvenie global brand ambassador Charles Metcalfe said: “ P y l k k a n e n ’ s extensive knowledge and expertise make him a perfect fit for the role. We look forward to seeing how he will help both brands reach new heights and connect with even more consumers on a deeper level.” K-pop star Danielle of NewJeans is Celine’s new global ambassador.
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 24 An exploration of poetry in choral music 12 TONE Ensemble is returning to the stage with a second concert production Dream Tryst after its inaugural concert in December 2023. Dream Tryst will be held on May 21 night at the Kong Choi Exhibition Room, KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. The choir will be presenting a series of compositions, rarely performed in Malaysia, along with highlights from Fern Hill by Oscar and Grammy Award-winning American composer John Corigliano, and Rejoice in the Lamb by British composer Benjamin Britten. The choir will also present Gustav Holst’s Five Part-Songs, in addition to other pieces from Messiaen and Hawley. Corigliano’s Fern Hill is derived from the eponymous poem written by Welshman Dylan Thomas, whose most celebrated work was Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night. Thomas’ s childhood memories while growing up on a rural Welsh farm have been masterfully brought to life in Corigliano’s composition, painting a matching emotional soundscape. Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb builds upon text from the poem Jubilate Agno by 18th century English poet Christopher Smart, who wrote it during a period of asylum confinement. The idiosyncratic yet devotional nature of the poem is reflected in Britten’s creative and unique approach to this composition. Gustav Holst’s Five Part-Songs is the British composer’s second collection of five folksongs, arranged during the English Folksong revival movement in he An auditory journey in discovering the synergy between composer and poet. AFTER a strong opener, Ninja Kamui drops off so hard in quality that it will inevitably be taught in future animation and writing classes on how not to develop a modern anime. In the series’ fictional America, lone individuals are being brutally murdered by a group of mysterious assassins. Eventually, the group attacks Joe Logan, a white man living on a farm with his wife, Sara and young son Kyle, brutally murdering them. The group is revealed to be ninjas from Japan tasked with assassinating former members that fled the clan. Revived in the hospital, Logan sheds his alias and assumes his real identity as Higan, a former Japanese ninja living under an alias and disguise thanks to a digital face-altering device. His wife, whose real name is Mari, was also a ninja that defected with him. Seeking vengeance against the clan and its leader Yamaji, Higan embarks on a path to revenge. Upon finding out that Higan is alive, Yamaji tasks Zai, a former close friend of Higan and Mari, to hunt him down. All of this occurs in Ninja Kamui’s first episode, and in the next 12 episodes, show creator Park Sunghoo turns his own creation into an absolute disaster. Shedding its style Up to the fifth episode, Ninja Kamui is relatively watchable. The first two episodes feature a lot of good action, particularly emphasising the handto-hand combat between Higan and the ninjas fighting him. There are quite a few scenes that employ something called “sakuga animation”, which is highly detailed hand-drawn art to bring out explosive action elements or facial expressions. The exact moment this stops is the fifth episode, at which point the hand-drawn action begins to be replaced by 3D CGI. Then the action, all the hand-tohand combat and the ninja stuff, is completely abandoned in the sixth episode, when cyborgs enter the fray. Higan’s revenge moves into the passenger seat as the cyborgs take over the steering wheel. – PICS BY ADULT SWIM oAdult Swim’s Ninja Kamui is proof that bad anime is still being produced █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR The sixth episode is where Ninja Kamui’s quality visibly dips. The final episode is marred by sloppy animation and CGI. early 20th century. Although the composer is well known for his orchestral suite The Planets, Holst’s choral repertoire remains relatively underexplored yet beautifully written. Founded in 2023 by music director Caeleb Tee, 12tone Ensemble is a semi-professional project based on ensemble works primarily on classical choral repertoire and made up of experienced choristers in the Klang Valley. Steinway artist Zhang Chi will accompany the choir, playing the piano. Tickets are priced at RM88. Ruined by uined by robots Soundtrack to its funeral Before broaching Ninja Kamui’s obsession with cyborgs, the series’ terrible music needs to be highlighted. When it comes to samurai or ninjas, there is an expectation that the music will reflect Japanese sounds in line with what is being shown on the screen. In Ninja Kamui, the only sounds that accompany it are pop rock ballads. The action sequences or quiet moments in the show could have benefited from a score that features musical arrangements of Japanese instruments like shamisen and koto strings, shakuhachi flute melodies and taiko drums. Instead of traditional Japanese music, Ninja Kamui assaults viewers with generic, out-of-place rock music. Misguided and lazy At a very visible juncture, the anime takes a pivot, transforming the original story about a man fighting against his former ninja clan into a story about a ninja clan taking over the world using cyborgs. Park then introduces a secondary villain Joseph Evans, the founder and CEO of Auza. A multi-billion dollar tech company, Auza created the cyborgs, as they too hope to take over the world. What was once a story with personal stakes involving family and ninjas has escalated into a nonsensical world domination plot with too many villains, characters, character motivations and subplots. The cyborgs was such a detrimental addition that it also ruins the series’ ending. In the final two episodes of the series, Ninja Kamui is almost entirely CGI. The final episode has several back-to-back fight scenes, where Higan fights Yamaji, Higan fights Yamaji and Zai, and then Higan and Zai fight Yamaji. All of the sequences were poorly animated with CGI to the point that the fights look like streaming YouTube videos with a poor internet connection. Anyone looking for a great anime should avert their eyes from this series that should have been titled Cyborg Kamui.
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 25 Le French Festival returns LE French Festival 2024 is set to return with a spirited celebration beginning on May 29. This eagerly awaited event, now in its 22nd edition, will showcase French culture while fostering connections between Malaysian and French communities. Running until July 14, the festival will span multiple cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kuching. This year’s theme is sport, in tribute to the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Event highlights Cinema enthusiasts are in for a treat with Le French Festival 2024’s carefully curated lineup of 16 French films, including highlights such as The Three Musketeers: Milady, The Taste of Things, and The Animal Kingdom. Familyfriendly options like The Little Nicholas ensure entertainment for all ages. On June 2, attendees can experience a special digital day dedicated to short films, virtual reality games, cinema workshops, and digital art exhibitions, all in collaboration with the ClermontFerrand International Short Film Festival. The festival will also host vibrant celebrations like Fête de la Musique (International Music Day) on June 23 at Titiwangsa Park, featuring performances by French and Malaysian artistes. The festivities will culminate on July 14, French National Day, with an evening filled with food, drinks and music. Sporting activities are a significant focus this year. On June 30, children can participate in “The Little Champions”, a series of fun competitions. Additionally, “Breaking Battles” will feature performances by French DJ T-Sia and top Malaysian breakdancers like Lego Sam. On July 7, a fun run through Titiwangsa Park will be followed by a leisurely stroll through a flea market at Alliance Française of Kuala Lumpur (AFKL), offering a mix of fitness and relaxation. These diverse activities ensure that Le French Festival 2024 offers something for everyone, from cultural enthusiasts to sports fans. Cruau says the festival’s three main pillars are sport, family and inclusivity. – PICS BY ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN oVibrant celebration of sport, family and inclusivity █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Universal Music Group artistes return to TikTok UNIVERSAL Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have inked a new multi-dimensional deal that will see the former’s artistes such as Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo return to the social media platform and its one billion users. According to a press release, the new deal will address concerns that UMG and its artistes have with generative artificial intelligence (AI) by protecting human artistry and “the economics that flow to those artists and songwriters”. “TikTok is also committed to working with UMG to remove unauthorised AI-generated music from the platform, as well as tools to improve artist and songwriter attribution,” the statement read. TikTok music business development global head Ole Obermann said it is delighted to welcome UMG and UMPG back to TikTok. “In particular, we will work together to make sure that AI tools are developed responsibly to enable a new era of musical creativity and fan engagement while protecting human creativity,” he added. This came following a feud earlier this year, which saw UMG pulling its music from TikTok in February after Some of the other UMG artistes that will return to TikTok are Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @UNIVERSALMUSICGROUP Charli XCX addresses Britney Spears rumour CHARLI XCX has opened up about a pop music rumour during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live, where she admitted to being asked to write songs for a notable figure, hinting at Britney Spears. However, she clarified that it is uncertain if Spears was directly involved. Charli expressed her admiration for Spears and her hopes that one of her songs might be recorded by the pop icon. Despite not having one of her songs chosen by Spears yet, Charli remains optimistic. Charli’s upcoming album Brat is set to release on June 7, featuring 15 tracks. This marks her sixth studio album and follows her previous success with the song Speed Drive from the movie Barbie. – by THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Charli XCX gained prominence with her breakthrough single Boom Clap in 2014. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @CHARLI_XCX Key figures and sponsors associated with the Le French Festival 2024. Expect a good mix of entertainment at the festival. director of the festival, Laurent Elisio Bordier, emphasised the goal of engaging more Malaysians. He said that this year, AFKL has collaborated with local cultural, arts, tourism and sports departments to host events in popular and accessible locations like Titiwangsa Park and the KL Car Free Morning route. Alliance Française de Penang president Pauline Goh assured that in Penang, the festival promises even more vibrant and participatory activities. Attendees can enjoy a free concert by the French group Marsu, exhibitions on the power of sports, a pétanque tournament, VR experiences and masterclasses in photography and theater. The unique French Heritage Trail in Penang will also offer a deep dive into the region’s rich cultural history. Family-friendly focus During the Q&A session, Bordier emphasised the festival’s broad appeal, stating: “We have organised activities for all ages, focusing on kids and families but aiming to engage everyone.” AFKL cultural manager Mathilde Tallin added that there will be numerous bakery and pastry workshops, ensuring a gastronomic delight for attendees. Movie tickets will be available for booking starting May 23 via the GSC app. Le French Festival 2024 promises to be an enriching and inclusive celebration, inviting everyone to partake in the vibrant cultural exchange between Malaysia and France. Festival organisation and support During the press conference, Ambassador of France to Malaysia Axel Cruau highlighted the festival’s three main pillars: sport, family and inclusivity. “We want to share our culture as much as possible with our friends all over Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kuching,” said Cruau. AFKL executive director and cothe contract expired. Issues involving AI were some of the cited reasons behind the dispute. – by MARK MATHEN VICTOR
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 26 “I think there’s different approaches, ways you can approach comedy. One is anger and that is funny to people too. But that is not why I got into it. I do not like for my comedy to live in that space of anger,” shared Okatsuka about her brand of comedy. The show will take place on July 25 at HGH Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Tickets are on sale now. ASIAN-AMERICAN star comedienne Atsuko Okatsuka is coming to Malaysia. Best known as the only second Asian-American woman ever to get her own HBO special with her breakout 2022 The Intruder, Okatsuka is a rising star and one of the most beloved stand-up talents of Asian origin to hit the globe worldwide. Born in Taiwan and living in Los Angeles (LA), her comedy content is a distinctive blend of observational humour, replete with cultural insights worthy of an exceptional and engaging storyteller. Okatsuka’s style also seamlessly weaves together tragic personal e x p e r i e n c e s , PTSD-loaded t r i g g e r i n g c h i l d h o o d anecdotes and social commentary of society as a child and young adult growing up in Taiwan, Tokyo, and LA has garnered her a dedicated fan following globally. Okatsuka is influenced by the likes of physical comedians such as Robin Williams, Lucille Ball and Charlie Chaplin, and “because silliness is a universal language”, she went viral during the pandemic for a social media creation she dubbed the “#DropChallenge”, inspired by Beyoncé’s Partition. /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper I N another bitter blow for Malaysian concert goers, popular singer Olivia Rodrigo has left Kuala Lumpur (KL) off the expanded Guts tour itnerary. This is another disappointment following non-inclusion of KL dates by mega stars such as Taylor Swift and Beyonce in recent times. But all is not lost as fans can still catch Rodrigo’s live shows in venues at neighbouring countries. It is a pain but it is infinitely preferable to having no shows at all. The newly announced leg of the tour is set to kick off on Sept 16 in Bangkok, Thailand, serving as the inaugural stop in the region. Following that, Rodrigo will bring her live show to cities including Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney, before concluding the tour on October 19 at Qudos Bank Arena, Australia. For all four shows Down Under, These additional dates will bring Rodrigo’s tour to 82 shows worldwide by year’s end. – PIC BY LARISSA HOFMANN oOlivia Rodrigo announces first-ever run of shows in Asia and Australia but no Malaysia dates █ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL Comedienne Atsuko Okatsuka to perform in Malaysia Super Junior 2024 ‘Halftime’ tour hits Kuala Lumpur in August KOREAN boy band Super Junior, which is celebrating their 19th anniversary this year, has announced the “2024 Super Junior <Super Show Spin Off: Halftime> Asia Tour” with a concert in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 3. Organised by iMe, the concert will be held at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. Tickets, divided into seven categories, are priced from RM398 to RM998. After a year of individual and subunit schedules after their “Super Show 9: Road“ world tour, Super Junior is returning with a full group schedule starting with their Asia tour in June at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The “2024 Super Junior <Super Show Spin Off: Halftime> Asia Tour“ will take them to cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Hong Kong and Jakarta. SM Entertainment revealed that this tour is an extension of Super Junior’s long-running “Super Show“ concert series since 2008, promising new concepts and performances from the members. The tour is an extension of Super Junior’s long-running ‘Super Show’ concert series. Rodrigo will be joined by rising altpop star Benee, known for her viral TikTok hit Supalonely, which peaked at No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020. Rodrigo is currently in the midst of her European leg, which commenced on April 30 in Dublin. This follows the Good 4 U singer’s initial run of shows in North America in February, with stops in Palm Springs, California, New York City, Toronto, and more. “Europe leg of the Guts world tour has been wonderful so far! So much love for everyone who has been coming to jump and sing and scream! Asia and Australia dates just announced! Hope to see you there!” Rodrigo posted on Instagram following the recent announcement, accompanied by photos from her past performances. The announcement follows just days after the artiste postponed her show in Manchester, which was planned for May 3, due to technical difficulties at the CoOp Live arena. “I’m so disappointed that we’re unable to perform in Manchester due to ongoing venue-related technical issues. I’m so bummed and I really hope to see you all soon.” Guts was released on Sept 8 last year on the Geffen label, earning the 21-year-old critical acclaim as well as six Grammy nominations. KL not on extended ‘Guts’ tour Okatsuka of the super hit HBO special The Intruder will perform in Malaysia on July 25.
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 27 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF URBAN INFRA SDN. BHD. Co. No. 200901014170 (857238-P) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) The following Special Resolution was duly passed by the members of URBAN INFRA SDN. BHD., on the 16th May, 2024 in accordance with Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016. ‘That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. Taufik bin Mohd Salleh of Lot 2-3-2, Prima Peninsular, No. 2, Jalan Setiawangsa 11, Taman Setiawangsa, 54200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan be and is hereby appointed Liquidators for the purpose of such winding-up’. Dated this: 16th May, 2024 Sgnd ……………………………..... CHE HASNADI BIN CHE HASSAN Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF URBAN INFRA SDN. BHD. Co. No. 200901014170 (857238-P) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above named Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 16th June, 2024 (30 days from advertised date ) to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names, addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Lot 2-3-2, Prima Peninsular, No. 2, Jalan Setiawangsa 11, Taman Setiawangsa, 54200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they shall be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proven. Dated this: 16th May, 2024 Sgnd …………………………. TAUFIK BIN MOHD SALLEH Liquidator 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI MELAKA DALAM NEGERI MELAKA, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: MA-A52NCC-17-02/2024 ANTARA LIEW SZE QI CHESSY (No. K/P: 970112-04-5092) …PLAINTIF DAN YAP MIN CHING (No. K/P: 870816-30-5229) …DEFENDAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada :- YAP MIN CHING (No. K/P: 870816-30-5229) No. 99-1, Lorong Sidang Omar, Jalan Penghulu Abbas, 75150 Bukit Baru, Melaka. Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Writ No. MAA52NCC-17-02/2024 oleh LIEW SZE QI CHESSY (No. K/P: 970112-04-5092) yang mempunyai alamat di 590F, Jalan Tengkara, 75200 Melaka, dalam mana tuntutan plaintif untuk jumlah wang sebanyak RM 221,224-00 dengan faedah 5% setahun ke atas jumlah penghakiman mulai tarikh pemfailan Writ Saman sehingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya. Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ itu dalam tindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa 7 hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 23 April, 2024. -T.T- ……………….…… Peguamcara Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti (Bentuk Iklan) ini difailkan oleh Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates, Peguamcara Plaintif beralamat di Block J-3A-04, Setiawalk, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: 03-8600 2162, Faks: 03-8600 2163; Emel: [emailprotected] (Ruj kami : LIT/KWPA/2923/LSQC/ YMC/h/ks) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI DI IPOH DALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN, MALAYSIA SAMAN PEMULA NO. AA-24NCvC-16-01/2024 Dalam perkara mengenai hartanah yang terkandung di bawah No. Hakmilik PM 11084, Lot 60746 di dalam Mukim Hulu Kinta, Daerah Kinta, Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan yang beralamat No. 92, Jalan Raja Omar, Kampung Sungai Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan; Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 89 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah 2012. MOHD AMIR SAFWAN BIN HAMDAN (NO. K/P: 911114-13-5171) …PLAINTIF DAN PENGHUNI-PENGHUNI YANG TIDAK DIKENALI …DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS IKLAN KEPADA PENGHUNI-PENGHUNI YANG TIDAK DIKENALI (DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN) NO. 92, JALAN RAJA OMAR KAMPUNG SUNGAI RAPAT 31350 IPOH, PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Saman Pemula telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh oleh Plaintif tersebut di atas. Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Saman Pemula ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara Penyampaian Ganti dengan mengiklankan satu (1) Notis di dalam surat khabar harian tempatan dan penyampaian secara pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah dianggap penyampaian sempurna dan cukup ke atas kamu empat belas (14) hari selepas tarikh akhir pengiklanan tersebut. DAN AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Saman Pemula ini ditetapkan untuk PENGURUSAN KES PADA 4 JUN 2024 PADA PUKUL 9.00 PAGI dan kamu dikehendaki hadir ke Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Ipoh, Perak pada hari tersebut dan sekiranya kamu gagal hadir, Mahkamah boleh memasukkan Perintah ke atas kamu. Saman Pemula ini boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan kamu di Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 16 haribulan Mei 2024 .................. tt.................. PENOLONG KANAN PENDAFTAR MAHKAMAH TINGGI IPOH PERAK NOTIS IKLAN ini difailkan oleh TETUAN ABANG AZLAN & ASSOCIATES, Peguamcara & Peguambela bagi Plaintif yang mempunyai alamat penyampaian di T2A-15-10, Menara 3 (3 Towers), No. 296, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. Tel: 03-2702 9581 Faks:03-2702 9582 Emel: [emailprotected] Ruj:3A/L/113323/MASH DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: WA-28NCC-401-05/2024 Dalam perkara Seksyen 465 (1) (e) Akta Syarikat 2016, peruntukan-peruntukan dalam Akta Syarikat 2016 dan KaedahKaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 DAN Dalam perkara Trans Laduni Sdn. Bhd. [No. Syarikat: 200801014287 (815576-X)] ANTARA PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD [[NO. SYARIKAT: 199101010745 (221057- V)] ...PEMPETISYEN DAN TRANS LADUNI SDN. BHD. [NO. SYARIKAT: 200801014287 (815576- X)] ...RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS adalah dengan ini diberi bahawa Petisyen Penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi di Kuala Lumpur adalah pada 6hb Mei 2024 dikemukakan kepada Mahkamah tersebut oleh Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad. Dan bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarah untuk didengar di hadapan Mahkamah Tinggi Insolvensi yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada hari Isnin, 29hb Julai 2024 pada pukul 9:30 pagi dan mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang pembuatan perintah ke atas Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir pada masa pendengaran oleh beliau sendiri atau Peguamcaranya untuk tujuan itu dan salinan Petisyen akan diberikan kepada mana-mana Pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memerlukannya oleh penandatangan di bawah (‘undersigned’) atas pembayaran caj terkawal untuk yang sama. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di Tingkat 7, Blok 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Kama & Wan, yang beralamat Tetuan. Kama & Wan, yang beralamat di 5-1-1, Jalan Medan PB 4A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan. …………………… Tetuan Kama & Wan Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen NOTA: Mana-mana orang yang berhasrat untuk hadir pada pendengaran Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan atau menghantar melalui pos kepada Tetuan Kama & Wan yang dinamakan di atas, notis bertulis tentang hasratnya berbuat demikian. Notis itu mesti menyatakan nama dan alamat orang itu, atau, jika firma, nama dan alamat firma itu dan mesti ditandatangani oleh orang atau firma itu atau Peguamcaranya (jika ada) dan mesti disampaikan, atau jika dipos, mesti dihantar melalui pos dalam masa yang mencukupi untuk sampai kepada yang dinamakan di atas tidak lewat pada pukul 12:00 tengah hari 26 Julai 2024. Iklan Petisyen ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Kama & Wan, Peguamcara & Peguambela bagi pihak Pempetisyen yang mempunyai alamat untuk penyampaian di No. 5-1-1, Jalan Medan PB 4A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan. (Tel: 03 89221485) (E-mel: [emailprotected]) (Ref. No.:WS/PUNB/TLSB/1367(L) DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO: WA-A72NCVC-1091-03/2024 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN SERI MALAYSIA (No. Pendaftaran: 466/2009) …PLAINTIF DAN SAIFUL BIN ABD SALLEH (No. Kad Pengenalan: 711005-04- 5197/A1885433) …DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN Kepada: SAIFUL BIN ABD SALLEH (NO. K/P: 711005-04-5197/A1885433) AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dalam Guaman No. WA-A72NCVC-1091-03/2024 oleh PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN SERI MALAYSIA (No. Pendaftaran: 466/2009) yang beralamat di Pejabat Pengurusan, No. 2, Tingkat 3, Jalan 3/141 Pangsapuri Seri Malaysia, 57100 Kuala Lumpur. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 25 Mac 2024 dilaksanakan secara penyampaian ganti terhadap kamu dengan penampalan di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui Plaintif, penampalan pada papan kenyataan di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dan juga mengiklankan sekali sahaja di suratkhabar tempatan dan bahawa penyampaian Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian akan disifatkan sebagai penyampaian yang lengkap dan sempurna terhadap kamu tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh terakhir penyempurnaan kaedah serahan ganti Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut dilakukan. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah memfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran, samada secara sendiri atau melalui peguamcara kamu. Kegagalan kamu untuk berbuat demikian boleh menyebabkan Penghakiman Ingkar diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh 9 Mei 2024 T.T ……………………………. Tetuan MURNI & Co. Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan MURNI & Co. Peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang mempunyai alamat penyampaian di 1-2A, 2nd Floor, Ukay Boulevard, Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2 (MRR2), Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Office Tel. : 03-4161 9790 / 012-222 3558 Email : [emailprotected] No. Ruj : MCO/L/GEN.LIT/F/2024/0002 (PPSM) 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM NEGERI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (BAHAGIAN DAGANG) PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: WA-28NCC-365-04/2024 Dalam perkara di bawah Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara di bawah Seksyen 465 (1) (e) dan Seksyen 466 (1) (a) Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara di bawah Kaedah-kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA Orix Credit Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat : 67108-U) ... Pempetisyen DAN Iqzan Holding Berhad (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Ire-Tex Corporation Berhad) [No. Syarikat: 200201008458 (576121-A)] ... Responden IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat oleh Mahkamah Tinggi, telah pada 22/04/2024 dikemukakan oleh Orix Credit Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat : 67108-U) yang beralamat di 8th Floor, Menara Penang Garden, 42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur pada 23/07/2024 jam 9.30 pagi. DAN mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang berniat untuk menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa bicaraan dan sesalinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di 8th Floor, Menara Penang Garden, 42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah WongChooi & Mohd. Nor, Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 27, 1st Floor, Jalan Maju Jaya, Pusat Perniagaan Maju Jaya, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. ...............t.t.................. Peguamcara Pempetisyen PERINGATAN - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada Tetuan Wong-Chooi & Mohd. Nor yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum jam 12.00 tengahari pada 22/07/2024. [RUJUKAN NO.: WCMN(BM)/ OCMSB/2023-605/IHB (YKY/sk)] 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND CALLIN AUTO (M) SDN BHD 201601014145 (1185076-P) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE is hereby given that a Final General Meeting of the above named Company will be held at the registered office of 62-2, Jalan 2A/27A, Section 1, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur on 16.06.2024 at 10:00 a.m. for the following purposes. 1. RESOLVED THAT the statement of accounts from the Liquidator showing how the winding up has been conducted and the property of the Company has been disposed of and for the purpose of the laying before it the account and giving any explanation thereof be approved and confirmed. 2. RESOLVED THAT the Liquidator be authorised within seven days after the meeting, lodge with the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver, a return of the holding of the meeting hereof pursuant to Section 459(3) of the Companies Act, 2016 with a copy of the accounts attached to such return under Section 514(1) of the said Act accordingly. 3. RESOLVED THAT upon the expiration of three months after the lodgement of both the said statutory documents with Registrar of Companies and with the Official Receiver respectively, the Company shall be dissolved pursuant to Section 459(5) of the Companies Act, 2016 accordingly, be noted and confirmed. 4. RESOLVED THAT pursuant to Section 518(3) (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the books and papers of the Company and of the Liquidator that are relevant to the affairs of the Company on or subsequent to the commencement of the winding up of the Company shall be retained by the Directors and be destroyed within a period of one month after dissolution of the Company. Convened pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act, 2016 Liquidator HENG CHIANG POOH FCIS (CS) (CGP) Dated: 16.05.2024 Note : A member may appoint any person to be his proxy and if more than one proxy is appointed, the proxies shall be invalid if the proportion of votes are not stated accordingly for each proxy respectively. The proxy form shall be deposited at the Registered Office of the company as addressed above at least 48 hours before the commencement of the meeting. If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [emailprotected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs MENCARI BAPA KANDUNG Saya Yong Lai Peng, yang menjaga kanakkanak lelaki bernama CHAN HOU LAM (No Daftar: DS 45608) sedang mencari bapa kandung kepada kanak-kanak tersebut yang bernama CHAN CHEE WAI (No K/P: 740401-06-5619) yang beralamat di 09-03A Service Apartment,No. 8 Jalan Sepadu 5, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan dan seorang warganegara Malaysia. Sebarang maklumat mengenai beliau sila hubungi saya di talian 017- 2272522 dan/atau Lai Kam Wa di talian 017- 2304087. 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA / MS. BALQISH 03 7784 8888 018 261 6626 [emailprotected] THURSDAY MAY 16, 2024 SCAN ME TEL: 03-7784 6688 FAX: 03-7785 2625 EMAIL: [emailprotected] FIERY FIFTIES from Abishek Porel and Tristan Stubbs helped Delhi Capitals sign off their IPL league phase on a high as they beat Lucknow Super Giants by 19 runs yesterday. The win took Delhi to 14 points in 14 matches and they remain technically in the mix to reach the playoffs of the T20 tournament, but a run-rate in the negative keeps their chances slim. “We are still in contention even after the last game,” Delhi skipper Rishabh Pant said after he returned to lead the side following a one-match ban for slow over-rate. “We had a better chance of qualifying if I would have had a chance to play in the last game (which Delhi lost).” The left-handed Porel hit 58 before Stubbs smashed an unbeaten 57 off 25 balls to steer Delhi to 208-4 after being invited to bat first at their high-scoring home venue, Arun Jaitley Stadium. Pant, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, made 33 to cap off an impressive season after he came back in the IPL from a horror car crash in December 2022. “Personally, it was fantastic to come back,” said Pant, who has been picked in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup next month. “It was heartening to see the support from entire India. Was a long time to wait after one-anda-half years. I want to be on the field all the time. Don’t want to miss any action.” KL Rahul-led Lucknow have 12 points with one more match to play and have their hopes hanging by a thread. The result confirmed a playoff spot for Rajasthan Royals, who became the second team to enter the final four alongside tabletoppers Kolkata Knight Riders. Ishant Sharma led the bowling charge with three early wickets as Delhi restricted Lucknow to 189-9 despite valiant knocks from Nicholas Pooran, who smashed 61, and Arshad Khan, who hit an unbeaten 58. – AFP Stubbs gives Delhi playoff hope IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF URBAN INFRA SDN. BHD. Co. No. 200901014170 (857238-P) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) The following Special Resolution was duly passed by the members of URBAN INFRA SDN. BHD., on the 16th May, 2024 in accordance with Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016. ‘That the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Mr. Taufik bin Mohd Salleh of Lot 2-3-2, Prima Peninsular, No. 2, Jalan Setiawangsa 11, Taman Setiawangsa, 54200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan be and is hereby appointed Liquidators for the purpose of such winding-up’. Dated this: 16th May, 2024 Sgnd ……………………………..... CHE HASNADI BIN CHE HASSAN Director IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF URBAN INFRA SDN. BHD. Co. No. 200901014170 (857238-P) (In Members Voluntary Winding Up) Notice is hereby given that the creditors of the above named Company, which is being voluntarily wound up, are required on or before 16th June, 2024 (30 days from advertised date ) to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims and of any security held by them, and the names, addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Lot 2-3-2, Prima Peninsular, No. 2, Jalan Setiawangsa 11, Taman Setiawangsa, 54200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally to come in and prove their debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they shall be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proven. Dated this: 16th May, 2024 Sgnd …………………………. TAUFIK BIN MOHD SALLEH Liquidator 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH SESYEN DI MELAKA DALAM NEGERI MELAKA, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO: MA-A52NCC-17-02/2024 ANTARA LIEW SZE QI CHESSY (No. K/P: 970112-04-5092) …PLAINTIF DAN YAP MIN CHING (No. K/P: 870816-30-5229) …DEFENDAN PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada :- YAP MIN CHING (No. K/P: 870816-30-5229) No. 99-1, Lorong Sidang Omar, Jalan Penghulu Abbas, 75150 Bukit Baru, Melaka. Ambil perhatian bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Writ No. MAA52NCC-17-02/2024 oleh LIEW SZE QI CHESSY (No. K/P: 970112-04-5092) yang mempunyai alamat di 590F, Jalan Tengkara, 75200 Melaka, dalam mana tuntutan plaintif untuk jumlah wang sebanyak RM 221,224-00 dengan faedah 5% setahun ke atas jumlah penghakiman mulai tarikh pemfailan Writ Saman sehingga tarikh penyelesaian sepenuhnya. Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian writ itu dalam tindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa 7 hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 23 April, 2024. -T.T- ……………….…… Peguamcara Plaintif Penyampaian Ganti (Bentuk Iklan) ini difailkan oleh Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates, Peguamcara Plaintif beralamat di Block J-3A-04, Setiawalk, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: 03-8600 2162, Faks: 03-8600 2163; Emel: [emailprotected] (Ruj kami : LIT/KWPA/2923/LSQC/ YMC/h/ks) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI DI IPOH DALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN, MALAYSIA SAMAN PEMULA NO. AA-24NCvC-16-01/2024 Dalam perkara mengenai hartanah yang terkandung di bawah No. Hakmilik PM 11084, Lot 60746 di dalam Mukim Hulu Kinta, Daerah Kinta, Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan yang beralamat No. 92, Jalan Raja Omar, Kampung Sungai Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan; Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 89 Kaedah-Kaedah Mahkamah 2012. MOHD AMIR SAFWAN BIN HAMDAN (NO. K/P: 911114-13-5171) …PLAINTIF DAN PENGHUNI-PENGHUNI YANG TIDAK DIKENALI …DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS IKLAN KEPADA PENGHUNI-PENGHUNI YANG TIDAK DIKENALI (DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN) NO. 92, JALAN RAJA OMAR KAMPUNG SUNGAI RAPAT 31350 IPOH, PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Saman Pemula telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Ipoh oleh Plaintif tersebut di atas. Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Saman Pemula ini diserahkan kepada kamu secara Penyampaian Ganti dengan mengiklankan satu (1) Notis di dalam surat khabar harian tempatan dan penyampaian secara pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah dianggap penyampaian sempurna dan cukup ke atas kamu empat belas (14) hari selepas tarikh akhir pengiklanan tersebut. DAN AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Saman Pemula ini ditetapkan untuk PENGURUSAN KES PADA 4 JUN 2024 PADA PUKUL 9.00 PAGI dan kamu dikehendaki hadir ke Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Ipoh, Perak pada hari tersebut dan sekiranya kamu gagal hadir, Mahkamah boleh memasukkan Perintah ke atas kamu. Saman Pemula ini boleh diperiksa oleh kamu atas permohonan kamu di Mahkamah ini. Bertarikh pada 16 haribulan Mei 2024 .................. tt.................. PENOLONG KANAN PENDAFTAR MAHKAMAH TINGGI IPOH PERAK NOTIS IKLAN ini difailkan oleh TETUAN ABANG AZLAN & ASSOCIATES, Peguamcara & Peguambela bagi Plaintif yang mempunyai alamat penyampaian di T2A-15-10, Menara 3 (3 Towers), No. 296, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. Tel: 03-2702 9581 Faks:03-2702 9582 Emel: [emailprotected] Ruj:3A/L/113323/MASH DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: WA-28NCC-401-05/2024 Dalam perkara Seksyen 465 (1) (e) Akta Syarikat 2016, peruntukan-peruntukan dalam Akta Syarikat 2016 dan KaedahKaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 DAN Dalam perkara Trans Laduni Sdn. Bhd. [No. Syarikat: 200801014287 (815576-X)] ANTARA PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD [[NO. SYARIKAT: 199101010745 (221057- V)] ...PEMPETISYEN DAN TRANS LADUNI SDN. BHD. [NO. SYARIKAT: 200801014287 (815576- X)] ...RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS adalah dengan ini diberi bahawa Petisyen Penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi di Kuala Lumpur adalah pada 6hb Mei 2024 dikemukakan kepada Mahkamah tersebut oleh Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad. Dan bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarah untuk didengar di hadapan Mahkamah Tinggi Insolvensi yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada hari Isnin, 29hb Julai 2024 pada pukul 9:30 pagi dan mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang pembuatan perintah ke atas Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir pada masa pendengaran oleh beliau sendiri atau Peguamcaranya untuk tujuan itu dan salinan Petisyen akan diberikan kepada mana-mana Pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memerlukannya oleh penandatangan di bawah (‘undersigned’) atas pembayaran caj terkawal untuk yang sama. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di Tingkat 7, Blok 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Kama & Wan, yang beralamat Tetuan. Kama & Wan, yang beralamat di 5-1-1, Jalan Medan PB 4A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan. …………………… Tetuan Kama & Wan Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen NOTA: Mana-mana orang yang berhasrat untuk hadir pada pendengaran Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan atau menghantar melalui pos kepada Tetuan Kama & Wan yang dinamakan di atas, notis bertulis tentang hasratnya berbuat demikian. Notis itu mesti menyatakan nama dan alamat orang itu, atau, jika firma, nama dan alamat firma itu dan mesti ditandatangani oleh orang atau firma itu atau Peguamcaranya (jika ada) dan mesti disampaikan, atau jika dipos, mesti dihantar melalui pos dalam masa yang mencukupi untuk sampai kepada yang dinamakan di atas tidak lewat pada pukul 12:00 tengah hari 26 Julai 2024. Iklan Petisyen ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Kama & Wan, Peguamcara & Peguambela bagi pihak Pempetisyen yang mempunyai alamat untuk penyampaian di No. 5-1-1, Jalan Medan PB 4A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan. (Tel: 03 89221485) (E-mel: [emailprotected]) (Ref. No.:WS/PUNB/TLSB/1367(L) DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO: WA-A72NCVC-1091-03/2024 ANTARA PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN SERI MALAYSIA (No. Pendaftaran: 466/2009) …PLAINTIF DAN SAIFUL BIN ABD SALLEH (No. Kad Pengenalan: 711005-04- 5197/A1885433) …DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN Kepada: SAIFUL BIN ABD SALLEH (NO. K/P: 711005-04-5197/A1885433) AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dalam Guaman No. WA-A72NCVC-1091-03/2024 oleh PERBADANAN PENGURUSAN SERI MALAYSIA (No. Pendaftaran: 466/2009) yang beralamat di Pejabat Pengurusan, No. 2, Tingkat 3, Jalan 3/141 Pangsapuri Seri Malaysia, 57100 Kuala Lumpur. DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh 25 Mac 2024 dilaksanakan secara penyampaian ganti terhadap kamu dengan penampalan di alamat terakhir kamu yang diketahui Plaintif, penampalan pada papan kenyataan di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur dan juga mengiklankan sekali sahaja di suratkhabar tempatan dan bahawa penyampaian Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian akan disifatkan sebagai penyampaian yang lengkap dan sempurna terhadap kamu tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh terakhir penyempurnaan kaedah serahan ganti Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan tersebut dilakukan. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah memfailkan Memorandum Kehadiran, samada secara sendiri atau melalui peguamcara kamu. Kegagalan kamu untuk berbuat demikian boleh menyebabkan Penghakiman Ingkar diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh 9 Mei 2024 T.T ……………………………. Tetuan MURNI & Co. Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN SECARA PENGIKLANAN ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan MURNI & Co. Peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang mempunyai alamat penyampaian di 1-2A, 2nd Floor, Ukay Boulevard, Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2 (MRR2), Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Office Tel. : 03-4161 9790 / 012-222 3558 Email : [emailprotected] No. Ruj : MCO/L/GEN.LIT/F/2024/0002 (PPSM) 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM NEGERI WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (BAHAGIAN DAGANG) PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO.: WA-28NCC-365-04/2024 Dalam perkara di bawah Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara di bawah Seksyen 465 (1) (e) dan Seksyen 466 (1) (a) Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara di bawah Kaedah-kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA Orix Credit Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat : 67108-U) ... Pempetisyen DAN Iqzan Holding Berhad (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Ire-Tex Corporation Berhad) [No. Syarikat: 200201008458 (576121-A)] ... Responden IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat oleh Mahkamah Tinggi, telah pada 22/04/2024 dikemukakan oleh Orix Credit Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (No. Syarikat : 67108-U) yang beralamat di 8th Floor, Menara Penang Garden, 42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur pada 23/07/2024 jam 9.30 pagi. DAN mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang berniat untuk menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa bicaraan dan sesalinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di 8th Floor, Menara Penang Garden, 42, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah WongChooi & Mohd. Nor, Peguambela & Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. 27, 1st Floor, Jalan Maju Jaya, Pusat Perniagaan Maju Jaya, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. ...............t.t.................. Peguamcara Pempetisyen PERINGATAN - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos, kepada Tetuan Wong-Chooi & Mohd. Nor yang dinamakan di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum jam 12.00 tengahari pada 22/07/2024. [RUJUKAN NO.: WCMN(BM)/ OCMSB/2023-605/IHB (YKY/sk)] 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND CALLIN AUTO (M) SDN BHD 201601014145 (1185076-P) (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE is hereby given that a Final General Meeting of the above named Company will be held at the registered office of 62-2, Jalan 2A/27A, Section 1, Wangsa Maju, 53300 Kuala Lumpur on 16.06.2024 at 10:00 a.m. for the following purposes. 1. RESOLVED THAT the statement of accounts from the Liquidator showing how the winding up has been conducted and the property of the Company has been disposed of and for the purpose of the laying before it the account and giving any explanation thereof be approved and confirmed. 2. RESOLVED THAT the Liquidator be authorised within seven days after the meeting, lodge with the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver, a return of the holding of the meeting hereof pursuant to Section 459(3) of the Companies Act, 2016 with a copy of the accounts attached to such return under Section 514(1) of the said Act accordingly. 3. RESOLVED THAT upon the expiration of three months after the lodgement of both the said statutory documents with Registrar of Companies and with the Official Receiver respectively, the Company shall be dissolved pursuant to Section 459(5) of the Companies Act, 2016 accordingly, be noted and confirmed. 4. RESOLVED THAT pursuant to Section 518(3) (b) of the Companies Act, 2016 the books and papers of the Company and of the Liquidator that are relevant to the affairs of the Company on or subsequent to the commencement of the winding up of the Company shall be retained by the Directors and be destroyed within a period of one month after dissolution of the Company. Convened pursuant to Section 459(2) of the Companies Act, 2016 Liquidator HENG CHIANG POOH FCIS (CS) (CGP) Dated: 16.05.2024 Note : A member may appoint any person to be his proxy and if more than one proxy is appointed, the proxies shall be invalid if the proportion of votes are not stated accordingly for each proxy respectively. The proxy form shall be deposited at the Registered Office of the company as addressed above at least 48 hours before the commencement of the meeting. If you feel you have what it takes, to join us in the interesting media industry, send your resume (together with a photo of you) via email to [emailprotected] You can call us at +603 7784 6688 theSun is published by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Level 4, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. MARKETING EXECUTIVE Responsibilities 1. Handle both local & outstation Agents and Vendors. 2. Handle sales of newspaper-corporate sales e.g.: Hospital, Hotels, etc. 3. Actively engage in outbound sales activities to acquire new newspaper subscribers. Requirements 1. Minimum Diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field with at least 2 years of experience. 2. Proven experience in sales, preferably in the media or publishing industry would be an advantage 3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4. Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills. Malaysian Paper MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE / AGENT (FREELANCE) Requirements 1. Minimum 1 year sales experience in newspaper bulk sales and digital advertising 2. Attractice commision package and incentive 3. Able to start immediately 4. Central, Nothern, Southern, East Coast and Sabah/Sarawak 302 Jobs MENCARI BAPA KANDUNG Saya Yong Lai Peng, yang menjaga kanakkanak lelaki bernama CHAN HOU LAM (No Daftar: DS 45608) sedang mencari bapa kandung kepada kanak-kanak tersebut yang bernama CHAN CHEE WAI (No K/P: 740401-06-5619) yang beralamat di 09-03A Service Apartment,No. 8 Jalan Sepadu 5, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan dan seorang warganegara Malaysia. Sebarang maklumat mengenai beliau sila hubungi saya di talian 017- 2272522 dan/atau Lai Kam Wa di talian 017- 2304087. 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA / MS. BALQISH 03 7784 8888 018 261 6626 [emailprotected]
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 28 Medvedev edvedev out DANIIL MEDVEDEV’S Rome Open title defence came to an early end yesterday after the world No. 4 was knocked out at the last-16 stage by Tommy Paul, while Iga Swiatek cruised into the women’s semifinals. Second seed Medvedev has never successfully defended an ATP Tour crown and was well below his best, stunned in straight sets 6-1, 6-4 by American Paul who claimed his first win against the former US Open champion. “Mentally I had to be much better. I started to calm myself down and focus on the match only at the end of the match, and it was too late,” Medvedev told reporters. “It’s disappointing, to be honest. I wanted to do better here.” Paul will play Hubert Hurkacz, who knocked out Rafael Nadal earlier in the tournament, in his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal on clay. “I had a bit of training before the clay court season this year and it really helped. I’m really comfortable and I’m having fun out here,” said Paul on court. Medvedev, 28, had a great chance at the Foro Italico after a raft of stars either withdrew or were eliminated early, but instead he became the latest big name to be dumped out of the last major tournament before this month’s French Open. Hoping to pounce is world No. 5 and 2017 Rome winner Alexander Zverev after sweeping past unseeded Nuno Borges 6-2, 7-5 to set up a quarterfinal clash with Taylor Fritz. Reigning Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas meanwhile demolished Australia’s Alex de Minaur 6-1, 6-2 in an hour and will play Nicolas Jarry in the last eight. World No. 1 Swiatek continued her bid for a third Rome title in imperious style, strolling into the last four past Madison Keys 6-1, 6-3. “Today I’m really proud of myself because I feel like I’m playing better and for sure this was the best day for me in Rome,” said Swiatek. In the last four Swiatek will take on third seed Coco Gauff, who beat Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (7- 4), 6-1 in the day’s final match on centre court. S h e maintained her red-hot form at the Foro Italico, where she has not yet dropped a set, ahead of her French Open title defence later this month. The three-time Roland Garros champion arrived in Rome off the back of winning a third WTA 1000 title of the season in Madrid. And she could yet become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win in the Spanish and Italian capitals in the same season. – AFP New dad Scheffler gets back to work at PGA MASTERS champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler wasn’t getting much work done on his golf game last week, but he was feeling pretty happy and comfortable at home with his family. Scheffler’s wife Meredith gave birth to the couple’s first child – son Bennett – last Wednesday and he said the couple was able to spend some quality time during their first week of parenthood. “At home it was a nice time to reflect a little bit on my career so far and where my life has gone,” Scheffler said. “I married my high school sweetheart and I always wanted to play professional golf and now I’m here. “I was sitting there with a newborn in my arms and the green jacket in the closet. It was a pretty special time I think at home.” But on Monday, it was back to work. Scheffler left his home in Dallas and flew to Louisville to prepare for the second major of the year – the PGA Championship, which starts tomorrow at Valhalla Golf Club. Scheffler said he already missed his son “like crazy,” but noted the couple knew he needed to play in the PGA. “It was not easy to leave the house Monday morning,” he said. “But like I said, I told my son as I was leaving, I was like, ‘I don’t want to leave you right now, but I need to.’ I’m called to do my job to the best of my ability.” Scheffler will play in his fifth PGA championship and try to continue his amazing streak of recent hot play, which included a win at the Masters last month. – Field Level Media JUST because Jon Rahm (pix) has not won a title since last year’s Masters does not mean the world No. 5 from Spain is struggling as he prepares for the PGA Championship. Rahm, who jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf last December, has not won in seven starts on the Saudi-backed series this year, but neither has he finished outside the top 10 in any of the 54-hole events. The 29-year-old Spaniard, took his first major at the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines and captured the green jacket last year at Augusta National for his 11th career PGA Tour crown. Rahm shared 45th last month at the Masters, his worst finish in eight Augusta starts, but isn’t concerned about his form. “I don’t think my game is in any sort of issues. I didn’t play good at Augusta, but so far I haven’t missed a top 10,” Rahm said. “I know it’s smaller fields, but I’ve been playing good golf.” Rahm stands second on the LIV Golf table, his best efforts sharing third at Mayakoba and Adelaide to trail only Chile’s Joaquin Niemann in the season points race after sharing 10th earlier this month at Singapore. “Have I played my best golf? No,” Rahm said. “But I do feel the last few weeks, e s p e c i a l l y coming off Singapore, made a couple tweaks, just very small things that have made my game be consistently much better, even when I’m home, and in general just feel a little more normal. “I never felt like I was far off, and when I say I’m not playing my best, just hadn’t had my A game for a week yet, but I still I’ve been close to my A game and B-plus multiple times, so I’m comfortable how I’ve played this year.” Rahm says coming into majors off a LIV schedule versus PGA Tour events isn’t a great change. “It doesn’t really feel different,” he said. “Besides the tournaments I’ve played and the different venues and the different flow to the schedule, there really isn’t any other difference.” Rahm, who notes he remains a PGA Tour member even if he’s suspended and barred from PGA Tour events, says he isn’t in on the workings of the PGA Tour merger talks with the Saudi financial backers of LIV Golf.” – AFP Rahm not slumping despite winless LIV start SHORTS Spieth tries again for career Grand Slam JORDAN SPIETH enters the 106th PGA Championship seeking a victory that would complete a career Grand Slam, bring a fourth career major title and snap a twoyear win drought. The 30-year-old American arrives at Valhalla saying his game is better than his results and the combination is delivering new frustrations. “My mechanics are more sound than they’ve been in a long time. I feel like I’m driving the ball better maybe than I’ve ever driven the golf ball. I feel like I’m playing better than my results and that’s really frustrating,” Spieth said. “It’s a different kind of frustration. It’s not the same as when you’re searching for stuff. I feel like I’m close to going off and doing some really cool things. “But it has just been a couple shots here or there. I then try and force it, because I haven’t had the results I’ve wanted. It wouldn’t surprise me if I found my way into contention any week.” Spieth would become only the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam if he wins this week, joining Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. “It’s the one that has eluded me so far and it would be pretty incredible to work my way into contention and have a chance this week and see if I can try to make that history,” Spieth said. McIlroy files for divorce RORY MCILROY has filed for divorce from Erica Stoll, his wife of seven years. McIlroy, 35, is preparing to play in the opening round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday. The divorce petition was filed on Monday on McIlroy’s behalf in Florida. That was the day after McIlroy shot a 65 in the final round to win the Wells Fargo Championship at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte – one of his two tour wins this season. “Rory McIlroy’s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed,” McIlroy’s manager, Sean O’Flaherty, said in the statement. “They stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment.” They married in April 2017 at a starstudded ceremony in Ireland and had a daughter, Poppy, on Aug 31, 2020, in Jupiter, Fla. Reports did not state whether McIlroy’s filing indicated a reason for the divorce or any child custody requests. Thiem misses out on French Open wildcard TWO-TIME finalist Dominic Thiem missed out on a French Open wildcard yesterday, consigning the former US Open champion to a battle through qualifying to reach the main draw at Roland Garros. The 30-year-old Austrian announced last week he was retiring at the end of the season after a career plagued by a longterm wrist injury. The 2018 French Open women’s champion Simona Halep and Britain’s 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu were also overlooked by the French tennis federation. Among those on the wildcard list were Alexandre Muller, beaten in yesterday’s fourth round at the Rome Open as a qualifier, and Alize Cornet for what will be the French veteran’s final tournament. Also on the list were American Nicolas Moreno de Alboran and Adam Walton of Australia. The second Grand Slam of the season gets underway on May 26. … as Swiatek cruises in Rome Tommy Paul celebrates after winning his round of 16 match against Daniil Medvedev (not pictured). –REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 29 Walker trolls Arsenal fans MANCHESTER CITY star Kyle Walker trolled Arsenal supporters following his side’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham yesterday. Some Gunners supporters attempted to disrupt City’s night sleep by letting off fireworks in the early hours of the match day, but no members of Pep Guardiola’s squad were actually in the area at the time. Videos were shared online of Arsenal supporters letting off fireworks in the hope of keeping the City squad awake, but the team were still in Manchester at that time. Walker couldn’t resist making a joke about the disturbances when speaking to Sky Sports at full-time. “Last night, I couldn’t sleep, I was struggling to sleep. Then you get into the hotel today, I’ve heard they tried to set fireworks off the night before – they’d missed us, they’d missed us! “But it’s little things like that, trying to scramble off for half an hour in the afternoon to get my head down but these are the games you want to play in, these are the things you want to be competing for.” Varane to leave Devils RAPHAEL VARANE has announced he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season. The 31-year-old centreback made a bigmoney switch to the Old Trafford outfit in 2021 after a medalladen decade at Real Madrid. Injuries have restricted Varane to 93 appearances in his three seasons at United, who the defender will be leaving upon the expiry of his contract this summer. “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt,” the former France international said on social media. “The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. “I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents. “For my kids, it’s home here. It’s going to be a special place for me, for life. “When the fans to go Wembley, it’s something they will remember for life. To share that moment with them was absolutely amazing. “Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy. “I’ll see you at Old Trafford to s a y g o o d b y e for the last game at home this season and it’s going to be v e r y emotional day for me, for sure.” FOR Jurgen Klopp, the long goodbye will not prove the fairytale farewell. Instead of bowing out with his greatest Liverpool campaign, his final away game offered something of the story of a season. A 3-3 draw at Aston Villa, at a ground where Klopp got one of the pivotal, and most dramatic, wins in the season he won the Premier League title and suffered his heaviest, and most surreal, defeat, 7-2, the following year, was a snapshot of the themes and the dreams. It illustrated the flawed brilliance of his Liverpool 2.0, how they flirted with glory and ended up with entertaining improvement. Klopp will not go out having subdued the rest of the division, as Sir Alex Ferguson did, or in sad decline, like Arsene Wenger was, but as a manager who built one great team and leaves a work in progress for his successor. There was a twist on a theme: late goals and comebacks have been a staple of Liverpool’s season. This time they suffered from them, Aston Villa scoring twice in four late minutes. Ten days earlier, they had led 4-0 against Tottenham and risked only drawing. Amid a lack of control, each told a tale: the loss of leads in two games against Manchester United, in the FA Cup and the Premier League, are why Klopp’s reign will end at Anfield on Sunday with a celebration, but without anything at stake. But there was something fitting in the way Klopp’s penultimate game was a thriller. His has been a hugely entertaining ride; it is why Liverpool have enjoyed it even without knowing the destination. He turned matches into events, he bent many of them to his will. Yet sometimes the wild nature of it all meant Liverpool suffered amid the anarchy and the jeopardy. The excitement threatened to be their undoing. There are ways of assessing the Klopp years. In a sense, it ends as it starts: his second team, like his first, has been built from the front, forever capable of scoring. In the 27 years before Klopp’s arrival, Liverpool had only scored 80 League goals in one season. They have done so in five campaigns under the German. Yet Villa’s three goals make it 41 conceded this season: in Klopp’s three best seasons, Liverpool were defensively outstanding, conceding a mere 22 goals in 2018-19, 33 the following year and 26 in 2021-22. In those three seasons, they were either the world’s best or very close. Without that defensive frugality that stemmed from positional chemistry, they have been entertainers but imperfect. This has become Liverpool’s longest run without a clean sheet since 1998; they have conceded at least twice in four consecutive League games for the first time since 2014. Ultimately, Liverpool were not defensively good enough to be champions; they were too profligate at times as well. They scored three goals at Villa Park but did not kill the game with a fourth. They have had the most shots in the Premier League but some have been glaring misses. It is now Arne Slot’s problem. Klopp leaves a void, a legacy, a host of memories, a series of indelible moments. And, more prosaically, a team in third. And he has been generous in suggesting there is room for another to do better. “New influences always help, that’s how it is,” he said. “We did what we could. “If we could have done better, we probably would have. We are where we are and that’s it.” – The Independent Klopp’s imperfect entertainers The good and bad of Liverpool on show right until the end Bruno in ‘long meeting’ with United chiefs BRUNO FERNANDES has reportedly held a “long meeting” with Manchester United chiefs to discuss his future after being linked with a move away from Old Trafford. The Portuguese captain was said to be ready to quit the club after a disappointing season, with the Red Devils sitting eighth in the Premier League table. The New York Times claim that the expectation is for Fernandes to continue at United after a lengthy meeting was held between the skipper and new decisionmakers INEOS, who were represented by Sir Dave Brailsford, Jason Wilcox and Matt Hargreaves. The 29-year-old and his entourage sat down with the United leadership team at their Carrington training ground last week, where it was made clear to Fernandes that the team will continue to be built around him. He was seeking clarification over ambitions under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co, with the playmaker focused on United becoming competitive and competing for titles once again. Fernandes has asked for evidence that United are moving in the right direction, likely to be in the form of additions to the playing squad over the summer, but a surprise sale has still not been ruled out. If the Portugal international is not satisfied with the direction that the team is being taken in, or a momentous offer arrives, he could still leave Old Trafford. But the consensus is that Fernandes will continue to see out his contract, which expires in two years’ time. Last month, Fernandes raised eyebrows by admitting that he could leave United and will consider his future after the upcoming FA Cup final and Euro 2024 with Portugal. “Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides,” Fernandes told DAZN. – Express Newspapers MANCHESTER CITY will be affected by the nerves of going for a fourth consecutive Premier League title on Sunday, said Pep Guardiola despite his side’s experience. City moved to the top of the table, two points ahead of Arsenal, thanks to Erling Haaland’s second-half double to beat their bogey side Tottenham on Tuesday. It is the first time Guardiola’s men have won at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League, but it was a far from vintage performance. City host West Ham on the final day knowing anything less than victory will allow Arsenal to take the title should they beat Everton. “They were playing for the consequences of the result. When you play football thinking about the consequences, you are going to lose the Premier League, you cannot perform at your best level,” said Guardiola of his side’s display. “But they are human beings so I can understand the pressure is there. “It will be the same against West Ham. We will feel the pressure.” In the same circ*mstances two years ago City needed a late rally from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and deny Liverpool the title. “They feel it there and they know it. They are not celebrating, there is relief but there is still a job to do,” added Guardiola. “The tennis players say ‘the serve to win Wimbledon is the most difficult one’. We need to prepare well, completely focus and try to win there.” Rodri said City are ready to rewrite the record books once more by becoming the first side to ever win four consecutive English top-flight titles. “We know it wasn’t our best performance but we came here to win and that’s what we do,” said the Spanish midfielder. “We have the experience of Aston Villa. We know it is going to be tough but with our people, our crowd, we know we can make history.” – AFP City do feel tension of title race: Pep █ BY RICHARD JOLLY SHORTS Raphael Varane
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 30 5801/2024 15/05/2024 (WED) 1737 5238 2297 8207 3787 5799 9114 3493 4014 3228 9183 0965 9858 5195 6848 2145 6925 3900 9620 4955 0191 9994 2108 7,748,708.80 1737 1737 1737 2297 2297 5238 2297 2297 5238 5238 1737 5238 150,366.70 1737 5238 2297 TIGER 00328 77579 7579 579 61165 7 9 1 4 609314 09314 9314 314 60931 6093 609 6 0 10,482,472.28 1,450,028.22 1 8 28 29 49 53 100,000.00 3 4 10 14 32 36 12 16 26 34 47 48 41 10,221,133.93 RM500,963 RM9,920 won on 12/05/2024 ! Toto 4D Jackpot 2 (i-System) Toto 4D Jackpot 2 051 393 +DRAGON 194 112 + HORSE 937 050 + RABBIT Draw Date: 15/05/24 (Wed) Draw No: 5748/24 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 1393 4112 7050 5620 + 4560 1385 + 5586 6533 + 9854 4569 + 6848 7016 + 0206 1839 + 5366 8774 + 3900 5096 + 9300 7778 + 7617 8254 + 9290 RM4,360,096.40 1393 + 4112 4112 + 1393 1393 + 7050 7050 + 1393 4112 + 7050 7050 + 4112 RM179,567.00 RM680,833.30 RM423,333.30 RM686,188.40 385 620 194 560 831 385 715 586 786 533 929 854 944 569 786 848 307 016 910 206 411 839 605 366 478 774 643 900 365 096 849 300 627 778 227 617 828 254 859 290 393 112 050 RM1,570,839.10 393 + 112 + 050 112 + 050 + 393 393 + 050 + 112 050 + 393 + 112 112 + 393 + 050 050 + 112 + 393 Don't miss out the Special Draw on 28/5! Champs show no mercy Bellingham, Vinicius shine as Madrid smash Alaves J UDE BELLINGHAM and Vinicius Junior inspired runaway Spanish champions Real Madrid to a 5-0 rout of Alaves yesterday. Carlo Ancelotti’s side continued warming up for the Champions League final with a comprehensive demolition of their Basque visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bellingham scored the opener and played a part in Madrid’s next three goals, two scored by Vinicius, finding his best form at the business end of the season. Turkish teenager Arda Guler added a late fifth to put the cherry on Madrid’s cake and moving them 17 points clear of second-place Barcelona. “We’ve had just one defeat in the league and I think that a big part of the success is because of (the defence),” Ancelotti told reporters after his side’s 30th consecutive league game unbeaten. Ancelotti was already thinking about the Borussia Dortmund match on June 3 (3am Malaysian time), saying yesterday’s thrashing of Alaves was a warm-up for Wembley. Real are in top form, according to Ancelotti, and want to make the most of their remaining games before the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 3 (3am Malaysian time). “These games are important to maintain the rhythm, the good dynamics, the motivation and the good play. There are two weeks left. “Now we’ll rest for a few days and next week we’ll do some physical work. In the second week we will do tactical work,” the coach told a news conference. “For me as a coach, it’s the best season. The team has been fantastic, we deservedly won La Liga. We’re on a cloud, but we have to keep going because we haven’t played the most important game yet.” Madrid celebrated their title with an open-top bus parade on Sunday but with the Wembley final a little over a fortnight away, nobody is letting their concentration slip. Least of all Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made a fine double save from Samu Omorodion in the opening minutes. After missing most of the season with a severe knee injury, Courtois is hoping for a Champions League final start and boasts three clean sheets in three matches since his return. “I feel very good. I understand that there are people who might doubt how I’d come back. But I knew I was going to come back strong,” Courtois told Real Madrid TV. “I’m the same Courtois or even better. I needed maybe a game like today, with a lot of shots. I needed those close, quick shots, reflexes. That save down the left made me feel proud. “What I’ve been training for so long is now coming out on the pitch. The team now has a few days off, but I will continue training. I’m happy to be able to play matches, I’m very happy.” Elsewhere high-flying Girona, third, fell to a 1- 0 home defeat against Villarreal – Barcelona can move four points clear if they win at Almeria on Thursday. Mallorca, 15th, rescued a 1-1 draw at Osasuna to add one more point in their battle for survival. The Copa del Rey runners-up are seven points clear of the relegation zone. – AFP/Agencies Giroud officially signs with LAFC OLIVIER GIROUD will join Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC after leaving AC Milan at the end of the season. The 37-year-old had announced on Tuesday he was set to end his threecampaign spell at the San Siro, having scored 14 goals in 33 Serie A games so far this term. The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker joined Milan from the Blues in July 2021 and helped the club win their first League title in 11 years in his debut campaign before reaching the Champions League semifinals the following season. France’s all-time top scorer will join up with veteran Les Bleus goalkeeper Hugo Lloris at LAFC, having won the World Cup together in 2018. “I am delighted and excited to join LAFC,” Giroud said on the MLS club’s website. “I can’t wait to get to Los Angeles and to play in front of the 3252 and all of the incredible fans.” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said: “Olivier has a clear hunger to win, which he has done consistently throughout his club and international career. “His championship ambition and his qualities as a man and as a player directly align with ours as a club, therefore we believe Olivier will be a great addition as we continue in our pursuit of more trophies.” Szoboszlai gets shot at Euro glory HUNGARY will be hoping their captain Dominik Szoboszlai is fully fit and firing as he was named in the squad for Euro 2024 yesterday by manager Marco Rossi, having missed the previous tournament through injury. Szoboszlai and Barnabas Varga were the team’s four-goal joint leading scorers as they soared through qualifying to reach their third successive Euros, having missed out since 1972 previously. The 23-year-old Szoboszlai has made a fine start to his first season at English side Liverpool but has struggled for form since returning from injury earlier this year. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is also named in the squad. Rossi is taking a chance in his 26-man squad on veteran defenders Attila Fiola and Adam Lang as both have suffered injuries recently. However, the Italian manager has opted for experience as his team look to reach the last 16 for the first time since 2016. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (left) shoots at goal during his team’s La Liga match against Alaves. – REUTERSPIX SHORTS
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 31 WHILE many athletes ramp up their training regimes ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, that may not be the case for national track cycling ace, Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang. National track cycling head coach John Beasley said he will try to avoid overloading the 36-year-old with excessive training, ensuring the latter remains fit and ready to set the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome on fire. “Honestly we are on track with regards to our preparations for Paris, the only area we need to pay very close attention to is his health. “Yes we still work really hard but we won’t do the volume that we used to do and that is the key because if I can keep him healthy, he will perform well in Paris,” he told Bernama. Recently, Azizulhasni, nicknamed “The Pocket Rocketman”, vowed to clinch Malaysia’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics in his fifth and final appearance at the quadrennial Games. Azizulhasni had previously won silver and bronze for the keirin event at the Tokyo edition in 2020 and Rio in 2016, respectively. In 2022, the Dungun-born rider underwent open heart surgery due to a rare heart condition known as anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery (AAORCA) at the Epworth Richmond Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Meanwhile, Beasley was truly delighted at his charges’ performance in the Japan Track Cup series in Izu Velodrome, Shizuoka last week after taking home two bronze medals in the individual sprint discipline and keirin. “We got exactly what we were looking for, 10 races on day one, eight races on day two and three races on day three. “The races were extremely high standard, so I could not be more than happy with our preparation at this moment in time. “I am never surprised when it comes to Azizulhasni as he still finds a way to get onto the podium,” he added. The coach believed that the former men’s keirin world champion would be in his best shape and would leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of excellence at the upcoming Olympic Games. In the meantime, Beasley also shared that Azizulhasni will take part in probably one last competition in Belgium at the end of June before heading to Paris. He said he planned to put the 2010 Asian Games men’s keirin gold medallist in the sprint event only to avoid potential crashes before the Paris Olympics. “In sprint event, we only have one other opponent on the track so in lots of ways we can tune up our tactics without placing him in any sort of danger,” he said. Apart from Azizulhasni, two other national cyclists Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri have also secured their spots for the 2024 Olympic Games will be held from July 26 until Aug 11. – Bernama All jackpot amounts stated above are for this Draw. Subject to T&Cs of the Scheme. Please visit to www.magnum4d.my for more info. THE BIGGER PLAY IS TO PLAY RESPONSIBLY 038/24 15/05/2024 5203 4035 4787 2109 9757 8761 8801 7472 7899 1560 1415 6408 1659 6058 0117 0348 3351 9642 7114 3564 0350 6374 4649 RM14,133,963.88 RM495,699.88 5203 + 4035 4035 + 5203 4787 + 5203 5203 + 4787 4035 + 4787 4787 + 4035 1 3 5 16 20 21 23 36 24 28 RM6,468,640.47 RM100,000.00 0 3 3 5 8 7 0 3 3 5 8 3 3 5 8 7 0 3 3 5 3 5 8 7 0 3 3 5 8 7 0 3 8 7 3 5 1 2 Soon Huat-Lai Jemie out of Thai Open THE country’s top mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie failed to get past the first hurdle at the 2024 Thailand Open today after falling to unseeded Thai pair Ruttanapak Oupthong-Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat. Seeded third in the tournament, Soon HuatLai Jemie went down fighting to RuttanapakJhenicha 21-19, 17-21, and 13-21 in 56 minutes. The first set was closely contested, with both pairs fighting for every point. However, the Malaysian pair ranked No. 16 in the world, were pushed to the limit, resulting in Soon Huat suffering an injury in the second set from which he never recovered. Soon Huat, when met after the match, admitted he twisted his right ankle, which caused him to lose concentration during the game. He said the injury slowed down his game and, despite seeking medical attention during the deciding game, it never fully recovered. “My speed in the game was affected by the injury, but we continued to fight on. Obviously, we are disappointed with the result today, but we will be focusing on the next tournament, which is the Malaysia Masters next week,” he told Bernama yesterday. Malaysia did not send any participant for the women’s doubles this year. Due to tight scheduling and the looming Olympics, many star players and pairs have skipped the Thailand Open and the Super 500 Malaysia Masters next week to focus on the Super 750 Singapore Open from May 28 to June 2 and the Super 1000 Indonesia Open from June 4 to 9. – Bernama Strategic approach Beasley will try to avoid overloading Azizulhasni’s training ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Tottenham 0 Manchester City 2 (Haaland 51, 90+1-pen). P W D L F A Pts Man City 37 27 7 3 93 33 88 Arsenal 37 27 5 5 89 28 86 Liverpool 37 23 10 4 84 41 79 Aston Villa 37 20 8 9 76 56 68 Tottenham 37 19 6 12 71 61 63 Newcastle 36 17 6 13 79 57 57 Chelsea 36 16 9 11 73 61 57 Man Utd 36 16 6 14 52 56 54 West Ham 37 14 10 13 59 71 52 Brighton 36 12 12 12 54 58 48 Bournemouth 37 13 9 15 53 65 48 Crystal Palace 37 12 10 15 52 58 46 Wolves 37 13 7 17 50 63 46 Fulham 37 12 8 17 51 59 44 Everton 37 13 9 15 39 49 40 Brentford 37 10 9 18 54 61 39 Nottm Forest 37 8 9 20 47 66 29 Luton 37 6 8 23 50 81 26 Burnley 37 5 9 23 40 76 24 Sheff Utd 37 3 7 27 35 101 16 LA LIGA: Osasuna 1 (Moncayola 14) Real Mallorca 1 (Darder 65), Real Madrid 5 (Bellingham 10, Vinicius 27, 70, Valverde 45+1, Guler 81) Alaves 0, Girona 0 Villarreal 1 (Traore 59). TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS Real Madrid 36 29 6 1 83 22 93 Barcelona 35 23 7 5 72 43 76 Girona 36 23 6 7 75 45 75 Atletico 35 22 4 9 64 39 70 Bilbao 35 17 11 7 57 35 62 Real Betis 35 14 13 8 46 41 55 CHAMPIONS RELEGATED RESULTS & STANDINGS SIDENETTING Malaysian Tigress through to Asia Cup semis THE national team bounced back from an earlier defeat to Kazakhstan to overcome Iran 4-2 in their final Group A match to reach the semifinals of the 2024 Women’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup in Chonburi, Thailand. The Malaysian Tigress, under the guidance of head coach Mohd Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi, suffered their first defeat in Group A when they went down 5-1 to Kazakhstan at the Thailand National Sport University (TNSU). “Alhamdulillah, we won the crucial match against Iran. Our players never gave up despite trailing and fought till the end for victory. “For the semifinals, we will analyse our opponent’s style of play. Whoever we meet, be it Indonesia or Thailand, we will be fully prepared,” Mohd Rodzhanizam said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC). National No. 1s out of World Championships MALAYSIA’S interest in the 2023-2024 Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Championships came to an end yesterday when both S. Sivasangari and Ng Eain Yow failed to move to quarterfinals of the tournament held in Cairo, Egypt. In the third-round action at the Palm Hills Club, women’s world No. 13, Sivasangari came up short against second seed and home player Hania El Hammamy, 13-15, 6-11, 5-11 in a 44- minutes duel. Meanwhile, national men’s No. 1 player Eain Yow fall in 39-minutes to second seed from New Zealand, Paul Coll, 9-11, 4-11, 6-11. Faisal Halim showing progress: Adam Adli HARIMAU MALAYA and Selangor FC winger Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim still requires close monitoring despite being moved to a normal ward from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital on Tuesday. Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said that the treatment process for Mohamad Faisal, better known as Faisal Halim, will be lengthy, although he is currently showing positive progress. “I visited his family yesterday… Alhamdulillah, the family’s spirits are good, and Faisal Halim is undergoing a lengthy treatment process. “Every possible medical and supportive care has been provided, not only to Faisal but also to his family… let’s give Faisal some space to recover,” he told reporters after inaugurating the “Semarak Hari Belia Negara @ Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (HBN@KBS) 2024” programme yesterday. On Semarak HBN @ KBS 2024, Adam Adli said the programme, held together with the National Integrity Youth Convention, aims to enhance the value of integrity among the youth. “Youth need to have integrity, which means strong self-respect and dignity, so that we can emerge as a resilient and challenge-resistant nation,” he said. Malaysia defeated Iran 4-2 to to reach Asian Cup semifinals against Thailand. – MHC @hockeymalaysia/X
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 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: [emailprotected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: [emailprotected] SCAN ME THURSDAY | MAY 16, 2024 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper Man City’s Erling Haaland (centre) in action with Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr (left) and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg during their English Premier League match yesterday. – REUTERSPIX Medvedev out -Story on page 29 -Story on page 28 Klopp’s imperfect entertainers City close in on title Guardiola hails substitute keeper Ortega after 2-0 win at Tottenham -Story on page 31 Champs show no mercy PEP GUARDIOLA paid tribute to Manchester City’s back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega after a 2-0 win at Tottenham and claimed his “incredible save” could be the difference in the Premier League title race. Guardiola insisted before the match that City’s prospects of a fourth consecutive League championship would be over if they failed to win at Spurs. After a disjointed first-half display they managed to improve and went ahead after 51 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne got in behind the Tottenham defence to tee up Erling Haaland for a tap-in. It was far from straightforward for City afterwards, though, with keeper Ederson forced off with 69 minutes played after he collided with Cristian Romero, but his replacement Ortega stepped up to deny Son Heung-min when he was sent through one-on-one in the 86th minute. Six minutes later Haaland tucked away a spot-kick for his 38th goal this term, after Jeremy Doku had been brought down, to send City two points clear of Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s final day. “How is a team a team? Because of Ortega’s save. Otherwise Arsenal are champions,” Guardiola admitted. “That is the reality, the margins are so, so tight. “Do you know how many times Son punished us in the last seven, eight years? Can I tell you how many goals he scored against us with Harry Kane? “Oh my God, and I said ‘not again,’ but Stefan makes an incredible save. It was amazing but he has this talent. “In the one against one, he is one of the best keepers I have ever seen in my life. Stand up, don’t go down and he is so, so, good. “Playing FA Cup, Carabao Cup, even this season Ederson had four times setbacks for injuries and always he was so reliable. “He is an incredible keeper so the club and our trainer made an incredible decision to bring him here.” A chunk of the pre-match talk centred on whether the home crowd would get behind their team, given rivals Arsenal’s position in the title race. But Guardiola added: “All the game they (Tottenham) were incredibly aggressive, so I suffered from minute one. “The people suspect, ‘no, I’m not going to win, we don’t want to give the title to Arsenal,’ it was completely the opposite.” Guardiola quickly turned his focus to Sunday’s visit of West Ham, where a victory will ensure his team clinch an unprecedented fourth Premier League crown in a row. “Now? I am tired,” he reflected. “Relax and tomorrow start to think about West Ham. It is a pleasure to depend on (ourselves) for the last game against a contender like Arsenal. “Now, (Mohammed) Kudus, (Jarrod) Bowen, (Michail) Antonio, (James) Ward-Prowse, (Tomas) Soucek, setpieces, channels. And think about that, focus perfectly and think about it like we live with Aston Villa (last season). “The last (defeat) was sixth of December. We are here and we have to win one more game to retain the title.” Ederson was forced off due to a swollen eye, which provoked a furious reaction by the Brazilian goalkeeper on the touchline. “I understand he wants to play, I understand,” Guardiola admitted. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou cut a frustrated figure after their faint hopes of a top-four finish were ended. “Disappointed to lose. I thought it was a tight game. Big moments for both teams, which they capitalised on and we didn’t,” Postecoglou said. “Ultimately if you want to win those games you’ve got to take the big moments. You’ve got to be disciplined and it’s fair to say it’s one of the areas we have let ourselves down in all year.” Postecoglou suggested that Spurs require a major mentality shift if they are to close the gap between themselves and the country’s elite. “The foundations are really fragile,” the Australian said. “The last 48 hours have shown me that. “It’s inside the club, outside the club. Outside, inside, everywhere. It’s been an interesting exercise.” – The Independent/Agencies
