RM45b in M45b in potential potential investments nvestments Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1.00 PER COPY RM1 THURSDAY MAR 14, 2024 SCAN ME No. 8479 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) Malaysian, Japanese companies mark significant milestone in colaboration to convert scheduled waste into resources and renewable energy at Bukit Tagar Enviro Park. Report on — page 3 PRETTY IN PINK ... The blooms of the Tecoma, also known as ‘Sakura Malaysia’ are back in season to adorn the trees lining Jalan Batu Muda in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, rendering the area ‘Instagrammable’. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN State-of-the-art plant launched Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and delegation register impressive support and commitment for Malaysia from German political leaders and captains of industry. Report on — page 2 Vendors at Ramadan bazaars switch to selling non-traditional delicacies like cromboloni, almond croissant, basque cheesecake, pasta and ramen due to strong demand and higher profit margin. Report on — page 4 Brisk business for stalls selling western, Korean fare State inks bilateral agreements with Czech Republic and Republic of Estonia at Berlin trade fair to promote tourist attractions. Report on — page 5 Selangor eyeing more visitors from Europe
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 2 Potential RM45b German investments on the table BERLIN: Malaysia has received impressive support and recognition from Germany’s leaders and captains of industry, with potential investments worth RM45.4 billion, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that during his meeting with his German counterpart Chancellor Olaf Scholz they discussed the progress of Malaysia-Germany relations, particularly economic cooperation, education, environment, export of palm oil and sustainability. Anwar said they also exchanged views on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and other global issues of mutual interest. “The exchanges have been very frank, very fruitful and wideAnwar with Turkish Ambassador to Germany Ahmet Basar Sen and Tengku Zafrul before isyak and tarawih prayers at the Sehitlik Mosque in Berlin yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC oImpressive support, commitment received not only from political leaders but also private corporations, says Anwar Citizenship of children born abroad being addressed: PM BERLIN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave an assurance to concerned parents that the rights of children born abroad are being addressed by the government. He said the Cabinet has agreed to bring to Parliament this month an amendment to Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution relating to the citizenship rights of children born abroad. “Please follow (the) developments at home. Your question has been overtaken by events. The Cabinet has agreed to bring this to Parliament this month,” he said, when answering a question at a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora here yesterday. He added that the amendment to the Constitution would bring an end to the issue. “Currently, ‘parent’ means father. We are going to amend it so that parent means ‘father and mother’,” said Anwar, who is in Germany on a six-day official visit. He said the amendment aims to replace the word “father” to “parents” or “mother” or “father”. On concerns raised by a Global Bersih representative that many Malaysians abroad had difficulties voting in the past two general elections, Anwar said he has directed the Election Commission (EC) to look into the matter. “We need to simplify it, including voting directly, for instance, more voting centres. We have Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation offices.” He said the EC should also look into making automatic voter registrations applicable to Malaysians abroad, similar to the practice at home. Anwar also said students graduating from Germany are highly sought after at home as German companies operating in Malaysia usually look for them. – Bernama Premier meets Muslims in Berlin BERLIN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim spent the first day of Ramadan meeting fellow Muslims in Germany yesterday. He joined congregants at the Sehitlik Mosque to fulfil his isyak and tarawih prayers, and was greeted by Turkish ambassador to Germany Ahmet Basar Sen. Anwar spent some time with the Muslim community here, and discussed several issues, including the situation in Gaza. “The prime minister, along with the local Muslim community here, also stated their stand that the suffering of Palestinians needs to be stopped immediately,” said a Malaysian diplomat. Anwar also presented donations to the community for Ramadan, and 12 copies of the Al-Quran – a special edition with a German translation and 10 English translations – to the mosque management. There are around 5.5 million Muslims in Germany, representing 6.6% of the population and it is the second largest religious group in the country, Bernama reported. In a joint media conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Monday, Anwar criticised Western countries for their lack of action against Israel’s cruelty in Gaza. Parliamentary Services Bill to be tabled soon KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliamentary Services Bill is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat soon, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She said the government has requested that the law be tabled together with the proposed constitutional amendment regarding citizenship of children born overseas to Malaysian mothers, which will be presented by the Home Ministry. Azalina said this is to get a two-thirds majority support or at least 148 votes, as they involve amendments to the Federal Constitution. “The Madani government is committed, and has agreed in principle to amend the Federal Constitution and enact a new Parliamentary Services Act, among other things, to grant Parliament autonomy in administration and finance as well as establish the Parliamentary Service Council. “This reform is in line with the government’s goal of upholding the doctrine of separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches and further strengthening constitutionalism,” she said during the question and answer session yesterday. She was responding to a question from Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub), regarding the timeline for establishing the Parliamentary Services Act. Azalina said there used to be a Parliamentary Services Act but it was repealed in 1993. “So, we hope this power will be restored so it has more authority and can be vocal. Anyone who becomes the government must be responsible to the people through their MPs.” – Bernama No data breach in alleged Maxis hack KUALA LUMPUR: The Personal Data Protection Department has confirmed that there was no personal data breach following an alleged cyberattack by a hacking group known as R00TK1T on Maxis Berhad. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Maxis has notified the department confirming the absence of any personal data breach. The department conducted a followup investigation and found no involvement of personal data breach, based on the provided data samples. “In response to the threat by R00TK1T to shut down Maxis’ network, the company took proactive measures to validate this claim. It was determined that only the Maxis Interactive Retail Assistant Queue Management System at a specific Maxis branch was affected. “This system operates as a standalone and is not connected to any critical Maxis systems,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat in reply to Chong Zhemin’s (PH-Kampar), query about R00TK1T’s threat to shut down Maxis’ network. – Bernama ranging,” he said at a dinner with Malaysian diaspora on Tuesday. He also said the Malaysian delegation received impressive support from Germany’s captains of industry. “I was told by (Datuk Seri) Tengku Zafrul (Tengku Abdul Aziz) that it is rare to have an impressive array of CEOs, industry captains in large numbers coming to meet us. Some were in groups and some (came as) individuals. These exchanges have been extremely useful to us.” Anwar said Malaysia has attracted potential investments of RM45.4 billion during his visit. “The potential investments are from various industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, medical devices, chemicals and services.” He added that it was all possible due to the political stability that Malaysia has, as it is important to investors. “People must have confidence that we are staying for years. Political stability is very important for the government to bring the right policy to enable Malaysia to bring in more investments.” Earlier, more than 35 captains of industry and businesses joined a roundtable meeting with Anwar, who is also finance minister, Bernama reported. Among those who attended were Siemens AG group CEO Roland Busch, B. Braun GmbH CEO Anna Braun and Melexis CEO Marc Biron. Also present were Airbus Asia Pacific president Anand Stanley, Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Susanne Lehmann and Infineon Technologies AG COO Rutger Wijburg. Representatives from the German Chamber of Commerce, the Malaysia-German Chamber of Commerce, and the German Association for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises were also present. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul, Malaysian Investment Development Authority CEO Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation CEO Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz were also in attendance. There are over 700 German companies based in Malaysia, providing 65,000 jobs. Germany has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner among European Union member countries since 2000, while Malaysia is the largest trading partner for Germany among Asean member states. In 2023, Malaysia’s total trade with Germany increased by 5.9% to RM63.45 billion compared with RM59.87 billion in 2022.
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 3 ‘Bak kut teh’ issue not linked to race, religion KUALA LUMPUR: The recognition of bak kut teh as a national heritage dish is in line with the provisions under the National Heritage Act 2005, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. He said it should not be disputed, adding that it has nothing to do with race or religion. “I request all parties to respect the diverse cultures and religions in this country for the sake of maintaining unity and harmony of our multiracial society,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks on the royal address on behalf of the ministry in Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Bak kut teh, a traditional delicacy of the Chinese community, is one of the 10 dishes declared by Heritage Commissioner Mohamad Muda Bahadin as national heritage dishes on Feb 24. Others on the list are burasak, mi kolok, nasi ambeng, dodol kukus tahi minyak, kuih genggang or lapis, karas, uthappam, jeruk tuhau and air katira. Meanwhile, Tiong said the ministry is looking into the proposal to open several posts at Tourism Malaysia offices abroad to qualified foreigners. He also requested that the Finance Ministry ensures the High Value Goods Tax implementation is done clearly and does not affect the tax refund scheme for tourists. “We also expressed hope that the Finance Ministry would consider requests from tourists regarding the reintroduction of the Goods and Services Tax as it is more transparent and efficient,” he added. – Bernama Milestone in converting waste to renewable energy Move to manage online activities of children KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is collaborating with five telecommunication service providers to offer parental control tools to help them monitor and manage their children’s online activities, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said parental control tools will enable parents to filter, limit and even block online content viewed by their children. The five telecommunication service providers are CelcomDigi, Maxis, UMobile, Telekom Malaysia and TIME. “Most social media platforms also have age restrictions for user accounts, allowing only those aged 13 and above to open social media accounts. “To ensure compliance with these requirements, parents or guardians are held responsible for monitoring and supervising their children’s online activities. This is because children can still benefit from positive content by browsing social media together with their parents or guardians,” Fahmi said. He was responding to Kamal Ashaari (PNKuala Krau) on the ministry’s method to ensure that children under the age of 15 are banned from having social media accounts so that they do not follow bad trends on social media. The minister said to address the risks and threats posed to children, whether from others or their own behaviour, the implementation of educational and awareness programmes about internet safety continues to be intensified. He said these efforts are carried out through initiatives such as Klik Dengan Bijak (Click Wisely) and Malaysia ICT Volunteer at schools, as well as the National Information Dissemination Centre throughout the country. “The implementation of these initiatives is strengthened through collaboration with other agencies in developing education modules on child online protection for parents, guardians and children,” he said. On Kamal’s supplementary question regarding the need to incorporate digital citizenship aspects into the syllabus, Fahmi said it requires cross-ministerial cooperation such as with the Education Ministry, Digital Ministry and Higher Education Ministry. “We will follow up on this good proposal, starting with discussions between the Communications Ministry and the Education Ministry on online safety aspects, but it can be expanded to the aspects mentioned earlier (digital citizenship),” he added. – Bernama Action against errant goods vehicle operators KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 94 goods vehicle operators have had their licences suspended, after failing an audit process or being involved in accidents in 2023, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said every commercial vehicle is required to undergo regular inspections at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre every six months. “The ministry will not hesitate to take stern enforcement action against any party violating the rules and laws set out under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board Act 1987 and the Land Public Transport Act 2010.” He was replying to Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setiu), who wanted to know the Transport Ministry’s initiative to control the speed limit of lorries. Responding to Kapt Azahari Hasan (PN-Padang Rengas) regarding law enforcement against underage drivers, Hasbi said the Road Transport Department constantly ensures that Act 333 is complied with. – Bernama Govt to develop first AI faculty KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry is developing Malaysia’s first Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia as part of efforts to meet current needs. Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the Higher Education Committee approved the AI Bachelor’s Degree programme in January and the programme’s first cohort will begin their studies in October. “The AI development and curriculum has been identified to fulfil industrial needs, involving experts in the field and in line with the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks on the royal address on behalf of the ministry in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Zambry said the ministry is working towards realising the country’s agenda to grow skilled talents that meet industrial requirements and Takahashi (right) being briefed on the operations of the SWTE plant yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA /THESUN future-proof graduates. – Bernama HULU SELANGOR: J&T Berjaya Alam Murni Sdn Bhd launched its Scheduled Waste-toEnergy (SWTE) plant at the Bukit Tagar Enviro Park yesterday, marking a milestone in the strategic collaboration between Berjaya Enviro Group of Companies Malaysia, J&T Recycling Corporation Japan and JFE Engineering Corp Japan. Environment Department deputy directorgeneral (operations) Dr Norhazni Mat Sari officiated at the event, which was also attended by J&T Berjaya Alam Murni managing director Koh Chee Yong, JFE Engineering president Hajime Osh*ta, Malaysian Investment Development Authority deputy CEO Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja and Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Katsuhiko Takahashi. Koh said the project would enhance the circular economy and the cradle-to-cradle concept emphasised by the department, in which modern facilities convert waste into resources and renewable energy. Such facilities include the 12MW Landfill Gas to Renewable Energy plant and the 100% Scheduled Waste to Alternative Raw Material Recycling plant. “We got involved in the scheduled waste business by recycling 100% of it in 2017. In 2019, we started this project, which treats scheduled waste with a heat energy recovery system to increase its recycling rate. “At present, we can handle 76 out of 77 varieties of scheduled waste in Malaysia and serve over 300 clients, primarily from the industrial sector involved in scheduled waste management.” Koh said the bulk of the solid and scheduled waste J&T Berjaya Alam Murni receives comes from Kuala Lumpur, Hulu Selangor and Selayang. “Our facility is equipped to handle scheduled waste for up to 400 years, providing clients with the assurance that they can send it to us without worrying about the disposal process. “It can accept various types of waste for treatment, and then recycle or convert it into resources, and ultimately dispose it.” Koh said the facility is situated within the Bukit Tagar Enviro Park and occupies about 263ha, with a buffer zone that has been gazetted for waste disposal by the Selangor government and the Hulu Selangor Municipal Council. He said the facility aims to support efforts to minimise illegal waste dumping to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a 500m buffer zone maintained from any residential area as stipulated by the state government. “The SWTE plant is a significant step that effectively sets the benchmark for sustainable waste management,” he said, adding that maintaining client loyalty to use the waste disposal services may pose challenges in the initial stages. “However, one of our many plus points is that we can quantify carbon emissions when waste is sent to us, compared with sending it to unlicensed facilities or illegal dumping sites. “This means companies can accurately quantify carbon emissions from their waste management activities for inclusion in their sustainability or annual reports and measure the actual reduction achieved.” Koh said currently, the company stands as the only sustainable scheduled waste treatment centre in Peninsular Malaysia that offers a comprehensive solution for solid and scheduled waste management. He said the recycling rate at the facility now stands at 30%. But with the government’s initiative and market forces at play, this can be enhanced to achieve some 70% if it does not focus only on treatment and disposal. Koh added that to bolster the management, operation and maintenance of the SWTE plant, some 250 job opportunities will be made available to residents. █ BYQIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI [emailprotected] oLaunch of modern plant aims to minimise illegal dumping to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 4 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM Malaysian Paper Mobile Rahmah Sales provide relief to residents KUALA LUMPUR: Kitchen essentials obtained at cheaper prices at the Mobile Rahmah Sales in Block B, Desa Pandan Flats provided relief to the surrounding residents, especially the Muslim community during Ramadan. Visitors were grateful to the government for the organisation of the programme, which has helped people, especially the B40 group, who are affected by rising costs of living. Housewife Hanifa Mansor, 64, likened the sales as a one-stop centre offering various groceries such as Grade A eggs, beef, rice, shallots, garlic and wheat flour in one place. “This programme really helps my family to obtain daily kitchen items at prices so much less than in the market. The goods sold here are also of good quality,” she said. Government retiree Zakaria Hassan, 62, hopes the beneficial programme will be continued as well as expanded in future, offering a wider selection of essentials. “I hope the Rahmah Sales is held more often, especially during festive seasons such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and so on. These sales will be the best solution for the people to buy products at discounted prices of up to 30%,” he said. Meanwhile, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry Kuala Lumpur branch director Ariffin Samsudin said in conjunction with Ramadan, the sales programme was implemented in 11 parliamentary constituencies of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, including Bandar Tun Razak, Kepong, Bukit Bintang, Cheras, Batu and Setiawangsa from Tuesday until April 7. “The programme will offer consumers the basic necessities such as chicken, rice, cooking oil, eggs, coconut milk, beef, flour and sardine at prices of up to 30% lower than discounted market prices. “The Rahmah Sales programme also brings items that are commonly preferred by consumers such as wheat flour, shallots and garlic with a total supply of 600 to 1,000 units for each item on offer to help ease the financial burden of the people,” he added. He also said the schedule and location throughout the 22 days of the programme differs for each parliamentary constituency and information about it will be announced in advance on the ministry’s social media. – Bernama Public urged to avoid open burning during dry spell LABUAN: The Labuan Meteorological Office has issued a reminder to the public to not engage in open burning activities as the current dry spell is expected to continue until the second quarter of this year. In a statement, the office highlighted that the ongoing dry spell is attributed to the conclusion of northeast monsoon and El Nino. The office emphasised that the period between February and March typically marks the conclusion of the northeast monsoon phase, further exacerbating dry conditions. Additionally, it predicts a 79% chance of a transition from El Nino to ENSO-neutral conditions by April and a 55% likelihood of La Nina developing between June and August. Confirming the severity of the situation, the office revealed that Labuan has experienced significantly reduced rainfall since January 2024, with precipitation ranging between a mere 2.8mm and 29.6mm. Furthermore, no rain has been recorded from March 8 until yesterday, exacerbating concerns over escalating dry conditions. Looking ahead, the office offered a glimmer of hope, stating that towards the end of March, the country is expected to experience increased rainfall and thunderstorms. As the nation grapples with the persistent dry spell, authorities are urging citizens to exercise caution and cooperate by refraining from activities that could potentially exacerbate the situation, particularly open burning. With the forecasted transition in weather patterns, collective vigilance and responsible behaviour are crucial in mitigating the impact of the ongoing climate challenges. – Bernama Western food making waves at Ramadan bazaar PETALING JAYA: Ramadan bazaars, which typically bustle with traditional delicacies, are experiencing a notable shift this year, with vendors increasingly selling international fare due to their higher demand and profits. Zubaidah Md Roslan, 38, who sells Western desserts at the Subang Jaya Ramadan bazaar in SS19, said she decided on her menu due to strong demand from customers. “Previously, I used to sell traditional desserts such as seri muka and tepung pelita among others, but this Ramadan the demand for Western desserts has been unprecedented, with items like cromboloni, almond croissant and basque cheesecake attracting more customers. “On the first day of Ramadan, I earned about RM240 from selling just 25 pieces of cromboloni. “The figure does not include my earnings from other desserts that I prepared in limited quantities,” she said. Luqman Alias, 43, who sells Korean fare at the Kampung Baru bazaar, also reported a substantial increase in profits on the first day A trader preparing a Malaysian-style sandwich called ‘Roti John’. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ /THESUN oTraders opt to sell foreign fare over local delights to boost sales and cater to change in customer preferences █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [emailprotected] Pork belly worth RM400,000 seized JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department seized 25 tonnes of pork belly from Spain, worth RM400,000 during an inspection at Pasir Gudang Port on Tuesday. Its Johor director Edie Putra Md Yusof said the inspection found that the consignment did not comply with import requirements as there was no label placed on each pork package. “The conditions of the permit state that each meat must be labelled on each package with the name, address, plant number and date of slaughter,” he said in a statement yesterday. He added non-compliance with import requirements is an offence under Section 15(1) of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Act 2011 (Act 728), and offenders can be punished under Section 15(2) of the same law. Edie Putra said the department also took the statement of the importer’s representative, a 47-yearold Malaysian. – Bernama Vape traders in Johor to face strict action JOHOR BAHRU: Vape or electronic cigarette traders who persist in selling these products in Johor will face strict action by the state authorities, said Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor. He reminded the traders that the ban on the sale of vape products in the state, including devices and liquids, has been in effect since 2016. “Johor is among the states that prohibit the sale of vape products. We have received complaints about the sale of vapes throughout last year, but the number is not significant and is limited to certain areas,” he said after visiting the Ramadan bazaar in Bandar Baru Uda. “Enforcement officers are taking action, even targeting online vape traders. Strict legal measures will be taken, especially when complaints are received from the public. Therefore, we advise traders to adhere to the guidelines set by the state government,” he said. – Bernama of Ramadan. “I used to sell fried chicken at previous bazaars but due to competition from other vendors offering chicken for RM1, I had to change my business model and sell Korean dishes instead. “My new offerings have become a game-changer. Their popularity among the younger generation has surged demand for dishes like bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, tteokbokki spicy rice cakes and Korean fried chicken.” Luqman said the trend for foreign food items has significantly boosted his sales and overall income. However, unlike Zubaidah and Luqman, Kassim Anuar, 51, continues to sell home-cooked rice and dishes each Ramadan. “I have been in this business for the past few years, but it is becoming more challenging with the growing popularity of international fare. “Even though my sales have remained constant, I have observed a change in customer preferences as more of them are opting for Korean choices such as ramen, burgers and pasta. “Nonetheless, I am thankful that 70% of my customers are nonMuslims who continue to support my business,” he said. While Kassim remains committed to preserving local cuisine, he said he felt disheartened to see fewer customers opting for it. Despite the growing popularity of international dishes, Kassim said traditional food vendors like him remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving Malaysia’s culinary legacy. Nur Afifah Majid, 33, who is a mother of two and a regular customer of Ramadan bazaars, said she loves traditional Malaysian cuisine but finds herself gravitating towards the international food items on sale. “The convenience and familiarity of Western and Korean dishes make them an appealing choice, especially when I can easily prepare local dishes at home,” she said.
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 5 Selangor inks deal to draw European tourists oAgreements signed with Czech Republic, Estonia to facilitate seven million arrivals in 2025 KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor has signed bilateral agreements with the Czech Republic and the Republic of Estonia as part of its move to draw more European tourists to the country. The agreements were signed in Germany on the sidelines of the week-long Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB) Berlin 2024 trade fair, which was held recently. Tourism Selangor CEO Azrul Shah Mohamad said the event was led by Tourism Malaysia, with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) and Tourism Selangor as part of the delegation. “The six-day event gathered over 10,000 key tourism players from 185 countries out of 195 and welcomed more than 120,000 visitors. ITB served as an excellent opportunity for us to promote Selangor as a tourist destination.” Azrul said Selangor drew the most number of tourists from Europe in 2022 at 94,264. The figure is an increase of 58.1% from 59,641 in 2021. “In 2022, Selangor received 10,819 tourists from Germany, the second highest of 20,639 from the UK.” He said in line with the mission of sustainable tourism, selected local municipal councils showcased sustainable tourism attractions to key industry players, travel agents and potential buyers, including the Mah Meri culture in Kuala Langat, Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park in Kuala Selangor and sustainable events such as stargazing, Wings of Kuala Kubu Bharu and the Mountain Bike Challenge in Hulu Selangor. “European tourists typically spend an average of nine days in Selangor on business or family vacations. We are now aiming for a substantial increase in tourist arrivals during Visit Selangor Year in 2025, and are targeting to welcome two million international tourists by next year.” During ITB, Tourism Selangor seized the opportunity to showcase iconic tourism products such as the Gombak Hulu Langat Geopark, Mah Meri culture, SplashMania Water Theme Park, Sky Mirror and places of interest in Sekinchan. Selangor’s offerings focus on ecotourism, gastronomy (food tourism), theme park attractions, beaches and resorts. Azrul said the state government represented by Tourism Selangor also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents of the Czech Republic (Atotacr), the Estonian Travel and Tourism Association (Etta) and global destination management company Discova. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Malaysian Malaysian duo arrested over Thai scam BANGKOK: Thai police have cracked down on a scam syndicate and arrested nine suspects, including two Malaysians who allegedly lured more than 50 victims into an investment scheme, causing losses of about 800 million baht (RM105 million). Economic Crime Suppression Division Commander Pol Major-Gen Puttidej Bunkrapue said a 42-year-old Malaysian man, believed to be the mastermind of the syndicate, was arrested in Sadao, Songkhla on March 6. Another man, a 26-year-old with a criminal record in Malaysia and his 30-year-old Thai girlfriend, were arrested in Bangkok the following day. He said both Malaysians and the Thai woman are believed to be part of a transnational syndicate operating across Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. “The syndicate is estimated to have more than five billion baht circulating within its network. “Initial investigations found the syndicate lured and defrauded more than 50 victims, mostly women. Some of the victims transferred between 10 and 15 million baht at a time. A Thai elderly woman suffered the highest loss, at 50 million baht.” The two Malaysians are facing charges that include fraud, computer crimes and technology crimes, which could result in prison sentences of up to five years. They may also face charges of transnational organised crime, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Investigations revealed the syndicate’s reach spanned across multiple countries in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia as well as Hong Kong. The 42-year-old suspect frequently travelled between Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia. Investigators also found IP addresses and financial transactions linked to the syndicate in Hong Kong. Puttidej said police seized 84 bank accounts containing more than 20 million baht as well as 20 cryptocurrency accounts. “Police also seized 33 computers, 65 mobile phones and a collection of luxury goods, including cars, branded bags and watches.” He said the court issued arrest warrants for more than 50 suspects, including eight Malaysians and one Indonesian who were allegedly involved in the syndicate. “We are seeking cooperation from Malaysian police to hunt down more suspects.” The victims were lured to invest through an app called “Nichare”, that promised easy profits and allowed initial withdrawals, to build trust. However, when victims attempted to withdraw large amounts, they were met with restrictions. The scammers then pressured them to pay additional fees to unlock their original investments. – Bernama Two sought over petrol attack on woman KUALA LUMPUR: Police are looking for two foreign men who allegedly poured petrol on a foreign woman and set her alight at the Kampung Cheras Baru playground at 10.30pm on Saturday. Cheras district police chief ACP Zam Halim Jamaluddin said a report was received at 1.30am on Sunday from the victim’s husband, adding that investigations were ongoing to locate two suspects, who are in their 20s and 30s. He said the victim, who is a United Nations High Commission for Refugees cardholder, went to the playground to fetch her two-year-old son. “She then ran into two drunk foreign men whom she knew and one of the suspects told her to buy petrol using a bottle. After the victim handed the bottle to the suspect, he poured petrol on her and lit it.” Zam Halim said the victim, who suffered almost 30% burns to her face and body, was receiving treatment at a hospital while her child sustained minor injuries. He said the case was being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code and requested those with information to contact the Cheras police hotline at 03-9284 5050/5051, the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-2115 9999 or any police station. – Bernama SLICK CRIME ... Kelantan Customs Department director Wan Jamal Abdul Wan Long (centre) and Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry director Azman Ismail (left) showing confiscated packets of cooking oil from an illegal consignment worth RM20,000 in Tumpat yesterday. –BERNAMAPIC Cops: No local links to Indian ‘drug lord’ KUALA LUMPUR: Police has denied online news reports that a drug kingpin arrested in India is linked to narcotics distribution activities in Malaysia. Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said police intelligence found no basis to the claims as reported by several online portals. One website claimed the “Indian drug lord” had links to the Indian film industry, and was now residing in Malaysia. The report came following the arrest of a man by the Indian Narcotics Control Bureau last Saturday for allegedly being linked to an international drug syndicate involving RM1.13 billion. Khaw said investigations revealed no information linking the film producer “drug kingpin” with any Malaysian individuals. – Bernama Mother in laced milk case claims trial PETALING JAYA: A mother who earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of abusing her 16-month-old son by giving him milk laced with liquid methamphetamine has changed her plea to not guilty in a Sessions Court yesterday. The housewife, 34, changed her plea before Judge Noor Ruzilawati Mohd Nor during a case mention that was scheduled for sentencing after she pleaded guilty on Feb 28. Her husband, 40, maintained his not-guilty plea. The couple were jointly charged with abusing their son by causing the child to experience “sympathomimetic drug ingestion” in an apartment at Taman Medan in Petaling Jaya on Feb 19. The charge, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act, provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or up to 20 years’ jail, or both. May 10 was set for the next mention, pending submission of a medical report. – Bernama █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [emailprotected] ambassador to Germany Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin and Matta president Nigel Wong. Azrul said the collaboration between affiliated entities and travel associations would be further strengthened through a businessto-business meeting facilitated by Matta. He said the meetings will bring together industry players from Atotacr, Etta, Lufthansa City Centre, the Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators and the European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Association. “The partnerships will set the stage for a series of cross-promotional trips to Selangor and the development of travel packages for the targeted markets. Through this, we aim to surpass the target of attracting over seven million tourists by Visit Selangor Year. The six-day mission in Berlin aligns with the international tourism campaign ‘Splendid Selangor, Take Me Anywhere!”.’
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 6 Enclosed is my payment of RM payable to SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD. 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Box 179, Jalan Sultan, 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Attn: Subscription Email: [emailprotected] *Terms & Conditions apply Important note: SMCSB reserves the right to revise the price at any time without prior notice. (*Limited to ffrst 1,000 subscribers) Pay to Maybank ( Account number 508177700420 ) Account name ( SUN MEDIA CORPORATION SDN BHD ) Nov 8 to Nov 10 Malaysian Paper www.thesun.my RM1 WEDNESDAY NOV 8, 2023 No. 8389 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) SCAN ME Casino chip heist: Five more identified Police have detained a total of 10 suspects, including a Chinese national, in connection with the RM4.6m theft at Genting Highlands on Oct 28. Congratulations! You are holding the first edition A new sunrise of our new 32-page paper featuring more of the great content you have loved for the past 30 years. Copies will be free until Friday and will be available via subscription and at newsstands beginning Monday for only RM1. Muruku Buntong entrepreneur’s Deepavali snack, made from a still a national favourite 60-year-old recipe, is constantly in high demand. Chicken price float benefits consumers A week after subsidies ended, market prices are competitive and lower than subsidised prices, says expert. Full report —on page 3 Full report —on page 6 Full report —on page 4 Citing protection of country’s interests in terms of diplomatic, economic relations and security as reasons for joining meeting, Anwar says he remains steadfast in defending justice and rights of Palestinians. I will show up at Apec Story on page 2 Full story -on page 2 SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE Finding niche in ‘funny’ profession LUMUT: Unfazed by any sense of self-consciousness, a fearless trio has wholeheartedly embraced the unconventional profession of clowning and enthralled the community with magic tricks and balloons for the past nine years. The journey of Muhammad AlHazim Ahmad, 32, his wife Nor Farah Hanim Samsol Bahrin, 30, and her sister Nor Aina Natasya Samsol Bahrin, 27, goes beyond just donning clown costumes – they have honed magic tricks and delved into the art of embodying clown characters. Muhammad Al-Hazim, who is affectionately known as Jiji, holds an electrical and electronics engineering diploma and has a seven-year-old daughter. He said it took him about two years to master specific skills such as clown vocalisation and magic tricks. “Not everyone can transform their voice into that of a clown’s. Sometimes, even years of training may not yield results because everyone has their limitations,” he said in a recent interview. The Sarawakian added that despite a significant investment in clown accessories and costumes, their monthly income ranges from RM1,500 to RM3,000 and is enough to support their family. “Clown noses alone cost RM120 to RM150, depending on the type. Clown shoes can reach up to RM3,000, depending on the type and country of production.” He also highlighted that a career as a clown comes with certain taboos that must be observed to preserve the profession’s image. “Do not squeeze the nose and do not step on the shoes, as both are part of a clown’s identity. We should not be belittled by the audience either because some children see us as heroes,” he explained, emphasising that they do not take the societal stigma attached to their profession lightly. Muhammad Al-Hazim said there is a portion of society that regards the profession with a stigma but he is confident that it does not pose an issue as long as the income is earned lawfully. He firmly believes rewards do not come without effort and the doors of sustenance are always open as long as they are not barred by law or religion, Bernama reported. “If someone criticises our profession, we will just smile without reacting because we have to believe in our blessings. As long as we have passion, the job is ‘halal’, and we are not seeking charity. So, I have no From left: Nor Farah Hanim, Muhammad Al-Hazim and Nor Aina Natasya enjoy working as clowns despite the high cost of costumes. – BERNAMAPIC oTrio overcomes societal stigma, taboos to earn decent income and job satisfaction problem continuing this career.” Nor Farah Hanim said clowns portray various characters and some popular ones in Malaysia are Full Face, Auguste and Hobo. Fondly known as Rara, she explained that they often opt for Auguste as it is more cheerful and approachable than other characters, especially for children. “We frequently dress up as the Auguste character because it is easier to engage the audience. Sometimes, we also wear different outfits based on the customer’s preferences,” she said, adding that they spend a significant amount of time learning the art of clowning through Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. She said they mainly sell balloons at Aeon shopping centres around Perak on weekends while Muhammad Al-Hazim goes solo on weekdays as he accepts invitations from schools or event organisers. Nor Farah Hanim said it all began when she and Muhammad Al-Hazim sold balloons for an education consulting company in 2015. “Back then, selling balloons seemed like a lucrative venture. We decided to quit our jobs and focus solely on selling balloons. We initially sold them in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan then moved to the night market in Manjung, Perak. “Coincidentally, the Aeon Manjung manager noticed our work at the night market and offered us the opportunity to set up at the department store, a partnership that continues to this day. From there, we started learning the ropes of becoming authentic clowns,” she added. Nor Aina Natasya’s nickname is Chacha and her involvement began in 2017. She initially just intended to help her sister and brother-in-law but gradually developed an interest in clowning and now, she continues to assist them while also working as a part-time model. Those interested in their services may contact them on Facebook and TikTok by the names Ajim Sajea and TikTok@fararosham.
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 7 S. Korean accused of spying did humanitarian work: Group SEOUL: A South Korean missionary arrested by Russia on spying charges was sent to do purely humanitarian and mission work and had no involvement in helping North Korean workers to defect, the head of his aid group said. Reverend Lee Sun-gu, who leads the Love Rice Sharing Foundation based in Incheon, said the allegation of espionage against his colleague was “totally absurd” and “completely untrue”. “He was a conscientious and oMissionary tasked to help migrants Huge blast kills two, injures 26 in northern China SANHE: A huge suspected gas explosion at a restaurant in northern China killed two people and injured 26 more during the morning rush hour yesterday. The blast occurred in a residential area in the city of Sanhe, Hebei province, less than 50km east of Bejing. State broadcaster CCTV said two people had died and that 26 were injured. The fire has been extinguished. The explosion was suspected to have been caused by a gas leak at a fried chicken shop. “I heard a great big bang ... which scared me,” said a trader at a market. “Outside, I saw clouds of black smoke.” Another trader said they also heard a “huge bang” from the blast site, in a bustling area of squat apartment blocks about six A dashcam view shows people fleeing following the explosion in Sanhe. – REUTERSPIC Anies plans to contest presidential poll result in top court JAKARTA: Indonesian presidential candidate Anies Baswedan said yesterday he plans to file a complaint at the country’s Constitutional Court over the results of last month’s election. Unofficial results show Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, who had incumbent President Joko Widodo’s tacit backing, won the Feb 14 poll with nearly 60% of votes. The national election commission is expected to announce the official winner by March 20. Anies, former governor of Jakarta, said he plans to file a complaint after official results are announced, but did not provide other details. “We plan to file to (Constitutional Court) for sure but the content is not something that we can disclose,” he told reporters. “If you talk to most people in the general public I think most people will say that the election is over and done with. The majority are not paying attention, so we would like to see this also as public education. “We want to make sure that irregularities don’t go unchecked.” The move comes as parties supporting Anies and another presidential candidate, Ganjar Pranowo, have also discussed launching a parliamentary investigation into the government’s conduct in the lead-up to voting day and alleged election violations. Though the Constitutional Court typically handles election disputes, Indonesia’s parliament has the power to investigate government policy or implementation of certain regulations and can examine the conduct of public officials, including the president. Prabowo, an ex-special forces commander, looks to have swept the presidential election on his third try, boosted by the unofficial support of the president, who has faced mounting allegations of ethical breaches and meddling, which his allies deny. – Reuters B R I E F SPROMINENT AUDITING FIRM CUTS MORE JOBS SYDNEY: PwC Australia yesterday said it would cut an additional 329 jobs, part of a major restructuring that follows a national scandal in which a former partner leaked government tax plans. The headcount reduction is equal to about 5% of staff and up to 37 partners will be retiring early over the next nine months. The job cuts come on top of 338 announced in November. Since the scandal broke in January 2023, PwC has also spun off its government consulting practice to private equity firm Allegro Funds. About 1,400 PwC Australia staff moved over to the new firm which was renamed Scyne Advisory. PwC, one of the world’s “big four” consultancy and auditing firms, said that where possible people who had lost their jobs will be invited to apply for new roles created by the changes. – Reuters CHINA OBJECTS TO TAIWAN LEADER’S TRIP TAIPEI: China said it “firmly opposes” the trip to the United States by Taiwan vice-president-elect and former de facto ambassador to Washington, Hsiao Bi-khim. A senior Taiwanese official and a US spokesperson said Hsiao is in the US for a private visit. Chinese Embassy Spokesperson Liu Pengyu said: “We firmly oppose any visit by Hsiao Bikhim to the US in any name or under whatever pretext.” She said the US should “not arrange any form of contact between US government officials and Hsiao.” A Taiwanese official said Hsiao arrived in the US this week and will spend the next few days on a low-profile “personal trip” that includes packing up her personal belongings. A State Department spokesperson said Hsiao was travelling “in her personal capacity to tend to personal matters”, and did not respond when asked if she would be meeting US officials. – Reuters TOP BANKER UNDER PROBE FOR GRAFT BEIJING: China has launched an investigation into another former top banker for suspected corruption, state media reported yesterday, as President Xi Jinping’s anti-graft drive rages through the financial sector. Li Jiping, the onetime vice-chief of the state-owned China Development Bank (CDB), is “suspected of serious violations of discipline and law”, state broadcaster CCTV reported. Xi has waged a campaign against official corruption since coming to power a decade ago. Proponents say the drive promotes clean governance, but critics argue it also serves as a way for Xi to purge political rivals. Recently, the Communist Party’s graft-busters have increasingly trained their sights on the financial and banking sectors. Last month, the former president of China Merchants Bank, Tian Huiyu, was handed a suspended death sentence. – AFP deeply religious person” who was “appointed by the group to help migrant labourers, the poor and people in hardship,” Lee said. “Fifty per cent of our work is aiding the needy and 50% of our work is mission. That’s it,” he said. “It’s totally absurd and I think it’s some kind of a setup,” Lee said, referring to the charge of espionage. Russian state news agency Tass identified the man as Baek Kwangsoon, 53, and said it was the first case of a South Korean being arrested in Russia for alleged espionage. Separately, Tass in its English language report used the name Baek Won-soon. The South Korean group’s website lists Baek Kwang-soon as the head of its mission in Vladivostok. Baek had been detained in the far eastern city of Vladivostok before being transferred to Moscow for “investigative actions”. Lee said Kwang-soon is an alias Baek uses, as is customary among missionaries who work in certain countries. Lee denied Baek or the group helped North Korean labourers in Russia to defect, as reported by South Korean news agency Yonhap, quoting an unnamed acquaintance. “Not at all. We have no knowledge of such activities, and if we had known that’s what he was doing, we would not have approved it. That kind of thing would put our missionaries at risk of arrest and being used for political purposes.” “Missionary Baek not only helped North Korean labourers but also migrant workers from other countries and the very poor and the needy in that country.” The Love Rice Sharing Foundation vets and appoints missionaries who are working in 69 countries after they are recommended by different churches, Lee said. The group provides financial and material support to missionaries. South Korea had 21,917 longterm missionaries working in 174 countries as of 2023, one of the highest numbers globally together with the United States and Brazil, according to surveys. – Reuters or seven floors high. An AFP team at the scene also observed police waving traffic away from an entrance to the neighbourhood where the explosion occurred. From a police cordon on the north side of the blast zone, they could see a tower of grey smoke a few hundred metres away, with what appeared to be a crane positioned near it. Footage online circulated by state media showed a huge explosion that sent plumes of smoke and fire across a busy road. Another video verified by AFP showed what appeared to be a building that had collapsed as well as several destroyed cars and debris strewn across the street. The blast blew out shop facades opposite, footage shared on video-sharing site Douyin showed. The uploader said the explosion took place 200m from her home. Rescue workers rushed to the scene, with the fire department saying 36 emergency vehicles and 154 personnel had been dispatched. A merchant working at a nearby store told state-run Jimu News she had been in her shop when she heard a bang. She ran out of her store and saw a building on fire, she said, adding that “the whole building was virtually destroyed”. Explosions and other deadly accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards and poor enforcement. – AFP
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 8 Trump, Biden clinch party nominations ATLANTA: Joe Biden and rival Donald Trump each won enough delegates on Tuesday to clinch their party nominations in the 2024 presidential race, networks projected, all but assuring a rematch and setting up one of the longest election campaigns in US history. The results in four statewide elections, the latest in the months-long march to determine the Democratic and Republican party flagbearers, were a foregone conclusion as incumbent Biden and former president Trump had already seen off all primary challengers. Biden crossed the threshold of 1,968 delegates needed when he won Georgia – a US swing state where Trump faces trial over an alleged conspiracy to steal the last election. Trump’s victory in Washington helped him secure the 1,215 delegates needed to earn the Republican nomination – and to propel him and his Make America Great Again movement back into the cauldron of a presidential race. As the pair head for a rematch of their 2020 showdown, Biden laid into his challenger. “I am honored that the broad coalition of voters representing the Democratic Party have put their faith in me once again to lead our party in a moment when the threat Trump poses is greater than ever,” Biden said. Georgia, Mississippi, Washington and Hawaii were offering 161 delegates on the Republican side, and unopposed Trump needed 137 of those to put the race beyond reach. Trump’s remarkable sweep of nearly all GOP state primaries led him to secure the nomination far earlier than most candidates in previous campaigns, and it assures an eight-month slog for the White House being contested by the two oldest men ever to begin their presidencies. Trump is campaigning on sweeping reform of what he calls Biden’s “horror show” immigration policies, despite successfully pressuring Republicans to block the toughest package of border security negotiated in Congress for decades. – AFP B R I E F SUN SET TO ADOPT RESOLUTION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE NEW YORK: The UN General Assembly was expected for the first time to adopt a draft resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) this month. A draft resolution from the United States emphasises “the urgency of achieving global consensus on safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems”. The text, which was made available to German news agency (dpa), states that the rapid development of AI requires an international regulatory framework and offers the opportunity for cooperation, particularly with poorer countries. After months of negotiations among the diplomats in the largest UN body, the latest US draft was finally accepted without further proposed amendments. This makes unanimous adoption by the 193-member General Assembly without a formal vote possible before the end of March. – Bernama AGENCY TO SUPERVISE f*ckUSHIMA WATER RELEASE TOKYO: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi affirmed the agency will oversee the controlled discharge of tritium-containing treated water from the f*ckushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan. Grossi, in discussions with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, reiterated the IAEA’s commitment to monitor the process until the very last drop is released into the sea. Hayashi said Japan will provide comprehensive explanations on the safety measures for the treated water. Grossi visited the Tokyo Electric Power Company plant yesterday to assess the situation. He said that the IAEA has no intention of impeding the early resumption of operations at the facility. – Bernama Private rocket explodes seconds after launch TOKYO: A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded seconds after launch yesterday, in a spectacular failure for the startup’s bid to put a satellite into orbit. Tokyo-based Space One’s 18m Kairos rocket blasted off from the company’s launch pad in the Wakayama region of western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite. But seconds later, the solid-fuel rocket erupted into balls of flame, sending smoke billowing into the remote mountainous area, live footage showed. “The launch of the first Kairos rocket was executed, but we took a measure to abort the flight,” Space One said in a statement, adding that “details are being investigated”. Burning debris fell onto the surrounding slopes as sprinklers began spraying water in dramatic scenes watched by hundreds of spectators young and old gathered at public viewing areas including a nearby waterfront. oJapanese firm maintains flight deliberately aborted “I had high hopes for this, so I’m disappointed. I want to know what happened,” one elderly man told public broadcaster NHK. The fiery failure marks a blow to Japan’s efforts to enter the potentially lucrative satellite-launch market. The government wants to assess if it can quickly launch using small satellites from private firms to complement its existing satellites gathering intelligence, including on North Korea’s missile activities. Success yesterday would have given it an insight into the feasibility of such programmes. The plan had been for Kairos – an ancient Greek word meaning “the right moment” – to put the satellite into orbit around 51 minutes after take-off. Parts shortages and other problems had reportedly led Space One to postpone the launch of Kairos five times before this attempt, most recently on Saturday. The mayor of Kushimoto, the town of 15,000 residents in Wakayama where the failed launch took place, voiced his surprise and disappointment. “I didn’t even imagine an outcome like this,” said Katsumasa Tashima. But the town “will continue to support Space One, and we want to continue to offer our help so that the first rocket will have a successful launch”, he said. Space One was established in 2018 by a team of major Japanese tech businesses, including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, construction firm Shimizu and the government-owned Development Bank of Japan. Last month, Japan’s space agency toasted a successful blast-off for its new flagship rocket, the H3, after years of delays and two previous failed attempts. The H3 has been mooted as a rival to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, and could one day deliver cargo to bases on the Moon. That followed Japan’s successful landing in January of an unmanned probe on the Moon – albeit at a wonky angle – making it just the fifth country to achieve a “soft landing” on the lunar surface. In April last year, another Japanese start-up, ispace, tried in vain to become the first private company to land on the Moon – losing communication with its craft after what it described as a “hard landing”. – AFP Camilla delighted to be immortalised as Barbie doll LONDON: Britain’s Queen Camilla has been immortalised as a Barbie doll and joked it had made her look 50 years younger. Camilla was presented on Tuesday with the toy, dressed in her outfit, in recognition of her work supporting the Women of the World (WOW) Foundation as its president. She held the miniature version of herself during a Buckingham Palace event celebrating WOW and said: “You’ve taken about 50 years off my life – we should all have a Barbie.” Helen Mirren, Doreen Lawrence, Spice Girl Mel B and Kelly Holmes were some of the nation’s leading women invited to the event alongside schoolgirls and others who have contributed to the promotion of women and girls. In a speech Camilla recounted the story of two suffragettes who broke palace windows with stones in May 1914 and how the objects were kept, on the orders of Queen Mary, wife of King George V. After holding up the stones, she said: “In 1914, I believe, they represented hope to the women who threw them, hope that, in the future, they would not be victims of their history, nor of the social and economic forces that were ranged against gender equality. “Above all, they represented the hope that it was possible, as Christabel Pankhurst (daughter of Emmeline Pankhurst) said, ‘to make this world a better place for women’. “Today, 110 years later, you have been invited into Buckingham Palace because you too represent hope for women in the present and in the future.” The one-off Barbie was dressed in a scaled down version of Camilla’s outfit, worn a number of times before, a blue Fiona Clare dress, black cape by Amanda Wakeley and Eliot Zed black boots. The doll’s hair was closely modelled on Camilla’s curls as was the jewellery worn by the toy which featured a WOW badge also worn by the queen. The presentation was made on board the WOW Girls Festival Bus which has toured the country promoting gender equality and made a final stop at the palace where the queen toured it with Mathilde, queen of the Belgians and the duch*ess of Gloucester. Women of the World Foundation is a charity which has grown to become a global network of events which champions gender equality, celebrates the achievements of women and girls and examines the obstacles which stop them from fulfilling their potential. – Bernama WATER WOES ... Residents inspect the engine of a car on a flooded street in Avellaneda, Argentina on Tuesday following heavy rains. The storms also caused flight delays. – AFPPIC
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 9 Russia ready for nuclear war, but not rushing to it oWilling to negotiate on Ukraine based on reality MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin warned the West yesterday that Russia was ready for nuclear war and that if the US sent troops to Ukraine it would be considered a significant escalation of the war. Putin, speaking before the start of an election tomorrow, which is certain to give him another six years in power, said the nuclear war scenario was not imminent and he saw no need for the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. “From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready,” Putin, 71, told Rossiya-1 television and news agency RIA in response to a question whether the country was really ready for a nuclear war. Putin said the US understood that if it deployed American troops on Russian territory, or to Ukraine, Russia would treat the move as an intervention. “(In the United States) there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint,” Putin said. “Therefore, I don’t think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this.” The war in Ukraine has triggered the deepest crisis in Russia’s relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and Putin has warned several times that the West risks provoking a nuclear war if it sends troops to fight in Ukraine. Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering full-scale war after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces on one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other. Western leaders have promised to defeat Russia in Ukraine, but after two years of war, Russian forces control a little under one fifth of Ukrainian territory. In a US election year, the West is grappling with how to support Kyiv against Russia which has bolstered its army with hundreds of thousands of men and is rearming much faster than the West. Kyiv says it is defending itself against a war of conquest designed to erase its national identity. Russia says the areas it controls in Ukraine are now Russia. Putin reiterated that the use of nuclear weapons was spelled out in the Kremlin’s nuclear doctrine – its policy sets out the circ*mstances in which Russia might use its weapons. “Weapons exist in order to use them,” he said. “We have our own principles.” Russia and the United States are by far the largest nuclear powers, controlling more than 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons. Putin said Russia was ready for serious talks on Ukraine. “Russia is ready for negotiations on Ukraine, but they should be based on reality – and not on cravings after the use of psychotropic drugs,” Putin said. Reuters reported last month that Putin’s suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the US after contacts between intermediaries. If the US conducted nuclear tests, Russia might do the same, he added. “It’s not necessary ... we still need to think about it, but I don’t rule out that we can do the same.” Putin said Russia had never faced a need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, where the conflict has raged since February 2022. “Why do we need to use weapons of mass destruction? There has never been such a need.” – Reuters Spanish aid ship en route to Palestine GAZA STRIP: A Spanish aid boat was en route to Gaza yesterday, opening a new maritime corridor intended to allow deliveries of desperately needed food to the Palestinian territory ravaged by months of war . In a sign of worsening conditions, the territory’s Health Ministry says 27 people have died of malnutrition and dehydration, most of them children. A weeks-long diplomatic push had sought to bring about a ceasefire and increase aid deliveries before the start of Ramadan, but key mediator Qatar said on Tuesday that the warring sides were not close to striking a deal. Fresh bombardments could be heard in southern Gaza early yesterday, and the Health Ministry reported another 70 people killed in overnight strikes. With land shipments into the territory severely curtailed, the international community has sought to diversify routes for delivering aid, including via air drops and the new Cyprus maritime corridor. The Open Arms ship that left Larnaca on Tuesday is towing 200 tonnes of relief goods 400km across the Mediterranean to Gaza, with US charity World Central Kitchen saying work was “underway” on a jetty to unload the shipment. Cyprus said a second vessel was also being prepared. Gaza has experienced dire shortages of food and essentials since Israel imposed a siege at the outset of the war, and prices have shot up for what food there is. “Today, there are many things in the market that are not available; even if they are available, they are at astronomical prices,” said dentist and Gaza City resident Baher Hassouna, one of the 1.5 million Gazans displaced to the southern border city of Rafah. Four US Army vessels also departed a base in Virginia on Tuesday carrying about 100 soldiers and equipment needed to build a temporary port on Gaza’s coast. The new facility – which will consist of an offshore platform and a pier to bring aid ashore – is expected to be up and running “at the 60-day mark”, said US Army BrigGen Brad Hinson. – AFP US may end funding for relief agency B R I E F SUS$337M IN MILITARY AID FOR UKRAINE MOSCOW: Denmark has provided Ukraine with a new military aid package worth US$337 million (RM1.6 billion), which includes howitzers, 155mm artillery shells and 120mm mortars, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said. “I am grateful to (Danish Defence) Minister (Troels Lund Poulsen) @troelslundp and all the people of Denmark for the new package for Ukraine. Western countries have provided hundreds of billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s military operation in February 2022. Aid shipments began in 2022 with artillery munitions and training, and have escalated to include tanks, advanced airdefence systems, missiles and cluster munitions. – Bernama NAVALNY AIDE INJURED IN ATTACK VILNIUS: Lithuanian police said they are investigating an assault on Leonid Volkov, the long-time aide to late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, after he was attacked outside his home in Vilnius on Tuesday. Volkov was assaulted with tear gas and a hammer, suffering a bruise to his forehead and a leg wound. Volkov was back home yesterday after receiving treatment. No suspects have been identified. Several police units including the elite anti-terrorism unit were at the crime scene near Volkov’s house overnight. Foreign Affairs Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said the perpetrators must “answer for their crime”. – Reuters WASHINGTON: US officials are preparing for a pause on funding the main UN agency for Palestinians to become permanent due to opposition in Congress, even as the Biden administration insists the aid group’s humanitarian work is indispensable. The United States, along with more than a dozen countries, suspended its funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in January after Israel accused 12 of the agency’s 13,000 employees in Gaza of taking part in the Oct 7 attack. The UN has launched an investigation, and UNRWA fired some staff after Israel provided the agency with information on the allegations. The United States, which is UNRWA’s largest donor, said it wants to see the results of that inquiry and corrective measures taken before it will consider resuming funding. Even if the pause is lifted, only about US$300,000 (RM929,874), what is left of already appropriated funds – would be released to UNRWA. Anything further would require congressional approval. Bipartisan opposition in Congress to funding UNRWA makes it unlikely the US will resume regular donation, even as Sweden and Canada have said they will restart contributions. A supplemental funding bill in the US Congress that includes military aid to Israel and Ukraine and is supported by the Biden administration, contains a provision that would block the agency from receiving funds if it becomes law. – Reuters Displaced Palestinians gather to collect food donated by a charity before breaking fast in Rafah. – AFPPIC
10 THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesun.my/ Unlocking growth through the sublime I N the pursuit of personal development and a life rich with meaning and devoid of regrets, venturing beyond the familiar confines of our comfort zones emerges as a pivotal challenge. This journey, marked by encounters with the unknown and the overcoming of fears, aligns closely with the pursuit of the sublime – a concept that transcends mere beauty to touch upon experiences of awe, grandeur and profound insight. The interplay of mindfulness, the acceptance of sublime experiences and the conscious decision to confront challenges reveals a pathway to unparalleled personal growth. Historically, the sublime has been linked to towering mountains, vast oceans or the arts – experiences that dwarf our existence and illuminate the limits of comprehension. These encounters, while momentarily overwhelming, are intrinsically uplifting, broadening our understanding of the possible. Engaging with the sublime involves deliberate mindfulness, a presence of mind that anchors us in the moment, allowing us to fully absorb and reflect on these profound experiences. Procrastination often masks a deepseated fear of the sublime. The sheer scale of emotions and revelations associated with sublime experiences can be daunting, pushing many to retreat to the safety of the known. Yet, it is precisely this venture into the vast and unknown that catalyses personal development. By stepping out of our comfort zones, whether through physical endeavours, intellectual pursuits or creative expressions, we confront not just the world’s immensity but also our hidden depths. Challenging ourselves, we peel away the layers of self-imposed limitations. Hiking a mountain, for instance, is not merely a physical test but a mental dialogue, a reassurance of our resilience and capability. Similarly, delving into complex ideas or expressing oneself through art demands a vulnerability, and a willingness to confront the unknown facets of our psyche. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient traditions and modern psychology, involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment with openness, curiosity and without judgement. It serves as the bridge connecting the challenge with the sublime, teaching us to approach daunting experiences with focus and calmness. This attentiveness allows us to fully absorb the lessons offered by these experiences. Through mindfulness, the initial discomfort encountered when stepping beyond our comfort zones transforms into a deep appreciation for the journey itself. This shift fosters a growth mindset that values the process over the outcome, enabling personal development and a richer engagement with life’s vast possibilities. The act of stepping beyond our comfort zones, powered by mindfulness and a pursuit of the sublime, lays the foundation for personal growth. It encourages a life lived intentionally, one in which every challenge becomes an opportunity for expansion and every moment holds the potential for insight. This approach to life dismantles the fear of failure, for even in setbacks, there lies invaluable lessons. Moreover, the embrace of sublime experiences cultivates resilience, adaptability and a profound sense of self-awareness. It teaches us to cherish the present and engage deeply with our surroundings and ourselves, fostering a life of abundance free from regret. Suggestions for experiencing the sublime 0 Nature walks: Make time for walks in natural settings that stir a sense of wonder. Whether a city park or a wilderness trail, nature’s intricate beauty can provide daily doses of the sublime. 0 Mindful moments: Practice mindfulness in simple activities – savouring your morning coffee, feeling the texture of fabric or listening intently to a piece of music. These moments can elevate the mundane into the sublime. 0 Artistic exploration: Dedicate part of your day to creating something, no matter your skill level. The act of creation is inherently sublime, bridging the gap between imagination and reality. 0 Learning endeavours: Commit to learning something new that challenges you intellectually. The pursuit of knowledge can lead to moments of sublime realisation as new horizons of understanding open before you. 0 Journalling the sublime: Keep a journal of experiences that have evoked a sense of awe or wonder in you. Writing about these moments can deepen your appreciation and understanding, making the sublime an integral part of your narrative. 0 Stargazing: Spend time under the night sky, contemplating the vastness of the universe. This simple act can evoke profound feelings of the sublime, connecting us with the infinite. 0 Voluntary discomfort: Occasionally choose to do something outside your comfort zone – be it a cold shower, fasting for a day or public speaking. These acts of voluntary discomfort can heighten your sense of life’s vividness and potential. The journey towards personal development is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth and transformation. By daring to step out of our comfort zones to face the sublime in all its overwhelming beauty and challenge, we unlock a more abundant and regretless life. The path is not without its hurdles but it is precisely these obstacles that refine us, moulding us into fuller and more realised versions of ourselves. Let us then embrace the sublime, guided by mindfulness, as we step boldly into the vast expanse of our potential, incorporating the daily practices that remind us of the beauty and grandeur that life has to offer. The writer is a certified mental health and awareness practitioner specialising in narcissistic abuse recovery. Comments: [emailprotected] “The interplay of mindfulness, the acceptance of sublime experiences and the conscious decision to confront challenges reveals a pathway to unparalleled personal growth. Make time for walks in natural settings that stir a sense of wonder for daily doses of the sublime. – BERNAMAPIC MIND THE MIND BY DR PRAVEENA RAJENDRA
11 THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 Combatting learning poverty HAVE you ever heard of the term “learning poverty”? It was a new term for me which I learned after listening to an engaging Keluar Sekejap podcast hosted by none other than Khairy Jamaludin and Shahril Hamdan. This term refers to the inability of a child to read and understand a simple text by the age of 10. What is surprising is that the World Bank considers learning poverty as one of the key indicators of a country’s economic growth. In 2023, the World Bank published a report on the state of learning poverty in Malaysia, revealing a rate of over 40%. This statistic is concerning, especially for the young generation hailing from low-income families and marginalised communities. As a mother of two young children, I am disheartened by this situation and compelled to question the flaws in the Malaysian education system. Upon delving into the topic of low literacy rates among students, it is evident that this is a complex issue with various underlying factors. One of the primary factors is the lack of access to quality education and resources, which is often caused by socioeconomic status and geographic location. Additionally, inadequate teaching methodologies that fail to engage students, and language barriers for non-native speakers further compound the issue. Interestingly, despite the widespread belief that the shift to online teaching due to the Covid-19 pandemic is solely responsible for low literacy rates, the reality is that this problem has always existed. The pandemic has only exacerbated it by creating additional challenges such as a lack of in-person instruction and limited access to technology for some students. As a dentist and an educator, I believe that instead of blaming others, we should focus on what we can do to bring about positive change. Learning to read is a vital achievement that lays a solid groundwork for future success. Dentists, whether working in government or private clinics, are often invited by teachers to schools and pre-schools to participate in community engagement activities for oral health education. However, over the years, dentists have preferred to give lectures and conduct toothbrushing activities, which often result in one-way communication and have a lesser impact on children since it is typically a yearly one-off event. The most anticipated aspect of these events is receiving a free toothbrush, with or without toothpaste. Thus, it is crucial to implement a more structured educational approach that not only enhances knowledge and oral hygiene habits but also fosters the development of essential skills in reading, writing, arithmetic and reasoning, known by the acronym 4Rs. The existing evidence suggests that various techniques have been found effective, including demonstrations, distribution of printed materials, provision of oral health kits and audio resources, information technologybased methods and exhibitions. These methods have been demonstrated to yield positive results and better engagement during activities with minimal supervision required. To ensure that preventive information and health promotion are effectively disseminated to children, it is necessary to combine them with all materials for any intervention made available in school. This can be achieved by integrating such information and activities into the school curriculum, extracurricular activities and any other educational materials provided to the students. By doing so, teachers can effectively instil healthy habits and practices in children that can help them lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Collaboration between universities and dental clinics is highly encouraging in developing a robust module that can be used in schools, even in the absence of dental personnel. It can be beneficial in improving the quality of care provided to patients. For example, dentists can share their clinical data with researchers to conduct studies on various treatment approaches, prevention strategies and oral health education interventions. Such studies can help dentists provide evidence-based care that is customised to the unique needs and preferences of each patient. Additionally, academics can offer continuing education opportunities to dentists to keep them updated with the latest research findings and best practices. This can further enhance the quality of care provided by dentists to their patients. To ensure that our oral health education programme is effective, it is important to develop modules and materials that complement the teacher’s role in nurturing 4R skills (respect, responsibility, resourcefulness and resilience) in children, especially those who are under 10 years old. This will help to ensure that children are not only learning about oral health but are also developing important life skills that will serve them well in the future. To achieve this, greater collaboration is needed between researchers, clinicians and teachers. By working together, we can ensure that the materials developed by our researchers are used effectively in the classroom and that clinicians are not wasting resources when conducting the programme. This will help to save time, energy and costs, while also improving the overall effectiveness of the programme. In addition to developing modules and materials that complement the teacher’s role, it is important to ensure that they are ageappropriate, engaging and easy to understand. This will help to ensure that children are motivated to learn and can retain the information presented to them. Finally, it is important to regularly evaluate and update the programme to ensure that it remains effective and relevant in the changing landscape of oral health education. The writer is a dental lecturer at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry at Universiti Malaya. Comments: [emailprotected] Siti Nurhaliza – epitome of humility LISTENING to Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza belting out Nirmala during her recent concert brought me back to AJL17 (Anugerah Juara Lagu ke-17). It was 2003 when my aunty managed to secure two tickets for the final. Malaysia’s sweetheart was to compete with the rendition of Nirmala and Bicara Manis Menghiris Kalbu. This was the time when AJL was divided into three categories – ballad, pop rock and melody. She had been winning in all categories since 1996. Nirmala topped the melody category but lost to Keliru by Ajai and Nurul for the AJL title. Life was simpler then, there were no riots on social media, but the final verdict reverberated long after AJL ended. A lot has happened in 21 years. Ampang Park, which was my staple for Raya shopping is no longer around. There used to be Glady’s on Jalan Pahang – my dad loved their cinnamon rolls. And Vision 2020 which seemed so far away back then passed seamlessly. Despite the massive changes we experienced as a nation, Malaysians remained in love with Siti as demonstrated by the presence of the 10,000 fans during her concert. How can someone stay so relevant and be loved by so many for such a long time, when even political leaders come and go like the Jenga puzzle? We have gone through a lot as a nation. We are still reeling and have yet to fully recover from Covid-19. Worrying signs of a depreciating ringgit, unmet growth targets and rising cost of living have added more reasons for concern. Our society has somewhat grown less accepting of the fun and simple things in life such as concerts, movies, music, arts, food and fashion. The list goes on. Having fun may be equated with sinful behaviour or immorality. However, Siti defied the odds and demonstrated how fun and faith can co-exist without forsaking humility. Malaysia needs more people like her to heal. She handled criticism regarding her concert being too close to Ramadan as swiftly as her climb was to success. Instead of going on the defensive, she explained herself once and focused on delivering her amanah at hand. She walked gracefully in haute couture dresses with the same confidence when buying toys for her children at the pasar malam in Lepih. She proudly said that was where she had started selling kuih with her family. There was no shame in hiding her humble beginnings, no flashing of the latest designer bags or watches. No wonder Malaysians cannot get enough of her – her concert tickets were sold out in just two hours. The road to recovery from whatever that is ailing us is long and winding. History repeats in cycles. Time and patience will be the true judges of legacies, intent and character, just like how Tokti has remained number one in our hearts since 1996. I dread the day she announces her retirement. There is something comforting about her humility that brings about a caring side that cannot be faked or contrived. Siti embodies the humility and kindness that more Malaysians should approve and adopt as a norm and culture. Salam Ramadan. Nur Ayuni Zainal Abidin Nature lover and nomad at heart LETTERS [emailprotected] COMMENT by Dr Tengku Nurfarhana Nadirah Tengku Hamzah “By working together, we can ensure that the materials developed by our researchers are used effectively in the classroom and that clinicians are not wasting resources when conducting the programme. Siti embodies the humility and kindness that more Malaysians should adopt. – BERNAMAPIC
PROPERTY PROPERTY THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 12 SP Setia posts RM5.1b sales in FY23, surpassing target by 21% KUALA LUMPUR: SP Setia Bhd has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing its sales target amid the challenging economic climate. In FY23, the group recorded total sales of RM5.1 billion – outperforming its RM4.2 billion target – which is a testament to SP Setia’s resilience in navigating market headwinds. A brief snapshot of Q4’23 indicates that the driving force behind SP Setia’s sales is its local projects, accounting for a significant portion of revenue with RM4.41 billion, or approximately 86% of total sales. The Central region proved crucial for the group, contributing RM3.3 billion in sales, followed by the Southern region of RM860 million. Additionally, the Northern and Eastern regions made valuable contributions totalling RM247 million. The group further reduced its borrowings by RM1.3 billion, bringing down the net gearing ratio to 0.49x from 0.57x in FY22, enabling better capital optimisation and deployment across the development pipelines for future growth. The group achieved 17% higher profit before tax of RM656 million in FY23 compared to oSuccess driven by several factors, including healthy demand for group’s offerings RM559 million in FY22, while persisting through the challenges in the operating environment as fluctuations of foreign exchange and interest rates put pressures on the group’s bottom line. Key highlights 0 Sales for the year ended December 2023, totalling RM5.1 billion, surpassed the 2023 target of RM4.2 billion by 21%, driven by strong demand for the group’s offerings and land monetisation. 0 R e v e n u e recorded a commendable RM4.37 billion, along with an 17% higher profit before tax of RM656 million. 0 Borrowings reduced by RM1.3 billion, de-gearing programme is on track, resulting in further reduction of net gearing ratio to 0.49x from 0.57x in FY22 through consistent and effective capital management discipline throughout the group. 0 Dividend of 1.34 sen per share was declared. For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2023, the board of directors of the company has declared dividend of 1.34 sen per share. The group’s sales success is supported by multiple factors including its robust sales pipeline anchored by 41 ongoing projects, with a remaining land bank of 6,311 acres and an effective remaining GDV of RM119.74 billion. Moving forward, president and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai (pix), “We remain optimistic in the group’s trajectory this year, with key focuses in accelerating township developments, large-scale industrial developments and strengthening our international presence.” The group is optimistic about the real estate sector, fuelled by catalysts such as the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Visa Liberalisation Plan and Stamp Duty Exemption for first-time buyers, with the country’s GDP expected to grow between 4% and 5% this year. Upcoming plans in Vietnam, Australia and the industrial segment in FY24, SP Setia will continue with its development plans in Vietnam and Australia, where for the latter, the group expects to maintain the momentum of its existing presence in Australia, which will be strengthened through the development of the newly-acquired Sydney land. Among other key developments that will contribute and propel the group’s growth include the Central region – industrial offerings in Setia Alaman Industrial Park, Klang, Selangor, and the two residential towers by Setia Federal Hill in Jalan Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. In the Southern region, SP Setia is banking on its growth momentum with positive spillover effects from the Special Economic Zone incentives, Johor-Singapore RTS link, the KL-Singapore High Speed Rail integrated infrastructure projects, and strategic collaborations and optimisation of the group’s overall landbank. SP Setia remains positive in its outlook for FY24, leveraging its strength and diversified portfolio to achieve a sales target of RM4.4 billion. TH Properties presents Felora, Bizcentre Phase 2 in Seremban SEREMBAN: TH Properties Sdn Bhd (TH Prop) has unveiled its latest residential development Felora with a gross development value of RM38.96 million. Felora, located in Warisan Puteri 2, Seremban comprises 86 double-storey terrace houses with built-up areas ranging from 1,406 sq ft to 1,965 sq ft. The prices range from RM409,000 to RM659,200 per unit, the developer said. The Lembaga Tabung Haji subsidiary also unveiled Bizcentre Phase 2 at the Karnival Warisan Puteri 2 here. The project comprises 28 units of two- and three-storey shop offices with built-up areas ranging from 2,170 sq ft to 6,868 sq ft. The shop offices are priced from RM648,000 to RM2.33 million. TH Prop board member Zarulakmar Abd Aziz said the success of previous developments in Warisan Puteri 2 such as Tierra, another double-storey terrace house project, is a testament to buyers’ trust towards the group’s products. “It also signifies that demand for residential and commercial properties is still resilient despite various setbacks such as Covid-19, softer global economy and spike in raw material prices,” he said. – Bernama WCT remains resilient amid challenging operating landscape PETALING JAYA: WCT Holdings Bhd, an investment holding company with businesses in engineering and construction, property development and investment, and management of retail malls and hotels recorded revenue of RM402 million for its fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2023 (Q4’23) as compared to RM469 million in the preceding year’s corresponding quarter ended Dec 31, 2022 (Q4’22). Its loss attributable to equity holders in Q4’23 was RM246 million as compared to RM27 million profit attributable to equity holders recorded in Q4’22. For the financial year ended Dec 31, 2023 (Q4’23), the group recorded lower revenue of RM1.7 billion as compared to RM2.1 billion registered in the preceding year (Q4’22). The group recorded a loss attributable to equity holders of RM254 million as compared to the profit attributable to equity holders of RM129 million registered in Q4’22. The group’s engineering and construction division remains the main contributor, accounting for RM1.1 billion (Q4’22: RM1.5 billion) or 66% of the group’s consolidated revenue. The division reported operating loss of RM220 million as compared to RM48 million operating profit recorded in Q4’22. The lower revenue in Q4’23 was mainly due to slower construction progress, while the operating loss was due to lower margins as a result of prolongation cost, increase in the price of construction materials and labour costs. The lowered margins led to the reversal of profits which have been accrued on the various projects. In FY23, WCT completed the TRX Infrastructure and Roadway Works project which includes the construction of roadways and 2.5km of underground road structures, connecting major roads and highways with the Tun Razak Exchange, which is Malaysia’s international financial centre. WCT also completed The Exchange TRX and Pavilion Damansara Heights, adding another two completed shopping malls to its retail malls and commercial buildings portfolio. Meanwhile, the group’s property development division recorded revenue of RM362 million (Q4’22: RM452 million) with a higher operating profit of RM20 million (Q4’22: RM18 million). As of Dec 31, 2023 the group recorded property sales of RM856 million (Q4’22: RM421 million) mainly contributed by the newly launched Pavilion Mont’ Kiara in August 2023. The group’s unbilled sales stood at RM640 million as at Dec 31, 2023. For the current year, the property investment and management division recorded higher revenue of RM217 million (Q4’22: RM184 million) and lower operating profit of RM121 million as compared to RM157 million in Q4’22. The higher revenue in the current year is mainly attributable to the resurgence of business activities in the retail sector with an uptick in occupancy rates and positive rental reversion of retail malls. IJM Rimbayu’s The Promenade – with GDV of RM300m – unveiled PETALING JAYA: IJM Land has unveiled The Promenade an extension of its commercial development that is poised to redefine the commercial and retail experiences at IJM Rimbayu. Scheduled for launch in Q1 2024, The Promenade will offer a multifaceted experience that blends retail and lifestyle propositions in a truly sustainable manner. The development aims to emulate the function and appeal of promenades in ancient Rome as central hubs for the community to congregate and engage with one another, albeit with a contemporary twist at IJM Rimbayu. The envisioned development seamlessly integrates an all-encompassing commercial district designed to function as a transit hub, catering not only to IJM Rimbayu residents but also serving as a convenient layover stop for road-weary interstate travellers. The emphasis is placed on visually appealing aesthetics and architecture, coupled with lush and crowdpleasing landscaping and intuitive passive design implementations. The Promenade boasts a gross development value (GDV) of RM300 million, making it a critical and pivotal transit hub that seamlessly links the entire network of IJM Rimbayu’s residential and commercial constituents as a fluent whole. The Promenade represents Phase 21 of IJM Rimbayu and will blend community convergence and dynamic retail experiences Experience effortless navigation along The Promenade, where the array of shops lining the boulevard ensures you stay on course with ease. while embracing sustainability with a GreenRE Bronze assessment certification. Priced from RM2 million, the layout of the shop offices maximises natural cooling and ventilation. Neatly configured in parallel rows of eight to 10 units each, larger three-story corner shop offices flanking two-storey variants beckon with their wide 25-feet storefronts that are wider at 32 feet wide on the upper levels, providing flexible and multi-functional spaces for various commercial activities. “IJM Land is renowned for curating lifestylecentric spaces, and The Promenade’s upcoming commercial concept exemplifies this commitment,“ remarked IJM Land senior general manager Chai Kian Soon.
THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [emailprotected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [emailprotected] SCAN ME ‘Semiconductor industry poised for recovery this year’ PETALING JAYA: The semiconductor industry is poised for recovery this year due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, according to Rakuten Trade. Its head of research Kenny Yee (pic) said the semiconductor industry’s performance has been sluggish over the past two years but increasing demand for AI globally will drive semiconductor demand. “Therefore, I think global demand for semiconductors will increase and Malaysia (as one of the largest exporter of semiconductors in the world) will benefit from this spike in demand for semiconductors,” he said during Rakuten Trade’s virtual media briefing on Malaysia’s Q2 Market Outlook yesterday. “The demand for AI will require a lot of semiconductor parts. That will increase the demand and the producers will ramp up their production. That will increase the semiconductor industry,” Yee explained. Rakuten Trade pointed to oRakuten Trade says AI advancements will lift demand, sees banking, construction and telecoms sectors as Malaysia’s economic growth drivers █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected] Malaysia’s sustainability reporting almost on par with global standards, says PwC PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s sustainability reporting standards are almost on par with global standards, according to PwC Malaysia. Director Farhana Jabir said most countries are in the process of developing and implementing sustainability reporting as a regulatory requirement for public listed companies. She said the development of sustainability reporting standards is an ongoing process, even for developed countries in the European Union, not to mention globally. “We are not that far off from them, right. Most of the countries that are looking into implementing █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [emailprotected] Revised PSC rates, new transfer levy seen positive for MAHB’s coffers KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will be able to collect higher revenue overall through higher passenger service charges (PSC) and new PSC for transfer passengers, incremental aircraft landing and parking charges and potentially post stronger earnings. In a note yesterday, Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB) said it is positive on the revisions for the First Regulatory Period (RP1) announced by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) as they will improve MAHB’s cash flow and allow for higher capital expenditure spending. However, HLIB said while there will be a slight increase to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2’s and other airports’ Asean PSC to RM50 (from RM35), the investment bank does not expect a material impact on air travel demand for Capital A Bhd. “The relatively higher increase for Terminal 1’s Asean PSC to RM73 (from RM35) may provide a stronger competitive advantage to Capital A. “On the other hand, Beyond Asean PSC at RM50 (from RM73) will not change AirAsia X Bhd’s competitiveness, given that the airline has been collecting RM50 for PSC all this while,” it said. HLIB believes that MAHB will continue to leverage the anticipated recovery of air travel demand in financial years 2024 to 2025 (FY24 to FY25) and the finalisation of the operating agreement and regulated asset base structure in strengthening MAHB’s commitment towards airport developments in Malaysia. Meanwhile, RHB Research has lowered its earnings forecast for MAHB for FY24- 26 by 1-8%, following the revisions to the aviation services charges (ASC). The introduction of transfer PSC and higher parking and landing charges are broadly offset by the reduction in PSC of other categories – particularly International PSC in other airports, it said in a note. Through a loss capitalising mechanism, MAHB will have the opportunity to recover 90% of any regulatory losses incurred during the loss/gain accumulation phase over up to 10 years, commencing in the first year of the loss recovery/payback phase. “We view this development positively as this would allow MAHB to pursue necessary investments, services enhancements and airport development efforts,” it said. The key risks for MAHB include higherthan-expected operating expenditure, lowerthan-expected passenger volumes and ASC as well as regulatory changes. – Bernama Madani Economy framework will boost MSME sector: Deputy minister KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani Economy framework launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be able to assist the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (Kuskop) in boosting the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk R Ramanan said this could be seen through the launching of the 2024 Kuskop Strategic Planning Document with the theme Usahawan Madani, Memacu Ekonomi (Madani Entrepreneurs, Driving the Economy) in January. “This strategic plan will be a catalyst for efforts to make Malaysia as a regional champion of MSMEs and subsequently achieve the target to emerge as one of the world’s top 30 economies as outlined by the Prime Minister under Ekonomi Madani: Memperkasakan Rakyat,” he said when winding up the debate for the ministry on the motion of thanks for the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Ramanan said more than 600,000 entrepreneurs are expected to benefit from programmes planned in the 2024 Kuskop Strategic Planning Document, which outlines five strategic thrusts, 22 strategies, and 205 programmes. Meanwhile, he said Kuskop is always attentive to the needs of the hawker and small trader community by providing infrastructure such as premises and conducive business stalls. Among the initiatives is the Tamu Desa project, aimed at building and upgrading commercial space facilities and entrepreneurial infrastructure in rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak, with UDA Holdings being entrusted as the implementing agency. – Bernama International Data Corporation which indicated that semiconductor sales will recover by 20% in 2024. It said the ongoing AI frenzy, coupled with stabilising demand for smartphones and resilient growth in the automobile industry is expected to usher in a new wave of growth for the semiconductor industry. Yee also mentioned that the banking, construction, and telecommunications sectors will serve as the primary drivers of the Malaysian economy throughout the year. “To grow the economy the c o u n t r y needs the banks to support the economic growth,” said Yee. Moreover, he said, numerous projects have been announced for the construction sector, with more expected soon. “Other than government infrastructure projects, there will be private projects that will drive the construction sector,” he added. As for the local stock market, the firm anticipates the FBM KLCI (FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index) to possibly touch 1,660 points by end2024 based on 15.5 times p r i c e - t o - earnings ratio (PER) premised on 16% earnings growth. “For curiosity purposes, in the event fund flows normalise, we may even see the index breaching the 1,700 mark premised on just 16 times PER. Foreign fund inflows finally emerged albeit sluggishly,” said Yee. He said corporate Malaysia closed 2023 on a decent note despite some refinements along the way. This led to a flat 2023 while 2024 corporate Malaysia may experience an eye-catching 16.3% jump mainly due to the low base effect, he added. As for 2025, Yee said Rakuten Trade expects a more stable 6.7% growth for corporate Malaysia, underpinned by growth across the board. As for the ringgit, he reckoned prevailing rates do not truly reflect the country’s improving environment. “Hence, we believe it will strengthen going forward to between the 4.50/55 range by end2024 on the back of the easing interest rate trend in the US/EU and improving investment climate domestically,” he explained. ISSP (International Society of Sustainability Professionals), even the EU (countries) themselves, have issued the standards but now they are in the process of making sure these are adopted (as law) in individual countries, so we are comparably similar to where they are right now. “Globally, everyone needs to really start preparing this report and ensuring connectivity between all our financial information and nonfinancial information. It’s not a Malaysia-specific problem. Everyone is now working towards this and improving their discussion,” Farhana said during the virtual launch of the National Annual Corporate Report Awards 2024 (Nacra 2024) yesterday. On stakeholders’ expectations in regard to sustainability reporting this year, she said the report will need to closely align with the organisation’s strategy and risk management processes. “Balanced reporting is expected, with transparency across the organisation’s value chain. (In addition), formalisation of governance and sustainability matters with the establishment of a board sustainability committee (for each organisation) as well as investor-grade data and information to be reported,” she said. Nacra 2024 adjudication committee chairman Tang Seng Choon said the adoption of sustainability reporting standards in Malaysia is in line with the current government’s environmental, sustainability and governance-focused agenda. “The Security Commission has come up with the ACSR (advisory committee on sustainability reporting) for comments and such. There are roadmaps (such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap) for the country to move forward and also the adoption of the standards as (International Financial Reporting Standards S1 and S2) are coming. “Indeed, we are not laggard, we are definitely in line with the current thinking,” said Tang, adding that he was unsure if there will be further enhancement of the reporting standards in the next few years. “I think we are on par or at least on the right track because if we compare ourselves to Europe, they’re far ahead. But Malaysia is definitely on the right track if you look around the region,” he added.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 14 /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE Malaysian Paper Wholesale and retail trade sales hit RM142b in January oValue increases 5.4% on annual basis, but down 1.1% from December 2023 PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s wholesale and retail trade recorded sales value of RM142.4 billion in January 2024, a 5.4% year-on-year increase, although it fell 1.1% when compared with December 2023. In a statement yesterday, Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said, “The increase of 5.4% year-on-year for wholesale & retail trade in January 2024 was driven by wholesale trade sub-sector, which rose 5.5% or RM3.3 billion to register RM63.7 billion. Motor vehicles expanded by 16% or RM2.4 billion to RM17.6 billion, followed by retail trade with growth of 2.6% or RM1.5 billion to RM61.1 billion.” For monthly comparison, the negative growth from December was contributed by retail trade which slipped 2.1%, followed by motor vehicles sub-sector which contracted 5.1%. In contrast, wholesale trade sub-sector registered positive growth of 1.2%. Looking at the performance across sub-sectors, Mohd Uzir remarked that the growth of 5.5% year-on-year for wholesale trade in January was supported by other specialised wholesale which rose RM1.8 billion or 8.3% to RM24 billion. “This was followed by wholesale of food, beverages & tobacco (4.6%), wholesale of household goods (2.9%), wholesale of agricultural raw materials & live animals (4.2%), wholesale of machinery, equipment & supplies (4.5%), non-specialised wholesale trade (4.3%), and wholesale on a fee or contract basis (2.1%),” he added. For monthly comparison, wholesale trade rebounded 1.2%, mainly contributed by wholesale of food, beverages & tobacco (6.7%), household goods (2%), other specialised wholesale (0.6%), and non-specialised wholesale (0.6%). As for the motor vehicles subsector, the increase of 16% year-onyear in January was fuelled by sales which surged 20.9% or RM1.6 billion ACCA urges phased approach to audit exemption threshold hike PETALING JAYA: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has called for a phased approach to a proposed increase in the audit exemption threshold which would remove the requirement for companies with annual revenues of less than RM3 million to be independently audited. In its response to the latest consultation on the issue by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), ACCA said the expected surge in SMEs not subject to independent audits may have profound and enduring implications for the trustworthiness and integrity of the corporate sector, including supply chains, and the resilience of the broader economy. ACCA does, however, agree with the SSM’s view that it’s crucial to strike a balance between providing cost relief to smaller businesses and ensuring adequate oversight on financial reporting. It is suggesting a phased approach to the increase to RM3 million from the current level of RM100,000 over five years, starting with thresholds of RM500,000. ACCA Maritime Southeast Asia portfolio head Andrew Lim said, “A phased approach will allow stakeholders more time and space to adjust to and respond to shifting market forces.” He also warned about incorrect perceptions on the value of audit. “We’re concerned that the conduct of independent audits has been conflated with administrative burdens. The SSM and other regulators need to highlight the importance and benefits of audits to both companies themselves and those that they deal with, such as banks, tax authorities or major creditors,” Lim added. IPI rebound bodes well for industrial sector, say banks KUALA LUMPUR: The rebound in Malaysia’s January Industrial Production Index (IPI) has further brightened the growth prospects for the industrial sector this year. Public Investment Bank Bhd said the IPI growth transitioned into positive terrain, rising to 4.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) in January from a prior reading of -0.03% y-o-y in December 2023, higher than market projection of 2%, despite continued challenges stemming from diminishing foreign demand. Therefore, it believes growth prospects for the industrial sector will improve this year. “The 2024 global semiconductor market anticipates a robust recovery with a projected double-digit growth rate of 13.1%, surpassing earlier estimates of 11.8%. “This bodes well for Malaysia’s manufacturing sector and the semiconductor industry worldwide, particularly for major electrical and electronics (E&E) exporters like Malaysia, wherein this segment’s product exports contribute over 40% to total gross exports,” it said in a note. “However, Malaysia remains susceptible to global economic fluctuations, especially in electronics and semiconductor sectors, amid modest global economic growth projections for 2024.” Meanwhile, Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd expects Malaysia’s manufacturing activity to gradually gain momentum as trade activity recovers as the global manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index has crept back into expansionary territory in February.– Bernama to RM9.3 billion. This was followed by sales of motor vehicles parts & accessories (11.9%), maintenance & repair of motor vehicles (12.4%), and sales, maintenance & repair of motorcycles (5.4%). Conversely, for monthly comparison, this sub-sector shrank 5.1% due to sales of motor vehicles which slumped 11.3%. Mohd Uzir said, “The year-onyear growth of 2.6% for retail trade sub-sector was spurred by retail sales in specialised stores which grew 4.9% or RM0.6 billion to RM12.9 billion. Other groups in this sub-sector also recorded positive growth namely retail sales in nonspecialised stores (2.2%), retail sales of household goods (3.3%), retail sales of food, beverages & tobacco (6.2%), retail sales of automotive fuel (1%), retail sales of cultural & recreation goods (1.1%), retail sales not in stores, stalls or markets (0.7%), and retail sales via stalls & markets (2%).” Month-on-month, sales fell 2.1%, pressured by retail sales in non-specialised stores (-2.5%), retail sales in specialised stores (- 2.5%), and retail sales of household goods (-2.2%). Unitrade buys land, plans centralised labour quarters project PETALING JAYA: One of the country’s largest home-grown building materials wholesalers and distributors by revenue, Unitrade Industries Bhd, through wholly owned subsidiary Perfect CLQ Sdn Bhd, has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Nomis Sim Siang Leng and Simson Sim Xian Zhi, both directors of Unitrade and Perfect CLQ, to acquire a two-acre piece of land located at Sungai Buloh, Selangor, for a total consideration of RM7.84 million. The proposed acquisition is to support the group’s venture into the provision of Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ), which is a prefabricated housing solution that addresses workers’ accommodation issues. This builds upon Unitrade’s entry into the rental of modular houses in August 2022. The group plans to construct its own CLQ on the land, comprising seven blocks of three-storey modular houses, along with amenities like site offices, canteens, convenient stores, clinics, laundry rooms and utility rooms. With a total built-up area of 67,611 sq ft, the CLQ will be rented out as workers’ accommodation upon completion. Barring any unforeseen circ*mstances and subject to all relevant approvals being obtained, the proposed acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of the financial year ending March 31.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 15 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] CGS’s commercial paper second tranche oversubscribed KUALA LUMPUR: CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CGS MY) concluded the second tranche of its RM1 billion Commercial Papers Programme (CPP) totalling RM400 million. The second tranche of its CPP, which will mature on June 4, 2024 offers a 4.1% per annum interest over three months. The success of this issuance demonstrates strong investor confidence in the company and its CPP. “We are encouraged by the continued strong support and reception towards our maiden CPP. The second tranche saw existing as well as new investors coming on. In addition, the second tranche was oversubscribed, allowing us to issue a higher amount of RM400 million compared to the first tranche’s RM300 million, and at a lower discount rate. This reflects increasing investor familiarity with the CGS MY brand in the capital markets,” said Alan Inn, deputy CEO, CGS MY. This second issuance comes on the back of CGS MY’s issuance of its maiden RM300 million tranche on Dec 22, 2023, which offered a 4.3% per annum interest over a three-month period. The first tranche will mature on March 22, 2024. Both commercial papers (CPs) can be redeemed at their full nominal value upon maturity. CGS MY and its related corporations and/or associated companies plan to use the proceeds from the issuance for the company’s general working capital purposes, including refinancing of any existing and/or near-term obligations and future borrowings. On Nov 8, 2023, CGS MY established a CPP to issue short-term CPs with typical issue tenures of 1, 3 and 6 months, or such other tenures of up to 364 days. The CPP provides financial and funding flexibilities for CGS MY and broadens its funding base to include short-term fixed income investors. KUALA LUMPUR: The Collaborative Research in Engineering and Science and Technology Centre (CREST), in conjunction with the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI), have launched the Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries. The parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their partnership aimed at enhancing industry-relevant talent to meet the growing demand in high-value sectors. The government recognises the need for a high-caliber talent pool to boost the aerospace and medical devices industries in the country and have given CREST the mandate to manage a grant of RM30 million to champion the upskilling grant with both MAIA and AMMI. “The government’s designation of the aerospace and medical devices industries as catalytic high-value sectors highlights the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to support the industries’ growth. The introduction of the Upskilling Grant for these industries is a positive step in developing future-ready talent. By strategically investing in upskilling programmes, we enable individuals to thrive in these dynamic industries, fostering innovation and driving Malaysia towards sustainable economic progress in tandem with the Malaysia Madani vision,” said Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry deputy secretary-general (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri. The Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries is structured to be executed within one year. It comprises four programmes that are designed to target essential facets of talent development within the industries. CREST CEO Jaffri Ibrahim said, “CREST is hopeful that our partnership with the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries will continue to strengthen as we move forward together, empowering both industry sectors and individuals with the necessary skill sets to enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness, achieve sustainable growth, and advance towards becoming a high-income nation.” MAIA president Naguib Mohd Nor said, “We thank the government for incentivising industry-driven programmes for the aerospace industry. This upskilling grant will help accelerate the development of futureready talents to fulfil the growing demand in the thriving sector.” AMMI chairman Andy Lee Kuan Min added, “We applaud the government’s decision to support the medical device industry through the talent development initiative. Having the right skilled talents in place will help build a talent pipeline and be able to attract potential global medtech investors while powering the economy. We believe this collaboration will further enhance our quest to have a skilled and empowered workforce to support the growth of the medical devices industry.” Malaysia Airlines teams up with Google to boost tourism Crest, MAIA, AMMI launch RM30m grant oInvesting in upskilling empowers individuals, supports country’s sustainable economic progress Eversendai secures RM5.4b projects in three countries KUALA LUMPUR: Eversendai Corporation Bhd said the group has secured new projects worth RM5.4 billion collectively in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India. In a statement, the group said Eversendai Engineering Saudi LLC in collaboration with Albawani Company Ltd secured the first structural steel signature building contract from NEOM for the Trojena Ski Village, NEOM’s mountain destination in KSA. In addition, it said Eversendai Mega Structure FZ LLC secured the structural steel scope for The Wynn Al Marjan Island Integrated Resort development in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, while Eversendai in Mumbai, India secured two structural steel projects which include the Rupa IT Building and Rupa Crystal IT Building. Executive chairman and group managing director Tan Sri A.K. Nathan said with the latest project wins, the group’s current outstanding order book is at a record high of RM6.6 billion. “Despite going through a very challenging period in the last few years, Eversendai is optimistic that the group will be able to strongly rebound as a result of the record high order book,” he said. – Bernama SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines has unveiled an innovative collaboration with Google to accelerate Malaysia’s ascent as a top-tier tourism destination while driving digital evolution within the aviation sector. This partnership is in line with Malaysia Airlines’ quest towards digitalising its commercial advancement to stimulate growth and demands from key markets to establish Malaysia as a central hub for international travellers. By teaming up with Google, Malaysia Airlines intends to harness cutting-edge AI and digital technologies to enhance its commercial operations, streamline processes, and provide tailored experiences to travellers. This collaboration aims to foster ongoing growth and innovation across various critical product domains, encompassing Google Pay, Google Flights, and AIpowered marketing solutions – enabling it to cultivate a holistic ecosystem that prioritises seamless customer experience. Malaysia Aviation Group chief commercial officer of Airlines Dersenish Aresandiran said “We are excited to embark on this transformative commercial journey with Google to strengthen our reach and capability by tapping into international markets. As the national flag carrier, we are deeply committed to driving the growth of tourism and fostering economic development in our country. By harnessing the power of Google’s technology innovation and expertise, we are confident that we can unlock new opportunities, elevate the travel experience, and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading tourism hub in the region, aligning with the government’s vision for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.” “Malaysia’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth, and Google is committed to supporting Malaysia Airlines in capitalising on this opportunity. We’re thrilled to embark on this journey and explore what we can do more together this year.” said Farhan Qureshi, Google Malaysia, Pakistan & Frontier Markets managing director. With travel demand on the rise to surpass pre-pandemic levels, the airline also plans to leverage innovative solutions to fuel its growth and marketing channels, positioning the airline for substantial network expansion plans this year.
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 16 READ OUR HERE /thesun Malaysian Paper Samsung to use tech favoured by SK Hynix SEOUL: Samsung Electronics plans to use a chip making technology championed by rival SK Hynix, five people said, as the world’s top memory chipmaker seeks to catch up in the race to produce high-end chips used to power artificial intelligence. The demand for high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips has boomed with the growing popularity of generative AI. But Samsung, unlike peers SK Hynix and Micron Technology, has been conspicuous by its absence in any dealmaking with AI chip leader Nvidia to supply latest HBM chips. One of the reasons Samsung has fallen behind is its decision to stick with chip making technology called non-conductive film (NCF) that causes some production issues, while Hynix switched to the mass reflow molded underfill (MR-MUF) method to address NCF’s weakness, according to analysts and industry watchers. Samsung, however, has recently issued purchase orders for chipmaking equipment designed to handle MUF technique, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. “The company had to do something to ramp up its HBM (production) yields ... adopting MUF technique is a little bit of swallow-your-pride type thing for Samsung, because it ended up following the technique first used by SK Hynix,” one of the sources said. Samsung said its NCF technology is an “optimal solution” for HBM products and would be used in its new HBM3E chips. “We are carrying out our HBM3E product business as planned,” Samsung said in response to Reuters’ questions. Samsung later issued a statement saying “rumours that Samsung will apply MR-MUF to its HBM production are not true”. The HBM3 and HBM3E are the newest versions of high bandwidth memory chips that are bundled with core microprocessor chips to help process vast amounts of data in generative AI. Samsung’s HBM3 chip production yields stand at about 10% to 20%, lagging SK Hynix that has secured about 60% to 70% yield rates for its HBM3 production, according to several analysts. Samsung refuted the estimated production yields and said it had secured a “stable yield rate” without elaborating. According to one of the sources, Samsung is already in talks with material manufacturers, including Japan’s Nagase, to source MUF materials. But mass production of the high-end chips using MUF is unlikely to be ready until next year at the earliest, as Samsung needs to run more tests, the person added. The three sources said Samsung plans to use both NCF and MUF techniques for its latest HBM chip. – Reuters Cathay Pacific ‘is back’ with first annual profit since 2019 HONG KONG: Cathay Pacific yesterday reported its first annual net profit in four years, citing a surge in demand as the airline emerges from the impact of the financial hub’s Covid isolation. Hong Kong’s aviation sector has struggled to fully recover from the impact of pandemic-era policies, which imposed strict rules on travellers and kept the city internationally isolated before they began to be lifted in late 2022. “In 2023, we finally left the Covid pandemic behind us,” Cathay chairman Patrick Healy said, adding that it was “our first profitable year since 2019”. “The year was characterised by a surge in travel demand following three years of pandemic-related restrictions.” In the statement, CEO Ronald Lam said: “To our stakeholders, thank you for standing by us and motivating us to be the company of choice. “We are ready to unleash the potential and innovation of our next exciting phase of development – Cathay is back!” While airlines around the world had been hit by the impact of travel restrictions, Cathay’s recovery has been slower than regional rivals such as Singapore Airlines. The airline said profit surged to US$1.25 billion (RM5.8 billion) last year, compared with a loss of US$847 million in 2022, after hitting its target of operating at 70% of pre-pandemic passenger flights. It carried 18 million passengers in the 12 months, up from 2.8 million in 2022. Cathay also posted an operating profit of US$1.9 billion in 2023, the highest on record, according to Bloomberg News, and announced its first dividend payment since 2019, at HK$0.43 per ordinary share. Total revenue surged 85% to US$12 billion, though cargo revenue fell 16.2% to US$3.3 billion. The firm’s share price jumped 5.5% on the news in Hong Kong afternoon trade. Cathay earlier vowed to return to 100% pre-pandemic passenger flight levels by the end of this year, but yesterday pushed back the target by up to three months. The company said it was working to address the effects of “truly significant” challenges facing the aviation industry, in areas including “recruitment, training and supply chain shortages”. It added that it planned to expand its workforce this year by around 20%, or 5,000 people. Cathay saw a spate of flight cancellations during the Christmas and New Year holidays, which the company attributed to underestimating the pilot levels needed during the seasonal flu peak in the special administrative region. “This incident has negatively impacted our brand reputation and the confidence that Hong Kong people and our customers have in Cathay,” Lam said in an internal memo at the time. In January, Cathay said it had signed up 100 cabin crew via its first recruitment drive in mainland China. – AFP Toyota agrees to biggest wage hike in 25 years TOKYO: Toyota Motor agreed to give factory workers their biggest pay increase in 25 years yesterday, heightening expectations that bumper pay raises will give the central bank leeway to make a key policy shift next week. Toyota, Panasonic, Nippon Steel and Nissan were among some of Japan Inc’s biggest names that agreed to fully meet union demands for pay hikes at annual wage negotiations that wrap yesterday. The talks, long a defining feature of the usually collaborative relationship between Japanese management and labour, are being closely watched this year as the pay increases are expected to help clear the way for the central bank to end its years-long policy of negative interest rates as early as next week. Toyota, the world’s biggest carmaker and traditionally a bellwether of the annual talks, said it agreed to the demands of monthly pay increases of as much as ¥28,440 (RM905) and record bonus payments. Keeping with past practice, the company did not provide a percentage figure for the salary rise. “We’re seeing strong momentum for wage hikes,” Japan’s top government spokesman and chief Cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. “It’s important that the strong wage hike momentum will spread to small and mid-sized firms.” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made putting an end to the years of meagre wage growth a top priority to jumpstart feeble consumer spending. Japan’s wage increases have kept well behind the average for the OECD grouping of rich countries. The Bank of Japan is also closely watching the results as a key data point in deciding when to end negative rates, in place since 2016. The bank, which has stuck with massive stimulus and ultra-low rates for years longer than other developed countries in an attempt to revive a moribund economy, is set to hold its next policy setting meeting on March 18 and 19. “The outcome of this year’s annual wage negotiation is critical” in deciding the timing of an exit from massive stimulus, governor Kazuo Ueda told parliament yesterday. Workers at major firms have asked for Workers installing the fuel cell power system in a Toyota Mirai at a factory in the Japanese prefecture of Aichi. – REUTERSPIC oPanasonic and Nippon Steel also respond in full to union demands annual increases of 5.85%, according to Japan’s biggest trade union grouping Rengo, which if agreed upon would breach the 5% level for the first time in 31 years. Hisashi Yamada, a senior economist at Japan Research Institute and an expert on labour issues, estimated overall increases of 4.2% to 4.3% based on the “quite strong” responses so far, and possibly more than 5% for top firms. He attributed the rises to the trend of higher wages globally, domestic labour shortages and inflation. “Still, the sustainability of such strong pay raises and whether the trend of wage hikes will spread to small and medium-sized companies going forward is uncertain.” In a further positive sign, the Japanese Association of Metal, Machinery and Manufacturing Workers (JAM), a union representing workers at small manufacturers, said the pay rises secured for members exceeded expectations and there was a change in workers’ mindset. “The Japanese are finally starting to realise that the gap between wages inside and outside the country is widening significantly,” JAM chairman Katahiro Yasukochi told reporters. Smaller firms employ seven out of 10 workers in Japan but have struggled to offer sizeable pay hikes because they have less leverage to pass on costs to clients. Akihiro Kaneko, chairman of the Japan Council of Metalworkers’ Unions, echoed Yasukochi’s sentiment, saying he was hopeful that this year’s results could lead to a virtuous cycle of higher wages and inflation. Top companies such as Toyota are under pressure from the government to facilitate wage hikes downstream so that real wages, which are adjusted for inflation, can reverse a 22-month streak of consecutive falls. “We do hope that our results could spread to all of our suppliers,” Toyota chief human resources officer Takanori Azuma told reporters. “We need to continue asking tier-one suppliers to pass that down to tier-two suppliers and so on,” he said, while adding that ultimately, wage decisions were up to each individual company. – Reuters
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 17 Recreating Paris in Phnom Penh – for the rich have a yield and return on investment, they are very welcome,” Tea told AFP. “Cambodia has so much to offer. Phnom Penh is a growing city. “There is a lot of potential.” Under Hun Sen, Cambodia developed ever-tighter ties with Beijing, and Chinese money has flooded into the country, fuelling a construction boom in the capital – but also bringing a mushrooming of casinos and other more unsavoury businesses. Those backing the Elysee and similar high-end ventures say that in addition to Chinese money, they hope high-end brands will be attracted by the market potential offered by the country’s growing middle classes. Not far from Koh Pich, a shopping mall with up to 75 luxury boutiques will open in the next few months. Pierre Balsan, the Cambodia managing director for Bluebell, the company behind the mall, said the country was “a new frontier for luxury brands”. The main challenge was “to try to change the perception of the brand managers about Cambodia, and the image of Cambodia”, he told AFP. Balsan said last year’s handover of power to a new, younger generation – Hun Manet is 46 – had helped to sell the country. Hun Manet, who studied in the United States and Britain, embodies the renewal of the elite after his father ran the country with an iron fist for nearly 40 years. He has pledged to turn Cambodia into a “high-income country” by 2050. Gabriel Fauveaud, an expert on Phnom Penh’s urban development at the geography department of the University of Montreal, told AFP the city was seeing the “capture of real estate income by big players who are making big money” because of their political connections. Several Cambodians working in the luxury goods sector refused to be interviewed by AFP, citing a need for discretion. But Heng Sokharith is happy with his investment. “I think there will be more development in the future, so in the future this area will become more attractive.” – AFP Motorists in front of The Elysee Commercial Centre building in the Paris-style development along Bassac River in the satellite city of Koh Pich in Phnom Penh. – AFPPIC oHuge development embodies move to cash in on ‘new frontier’ for luxury Aussie wine industry toasts expected end to China tariffs SYDNEY: Australia’s wine industry yesterday toasted news that China could lift punitive tariffs within weeks, raising hopes it will soak up some of the country’s red wine glut. Melbourne-based Treasury Wine Estates said it had been advised by Chinese and Australian authorities of Beijing’s “interim draft determination” to remove the tariffs following a five-month review. A final decision by China’s Ministry of Commerce is expected “in the coming weeks”, said the global wine giant, which owns the Penfold label. However, it predicted only a “minimal” impact on earnings in its financial year ending June 30. China imposed tariffs on key Australian exports such as wine, barley and beef in 2020, after Canberra legislated against overseas influence, barred Huawei from 5G contracts and called for a probe into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. But trade ties have eased since Australia’s centre-left government won the election in 2022, adopting a less confrontational approach to China. Tariffs and barriers have already tumbled for commodities including Australian coal, timber and barley. If wine tariffs are removed, only Australian rock lobster, hay and beef from some abattoirs will be subject to Chinese trade restrictions. Treasury Wine Estates chief executive Tim Ford welcomed China’s move towards letting Australian wine back in. “This is subject to change, however we’re optimistic that the final determination will be a positive outcome for the Australian wine industry.” In its interim 2024 results, the company said it was well placed to resume its portfolio in China if the tariffs were lifted. China’s tariffs added up to 200% to the cost of Australian wine imported into China, and effectively halted the industry which was worth US$1 billion (RM4.7 billion) per year. Australian winemakers responded by turning to other Asian markets including Hong Kong and Thailand. Tim Mableson, a market analyst at consultancy KPMG, said Australia had an oversupply of red wine, which would be eased by the reopening of China’s export market. But global wine consumption had declined, he said. “The assumption that the market will return to or be the same level as before should be still treated with some caution by some producers,” Mableson said. “If we don’t adjust levels of production, then ultimately we won’t be able to address the oversupply.” Before the trade restrictions were imposed, China was the largest destination for Australian bottled wine – accounting for 33% of export revenue in 2020, data from the Australian government shows. Industry body Grape and Wine’s chief executive Lee McLean welcomed the news. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts from both the Australian and Chinese governments, and industry partners, in working towards a resolution,” he said. – AFP India’s palm oil imports at nine-month low, sunoil jumps NEW DELHI: India’s palm oil imports plunged to their lowest level in nine months in February, as higher prices prompted buyers to reduce purchases of the tropical oil in favour of rival sunflower oil, a leading trade body said yesterday. Lower purchases by India, the world’s biggest importer of vegetable oils, could cap a rally in benchmark Malaysian palm oil futures, but will help to reduce sunflower oil inventories in the Black Sea region. Palm oil imports in February fell about 36% from the previous month to 497,824 metric tonnes, the lowest since May 2023, the Mumbai-based Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) said in a statement. “The availability of palm oil for edible oil requirements has come down as the main two producers Malaysia and Indonesia are diverting it for the production of biodiesel. “This may result in an increase in prices this year,” the SEA said. On the flip side, sunflower oil imports jumped about 35% last month to 297,092 tonnes on lower prices and as shipments originally expected in January arrived in February due to delays caused by Houthi rebel attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, the association said. However, soyoil imports in February slipped 8% from a month ago to 172,936 tonnes and were far below the monthly average imports of 306,000 tonnes in the marketing year ended Oct 31. That combined with the drop in palm oil imports pulled down India’s total edible oil imports in February to the lowest level in nearly two years at 0.97 million tons, the SEA said. Vegetable oil stocks in India on March 1 fell 10% from a month ago to 2.38 million tonnes, their lowest in 18 months, due to lower imports in the last few months, the SEA data showed. “With refiners rebuilding stocks and margins improving, we could see higher imports this month,” said a New Delhi-based dealer with a global trade house. – Reuters PHNOM PENH: In downtown Phnom Penh, a huge high-end development mimicking the buildings and boulevards of Paris embodies a move to cash in on the “new frontier” for luxury – in the capital of one of Asia’s poorest countries. A replica of the Arc de Triomphe towers over a branch of the Mekong River, flanked by shops and apartments built in the style of the French capital’s signature Haussmann blocs. “This building is beautiful, really beautiful,” enthused Heng Sokharith, 49, who bought a unit in the Elysee project – named after the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris – for his furniture business. “When we have such a building in Cambodia, it is a source of pride.” With its manicured promenades, its cafes and its self-declared elegance, this “mini-Paris” is being sold as a chic enclave for the rich, sheltered from the restless bustle and noise of the city of two million. Developers OCIC have transformed what was a swamp on an island, throwing up skyscrapers, an international school and a hospital. OCIC, part of one of the country’s largest conglomerates, invested US$400 million (RM1.8 billion) in Elysee, which was initially launched in 2015 and is now nearing completion. Koh Pich, the island that houses the Elysee, has become a symbol of Phnom Penh’s rebirth after decades of conflict which ended in the early 1990s. Cambodia has had one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia over the past 20 years. But the country is riven with graft and cronyism, with much of the wealth concentrated in the hands of a small elite with close links to longtime ruler Hun Sen and his son Hun Manet, who took over power last year. Prices for the large Elysee units run up to US$1,300 a square metre – in a country where the GDP per capita is just over US$1,600 and the minimum wage in the garment sector, a major employer, is around US$200 a month. But despite these unpromising conditions, more than 80% of the 229 units have been sold, according to OCIC vice-president Thierry Tea, although not all are currently occupied. Phnom Penh is trying to attract foreign investors looking for property with its prices, which are competitive compared to other cities in the region. “Should the customer want to buy, to rent, to
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 18 BERLIN: German sportswear giant Adidas posted its first loss in more than 30 years in 2023 yesterday as CEO Bjorn Gulden works to turn the brand around after a messy break-up with rapper Kanye West. Adidas has been battling to right itself after it cut ties with West in October 2022, suspending sales of the highly profitable Yeezy sneaker line. In Gulden’s first year in the role, he resumed sales of Yeezy sneakers to clear remaining stock while seeking to boost popular products like Samba and Gazelle shoes, and improve relationships with retailers. Shares in Adidas have staged a recovery, outperforming Nike and Puma since he took over. “Although by far not good enough, 2023 ended better than what I had expected at the beginning of the year,” Gulden said. Adidas said it expects its underlying business – excluding Yeezy – to improve this year, with double-digit growth in the second half. The company said its board would propose a dividend of €0.70 (RM3.60) per share on its 2023 performance, unchanged from a year earlier, despite posting a net loss of €58 million, its first since 1992. Adidas sees sales in North America declining this year, blaming a still-overstocked market there. Sales in all other markets are expected to grow “significantly”, it said. Adidas is gambling that it can claw back market share from Nike and others even as demand for sportswear declines overall. It has benefited from a trend for low-rise suede “terrace” sneakers such as the Samba and Gazelle, and last year ramped up production. Footwear sales grew by 8% in the fourth quarter, while apparel sales fell 13%. “Things have clearly been going in the right direction at Adidas since Bjorn Gulden took over,” said Thomas Joekel, portfolio manager at Union Investment. “Brand heat is increasing, which can also be seen from the fact that fewer products now have to be sold at a discount.” Adidas last month set expectations low for its remaining Yeezy products, saying it would sell the sneakers “at least at cost”. It launched its latest drop on Feb 26, but demand for the shoes is difficult to predict, and not as high as a year ago when the partnership with West had just been terminated. – Reuters New global record for profits paid out to shareholders PARIS: Global dividend payments hit a record US$1.66 trillion (RM7.78 trillion) last year according to a report by asset manager Janus Henderson, with banks the key driver in payouts to shareholders. Dividend payments rose by 5.6% in 2023 compared to the preceding year, and were 15% higher than in 2019, the year before the Covid pandemic sent the world economy into a tailspin. The rise in profits paid out to shareholders was broad based, with 86% of companies holding steady or raising dividends, and 22 countries setting records including the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Mexico and Indonesia. The growth in dividend payouts was driven by the banking sector, which also hit a record, but their positive impact was almost entirely offset by cuts from the mining sector, which saw its profits crimped by lower commodity prices. “Pessimism over the global economy proved ill-founded in 2023 and although the outlook is uncertain, dividends are well supported,” said Ben Lofthouse, head of global equity income at Janus Henderson. The firm said it expects 2024 to show similar underlying growth to 2023, when it rose by 5%. The underlying growth measure excludes exceptional dividend payments and swings in exchange rates. Janus Henderson expects a lower headline increase of 3.9% in 2024 due to a likely fall in one-off special dividends. – AFP Adidas posts first loss in 30 years oSportswear giant keeps unchanged dividend of €0.70 per share British economy returns to growth LONDON: Britain’s economy rebounded slightly in January, data showed yesterday, sparking hope of an end to recession in a boost to embattled Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of elections. Gross domestic product grew 0.2% following a slight 0.1% decline in December according to a statement from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The news sparked hope that Britain could be on course in the first quarter to exit a technical recession which it entered in the second half of last year. “The economy picked up in January with strong growth in retail and wholesaling,” said ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown. “Construction also performed well with housebuilders having a good month, having been subdued for much of the last year.” The upbeat news comes after the economy shrank in both the third and fourth quarters of 2023, meeting the technical definition of a recession on the back of elevated inflation, high interest rates and a cost-of-living crisis. “While the last few years have been tough, today’s numbers show we are making progress in growing the economy,” said Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt in response to yesterday’s data. The ONS added, however, that gross domestic product declined 0.1% in the three months to January compared with the three months to October. The figures show that the “UK economy (is) likely to have emerged from recession but outlook remains weak”, said KPMG UK economist Yael Selfin. “Economic activity picked up to start the year with a relatively broad-based recovery across sectors. “Although economic performance has somewhat improved, the outlook remains relatively gloomy. “Economic growth is not expected to materially pick up this year with demand impaired by the lingering impact of high interest rates.” Sunak’s Conservatives are trailing Keir Starmer’s opposition Labour Party ahead of a general election due this year. – AFP Italy plans €1 billion AI investment fund ROME: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday announced a €1 billion (RM5.1 billion) investment fund to promote artificial intelligence projects and called for “ethical rules” to govern the technology’s use. She was speaking at an event in Rome, two days before her country hosts a meeting of G7 technology ministers where AI will be top of the agenda. The new investment fund, which would include new money as well as existing funds, was intended as seed money to attract further investment, she said, with the goal of creating “an Italian way to develop AI”. Meloni said Italy was also working on its own legislation, complementary to the EU’s world-first law currently under development, to “establish some principles” and also identify how to boost homegrown companies. “It is a technology which can unleash all its positive potential only if its development moves within a perimeter of ethical rules which put the person, their rights and needs, at the centre.” The rapid development of AI has become a topic of global concern, turbocharged by the 2022 launch of ChatGPT, a generative programme by Microsoft’s OpenAI that can pen stories, create pictures, write computer code and more from simple text prompts. Meloni has said AI will be a priority of Italy’s presidency this year of the Group of Seven (G7) richest countries. At a meeting of G7 ministers in Verona and Trento today and tomorrow, Rome hopes to work towards a “toolkit for the ethical and human-centred development and use of all AI systems in the public sector”. It is also seeking to develop “appropriate mechanisms for voluntary monitoring” of the adoption of a non-binding code of conduct agreed by G7 powers last year for companies developing the most advanced AI systems. – AFP People walking alongside the City of London financial district in the British capital. – REUTERSPIC
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 19 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) NESTLE 120 -1 364 AJI 18.5 -0.46 556 PETDAG 21.26 -0.46 9,319 PPB 15.12 -0.38 8,399 KLK 21.82 -0.32 12,804 HLBANK 19.34 -0.24 9,028 SUNCON-C9 0.105 -0.235 3,805 CTOS-C7 0.05 -0.13 339,466 PCHEM 6.81 -0.11 63,336 HSI-HS3 0.78 -0.1 20 HSI-HSR 0.085 -0.095 650 CDB 4.28 -0.09 11,342 HTPADU 2.86 -0.09 19,176 IOICORP 3.93 -0.09 26,321 MAXIS 3.54 -0.09 13,456 SAM 4.79 -0.09 1,726 CARLSBG 18.88 -0.08 782 HLFG 16.4 -0.08 5,363 HSI-HP4 0.215 -0.08 395 PARAGON 3.53 -0.08 435 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/-(RM) +/-(%) VOLUME HONGSENG 0.015 - - 2,988,245 PMHLDG 0.2 -0.025 -11.11 2,173,228 SENDAI 0.39 +0.185 +90.24 1,304,243 SENDAI-WA 0.13 +0.065 +100.00 1,268,211 HSI-CTL 0.155 - - 1,159,224 BORNOIL 0.01 - - 917,931 MICROLN 0.455 +0.085 +22.97 841,652 MUIIND 0.065 +0.005 +8.33 736,263 CTOS 1.28 +0.030 +2.40 710,157 TWL 0.035 - - 659,963 CLASSITA 0.045 - - 603,834 SPSETIA 1.02 +0.040 +4.08 521,055 HSI-CTZ 0.06 - - 510,752 ASB 0.115 +0.015 +15.00 475,820 ECONBHD 0.425 +0.045 +11.84 456,122 HSI-HUE 0.185 +0.005 +2.78 443,656 RENEUCO 0.08 +0.015 +23.08 441,514 MINETEC 0.145 +0.010 +7.41 421,144 CTOS-C6 0.03 +0.005 +20.00 409,602 HSI-HSM 0.035 +0.005 +16.67 382,499 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: MARCH 13 [ 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 11,443.10 -68.20 FBMKLCI 1,538.13 -16.43 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 571.88 -2.95 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 175.69 -0.30 CONSTRUCTION 213.23 +1.85 FINANCIAL SERVICES 17,235.50 -207.00 ENERGY 906.50 +9.46 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 599.65 -6.40 HEALTH CARE 1,915.50 +5.86 TRANSPORTATION 958.77 -2.61 PROPERTY 926.59 +8.78 PLANTATION 7,275.20 -81.40 FBMSHA 11,495.20 -36.10 FBMACE 4,706.42 -15.50 TECHNOLOGY 63.30 +0.28 TURNOVER: 4.175 bil VALUE: RM2.727 bil Top 20 Actives Top 20 Losers (By RM) Bursa Indices INDEX CLOSING DAILY DAILY CHANGE CHANGE (%) DJIA (US) 39005.49 235.83 0.61 S&P 500 (US) 5175.27 57.33 1.12 NASDAQ (US) 16265.64 246.37 1.54 NYSE (US) 17974.06 110.37 0.62 EURO STOXX 50 (EUR) 4995.96 12.76 0.26 FTSE 100 (UK) 7755.41 7.60 0.10 DAX (GER) 17958.11 -7.00 -0.04 NIKKEI 225 (JPN) 38695.97 -101.54 -0.26 TOPIX INDEX (JPN) 2648.51 -8.73 -0.33 HANG SENG INDEX (HK) 17082.11 -11.39 -0.07 CSI 300 (CHN) 3572.36 -25.13 -0.70 MSCI ASIA PACIFIC 176.26 -1.52 -0.86 SHANGHAI SE COM (CHN) 3043.84 -12.10 -0.40 KOSPI INDEX (SK) 2693.57 11.76 0.44 SENSEX INDEX (IND) 72613.44 -1054.52 -1.43 ASX 200 (AUS) 7729.44 16.92 0.22 ALL ORDINARIES INDX (AUS) 7989.53 16.51 0.21 FBM KLCI 1538.13 -16.43 -1.06 STRAITS TIMES INDEX (S’PORE) 3160.72 19.25 0.61 WTI (US$/BBL.) 78.32 0.76 0.98 BRENT (US$/BBL.) 82.71 0.79 0.96 GOLD (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 2164.90 -1.20 -0.06 SILVER (COMEX) (US$/T OZ) 24.46 0.07 0.27 PLATINUM (US$/T OZ) 934.41 9.00 0.97 COPPER (COMEX) (US CENTS/LB.) 398.90 5.70 1.45 COPPER 3MO (LME) (US$/MT) 8657.00 4.00 0.05 CORN (US CENTS/BU.) 444.00 2.25 0.51 WHEAT (US CENTS/BU.) 552.75 5.25 0.96 SOYBEAN OIL (CBOT) (US CENTS/LB.) 47.99 0.17 0.36 COCOA (ICE) (US$/MT) 7049.00 321.00 4.77 RUBBER (S’PORE) (US CENTS/KG) 163.80 0.90 0.55 World Stocks/Commodities as at 5pm, March 13 STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) DJIA-HC 0.005 -80.00 200 KUAISHO-C16 0.01 -77.78 100 CTOS-C7 0.05 -72.22 339,466 SUNCON-C9 0.105 -69.12 3,805 HSI-HSR 0.085 -52.78 650 EDUSPEC-WB 0.005 -50.00 942 EKOVEST-C49 0.02 -50.00 2,240 FINTEC 0.005 -50.00 57,507 FITTERS-WC 0.005 -50.00 10,902 HSI-CTI 0.005 -50.00 580 IOICORP-C54 0.005 -50.00 1,261 PASUKGB-WA 0.005 -50.00 10,435 E&O-C17 0.075 -48.28 1,650 TENCENT-H1B 0.085 -43.33 600 WCT-C22 0.05 -37.50 10,911 CLASSITA-WC 0.01 -33.33 3,700 DESTINI-WB 0.01 -33.33 342,601 HSI-HUH 0.1 -33.33 200 SCBUILD 0.01 -33.33 28,143 WCT-C23 0.04 -33.33 250 Top 20 Losers (By %) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) ALLIANZ 19.38 +0.380 353 NVIDIA-C1 4.67 +0.330 101 SBAGAN 4.73 +0.290 740 ALLIANZ-PA 20.68 +0.280 76 BKAWAN 19.8 +0.240 28 MPI 29.7 +0.220 1,406 KLUANG 4.7 +0.200 510 SENDAI 0.39 +0.185 1,304,243 SP500-C32 0.575 +0.150 3 MCEMENT 5.13 +0.130 8,570 BAT 8.16 +0.120 2,272 DAYANG 2.29 +0.120 76,759 PANAMY 18 +0.120 191 HAPSENG 4.55 +0.110 2,315 AIRPORT 8.65 +0.110 46,593 KUCHAI 1.71 +0.100 1,559 MAYBANK 9.62 +0.100 145,970 JFTECH 0.94 +0.090 43,756 MICROLN 0.455 +0.085 841,652 TTVHB 0.985 +0.085 32,757 Top 20 Gainers (By RM) STOCKS CLOSING (RM) +/- (RM) VOLUME (’00) APPASIA-WB 0.015 +200.00 74,333 SPSETIA-C72 0.025 +150.00 22,815 SENDAI-WA 0.13 +100.00 1,268,211 MTRONIC-WB 0.01 +100.00 2,921 SPSETIA-C73 0.02 +100.00 4,000 UEMS-C92 0.03 +100.00 20,960 SENDAI 0.39 +90.24 1,304,243 SPSETIA-C75 0.09 +63.64 3,800 XIAOMI-C23 0.125 +56.25 1,000 APPASIA-WA 0.045 +50.00 27,275 KANGER-WB 0.015 +50.00 1,141 MICROLN-CA 0.015 +50.00 637 MICROLN-CB 0.015 +50.00 960 SPSETIA-C71 0.08 +45.45 1,000 SIMEPROP-C21 0.065 +44.44 590 RENEUCO-WA 0.05 +42.86 66,837 WCT-C24 0.035 +40.00 2,030 XIAOMI-C29 0.075 +36.36 5,000 HSI-CTS 0.095 +35.71 1,000 SP500-C32 0.575 +35.29 3 Top 20 Gainers (By %) 1,538.13pts March 13, 2024 FBM KLCI’s four-day winning streak comes to a halt BURSA Malaysia snapped its four-day winning streak to close lower yesterday, driven by continuous profit-taking in heavyweights led by plantation stocks, dealers said. At 5pm, the FBM KLCI declined 16.43 points to 1,538.13 from Tuesday’s close of 1,554.56. The benchmark index, which opened 11.05 points weaker at 1,543.51, moved between 1,536.76 and 1,544.74 throughout the day. On the broader market, however, gainers beat decliners 519 to 478, while 516 counters were unchanged, 801 untraded and 12 others suspended. Turnover fell to 4.18 billion units worth RM2.73 billion from 4.28 billion units worth RM2.93 billion on Tuesday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng said key regional indices saw gains due to a substantial influx of global funds, while investors await US inflation data which is poised to influence the timing of the US Federal Reserve’s rate cut. “With the upswing in investor sentiment, buying is expected, supported by consistent and strong inflow of foreign funds into the region, while the increasing daily trading volume signifies higher appetite for the market. “As a result, we are adjusting our weekly FBM KLCI target range upwards to 1,540-1,560, with immediate resistance at 1,560 and support at 1,520,” he told Bernama. Among the heavyweights, Maybank rose 10 sen to RM9.62, Public Bank added 1 sen to RM4.22, Tenaga Nasional went up 6 sen to RM11.54 while CIMB slipped 2 sen to RM6.70 and Petronas Chemicals declined 11 sen to RM6.81. Participation 20.9 42.2 36.9 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 564.3 1209.1 954.4 2727.8 Sold RM m 573.8 1095.3 1058.7 2727.8 Net RM m -9.6 113.8 -104.2 0.0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 13/3/2024
BIZ & FINANCE BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 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. PETRONAS forecasts a higher demand for OSVs in 2024, aligning with increased drilling activities. The OSV market is strengthening, evidenced by a daily charter rate (DCR) rise of 8-10% YoY in 2023. With no new vessels built by local players since 2014 due to financing constraints, we anticipate the supply crunch to continue, supporting a sustained DCR uptrend from 2024 onwards. This is further supported by strong demand from the Middle East and West Africa markets. Icon’s earnings are set to rise, as 11 of its OSVs, currently under the ILCT contract expiring in 1H FY24, are likely to be renewed at higher spot market rates. Concurrently, cost of sales is expected to increase by 2% YoY, reflecting easing supply chain inflation. This positions Icon to fully capitalize on the DCR uptrend post-contract renewal. We assume an average DCR of RM49,005/52,600 for FY24/FY25. The group has a balanced fleet of AHTS and PSVs with an average age of 14 years, well-positioned to benefit from the tightening OSV market. It is reactivating two laid-up AHTS vessels in response to market demand. Given the challenges in acquiring new vessels, stemming from financing constraints and a scarcity of global yard capacity, Icon’s position is notably advantageous. The group operates a fleet of OSVs that still has considerably extended operational life spans. We assess that Icon has no immediate or medium-term requirement for fundraising. Following a share consolidation and rights issue with free warrants in 2020, the group raised RM247 million and restructured its debt on improved terms. We are initiating coverage on Icon with an OUTPERFORM rating and a TP of RM0.80. PSC tariff revision, transfer PSC introduced. The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) on Tuesday announced the revisions to the Passenger Service Charges (PSC) for the First Regulatory Period (RP1), with effect from June 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2026. Specifically, the PSC rates are for international travel i.e. Asean and beyond Asean. PSC have been unified into a single international departure of RM73 per pax for KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, and RM50 per pax for KLIA Terminal 2 and other airports. Mavcom is also introducing a transfer PSC for passengers transiting through a Malaysian airport. The rate for domestic travel through all airports is RM7, while the rates are RM42 for international travel through KLIA Terminal 1 and RM29 for international travel through KLIA Terminal 2 and other airports. It has allowed the other airports not operated by subsidiaries of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd), namely the Senai International Airport (JHB), Kerteh Airport (KTE), and Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC), to propose tariffs for RP1 to Mavcom. This latest PSC tariff rate is status quo for KLIA Terminal 1. For KLIA Terminal 1, there was an increase in PSC for Asean by 109% from RM35 to RM73/pax. However, in Terminal 2, PSC rate for Asean is higher by 43% from RM35 to RM50 per pax. On the contrary, PSC rate for beyond Asean (non-Asean) was lowered by 32% from RM73 to RM50. We raise our FY24-25F net profit forecasts by 12% each, lift our TP by 13% to RM9.00 (from RM8.00) but maintain our MARKET PERFORM call as we believe the earnings upside has been fully priced in. APART from other factories which are already operating, GDS Holdings, which is a leading developer and operator of data centres, is currently building its data centre campus at Nusajaya Tech Park (NTP). The renowned Paris Baguette (owned by SPC Group of South Korea) is also constructing its first global halal manufacturing plant in Southeast Asia. Management indicated that demand for industrial development picked up rapidly during the US-China trade tensions, and post-Covid-19 reopening further accelerated the decentralisation of operations by many multinational corporations. This trend is in line with UEMS’ other industrial peers, such as AME Elite Consortium (AME MK, BUY, TP: RM2.05), which has similarly experienced strong demand over these few years. Admittedly, development at NTP was fairly slow in the early stage, but it is now a highly successful industrial park. In Dec 2022, UEMS injected Phases 2 and 3 into the JV as Ascendas decided to expand further. Although the transaction was valued at RM289.2 million for 235 acres (the price was fixed based on certain escalation rate agreed earlier), Ascendas’ move to further expand NTP is a show of confidence. NTP is a green mark industrial park with high security system, and Ascendas, via its strong network and track record, has been able to bring in reputable industrial players into NTP. The factories at NTP are currently fetching RM360-370 psf. Phase 1 of NTP is already almost full, while Phases 2 and 3 are currently undergoing land clearing. Maintain BUY and RM1.60 TP, 65% upside. FOREIGN CURRENCY SELLING TT/OD BUYING TT BUYING OD 1 US Dollar 4.7470 4.6140 4.6040 1 Australian Dollar 3.1570 3.0330 3.0170 1 Brunei Dollar 3.5660 3.4630 3.4550 1 Canadian Dollar 3.5170 3.4240 3.4120 1 Euro 5.1990 5.0330 5.0130 1 New Zealand Dollar 2.9330 2.8260 2.8100 1 Singapore Dollar 3.5660 3.4630 3.4550 1 Sterling Pound 6.0880 5.8970 5.8770 1 Swiss Franc 5.3980 5.2750 5.2600 100 UAE Dirham 130.8400 124.1200 123.9200 100 Bangladesh Taka 4.4110 4.1340 3.9340 100 Chinese Renminbi 66.6000 63.8100 N/A 100 Danish Krone 71.4700 65.7900 65.5900 100 Hongkong Dollar 61.3600 58.3300 58.1300 100 Indian Rupee 5.8300 5.4800 5.2800 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0315 0.0285 0.0235 100 Japanese Yen 3.2250 3.1250 3.1150 100 New Taiwan Dollar 16.2000 N/A N/A 100 Norwegian Krone 46.4000 42.7000 42.5000 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.7300 1.6200 1.4200 100 Philippine Peso 8.7100 8.2100 8.0100 100 Qatar Riyal 130.4000 123.7900 123.5900 100 Saudi Riyal 128.0800 121.5900 121.3900 100 South Africa Rand 26.3600 23.8200 23.6200 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.6000 1.4600 1.2600 100 Swedish Krona 47.8900 43.6300 43.4300 100 Thai Baht 13.9000 12.3400 11.9400 Exchange Rates Source: Malayan Banking Bhd/Bernama Ringgit declines against US dollar in technical correction THE ringgit seemed to be experiencing a technical correction yesterday, closing lower versus the US dollar after appreciating steeply in the past few days, said an analyst. At 6pm, the ringgit eased to 4.6845/6878 against the greenback from Tuesday’s close of 4.6765/6800. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said technical readings showed that the ringgit was already in an overbought position. Moving forward, he said, investors would be focusing on the US Federal Open Market Committee meeting on March 19 and 20. “The critical part about the meeting is the latest Federal Reserve’s (Fed) projections on macroeconomic variables, especially the Federal Funds Rate. “In December, the Fed was projecting three rate cuts this year. We shall see whether the Fed will alter its forecast, especially after taking into consideration the latest data point,” Mohd Afzanizam told Bernama. Meanwhile, the ringgit was traded mostly lower against a basket of major currencies. The local currency appreciated vis-a-vis the Japanese yen to 3.1650/1672 from 3.1718/1744 on Tuesday, but fell against the British pound to 5.9840/9878 from 5.9808/9853 yesterday and weakened versus the euro to 5.1164/1197 from 5.1114/1152 previously. The ringgit was traded mixed against other Asean currencies. It rose versus the Thai baht to 13.1053/1200 from 13.1436/1601 at Tuesday’s close and appreciated against the Singapore dollar to 3.5121/5149 from 3.5133/5162 previously. Reservoir Link bags its first contract for this year KUALA LUMPUR: Reservoir Link Energy Bhd’s wholly owned unit Reservoir Link Sdn Bhd, has received a contract award from Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd for the provision of well leak repair equipment and services. The contract shall commence on March 23, 2024 and remain valid for a period of 5 years until March 22, 2029. Under the scope of the contract, the company will provide well leak repair equipment and services, primarily sealant based that include, but not limited to engineering consultancy on well leak issues, well leak diagnostic and rectification services including personnel, product, and equipment on a call-out basis, supply of equipment, services, pressure-activated sealants and time-activated sealants to fix leaks in surface and downhole equipment and tests on the effectiveness of the sealants in a controlled environment. Reservoir Link executive director Thien Chiet Chai said, “This contract marks our first award for the year and underscores our dedication towards building a more diversified portfolio across the energy segments which we serve. This contract reaffirms our track record in the oil and gas sector, collaborating with key partners such as Petronas Carigali to provide reliable energy solutions and cater to the needs of our diverse customer base.” He said the group has also made significant developments on the renewable energy sector to secure long-term business sustainability and thus their dual focus on both the oil and gas sector and alternative renewable energy sources will ultimately play a significant role in shaping the future trajectory of their group. UEM Sunrise Bhd Buy. Target price: RM1.60 Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd Market Perform. Target price: RM9.00 Icon Offshore Bhd Outperform. Target price: RM0.80 Source: Kenanga Research Source: Kenanga Research Source: RHB Research March 13, 2024: RM0.605 March 13, 2024: RM8.65 March 13, 2024: RM1.01
The path to he path to self-love self-love Jenanee Jaikrishnan shares Jenanee Jaikrishnan shares her journey through er journey through challenges to embrace body hallenges to embrace body positivity positivity - 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 | MAR 14, 2024 Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: [emailprotected] Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: [emailprotected] SCAN ME INSIDE p 23 Top 10 M’sian podcasts p 24 Kungfu Panda returns p 25 Terlanjur Cinta premieres today p 26 TikTok specials this Ramadan
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 22 empowerment, Jenanee empowers others to embrace their authenticity and celebrate their individuality. Leading by example Navigating the delicate balance between promoting body positivity and encouraging health and wellness within her community, Jenanee leads by example. “I promote body positivity by prioritising my own health and wellness journey. From fitness to nutrition to self-care, every action I take stems from a place of self-love and acceptance.” Looking ahead, Jenanee’s aspirations for her advocacy work are rooted in a simple yet profound mission: to educate, empower, and inspire. “True beauty begins from within. My goal is to empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness and cultivate self-love from the inside out.” As Jenanee continues her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment, she remains steadfast in her belief that love is the ultimate catalyst for change. “Love is that authentically reflect her values. “I have learned to discern between projects that genuinely champion self-love and those that prioritise monetary gain or fame. True advocacy requires walking the talk, and I refuse to compromise my principles for superficial recognition,” she shares. Looking ahead to the future of body positivity advocacy, Jenanee envisions a world where inclusivity reigns supreme and beauty knows no bounds. “In 2024, we are witnessing transformative shifts in beauty standards, with more brands embracing diversity. My goal is to continue being a vocal advocate for self-love and acceptance, inspiring others to embrace their unique beauty.” In addition to her advocacy work, Jenanee integrates principles of body positivity and selflove into her leadership style. “A true leader listens and integrates the perspectives of those they work with,” she affirms. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and shape. It’s also about prioritising overall health and wellness, both mentally and physically.” Authentic initiatives Throughout her advocacy journey, Jenanee has participated in various projects and campaigns aimed at promoting body positivity. However, she remains discerning, opting to align herself only with initiatives I N the vast landscape of social media, where images of perfection often dominate, Jenanee Jaikrishnan emerges as a refreshing voice championing body positivity and self-love. At 33 years of age, she embraces the role of a single mother to her fiveyear-old daughter while working as a supervisor at an entertainment outlet. Jenanee also dedicates herself to part-time modelling for projects that promote body positivity on social media platforms. Transformative experiences Her journey towards self-acceptance has been marked by transformative experiences, including her pursuit of physical fitness to uplift her mindset and metabolism. As she progressed in her fitness journey, Jenanee found herself increasingly drawn to the empowering effects of exercise on her mental and physical well-being. Jenanee’s journey towards selfacceptance was not without its trials. Like many, she weathered the storm of childhood and teenage years marked by relentless body shaming from peers and even family members. However, it was the transformative experience of motherhood that served as a catalyst for her awakening. “Becoming a mother shifted my perspective. I realised that to be a role model for my daughter, I needed to start by loving myself unconditionally,” she tells theSun. Power of persistence As a single mother juggling a career, modelling and advocacy, Jenanee firmy believes that persistence is key. “Despite the challenges, I prioritise self-care and maintain a positive mindset, knowing that my journey inspires others to embrace their true selves,” she asserts. In a world where beauty standards continue to evolve, Jenanee recognises the pivotal role influencers play in shaping narratives around body positivity. Though she initially viewed herself simply as someone expressing her authentic self on social media, Jenanee acknowledges the impact she wields as a voice for change. “I leverage the ongoing trend of body positivity to amplify my message of self-love. It’s about celebrating all bodies and challenging misconceptions about beauty,” she contends. One misconception Jenanee is passionate about dispelling is the notion that body positivity equates solely to physical appearance. “Body positivity is about loving oneself, regardless of size or /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK Malaysian Paper Advocate Advocate for empowerment mpowerment Jenanee’s goal is to demonstrate self-love and encourage kindness to oneself. – ALL PICS COURTESY OF JENANEE JAIKRISHNAN oA journey towards body positivity and self-love █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Jenanee started with light workouts to shift her mindset. The plus-size model believes in promoting self-love in a world shaped by entrenched social beauty standards. Jenanee began her journey with fitness, believing that ‘caring for our bodies is essential to understanding self-love’. unconditional. By seeking it from within, we unlock the power to heal, to grow, and to thrive in a world where true beauty knows no boundaries,” she says. Follow Jenanee on Instagram: @jenjenjenjai Jenanee believes that a positive intention towards oneself is required to instigate change.
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 23 Malaysia’s podcasting gems to listen to PODCAST is the new radio. Just like how streaming services have become the dominant medium for TV shows and even feature-length films, podcasts have become the choice of many looking for specific audio content. The freedom to choose content and listen on demand is a big part of the appeal of podcasts. Malaysia is no different as a host of podcasters rise to the challenge of meeting demand for localised content. Below are some of the essential podcasts being transmitted from these shores, offering diverse perspectives, from unsolved mysteries to empowering stories of youth. Time to turn on and tune in to some of Malaysia’s best podcasts: The Toss Up! The Toss Up! takes you on a rollercoaster of unsolved and solved cases in Malaysia, led by four engaging personalities. It is a wild ride that keeps you hooked, blending mystery with the camaraderie of these four guys. Loved the dynamic between the four hosts as it keeps everyone listening on the edge of their seats with each episode. Find them on Podtail, YouTube, Spotify, Apple and Google for an adrenaline-pumping podcast experience. The Sambal Pod Powered by the voice of Malaysian youth, the aim of The Sambal Pod is to educate and empower. Filled with inspiring and eye-opening stories involving the young, the content is a breath of fresh air with its uniquely youthful perspective. Full of energy and no small amount of innocence, this podcast transports older listeners to their own youth. Tune in on Spotify and Google to witness a fresh perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the younger generation. Seek to Speak Seek to Speak fearlessly tackles taboo topics in Malaysian culture, offering a refreshing take on mental health, student empowerment, and sexual education. The podcast features bold and thought-provoking discussions even on taboo subjects, which makes Podcasts are gaining popularity as listeners are allowed to choose content and consume on demand. - UNSPLASHPIC o10 must-listen shows catering to different tastes and demographics █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Energy of four hosts on The Toss Up! keep listeners entertained. - PODTAILPIC The Seek to Speak Podcast features bold and thought-provoking discussions even on taboo subjects, which makes for essential listening. - PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @SEEKTOSPEAK Humour rules in The Fashion Weak podcast. - PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @THEFASHIONWEAKPODCAST Malam Seram podcast delivers its creepy tales in Bahasa Malaysia. - MALAM SERAMPIC for essential listening. This podcast on RedCircle and Spotify provides a safe space to discuss controversial issues, making it a vital source of enlightenment and understanding. The Fashion Weak With tongue firmly lodged in cheek, The Fashion Weak claims to be the number one fashion podcast globally. Hosted by Arnold Loh and Lucas Lau, it features notable Malaysian influencers discussing everything from reality shows to wages. It has a hilarious take on fashion with insightful guests, making it always a fun listen. Find it on YouTube, Spotify and Apple for a delightful blend of humour and fashion insights. Table Talk Podcast Hosted by brothers Ming Yue and Ming Han, the Table Talk Podcast dives into current affairs, relationship advice, pop culture and personal stories. They offer relatable yet entertaining content. Listening and watching the hosts are akin to chatting with friends, so it feels genuine and authentic. This podcast is on YouTube, Spotify and Apple and keeps you coming back for more insights into Malaysian life. Malam Seram For horror fanatics, Malam Seram delivers tales of mystery, horror and the unexplained within a Malaysian context. Hosted by radio personality KC Champion, Malam Seram is delivered in Bahasa Malaysia and does its job of raising goosebumps with some seriously creepy tales. Get your dose of horror on YouTube, Spotify and the Malam Seram webpage. Head Over Heels Maggy Wang’s Head Over Heels takes a stand on woman empowerment, breaking stigmas attached to single mothers, discussing mental health, and exploring women in sports. Empowering and relatable, Wang’s discussions resonate deeply. This podcast, available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple, creates a safe space for genuine conversations relatable to every woman. Two Book Nerds Talking Bookworms are now united thanks to Honey and Diana of Two Book Nerds Talking. They discuss their favourite reads, making it easier for Malaysian book lovers to decide on their next purchase. A haven for book lovers, Honey and Diana’s passion shines through. With insights and occasional guest appearances, this podcast is a haven for avid readers on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and Renegade Radio. Being Human Hosted by Dr Chua Sook Ning, Being Human by Relate Malaysia advocates for mental health awareness. Featuring outspoken advocates like Tengku Iman Afzan and politician Hannah Yeoh, this podcast has meaningful and eye-opening conversations, placing a special focus on mental health. This podcast on Spotify, Apple and Google offers insights for a more meaningful life, especially during lockdown. Geeks in Malaysia Amelia Chen, Khairil M Bahar and Nick Dorian bring you Geeks In Malaysia, a podcast covering everything geeky from comics to movies, games and TV shows. Geek culture at its finest, the enthusiasm of the hosts for all things nerdy is infectious. Celebrating geekdom and nerdiness, this podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon.
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 24 KUNG FU Panda returns for a fourth instalment as the cuddly and lovable hero faces the daunting task of choosing his successor and assuming the role of the new Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Po (voiced by Jack Black) is revelling in his celebrity status as the Dragon Warrior but his position as the Valley’s top dog is soon challenged by a formidable new adversary – the Chameleon. With the Furious Five mysteriously absent, Po teams up with a cunning fox named Zhen (Awkwafina) to combat this unexpected threat who is able to mimic the Valley’s greatest villains. The Chameleon, voiced with finesse by Viola Davis, adds a fresh dynamic to the franchise as a cunning thief intent on appropriating the combat prowess of Po’s former adversaries. Her ability to shape-shift into various menacing warriors challenges Po in ways he has never experienced before. The animation in Kung Fu Panda 4 is superb, characterised by exquisite detail and stunning visuals that bring the characters and their world to life. The meticulously choreographed action sequences are a sight to behold, delivering pulse-pounding excitement and adrenaline-fuelled thrills. Watching Po’s martial arts prowess on display is never dull; his skilful manoeuvres are interspersed with moments of comedic mishaps, showcasing his endearing blend of agility and clumsiness. While the film’s action sequences deliver the trademark excitement of the series, they lack the innovative ensemble flair seen in previous instalments, resulting in moments that feel somewhat recycled. The absence of Po’s friends, the Furious Five, is keenly felt, leaving a noticeable void in the lineup of beloved characters. However, the expanded roles given to Po’s fathers, voiced by Bryan Cranston and James Hong, inject the movie with comedic charm, particularly in their buddy-comedy scenes. Though new additions like Ronny Chieng (a grumpy fish that lives inside of a pelican’s mouth) and Ke Huy Quan (Han, a Sunda pangolin) offer entertaining performances, they do not quite achieve the iconic status of the Furious Five, diminishing the film’s overall impact. Despite these shortcomings, Kung Fu Panda 4 maintains the series’ signature blend of humour and action, characterised by the physicality of its characters. The climactic battle scene stands out as a memorable highlight, offering a thrilling conclusion that is sure to leave audiences in awe. While Kung Fu Panda 4 may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it remains an entertaining watch, particularly for fans of the franchise. Although the charm of the series may be waning with each sequel, there is still enough excitement and humour to warrant a trip to the theatres. Ultimately, the film’s ending delivers a satisfying wow factor, ensuring that even amidst its flaws, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a worthy of a trip to the cinema. @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper MULTIPLATINUM Grammy Awardnominated JP Saxe is coming to Asia! The Canadian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is set to perform in Kuala Lumpur on May 20 at The Bee, Publika as part of the A Grey Area world tour. Saxe captivated audiences with If The World Was Ending (featuring Julia Michaels). Nominated for “Song of the Year” at the 2021 Grammy Awards, streamed over 1 billion times, and certified double-platinum in the US and six times platinum in Canada, it paved the way for his full-length debut Dangerous Levels of Introspection. Saxe will be performing across four cities in Asia beginning with Kuala Lumpur, followed by Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok. Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive Live Nation pre-sale on March 19, from 11.00am until 11.59pm. Visit livenation.my to register for presale access and details. The general on-sale for Kuala Lumpur will go on-sale March 20, from 11am onwards on golive-asia.com. Survival meets hilarity in Korean reality show JP Saxe announces KL stop for ‘A Grey Area’ world tour G-DRAGON’S agency Galaxy Corp has vehemently denied any romantic entanglement between Kwon Ji-yong and former Miss Korea runner-up Kim Go-eun. Despite the buzz and fervent speculation, Galaxy Corp clarified that Kim is merely a cherished acquaintance, described affectionately as a dongsaeng (younger friend) within G-Dragon’s social circle. Addressing the origins of the rumours, the agency highlighted that the speculation initially surfaced in China and later gained traction elsewhere. Yet, upon thorough investigation, Galaxy Corp confirmed that there is no truth to the romantic link between G-Dragon and Kim. Rumours swirled in the media last July when Bigbang’s leader G-Dragon and Kim were spotted together at a football match in Osaka, Japan. Speculations reached fever pitch as fans dissected their interactions on social media, igniting rumours of a budding romance between the two. – BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN This is the fourth movie in the Kung Fu Panda franchise. – IMDBPIC G-Dragon’s agency squashes G-Dragon’s agency squashes romance speculations romance speculations G-Dragon is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper and leader of K-pop group Bigbang. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @XXXIBGDRGN FROM dodging zombies to navigating haunted hospitals and sticky situations previously, the latest season of The Zone: Survival Misssion guarantees non-stop laughter and unexpected twists. Whether it is unravelling puzzles or facing off against new adversaries, each episode is packed with entertainment that is sure to leave viewers in stitches. Joim hosts Kwon Yu-ri and Yu Jae-seok as they welcome two fresh faces to the fray, including Single’s Inferno sensation Dex and former UFC fighter Kim Donghyun. Following the departure of fanfavourite Lee Kwang-soo, the dynamic quartet is set to tackle a series of uproarious challenges that promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. For fans eager to catch up on the action, both previous seasons are also available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. – BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The series will establish five hosts as representatives of the human race. – DISNEY+PIC The return of the panda oPo faces new threats and hilarious adventures in action-packed sequel █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN 0Voice by: Jack Black (Po), Awkwafina (Zhen) , Viola Davis (Chameleon) 0Director: Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine E-VALUE 7 PLOT 7
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 25 Promising romance and drama oViu launches Ramadan content with Eirma Fatima’s latest production OVER-THE-TOP video streaming service Viu has ventured into Ramadan content with the launch of its latest Viu Original series Terlanjur Cinta. Premiering today, this series marks Viu Malaysia’s maiden Ramadan offering. With a stellar cast and seasoned production team, Terlanjur Cinta promises to deliver a compelling blend of romance and drama, a formula that appeals deeply with local audiences. Renowned producer Eirma Fatima, acclaimed for her previous works like Perempuan Itu (2023), brings her creative prowess to Terlanjur Cinta. With classic Malaysian films like Perempuan Melayu Terakhir (1999) and Embun (2002) under her belt, Eirma’s reputation as a prolific creator precedes her. Her collaboration with Viu Malaysia further solidifies her status as a trailblazer in the local entertainment industry. Actor-turned-director Izuan Mokhtar takes the helm of Terlanjur Cinta, adding his multifaceted expertise to the project. With a diverse portfolio ranging from romantic dramas to comedies, Izuan’s directorial contributions reflect his versatility and creative depth. Terlanjur Cinta narrates the poignant tale of Aishah, a young girl facing adversity in an impoverished family. To save her drug-addicted brother from imprisonment and alleviate her family’s financial burdens, Aishah reluctantly agrees to marry Pak Majid, a much older widower. Despite her budding romance with childhood friend Amir, Aishah finds herself drawn to Pak Majid’s charm. However, their happiness is short-lived when Pak Majid returns with a second wife, altering the dynamics of their relationship. In conjunction with the series premiere, Viu Malaysia launched a series of exciting initiatives throughout Ramadan. With entertaining activations, giveaways, and cast appearances, Viu Malaysia seeks to enhance the Ramadan experience for viewers across the Klang Valley. Viu-ers can enjoy Terlanjur Cinta on the Viu app, available for free download on various platforms including the App Store, Google Play, and Huawei App Gallery. Additionally, the series is accessible on selected smart TVs and via www.viu.com. Terlanjur Cinta marks Viu Malaysia’s maiden Ramadan offering. - PIC COURTESY OF VIU █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Fists will fly, blood will be drawn A scammer-turned-boxer walks into a boxing ring against a former undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion. Stop us if you have heard this joke before. On July 20, Jake Paul will fight Mike Tyson in a boxing match that will be livestreamed on Netflix. Additional i n f o r m a t i o n , including the co-main event a n d undercards, will be announced at a later date. It is being produced in a p a r t n e r s h i p b e t w e e n Netflix and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Beyond Paul’s sketchy background, he is admittedly a professional fighter with a record of nine wins, one loss and six knockouts since his debut four years ago. Earlier this month, he defeated Ryan Bourland via a technical knockout. However, this has to be compared to Tyson, who has a professional record of 50 wins, six loses and 44 knockouts. “It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Tyson’s undercard,” Paul said in a statement. “Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons. “Within just two and a half years of founding MVP, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history, a fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world – a testament to all w e ’ v e Tyson retired from boxing in 2005 but has done exhibition matches since. - PIC FROM YOUTUBE @JOEROGAN accomplished in such a short amount of time”. Paul also claims that he has his sights set on becoming a world champion, and in order to reach that height, he wants to prove himself in a fight against the most dangerous boxer of all time. Meanwhile, Tyson admits that Paul has grown significantly as a boxer over the past few years, and it will be interesting for him to watch how his opponent’s will and ambition will fare against him. “It is a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch, as I started him off on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones, and now I plan to finish him.” Netflix subscribers will be able to watch Tyson materialise his threat on July 20. - By Mark Mathen Victor There is a 30 years age difference between Paul (left) and Tyson. - PIC FROM YOUTUBE @JAKEPAUL
LYFE LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 26 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Ramadan-Raya with TikTok oFestive videos and hashtags garnering millions of views THIS Ramadan-Raya, TikTok is amplifying the spirit of joy and togetherness by offering a unique opportunity for users, creators, sellers and brands to connect through Shoppertainment, a content-driven commerce approach that entertains and educates while integrating content and community to create immersive shopping experiences. “Ramadan-Raya is a meaningful time for Malaysians to come together. TikTok complements this by providing not only authentic and entertaining content but also avenues of inspiration, discovery, exploration, and purchase,” said Ong Sea Yen, TikTok head of channel revenue partnerships for Southeast Asia. “Today’s consumers seek to be delighted online, not just sold to. There is a fundamental shift in consumer-brand interactions, and consumers now seek engaging, exciting, educational and entertaining experiences with brands.” In 2023, TikTok recorded 14 billion views for Ramadan-related videos, an increase of 4 billion compared to 10 billion views the year before. Additionally, 5 million Ramadanrelated videos were created on the platform last year, an increase compared to 3 million videos in 2022. A study commissioned by TikTok found that seven in 10 Malaysian users turn to TikTok during the Ramadan period. In fact, over 76% of users look for entertaining content on TikTok during Ramadan. During sahur, when Malaysians prepare for the day of fasting ahead, there is a 73% increase in video views and a 61% increase in videos published during the same period. Content has also grown in terms of video creation and video views, with an increase of 1.7 times year-on-year in video creation and a 40% increase in video views. About 74% of users want to find Ramadan-related inspiration on the platform, with a further 67% looking to share the joy by creating content themselves. In fact, the hashtag #Ramadan has garnered over 7 billion views to date, while related topics such as #BajuRaya has 729 million views, Expanding authenticity THE renowned Tangkak Beef Noodle House, which is celebrated for its decade-old legacy and mouthwatering dishes, has added another feather to its cap with the inauguration of its latest outlet in Berjaya Times Square. Bringing nearly 50 years of culinary tradition to the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this expansion signifies a significant stride within the halal restaurant community, promising an array of delectable options for food enthusiasts across the Klang Valley. Legacy and tradition Established in 1976 by Au Ah Kuang in the quaint town of Tangkak, Johor, the Tangkak Beef Noodle House inherits its rich heritage from its founder’s father, the original architect behind their iconic Hainanese beef noodle dish with a Malaysian twist. Through meticulous preservation of traditional flavours and recipes, the brand has evolved over the years to cater to the discerning palates of its evergrowing halal customer base. Culinary excellence At the heart of Tangkak Beef Noodle House’s success lies its commitment to culinary excellence. Utilising premium Australian Hereford beef sourced from farms adhering to the standards of animal welfare, the restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to every palate. From succulent meat cuts like money belly, tendon, and stomach mix to customisable options such as homemade noodles, vermicelli or rice, patrons can enjoy a hearty bowl of beef noodle. Community engagement and philanthropy Beyond satisfying appetites, Tangkak Beef Noodle House remains deeply rooted in community engagement and philanthropy. The opening, graced by Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom and guests, saw the brand’s commitment to social responsibility through a generous donation of RM10,000 to OrphanCare. This noble gesture reflects the brand’s ethos of giving back and supporting initiatives focused on orphan care and child welfare. Vision for the future With the unveiling of its Berjaya Times Square outlet, Tangkak Beef Noodle House sets its sights on a future marked by expansion and growth. Director Au Ai Leen’s ambitious goal of establishing 50 outlets within the next five years underscores the brand’s dedication to sharing its culinary heritage with communities across Malaysia. As Tangkak Beef Noodle House continues to thrive, its legacy of authentic Malaysian delicacies remains an enduring testament to the power of tradition and taste. The hot pot beef and stomach mix set. – PICS COURTESY OF TANGKAK BEEF NOODLE HOUSE █ BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ The hot pot all-mix soup. #HariRaya has 615 million views, and #GayaRaya has over 400 million views. During the Ramadan period and in the lead-up to Raya, 86% of users are likely to buy something that they saw on TikTok. This is a result of users going on TikTok to find inspiration on TikTok for Hari Raya, with 59% sharing that they visit the platform to keep updated on the latest news and trends. In preparation of the open houses and visitations, 96% of users plan to make purchases for themselves or others during Raya. Moreover, 86% have shared that they will buy food and beverage products leading up to Raya and beyond. Another 67% will buy detergents, dishwashers, and multi-purpose cleaners for their homes. How to leverage TikTok BUSINESSES of all sizes and creators can leverage the platform during RamadanRaya by paying attention to the following: 0 Get your audience’s attention when they are online by posting and going live during sahur. 0 Use the various tools available on TikTok and TikTok Shop to reach out to your audiences. 0 Tap into the festive spirit by sharing the joy with related hashtags and trending content, and adopt a fullfunnel strategy by leveraging TikTok’s creator partnerships, advertising solutions and TikTok Shop to create a seamless shopping experience. From left: Gan Chia Hee, Ah Kuang, Ai Leen, Kalsom, Puan Sri Esther Tan and Berjaya Times Square executive director Tan Tee Ming at the opening of the outlet in Berjaya Times Square.
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 27 Anderson in ‘best shape’ of his life JAMES ANDERSON says he still has to show he deserves his spot in the England test squad ahead of the home summer but the 41-year-old seamer believes he is in the “best shape” of his life. The first fast bowler to claim 700 Test wickets, Anderson is keen to add to his tally in three-match home series against West Indies in July and Sri Lanka in August-September. “I want to make sure I’m playing well and earn my place in the team,” the 187-Test veteran told the BBC Tailenders podcast. “I’m not getting any worse. I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been in. I like where my game is at and I still have that enjoyment of turning up every day and trying to get better in the nets. My place in the team is not a given so I’ve got to work hard to prove I’m worth a place in the summer.” Afghanistan seal ODI series MOHAMMAD NABI made a key 48 before taking five wickets as Afghanistan defeated Ireland by 117 runs yesterday to complete a 2-0 victory in the three-match one-day international series in Sharjah. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made a hundred in the series opener, helped Afghanistan get off to another strong start with 51 off 53 balls before spooning a return catch to spinner Andy McBrine. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi struck a second successive ODI halfcentury, making a sedate 69 to keep his team on for a competitive total after they started to lose their way. The 39-year-old Nabi offered key support but fell two runs short of his fifty as Ireland put the squeeze on Afghanistan in the final overs, restricting them to 236-9. Mark Adair finished with 3- 51 while Barry McCarthy picked up two wickets. Pant set to return after car crash STAR wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant (pix) is fit to play in the Indian Premier League starting this month after being seriously hurt in a car crash in 2022, the cricket board said on Tuesday. Pant is set to return to the Delhi Capitals after missing last season and could play for India at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in June. “After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap… Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a statement. Following the BCCI announcement, the 26- year-old posted a picture of himself on Instagram with the caption: “Keep smiling.” THURSDAY MAR 14, 2024 SCAN ME TEL: 03-7784 6688 FAX: 03-7785 2625 EMAIL: [emailprotected] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF VISTA RIVIERA SDN. BHD. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) [Registration No. 200601014327 (734078-U)] NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 that a Final Meeting of Members of the Company will be held at 184A, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang on the 17th day of April, 2024 at 11.00a.m. for the following purposes: 1. To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and property of the Company disposed of and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To resolve that under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the Liquidator be destroyed three (3) months after the Company has been dissolved. Dated this 14th day of March, 2024 TANG YIN KHAM Liquidator PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-1010-12/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2017016246 (bertarikh : 05/06/2017) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Geran No. Hakmilik:89078, Lot 4188, Mukim 4, Daerah Seberang Perai Selatan, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN Subagaran a/l Supramaniam wakil diri kepada Harta Pusaka Supramaniam a/l Muthu, simati (No. Kad Pengenalan : 790913075859) Subagaran a/l Supramaniam wakil diri kepada Harta Pusaka S Susila a/p Subbaiah, simati (No. Kad Pengenalan : 790913075859) Subagaran a/l Supramaniam (No. Kad Pengenalan : 790913075859) Seran a/l Supramaniam (No. Kad Pengenalan : 830202075493) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 30 Mac 2023 dan 6 Februari 2024, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Khamis, 4 April 2024, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : Geran No. Hakmilik : 89078 No. lot : Lot 4188 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : 4 / Seberang Perai Selatan / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 2400.0000000000 kaki persegi 223.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Subagaran a/l Supramaniam wakil diri kepada Harta Pusaka Supramaniam a/l Muthu, simati, Subagaran a/l Supramaniam wakil diri kepada Harta Pusaka S Susila a/p Subbaiah, simati, Subagaran a/l Supramaniam, Seran a/l Supramaniam Syarat Nyata : (FIRST GRADE) The land comprised in this title : (a) shall no be affected by any provision of the National Land Code limiting the compensation payable on th exercise by the State Authority of a right of access or use conferred by Chapter 3 of Part Three of the Code or on the creation af a Land Administrator’s right of way; and Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Land transfer from PELANGI SEHATI DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD to S SUSILA A/P SUBBAIAH, SERAN A/L SUPRAMANIAM, SUBAGARAN A/L SUPRAMANIAM & SUPRAMANIAM A/L MUTHU vide presentation No. 0799SC2017016245 registered on 23-06-2017 Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah An corner unit of double-storey terrace house yang beralamat pos di No. 29, Lorong Sungai Bakap Permai 12, Taman Sungai Bakap Permai, 14200, Sungai Bakap, Pulau Pinang HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 439,200.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: EMPAT RATUS TIGA PULUH SEMBILAN RIBU DUA RATUS SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : WONG-CHOOI & MOHD NOR Alamat : NO. 27, 1ST FLOOR JALAN MAJU JAYA PUSAT PERNIAGAAN MAJU JAYA, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG No. Telefon : 04-5398855 No. Fax : 04-5395855 No. Rujukan : WCMN(BM)/PBB-HL/2022-354/SM(RS/j) 63 FOOD COURT SDN. BHD. (201601010999 (1181930-U)) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) (Incorporated in Malaysia) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459 (3), (4) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of Members of the Company will be held at Venue: GOOGLE MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., of Physical Address at Axiata Tower, Level 20, 9, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Meeting hosted virtually at https:// meet.google.com/fcq-gqiuebz on 18th April, 2024 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes - 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and the property disposed of and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine by ordinary resolution the manner and period in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator shall be disposed of. WONG CHEE SIONG Liquidator Johor Bahru 14th March, 2024 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI IPOH DALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN PETISYEN PENCERAIAN NO: AA-33-399-12/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 53,54(b), 06(1)(iii) dan Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Penceraian) 1976 (Akta 164) ANTARA TURKASSINI A/P ARMUGHAM (P) (No. K/P : 951228-08-5674) … PEMPETISYEN DAN HEMANATHAN A/L KARUNAKARAN (No. K/P 850815-08-6345) …RESPONDEN NOTIS IKLAN Kepada, Hemanathan A/L Karunakaran (No. K/P: 850815-08-6345) No. 315, Hala Jati Meru 21 RPT Jelapang Jata, 30020 Ipoh, Perak AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Petisyen untuk Penceraian telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh dalam Petisyen Penceraian No: AA-33-399-12/2023 oleh Turkassini A/P Armugham beralamat di No. 11, Kampung Raja Hitam 32400 Ayer Tawar,Perak dalam mana Pempetisyen memohon pembubaran perkahwinan itu, bahawa hak penjagaan, pemeliharaan dan pengawalan anak perempuan bernama Thevatharshini A/P Hemanathan diberikan kepada Pempetisyen Isteri dan tiada nafkah untuk anak perempuan tersebut. Responden tiada akses untuk melawat anak perempuan tersebut, tiada peruntukan wang atau nafkah untuk Pempetisyen Isteri dan kos tindakan ditanggung oleh Pempetisyen Isteri. Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian Petisyen Penceraian, itu dalam tindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empatbelas (14) hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka Mahkamah akan membenarkan perintah yang dipohon terhadap kamu. DAN SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa pengurusan kes ini telah ditetapkan di Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh pada 18 Mac 2024 pada pukul 9.00 pagi dan kamu dikehendaki hadir di Mahkamah pada tarikh tersebut. Bertarikh pada 1 haribulan Mac 2024. ……….t.t………. Tetuan Nesamalar & Associates Peguamcara bagi pihak Pempetisyen Notis Iklan ini diambil oleh Tetuan nesamalar & Associates, Peguambela dan Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. A-4-3, Tingkat 4, Wisma MFCB, No. 1, Persiaran Greentown 2, Pusat Perdagangan Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Perak. Telephone: 05-2427181, Fax: 05-2427182 [Ruj Kami: MAL/ DIV/1415/2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF I LOVE PHO SDN. BHD. (201701027556) (1241722-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act 2016, a Final Meeting of the abovementioned Company will be held at UOA Business Park, Tower 3, 5th Floor, K03- 05-08, 1 Jalan Pengaturcara U1/51A, Section U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan on Tuesday, 16th day of April, 2024 at 10.30 a.m., for the following purposes:- 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s account of winding up of the Company and any explanations arising thereof. 2. To resolve that under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, all books and papers of the Company and of the Liquidator be destroyed upon the dissolution of the Company. Dated this 14th day of March, 2024 Yong Yoon Shing Liquidator Rumah Banglo Dua Tingkat, Keluasan 427 meter persegi, Leasehold. Alamat: Taman Pinggiran Putra Harga Jualan: RM1,100,000.00 Syarat: Jualan Kepada Bumiputera Sahaja Hubungi: 019-4141392 (Ida) RUMAH UNTUK DIJUAL DI SERI KEMBANGAN 322 Notices DIGITAL MARKETING SENIOR EXECUTIVE / ASSISTANT MANAGER Job Description: • Design and develop online marketing strategies, digital roadmap and creative campaign that align with the business goals and directions. • Provide creative ideas for content marketing. • Manage all digital marketing channels. • Plan and manage social media platforms. • Able to create content & produce graphics for social media posts. Requirement: • Diploma / Degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing or equivalent. • At least 3 years experience in digital marketing. • Excellent understanding of digital marketing concept and best practices. • Required skill(s): Google Analytics, SEO/SEM, social media marketing and optimisation. • Team player and great communication skills. ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE / SENIOR EXECUTIVE Job Description: • Building and sustaining strong working relationship with advertising clients. • Plan and executive new, creative, exciting and innovative marketing campaigns for the company. • Develop and continuously improve marketing material, product/services presentations and proposals. • Passionate in serving client accounts to improve sales revenue. Requirement: • Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or other related fields. • At least 2 years of sales and marketing experience in media industry. • Good communication, presentation, problem-solving and organisational skills. • Possess own transport and willing to travel. • Able to start work immediately. Submit your CV with your photo via e-mail to: [emailprotected] Office based in Petaling Jaya (5-day week) WE ARE HIRING Manager – Finance and HR Job Description: • To handle full set of accounts, month-end closing, year - end closing, audit schedules, tax, stock control, etc. • Responsible for management, statutory and group reporting, development of business plans, budget and cash flow forecast. • Oversee recruitment, manage payroll system, staff benefit, yearly performance and appraisal. • Develop & implement HR policies to support company business objectives and compliance with law and regulatory requirements. • To handle legal and disciplinary matters including staff counselling in compliance with local Labour Law. • Other administration duties where required and part of job scope. • Any other duties as assigned by the superior / management from time to time. Requirements: • Candidate must possess at least Professional or Degree in Finance/Accountancy or equivalent. • At least 5 years managerial/supervising of working experience in audit, financial accounting and HR. • Familiarity with Accpac, ERP Accounting & HR software would be added advantages. • Computer literate and skillful in Ms Excel, Word & PowerPoint. • Good command of written and spoken English. Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia & Mandarin will be added advantages. 168 Houses for Sale IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF VISTA RIVIERA SDN. BHD. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) [Registration No. 200601014327 (734078-U)] NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act, 2016 that a Final Meeting of Members of the Company will be held at 184A, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang on the 17th day of April, 2024 at 11.00a.m. for the following purposes: 1. To receive an account from the Liquidator showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and property of the Company disposed of and to hear any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To resolve that under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016, the books, accounts and documents of the Company and the Liquidator be destroyed three (3) months after the Company has been dissolved. Dated this 14th day of March, 2024 TANG YIN KHAM Liquidator PERISYTIHARAN JUALAN DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI PULAU PINANG PERMOHONAN UNTUK PERLAKSANAAN NO: PA-38-1010-12/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 256 dan 257 Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Gadaian Perserahan No: 0799SC2017016246 (bertarikh : 05/06/2017) ke atas semua bahagian tanah yang dipegang di bawah Geran No. Hakmilik:89078, Lot 4188, Mukim 4, Daerah Seberang Perai Selatan, Pulau Pinang Dan Dalam perkara mengenai Aturan 83 Kaedah- Kaedah Mahkamah, 2012 ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (No. Syarikat : 6463-H) ...PLAINTIF DAN Subagaran a/l Supramaniam wakil diri kepada Harta Pusaka Supramaniam a/l Muthu, simati (No. Kad Pengenalan : 790913075859) Subagaran a/l Supramaniam wakil diri kepada Harta Pusaka S Susila a/p Subbaiah, simati (No. Kad Pengenalan : 790913075859) Subagaran a/l Supramaniam (No. Kad Pengenalan : 790913075859) Seran a/l Supramaniam (No. Kad Pengenalan : 830202075493) ...DEFENDAN Menurut Perintah Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di PULAU PINANG mengenai Perintah Jualan dan Perintah bertarikh 30 Mac 2023 dan 6 Februari 2024, adalah dengan ini diisytiharkan bahawa Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Pusat Operasi e-Lelong di Kuantan AKAN MENJUAL SECARA LELONG AWAM Pada Hari Khamis, 4 April 2024, Pada Jam 11:00 pagi, SECARA ELEKTRONIK DI LAMAN WEB e-LELONG, PUSAT OPERASI e-LELONG, KOMPLEKS MAHKAMAH KUANTAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR NOTA: Bakal pembeli adalah dinasihatkan aqar membuat carian Hakmilik secara rasmi di Pejabat Tanah dan memeriksa semua tanqqunqan, bebanan serta mengenal pasti dengan tepat hartanah tersebut sebelum jualan lelonqan dijalankan. Sila layari https://elelong.kehakiman.gov.my/bidderweb BUTIR-BUTIR HAKMILIK: No. Hakmilik : Geran No. Hakmilik : 89078 No. lot : Lot 4188 Mukim / Daerah / Negeri : 4 / Seberang Perai Selatan / Pulau Pinang Pegangan : Hakmilik Kekal No. Petak/No. Tingkat/ No. Bangunan : Keluasan Tanah : 2400.0000000000 kaki persegi 223.0000000000 meter persegi Pemilik Berdaftar : Subagaran a/l Supramaniam wakil diri kepada Harta Pusaka Supramaniam a/l Muthu, simati, Subagaran a/l Supramaniam wakil diri kepada Harta Pusaka S Susila a/p Subbaiah, simati, Subagaran a/l Supramaniam, Seran a/l Supramaniam Syarat Nyata : (FIRST GRADE) The land comprised in this title : (a) shall no be affected by any provision of the National Land Code limiting the compensation payable on th exercise by the State Authority of a right of access or use conferred by Chapter 3 of Part Three of the Code or on the creation af a Land Administrator’s right of way; and Sekatan Kepentingan : Tiada Bebanan / Lain-Lain : Land transfer from PELANGI SEHATI DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD to S SUSILA A/P SUBBAIAH, SERAN A/L SUPRAMANIAM, SUBAGARAN A/L SUPRAMANIAM & SUPRAMANIAM A/L MUTHU vide presentation No. 0799SC2017016245 registered on 23-06-2017 Kawasan Rizab : Kaveat : LOKASI DAN PERIHAL HARTANAH : Hartanah tersebut adalah An corner unit of double-storey terrace house yang beralamat pos di No. 29, Lorong Sungai Bakap Permai 12, Taman Sungai Bakap Permai, 14200, Sungai Bakap, Pulau Pinang HARGA RIZAB : Hartanah tersebut akan dijual atas “sepertimana sedia ada” tertakluk kepada satu harga rizab sebanyak RM 439,200.00 (RINGGIT MALAYSIA: EMPAT RATUS TIGA PULUH SEMBILAN RIBU DUA RATUS SAHAJA) dan kepada syarat-syarat jualan yang dilampirkan. Pembida yang berminat hendaklah mendepositkan 10% daripada harga rizab dalam bentuk Bank Draf di atas nama PUBLIC BANK BERHAD 1 HARI BEKERJA sebelum tarikh lelong awam. Baki harga belian hendaklah dibayar oleh pembida yang berjaya kepada PUBLIC BANK BERHAD dalam tempoh seratus dua puluh (120) hari dari tarikh jualan. Untuk butir-butir selanjutnya, sila berhubung dengan:- Firma Guaman : WONG-CHOOI & MOHD NOR Alamat : NO. 27, 1ST FLOOR JALAN MAJU JAYA PUSAT PERNIAGAAN MAJU JAYA, 14000 BUKIT MERTAJAM, PULAU PINANG No. Telefon : 04-5398855 No. Fax : 04-5395855 No. Rujukan : WCMN(BM)/PBB-HL/2022-354/SM(RS/j) 63 FOOD COURT SDN. BHD. (201601010999 (1181930-U)) (In Members’ Voluntary Liquidation) (Incorporated in Malaysia) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 459 (3), (4) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Final Meeting of Members of the Company will be held at Venue: GOOGLE MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., of Physical Address at Axiata Tower, Level 20, 9, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Meeting hosted virtually at https:// meet.google.com/fcq-gqiuebz on 18th April, 2024 at 11.00 a.m. for the following purposes - 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s Statement of Accounts showing the manner in which the winding-up has been conducted and the property disposed of and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the Liquidator. 2. To determine by ordinary resolution the manner and period in which the books, accounts and documents of the Company and of the Liquidator shall be disposed of. WONG CHEE SIONG Liquidator Johor Bahru 14th March, 2024 322 Notices 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI IPOH DALAM NEGERI PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN PETISYEN PENCERAIAN NO: AA-33-399-12/2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 53,54(b), 06(1)(iii) dan Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Penceraian) 1976 (Akta 164) ANTARA TURKASSINI A/P ARMUGHAM (P) (No. K/P : 951228-08-5674) … PEMPETISYEN DAN HEMANATHAN A/L KARUNAKARAN (No. K/P 850815-08-6345) …RESPONDEN NOTIS IKLAN Kepada, Hemanathan A/L Karunakaran (No. K/P: 850815-08-6345) No. 315, Hala Jati Meru 21 RPT Jelapang Jata, 30020 Ipoh, Perak AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Petisyen untuk Penceraian telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh dalam Petisyen Penceraian No: AA-33-399-12/2023 oleh Turkassini A/P Armugham beralamat di No. 11, Kampung Raja Hitam 32400 Ayer Tawar,Perak dalam mana Pempetisyen memohon pembubaran perkahwinan itu, bahawa hak penjagaan, pemeliharaan dan pengawalan anak perempuan bernama Thevatharshini A/P Hemanathan diberikan kepada Pempetisyen Isteri dan tiada nafkah untuk anak perempuan tersebut. Responden tiada akses untuk melawat anak perempuan tersebut, tiada peruntukan wang atau nafkah untuk Pempetisyen Isteri dan kos tindakan ditanggung oleh Pempetisyen Isteri. Dan bahawa telah diperintahkan bahawa penyampaian Petisyen Penceraian, itu dalam tindakan tersebut kepada kamu kena dilaksanakan melalui iklan ini. Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela dalam tindakan tersebut kamu mestilah dalam masa empatbelas (14) hari dari tarikh tersiarnya iklan ini, termasuk hari penyiaran itu, memasukkan kehadiran di Pejabat Pendaftaran Mahkamah. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka Mahkamah akan membenarkan perintah yang dipohon terhadap kamu. DAN SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa pengurusan kes ini telah ditetapkan di Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh pada 18 Mac 2024 pada pukul 9.00 pagi dan kamu dikehendaki hadir di Mahkamah pada tarikh tersebut. Bertarikh pada 1 haribulan Mac 2024. ……….t.t………. Tetuan Nesamalar & Associates Peguamcara bagi pihak Pempetisyen Notis Iklan ini diambil oleh Tetuan nesamalar & Associates, Peguambela dan Peguamcara yang beralamat di No. A-4-3, Tingkat 4, Wisma MFCB, No. 1, Persiaran Greentown 2, Pusat Perdagangan Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Perak. Telephone: 05-2427181, Fax: 05-2427182 [Ruj Kami: MAL/ DIV/1415/2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF I LOVE PHO SDN. BHD. (201701027556) (1241722-K) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459 of the Companies Act 2016, a Final Meeting of the abovementioned Company will be held at UOA Business Park, Tower 3, 5th Floor, K03- 05-08, 1 Jalan Pengaturcara U1/51A, Section U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan on Tuesday, 16th day of April, 2024 at 10.30 a.m., for the following purposes:- 1. To receive and consider the Liquidator’s account of winding up of the Company and any explanations arising thereof. 2. To resolve that under Section 518(3)(b) of the Companies Act 2016, all books and papers of the Company and of the Liquidator be destroyed upon the dissolution of the Company. Dated this 14th day of March, 2024 Yong Yoon Shing Liquidator Rumah Banglo Dua Tingkat, Keluasan 427 meter persegi, Leasehold. Alamat: Taman Pinggiran Putra Harga Jualan: RM1,100,000.00 Syarat: Jualan Kepada Bumiputera Sahaja Hubungi: 019-4141392 (Ida) RUMAH UNTUK DIJUAL DI SERI KEMBANGAN 322 Notices DIGITAL MARKETING SENIOR EXECUTIVE / ASSISTANT MANAGER Job Description: • Design and develop online marketing strategies, digital roadmap and creative campaign that align with the business goals and directions. • Provide creative ideas for content marketing. • Manage all digital marketing channels. • Plan and manage social media platforms. • Able to create content & produce graphics for social media posts. Requirement: • Diploma / Degree in Marketing, Digital Marketing or equivalent. • At least 3 years experience in digital marketing. • Excellent understanding of digital marketing concept and best practices. • Required skill(s): Google Analytics, SEO/SEM, social media marketing and optimisation. • Team player and great communication skills. ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE / SENIOR EXECUTIVE Job Description: • Building and sustaining strong working relationship with advertising clients. • Plan and executive new, creative, exciting and innovative marketing campaigns for the company. • Develop and continuously improve marketing material, product/services presentations and proposals. • Passionate in serving client accounts to improve sales revenue. Requirement: • Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or other related fields. • At least 2 years of sales and marketing experience in media industry. • Good communication, presentation, problem-solving and organisational skills. • Possess own transport and willing to travel. • Able to start work immediately. Submit your CV with your photo via e-mail to: [emailprotected] Office based in Petaling Jaya (5-day week) WE ARE HIRING Manager – Finance and HR Job Description: • To handle full set of accounts, month-end closing, year - end closing, audit schedules, tax, stock control, etc. • Responsible for management, statutory and group reporting, development of business plans, budget and cash flow forecast. • Oversee recruitment, manage payroll system, staff benefit, yearly performance and appraisal. • Develop & implement HR policies to support company business objectives and compliance with law and regulatory requirements. • To handle legal and disciplinary matters including staff counselling in compliance with local Labour Law. • Other administration duties where required and part of job scope. • Any other duties as assigned by the superior / management from time to time. Requirements: • Candidate must possess at least Professional or Degree in Finance/Accountancy or equivalent. • At least 5 years managerial/supervising of working experience in audit, financial accounting and HR. • Familiarity with Accpac, ERP Accounting & HR software would be added advantages. • Computer literate and skillful in Ms Excel, Word & PowerPoint. • Good command of written and spoken English. Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia & Mandarin will be added advantages. 168 Houses for Sale INSIDE EDGE
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 28 DEFENDING champion Carlos Alcaraz and Italian rival Jannik Sinner remained on course for a semifinal showdown after cruising into the last eight of the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters yesterday. Alcaraz sailed into the last eight as he took revenge on Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan with a 6-3, 6-3 victory. In-form Sinner meanwhile booked his last eight berth with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 defeat of Ben Shelton. Sinner’s win was his 18th straight victory dating to late last season, leaving him three wins away from his third title of the season after winning the Australian Open and Rotterdam. “I played really well in the tight moments,” the 22-year-old world No. 3 said as he lines up against Czech Jiri Lehecka in the quarters. “I knew I would not get much rhythm from him. I can be proud of how I played. The wind didn’t make it easier but I tried to stay positive and it worked out.” Sinner could face Spain’s reigning Wimbledon champion Alcaraz in the semifinals in California in what would be the latest instalment of a burgeoning rivalry. The duo fought an epic US Open quarterfinal in 2022 and met in the semifinals at Indian Wells and Miami Masters events last season. Alcaraz must navigate a quarterfinal against sixth seed Alexander Zverev before any meeting with Sinner. Zverev reached the last eight after defeating Alex de Minaur 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 in two and three-quarter hours. Alcaraz had a score to settle with the 58thranked Marozsan after losing their only other meeting at last year’s Rome Masters. Alcaraz never let his opponent into the fourthround match, breaking twice in the opening set and winning 12 of the first 13 points of the second. The top seed reeled off 22 winners in 75 minutes to race into the quarterfinals. After a slow start this season and an ankle roll several weeks ago in Brazil, the 20-year-old appeared on course to continue his chase to a possible second title here. “I was nervous before the match, I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz said. “I was playing someone who beat me when I had no chances in the Rome match.” But he walked off a winner completely pleased with his performance. “Let’s say (it was) almost perfect. I can play better. “But I’m really happy with the way I approached the match, the way that I played, and my feelings.” Elsewhere Tuesday, Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas failed to reach a second career quarterfinal here, with the 11th seed losing 6-2, 6-4 to rising Czech youngster Lehecka. The upset was the youngster’s second in succession after dispatching fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the previous round. Tsitsipas, whose form has been modest so far this season, achieved the last eight during his 2018 debut at the Tennis Garden but has yet to duplicate that effort. – AFP Showdown on the cards Alcaraz, Sinner cruise into Indian Wells quarterfinals Golf’s ‘splintering’ created by players who left: Scheffler WHILE there remains no end in sight for the schism in men’s professional golf, Scottie Scheffler said fans should not forget how the sport splintered in the first place. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan admitted yesterday fans were “tired of hearing about conflict, money and who is getting what” amid a drawn-out negotiation with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the backers of rival league LIV Golf. Ahead of his title defence at The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Scheffler was asked yesterday if PGA Tour players were concerned about golf fans feeling “disenchanted” by the state of the game. “If the fans are upset, then look at the guys that left,” Scheffler said. “We had a tour, we were all together and the people that left are no longer here. At the end of the day, that’s where the splintering comes from. “As far as our tour goes, like I said, we’re doing our best to create the best product for the fans, and that’s really where we’re at.” Scheffler, who’s long said he has no interest in joining LIV Golf, said he and his fellow players have no control over whether their peers want to leave, as Spain’s Jon Rahm did just last December for a reported US$500 million (RM2.3b). “If guys want to go take the money and leave, then that’s their decision,” Scheffler said. “I’m not going to sit here and tell guys not to take hundreds of millions of dollars. “If that’s what they think is best for their life, then go do it. I’m not going to sit here and force guys to stay on our tour. “But at the end of the day, this is where I want to be, and we’re continuing to grow what we’re doing, and what they’re doing is not really a concern to me.” – Field Level Media TOP SEED Iga Swiatek swatted aside Yulia Putintseva 6-1, 6-2 yesterday to set up an Indian Wells quarterfinal clash with former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki. Swiatek got off to a slow start and saved four break points in the third game before finding her groove. The Pole then raced to a 5-1 lead, prompting Putintseva to throw her racket to the floor in frustration, before wrapping the opener up in less than 30 minutes. Swiatek, the 2022 champion, made early inroads in the second set and while Putintseva started going for her shots more the 22-year-old world No. 1 proved too strong for her Kazakh opponent. “I knew I had to keep my focus (in the second set), she was trying different stuff out there,” said Swiatek, who dropped serve twice in the second frame. “But I just really wanted to play my game and focus on what I want to do. I’m glad I did that.” Wozniacki, who returned to the tour last year after stepping away from the sport in 2020 to start a family, eased past fellow mother Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-2 earlier in the day. “She’s a really experienced player,” Swiatek said of the 2011 champion. “I think she’s playing great after her maternity break, she was fighting to come back. “I have huge respect. It’s going to be a nice match.” Wozniacki said she was relishing the opportunity to continue her run at Indian Wells, after making the quarters for the first time in four years. “I’m just enjoying myself and I’m just thrilled I get another match in front of all of you guys,” she said. Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-1 and next meets another Russian in Anastasia Potapova, who beat Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 0-6, 6-3. “It definitely helped that I played her (recently),” the 21-year-old Kostyuk, who reached the Australian Open quarters in January for her best result at a Grand Slam, told the Tennis Channel. “The conditions were much better for my game here, the ball bounces much higher and it’s a bit warmer. I didn’t feel like I was in so much trouble like I did in San Diego.” – Reuters Swiatek books date with Wozniacki Swiatek books date with Wozniacki BRIEFS Marko lays out ‘issues’ with Horner HELMUT MARKO has admitted that he and Christian Horner have some “issues” to work through if they are to continue working together at Red Bull. Speaking to De Telegraaf about his position, the Austrian advisor said: “A lot of things have been clarified today. Can I still work with Christian Horner? We’ve been doing that for 19 years, so why not? But there are still some issues to be resolved.” Casting his wider thoughts on the situation, he added: “It hasn’t been the most beautiful time, the past few weeks. At the end of the day, we are all here to help Max win and make sure he becomes perhaps the most successful driver of all time. What happens when Max is done with it? Then we will discuss that internally. But I’m sure a door will open for him everywhere. Max closes himself off from everything. But I was most impressed by the fact that in the closing stages in Saudi Arabia, he didn’t even ask what the fastest lap was, trying to improve it. He just wanted to drive safely to the finish. That’s how relaxed he is right now.” … as Newey ‘not happy’ with embattled Red Bull principal STAR ENGINEER Adrian Newey is reportedly unhappy with the Christian Horner saga as the team principal continues to cling onto power despite ongoing speculation and rumblings of discontent from within the Red Bull camp. Chief technical officer Newey – who has been credited as playing a pivotal role in the team’s success over the last three seasons – is unimpressed by the ongoing Horner saga. What won’t help Horner’s case when it comes to keeping hold of the sport’s most revered and coveted engineer is a plan to shift the 65-year-old away from F1 operations for budgetary reasons. The same report claims Horner wants to direct Newey towards the company’s RB17 Hypercar project. The potential move would effectively ban Newey from contributing to the F1 project. Massa right to sue F1, say Bernie FORMER Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said yesterday Felipe Massa was right to take his fight to be recognised as the 2008 world champion to the London High Court. Lawyers for the Brazilian former Ferrari driver announced on Tuesday legal action against Formula One Management (FOM), the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Ecclestone. The 42-year-old is also claiming compensation for estimated financial losses of around £64 million (RM384m) plus interest for missing out on the title by a single point to Britain’s Lewis Hamilton. Ecclestone told Reuters by telephone from Brazil that, had he been Massa’s manager he would have advised him to take action in England. “The best thing he could do is sue in England. He wants something straightforward so it will be straightforward. No axe to grind from anybody. So we’ll wait and see,” said the 93-year-old Briton. “It might help him if an English judge comes out and says something that’s in his favour, it would be good for him.” Iga Swiatek plays a backhand against Yulia Putintseva (not pictured) in their fourth round match in Indian Wells. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 29 Fitting finale to rivalry Three-way battle for EPL crown perfect way to end Klopp, Guardiola era AS a beaming Jurgen Klopp sat down with the press after a 1-1 that got everyone off their seats, he was asked whether this made him want to stay. The Liverpool manager reasserted his reason for leaving at the end of the season, but there is maybe some slight sense of regret – if also completeness – that his team produced what he described as one of their best performances against Manchester City in his last League game against them. Klopp can be given to hyperbole in such situations, but there was logic to his claim. It was also for more reasons than the context of the performance and, as the German said, “the squad situation”. It was also about the approach and resolve. In Klopp’s previous landmark performances against City, particularly in 2017-18, there was an element of L i v e r p o o l exploiting the rare gaps left by Pep Guardiola’s side. T h o s e performances had the sense of being fully commanding, but they weren’t quite that. As Klopp said himself, they usually won through counter-attacks. This was different. It was one of Liverpool’s more complete displays against this City side in how they dominated the ball and space. The spell after half-time was remarkable, with Guardiola’s side unusually spooked. It was a rare game where it felt like the champions got away with one, even though they themselves went so close with Jeremy Doku’s shot off the post. That might normally foster the sense that Liverpool will rue this draw, but there was no sense of that after the game. “How we played in midfield was some of the best moments of my coaching career,” Klopp said. “That we are able to do that against them… the boys really wanted it, massive heart, sensational atmosphere, one point, let’s keep going”. The big question, of course, is how far they can go. Is it just a title challenge, or are we really talking about Liverpool becoming champions again in Klopp’s final season? The German, perhaps predictably, sidestepped that question. “All that matters is where we are from a performance point of view – and today we saw that.” This is actually the real significance of a fixture that had been built up as another seismic Liverpool-City game but ended s o m e w h a t unsatisfactorily. There was no climax. Rather than settling anything, though, it set a pace. After months where Liverpool looked so promising but questions persisted over how good they actually were, we now have a definitive answer. They were able to come back against City and dominate the game with many senior players missing. That is a big step. They have become the team to beat… except for the fact that Arsenal are still ahead of them. And, once this duel between two great rivals was out of the way, thoughts properly turned to the fact that this really looks like the Premier League’s first proper three-way race in a decade. Both managers were asked about the prospect, with neither having experienced it before. It is something new even for them. That creates even more excitement from a sense of uncertainty. They won’t just be looking to each other. Guardiola enthused about how Mikel Arteta’s side “need 25 minutes to go 3-0 up”, in reference to the way they’ve just blown sides away of late. Klopp picked up that theme, talking about how Arsenal are “firing on all cylinders”. He then added “City is City”, which is a simple three words but is maybe the most relevant point in all of this. What he meant is that it’s known Guardiola’s side can get over 85 points at will – usually more – so this is the standard the other two have to reach. That’s the decisive factor in the entire race. That is also why Klopp took such satisfaction from this result, but particularly the performance. It was an assertion of quality. Arsenal are meanwhile indicating they can accelerate from last season; that they have genuinely gone to another level. Whether it’s enough remains to be seen, but it’s all certainly sufficient for another staple of proper title races. – The Independent Reds real pain for others, says Liverpool boss LIVERPOOL have to fight in every game in their bid for the Premier League title in a race between the top three, manager Jurgen Klopp said after his side fell to second place in the standings following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. The point shared at Anfield left Liverpool in second place on goal difference and Arsenal on top. City are third on 63 points, one behind the top two, with 10 games left to be played in the closest title race since 2014. The German was optimistic that his side would be a pain for the other two teams as Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion next in the League on March 31, the same day that City host Arsenal, which could further reshuffle the standings. “We are this gritty, annoying, pain you will not get rid of… In our situation we cannot now run away from other teams,” Klopp told the club’s website. “Arsenal are in incredible shape, the last five or six games I saw them - which were outstanding - they played pretty much exactly the same line-up. No (Gabriel) Martinelli but then you have (Leandro) Trossard, that’s good as well. “We just have to fight through (the remaining 10 games) to be there.” – Reuters A L E J A N D R O GARNACHO was recently described as a “special talent” by M a n c h e s t e r United legend Wayne Rooney and is making the Red Devils’ rivals look silly after being picked up for an initial fee of just £150,000 (RM750,000). The Argentine enjoyed a breakthrough season last year and has now cemented himself as a regular under Erik ten Hag on the right flank. Garnacho was brought in from Atletico Madrid in 2020 partially thanks to intervention from rivals Manchester City. The Athletic claim that Pep Guardiola’s side poached so many of United’s academy stars that they looked abroad to bring in additional talent, when they were alerted to an unhappy Garnacho in Spain. United scout Gerardo Guzman worked closely with Garnacho during a strict Covid lockdown in Madrid, where he was impressed with the young winger’s work-rate. He had interest from fellow Spanish clubs, but United were the only Premier League team taking a look at Garnacho. Able to prise him away for a nominal fee, Garnacho has gone from strength to strength at Old Trafford. He has seen big-money signings arrive in his position, but batted away competition from the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho and underlined his importance in the recent 2-0 win over Everton. Garnacho was once again United’s biggest threat against Sean Dyche’s Toffees, having won both penalties which were converted by Bruno Fernandes and then Marcus Rashford. Aside from his supreme dribbling abilities, the 19-year-old made the difference with his off-the-ball runs, a facet of his game that has improved demonstrably. He is one of the first names on the teamsheet now and may have gone some way to convincing new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe that another marquee winger is not required in the summer. “Rashford is a matchwinner, Bruno always comes up with something. And Garnacho, as we saw, created the two goals,” Rooney told TNT Sports after United’s win over Everton. “With young players, that is what you find. “He’s direct. Garnacho was the one who was going to make things happen. He was certainly the best player on the pitch. His work-rate off the ball as well is fantastic. “He is going to make mistakes, he’s still learning. But he has got that drive and hunger which any fan wants to see. “I’ve been really pleased with him, and I think he will be a special talent going forward. He has probably been Man United’s best player this season.” – Express Newspapers █ BY MIGUEL DELANEY SIDENETTING Mount back in training MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Mason Mount returned to training yesterday after four months out with a calf injury. Mount has made just 12 appearances in all competitions for United since his £60 million (RM360m) transfer from Chelsea before the start of this season. The 25-year-old last played when he came off the bench in United’s 1-0 win against Luton in November. Even when he was fit to feature, Mount struggled to make an impact, leading some to brand the England international a flop. But Mount could still have a chance to silence the critics this season after United confirmed he was back in training, having “remained upbeat and positive throughout his rehabilitation”. The playmaker’s long-awaited return came just days after Erik ten Hag offered a promising update on his status. “Mason Mount, I think he is in a good spell now and he will return shortly,” Ten Hag said on Friday. “I think after the international break.” Celta sack Benitez CELTA VIGO sacked coach Rafa Benitez yesteray after a string of bad results, with the Galicians 17th in La Liga, two points above the relegation zone. “Rafa Benitez and his technical team have left Celta after eight months of hard work and dedication, but the team has not achieved the results hoped for by the club,” said Celta in a statement. “The club would like to express its sincere gratitude to Benitez and his assistants for the involvement, honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival and the tireless work they have done. Celta would also like to wish them the best of luck and success in the future.” Former Liverpool and Chelsea coach Benitez’s last game at the helm was a 4-0 thrashing by another of his previous sides, Real Madrid, on Sunday. Celta have just five victories in 28 league matches this season with just one win in their last five. Giant-killers Saarbruecken reach German Cup semis THIRD-DIVISION Saarbruecken continued their giantkilling German Cup run yesterday, Kai Bruenker scoring in stoppage time as they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 to reach the semifinals. Having already eliminated Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt from the German Cup, Saarbruecken hosted three-time winners Gladbach, one of only two topdivision teams left in the competition. Gladbach’s Robin Hack tapped in a Franck Honorat pass to open the scoring after eight minutes. The hosts hit back immediately, Amine Naifi blasting a rocket into the top corner to level the scores. The match looked to be headed for extra time when Bruenker scored on the counter in the final minute of stoppage time. “That was a fight,” a fired-up Bruenker told Germany’s ZDF network, with fans chanting “Berlin, we’re coming to Berlin” in the background. The final will be played in Berlin on May 25. “We just ran and ran after the ball – it’s completely insane. We’ve got some mentality monsters in our ranks.” Rooney all praise for ‘special’ Garnacho Rooney all praise for ‘special’ Garnacho Garnacho
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 30 5774/2024 13/03/2024 (WED) 5075 1775 1343 6455 4076 4307 2232 5235 9551 3596 7560 4966 1820 8983 7075 5685 9089 2262 1755 8176 0658 1613 4819 7,042,874.66 5075 5075 5075 1343 1343 1775 1343 1343 1775 1775 5075 1775 317,027.06 5075 1775 1343 RABBIT 06288 81329 1329 329 81409 2 9 4 7 512847 12847 2847 847 51284 5128 512 5 1 7,475,032.80 4,197,776.19 1 20 38 39 44 53 636,704.63 63 21 29 36 54 7 17 31 36 42 45 37,452,125.75 44 483 086 + RAT 202 269 +ROOSTER 501 660 + TIGER Draw Date: 13/03/24 (Wed) Draw No: 5721/24 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 3086 2269 1660 3728 + 0389 6991 + 8045 6018 + 0061 2983 + 7762 5395 + 4697 3359 + 0079 3579 + 0151 7317 + 3903 1858 + 0094 7069 + 0072 RM13,897,589.00 3086 + 2269 2269 + 3086 3086 + 1660 1660 + 3086 2269 + 1660 1660 + 2269 RM158,954.80 RM410,833.30 RM170,000.00 RM416,188.40 513 728 110 389 866 991 848 045 936 018 200 061 462 983 857 762 085 395 164 697 303 359 690 079 003 579 200 151 697 317 793 903 221 858 510 094 897 069 070 072 086 269 660 RM1,135,038.90 086 + 269 + 660 269 + 660 + 086 086 + 660 + 269 660 + 086 + 269 269 + 086 + 660 660 + 269 + 086 1+3D Jackpot 2 RM556,399.00 won on 10/03/2024! Big relief for Barcelona Catalans edge past Napoli to make Champions League quarters return BARCELONA survived a nervy second half to beat Napoli 3-1 yestersday and reach the Champions League quarterfinals 4-2 on aggregate. Xavi Hernandez’s side came flying out of the blocks with goals from Fermin Lopez and Joao Cancelo but after Amir Rrahmani pulled one back, the Catalans started to sweat. Italian champions Napoli, who salvaged a 1-1 draw in the last-16 first leg, were finally beaten when Robert Lewandowski swept home from close range. It is the first time five-time winners Barcelona have reached the last eight of the competition since 2020, and they did so without injured midfield trio Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong. “It was an incredible night, (it’s been) four years without getting where we belong, where the club deserves to be,” Sergi Roberto told Movistar. “The fans backed us – they are very important.” Xavi said he was leaving at the end of the season in January and his team have gone on a run of nine games without defeat after that decision. Teenage stars Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi have been key in that run, and both excelled against Napoli on a night which offered some relief to Barcelona amid a bleak season. Centreback Cubarsi, 17, got the better of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen. “He’s incredible, he was the game’s best player,” added Sergi Roberto. “He doesn’t stop surprising us, in the last 16 and playing this way, he’s a player who can be here for his whole life.” Xavi demanded the fans turn their temporary Olympic Stadium home on the city’s Montjuic hill into a pressure cooker, and they duly obliged. Over 50,000 spectators marked the club’s largest attendance this season. “There has been a lot of unfair criticism, (that we were) the joke of the Champions League, we had to play with that pressure,” Xavi told a news conference. “We had to be better than Napoli and we were, it’s a more than deserved qualification, it’s one of my best moments as Barcelona coach.” The coach said he would not change his mind about leaving at the end of the season, a decision he took in January. Since then the team have gone nine matches unbeaten. Cubarsi, 17, was given the player of the match award and Xavi lavished praise on the young defender, key in recent weeks. “He’s a very rational kid, he’s got a lot of brains, he’s patient, he’s very humble, he wants to improve,” said Xavi. “His sudden emergence is wonderful for Barcelona and Spanish football – we’re looking at a top-level defender for years to come.” Like Xavi, Cubarsi said this was a match to remember. “This has been one of the best days of my life,” Cubarsi told Movistar. “The team deserves this player of the match trophy, I’m so happy, but we’re a group.” – AFP Leverkusen, West Ham need results to progress BAYER LEVERKUSEN and West Ham both needing positive results tomorrow to reach the quarterfinals of the Europa League after failing to win their first-leg ties. A stoppage-time Patrik Schick equaliser spared Leverkusen’s blushes last week in Baku, and also maintained their unbeaten record this season, after Qarabag took a shock 2-0 lead against the runaway Bundesliga leaders. “Maybe it’s true that the result is more fortunate for us than for Qarabag. Great respect, they perhaps deserved a better result,” said Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso after the first leg. Despite the surprise 2-2 draw, Leverkusen showed no sign of slowing down in their pursuit of silverware at the weekend as they immediately bounced back with a home win against Wolfsburg in the league. The form team in Europe now boast a record of 31 wins and five draws across all competitions this season, making them the first Bundesliga side to go without defeat in 36 consecutive matches. As the search for Leverkusen’s first silverware in over 30 years reaches the business end of the season, Alonso and his charges will not want this momentum to stop abruptly at match 37 against the Azerbaijani champions. However, after going toe-to-toe with the Germans for 91 minutes last week, Qarabag will arrive at the BayArena believing that anything is possible. Alonso said the Baku club “have quality players who are capable of playing in the top leagues” and they will be keen to continue to showcase their talents on the European stage. Qarabag coach Gurban Gurbanov is confident his team can step up and perform at an even higher level than in the first leg: “I’ll prepare the team to play even better in Germany.” Leverkusen’s fellow tournament favourites Liverpool will likely have an easier ride tomorrow at Anfield after dispatching opponents Sparta Prague 5-1 last week. On the south coast of England, Brighton have it all to do against Daniele De Rossi’s in-form Roma following a comprehensive 4-0 defeat in the Italian capital last week. Europa Conference League holders West Ham have won all 10 of their last 10 European games at the London Stadium, going back over the last two seasons. Michael Gregoritsch’s goal in the last 10 minutes gave Freiburg a slender lead after West Ham “didn’t have (their) shooting boots on”, according to manager David Moyes, and squandered chances to break the deadlock in Germany. Moyes is counting on this home form to help his wasteful side find the target and overturn the deficit. “We’ll do everything to try and turn it around. We’ll have our crowd and atmosphere behind us,” said the Scot. – AFP Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen (left) and Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka vie for the ball during their Champions League last 16 second leg match. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY | MAR 14, 2024 31 THE national men’s hockey team players should be responsible and determined to end the team’s over two-decade Olympic drought, said former head coach A. Arulselvaraj. Arul, whose contract expired after the Speedy Tigers failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics in January, finally broke his silence to reveal that the players didn’t perform when it mattered the most. He pointed out that despite having great coaches including German’s Paul Lissek, South African Paul Revington, local expert Stephen van Huizen and Dutchman Roelant Oltmans, who all had achieved numerous international accords, the national team has failed to qualify for the Olympics since they last played in the 2000 Sydney Games, which raises concern. Arul said the team performed well in 2022 to lift the maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Cup trophy in Ipoh and Asia Cup silver in Jakarta, which earned the Speedy Tigers and Arul the National Men’s Team and National Men’s Coach awards at the 2022 National Sports Award, respectively. However, he said after doing decently in the World Cup in January last year and emerging runners-up in the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in August, his charges’ performance dipped from A to C in two Paris qualifiers – the Hangzhou Asian Games last September-October and Olympic Qualifier in Muscat, Oman early this year. “I don’t want to blame the players, but I was always thinking why – I had the same set of players but different performances. “When I analysed the statistics and videos, it all came to the same conclusion that in these three tournaments (ACT, Asian Games and Oman Qualifiers), we had the most ball control, circle penetration, and scoring opportunities. “The difference was in the ACT, we scored and took our chances where else in Oman and the Asian Games, we missed our chances, we couldn’t perform under pressure. “The players need to recognise and rectify mistakes because we have players still repeating the same mistakes (defensive errors) in crucial moments, and unable to convert easy chances. “As a coach, you can correct the players once or twice, but after a few years still correcting the same errors, the results won’t differ. Of course, I am very disappointed since I sacrificed a lot, left my family in Dublin (Ireland) to take up the coaching job to serve the country and hockey,” he told Bernama. Asked how the quality of players can be raised, Arul, who took charge as the Speedy Tigers’ head coach in September 2020, said the players need to train to perform under pressure and play more high quality and tempo matches, especially against the top-five teams in the world. “Ireland, a small country, qualified for the Olympics in Rio 2016 and now Paris, because most of the players play in the European league, they play for seven to eight months. “Why India is doing so well? Because they play in the Pro League and the funding is big. “It’s not just about going for a tour to Australia or Europe, playing five matches or waiting to play the next match against the top teams after a few months,” he said. Arul is expected to return to Dublin to spend time with his wife and three daughters, before taking up a new job, probably a coaching director role in an Irish club by summer. 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 011/24 13/03/2024 0858 6268 0621 8505 2489 2242 1626 0829 7995 3016 8678 2679 5496 9810 2142 1228 2832 2450 1962 1767 4554 1046 0767 RM6,928,092.01 RM264,788.46 0858 + 6268 6268 + 0858 0621 + 0858 0858 + 0621 6268 + 0621 0621 + 6268 5 19 25 26 28 30 32 36 2 4 RM5,937,370.36 RM165,216.77 5 8 6 8 2 1 5 8 6 8 2 8 6 8 2 1 5 8 6 8 6 8 2 1 5 8 6 8 2 1 5 8 2 1 6 8 0 8 Missed chances Tigers could not perform under pressure: Arul National shuttlers through to next round at All England NATIONAL NO. 1S doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and professional mixed doubles duo, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie cleared their first hurdle to reach the second round of All England 2024 held in Birmingham. In the Super 1000 tournament held in Utilita Arena Birmingham, Pearly-Thinaah lived up to expectations to book their second round berth by defeating professional duo, Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sen, 21-10, 21-10, in an all-Malaysian affair. Next up, a mammoth task might await the unseeded Pearly-Thinaah should the top seed from China, Cheng Qing Chen-Jia Yi Fan defeat Taiwanese pair, Hsu Ya ChingLin Wan Ching in the other opening round tie. Meanwhile, Soon Huat-Shevon recorded a straight set win over Ko-Chi Chang-Chih Chen Lee of Taiwan, 21-17, 26-24, to advance to the next round. Soon Huat-Shevon will face the winner between Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping of China or Australia’s Kenneth ChooGronya Somerville. Aaron-Wooi Yik got off their All England 2024 campaign to a flying start as they ousted compatriots, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, in the opening round in Birmingham. Aaron-Wooi Yik, fifth-seeded, marched to the second round of the world’s oldest badminton tournament held in Utilita Arena Birmingham by taking 33 minutes to record their sixth victory in seven meetings against Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin, 21- 17, 21-19. The 2022 men’s doubles world champions will take on Taiwanese pair, Chang Ko-Chi-Po Li-Wei, who disposed of Kevin Lee-Ty Alexander Lindeman of Canada, 21-14, 21-10. Malaysian professional duo, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, meanwhile, had a great start in their match against China’s Liu Yu Chen-Ou Xuan with a 21-15 win in the first set but failed to build on that advantage after losing the next two sets against the eighth seeds 21-23, 14-21. – Bernama Para-archers to camp in Sydney for 16 days THE national paralympic archery squad will be in Australia for 16 days, from March 24 to April 8, to undergo training and test their skills at the World Archery Oceania 2024 Para Grand Prix, in Sydney. The squad head coach Marzuki Zakaria said that his team had received an invitation from the Australian National Archery Association to participate in a training camp with their athletes, which will be followed by a tournament, scheduled to take place from April 1-8. “The training camp with the Australian archers is an opportunity for our three athletes, who have already booked their place at the 2024 Paralympics, to gain experience as part of their preparations before the Games. “In addition, the 2024 Para Oceania GP tournament is also seen as ideal for the three athletes to compete with the prowess of archers from nine other countries, including the hosts, Indonesia and South Korea, ahead of the action in Paris,” he told Bernama. The three archers who have qualified for the 2024 Paralympics are former 2019 world champion S. Suresh (men’s recurve); the best female athlete of the Malaysia Para Games (Para Sukma) 2022, Nur Jannaton Abd Jalil (women’s compound); and G. Daneshen (men’s compound). Suresh will make his second appearance after Tokyo 2020, while 2024 Paralympics marks the first appearance of Nur Jannaton and Daneshen on the stage of the prestigious sporting event. In addition to Australia, Marzuki said that his squad also plans to train with Indonesian archers at their training centre, which is Solo, before heading to Paris. Meanwhile, he hopes that the three athletes can use the opportunity to strengthen themselves mentally, so that they can give fierce opposition to other great archers at the 2024 Paralympics. Marzuki also admitted that luck was not on former national Paralympian Wiro Julin’s side, as he missed the slot to the 2024 Paralympics at the 8th Fazza Para Archery World Ranking Tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), recently. – Bernama CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (Last 16, 2nd leg): Arsenal 1 (Trossard 41) FC Porto 0 – aet (Tie level 1-1 on agg; Arsenal win 4-2 on pen), Barcelona 3 (Fermin 15, Cancelo 17, Lewandowski 83) Napoli 1 (Rrahmani 30) – Barcelona win 4-2 on agg. CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham 0 Middlesbrough 1. GERMAN CUP (Quarterfinals): FC Saarbrucken 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 1. RESULTS Malaysia No. 1 women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan (front) and M. Thinaah. – BERNAMAPIX
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] THURSDAY MAR 14, 2024 SCAN ME 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 -Story on page 29 -Story on page 230 Raya celebration Keeper pulls out the stops to end Arsenal’s long wait for Champions League quarterfinal place -Story on page 28 Showdown on the cards Big relief for Barcelona Fitting finale D to rivalry AVID RAYA pulls out the stops, so Arsenal keep going. They used every drop of energy that Mikel Arteta demanded to squeeze past Porto and make their first Champions League quarterfinal since 2010. That came from the first Champions League shootout since the 2005-06 final, that Raya was so decisive in. He made one brilliant save from Galeno and a relatively lucky one from Wendell, the second more forceful enough and fittingly sending Arsenal through. In such situations, there might be questions about the physical and mental cost of such a game, but Arteta’s side now don’t have another game for 19 days. They also have something uniquely positive to think about, after smashing a real block in this most illustrious of competitions. Not even Arsene Wenger got this far very often. Arteta has done it in his first go. Such momentum can similarly propel their title challenge, in a run that looks full of life and optimism. The Gunners went into yesterday’s last-16 second leg 1-0 down but drew level when Leandro Trossard put them ahead on the night four minutes before the interval with a smooth finish following brilliant work by captain Martin Odegaard. A scrappy, fractious encounter failed to yield a winner even after extra-time and it was Arsenal who held their nerve to go through to the last eight. Arteta hailed his team’s achievement but warned they still have a “mountain to climb” if they are to win the competition. “So happy,” said a visibly delighted Arteta, who could barely wipe the smile off his face throughout his post-match media commitments. “It has been 14 years, which is a long time for a club like Arsenal and it shows how difficult it was. “We really had to dig in to find the magic moment at the end. We’re starting to create an unbelievable energy in the stadium, we were all pushing to get it done and together we have done it. “(The last eight) is where we want to be. We’ve been patient, worked so hard and a lot of people have made good decisions and showed courage in difficult moments and this is where you want to be.” Arteta reserved special praise for Raya, who saved brilliantly from both Wendell and Galeno in the most eyecatching contribution of an Arsenal career that started nervously upon his arrival from Brentford in August. “David had some difficult moments at the start,” he said. “He has stood up with incredible personality and ambition and in the end he’s been rewarded.” Asked whether a quarterfinal berth made the prospect of a first Champions League title feel more realistic, Arteta opted to remain coy. “I think it’s still very far,” he said. “Now I’m going to sit at home, I’m going to look at the other teams we have to play and start another big mountain to climb.” Emotions had been running high during the contest, with both Arteta and Porto manager Sergio Conceicao booked in separate incidents while they were on the touchline. The tension then spilled over following the penalty shoot-out and after Raya saved the decisive spot-kick from Porto forward Galeno. Arteta attempted to shake Conceicao’s hand but the Porto manager reacted and the two men had to be pulled apart. Arteta was left shaking his head as he walked away. The Gunners’ boss refused to comment on the exchange when asked about the incident towards the end of his post-match press conference, before Conceicao alleged that Arteta used an insulting phrase, in Spanish, about a member of Conceicao’s family. Speaking in Portuguese, with his quotes translated through an interpreter, Conceicao said: “During the game and towards the bench he, in Spanish, insulted my family. “And then at the end, I said attention, who he insults is not between us. He should focus on training his team because they have a lot of individual qualities to do that.” – The Independent/Agencies Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya jumps to stop the ball during the Champions League last 16 second leg match against Porto yesterday. – REUTERSPIX
