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PETALING JAYA: The failure of the government to impose a RM1.20 tax on vapes (electronic cigarettes) in 2022 has resulted in a loss of revenue of over RM860 million, and the amount of lost tax revenue could potentially hit RM1.12 billion by 2026 if the situation is not corrected. Japan Tobacco International (JTI) general manager Khoo Beng Leng said Malaysia risks becoming a large illicit vape market, just like the current situation with illicit cigarettes. She said because of a lack of control over nicotine levels and the ingredients in smuggled vape products, the public will not know exactly what they are smoking. “The government, especially the Health Ministry, needs to introduce vape regulations to govern this segment and support revenue collection goals. “The RM1.20 vape tax is only 10% of the RM9 tax the government imposes on cigarettes. The cheapest pack of cigarettes costs RM12. For example, five packs of cigarettes are equivalent to 800 puffs and cost RM60 while a single unit of disposable vape with 8,000 puffs costs just RM38.” She said issue of concern over the of the lack of enforcement against vape is that sellers can give out free samples, while vape liquids, which are governed by the Poisons Act 1952, are widely available to the public. Khoo said there is also no control over the product, ingredients, online sales or marketing. She said just as bad is that the government lost RM5 billion last year due to the illegal sale of smuggled cigarettes. She said this is despite the quantity of smuggled cigarettes declining, although it is still over 50%. “The increase in taxes since 2015, which was 43% that year, has merely shifted the consumption to illicit cigarettes, although the total volume sold has dropped by 3%. Meanwhile, the legal volume has declined by 33% since 2015, and it has been replaced by the illicit volume which has grown by 49%. “The decline in volume was compounded by the increase in alleged substitutes such as vapes.” She pointed out that an increase in taxes may not translate to higher revenue collection for the government as people would look for cheaper alternatives that are smuggled into the country. As an example, taxes in 2015 went up by 43% but government revenue from the sale of cigarettes only increased by RM20 million. Khoo called on the government to impose a moratorium on tax hikes for cigarettes while it takes action against smugglers. She said the government needs to use all existing laws to fight smugglers. It could use the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma), the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) and the Anti-Money Laundering, AntiTerrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla). “It must be made too expensive and too dangerous for cigarette smugglers to continue their activities,” she said. “The stricter transshipment controls introduced in Budget 2021 had led to a reduction in cigarette smuggling through ports in the country. “The government should stick to these controls as it continues its fight against cigarette smugglers. “The Health Ministry must ensure all those involved in the sale of cigarettes strictly adhere to its laws to prevent the growth of the illicit cigarette trade. Stepping up enforcement activities would be a big help.” JTI Malaysia corporate affairs and communications director Saiful Bahari Mahpar said the Philippines government proposed a measure classifying cigarette smuggling as “economic sabotage” last year. He said the penalties under that government’s Bill include a minimum of 30 years’ imprisonment but not exceeding 40 years, with no bail recommended against cigarette smugglers, who are also obliged to oCigarette industry expert says losses could rise to RM1.12 bil if RM1.20 levy on vapes not imposed █ BYRAJVINDER SINGH [emailprotected] RM860m tax lost INSIDE TELLING IT AS IT IS ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 No. 8209 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my FIRST-HAND LOOK ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being briefed on rescue efforts during his visit to the Malaysian rescue operations centre in Nurdagi, Turkiye yesterday. A total of 140 Malaysians are involved in the assistance mission. – BERNAMAPIC settle a fine double the value of the seized items, plus the total amount of unpaid duties, and other taxes. Saiful Bahari said he was not implying that the same laws should be introduced in Malaysia, but the government could look at tightening existing laws to make it unprofitable to smuggle cigarettes into the country. Reports on — P2 & P7 Special recce team sent to quake-hit Syria page 2 Khairy takes up new role as Johor youth adviser page 3

2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Special reconnaissance team sent to quake-hit Syria SEPANG: Malaysia has sent a special reconnaissance team to Syria to conduct an assessment of the humanitarian aid needed by the country, which was hit by a deadly earthquake earlier this month that also rocked Turkey. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the 21-strong team led by Foreign Affairs Ministry deputy secretarygeneral for bilateral relations Datuk Norman Muhamad would survey the area and report as soon as possible on follow-up action to be taken. “We were aware of the difficulty in entering Syria due to, among other things, the sanctions imposed on the country. A few days ago, the restrictions were lifted to allow humanitarian aid to enter. “Malaysia did not wait long, and we continued to act and held oGroup to survey area and report on follow-up action needed to provide humanitarian assistance, says minister discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who immediately asked us to make preparations to send an advance team,” he said when sending off the team on Tuesday. Also present was the Charge d’Affaires of the Syrian embassy in Kuala Lumpur Mohd Ghiath Ibrahim. Zambry said the special team comprised representatives from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the National Disaster Management Agency, Armed Forces, Health Ministry, Police, Malaysian Red Crescent Society and Mercy Malaysia. He added that the team consists of various agencies with different expertise and the background of its members is in the field of medicine, security, search and rescue and logistics, Bernama reported. “This is very important because we want to take proactive action to help Syria, and the most important thing is that information should be conveyed immediately for us to take follow-up action so that we do not have to wait for the team to return before sending aid.” He said Malaysia is also planning to send an Armed Forces team to establish a field hospital there. Zambry said the team would fly from here to Istanbul in Turkiye and to Beirut in Lebanon before entering Syria by land. “We pray for our team going there. Hopefully, they will arrive there safely and perform their duties as best as possible in providing humanitarian aid.” Mohd Ghiath said the Syrian people are grateful to the Malaysian government and its people for the forthcoming humanitarian aid. “I would like to thank (Malaysia) for the assistance to Syria and the help you are going to send. Currently, we are facing a shortage of everything like medicine, fuel and electricity, and many people there are in trouble.” ROYAL GUEST ... The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah chatting yesterday with physically challenged Mohd Khairi Othman and his wife Zaleha Mohd Nafis, who were gifted a house by Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah in Kampung Pulai, Pekan in Pahang. – BERNAMAPIC TVET programmes to uplift rural youth KUALA LUMPUR: To ensure that youths, especially those in rural areas, have the opportunity to improve their living standards, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry has set entrepreneurship empowerment via Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as one of its areas of focus. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the ministry would work with 12 other ministries to achieve the mission. “We don’t move in silos. Instead, we are working with relevant ministries and will focus on providing entrepreneurship courses through TVET. We will also work with financial institutions for financing purposes,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. He was replying to a question from Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong) about the changes made to the ministry to make it youth-friendly. Noraini also expressed concern on issues linked to the interests and development of rural communities. Ahmad Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, said several initiatives were implemented, including introduction of the “Right Start Programme” as well as carrying out reforms to strengthen TVET. He said the ministry had launched a number of programmes, including Junior TVET, High-Level TVET, Technopreneur TVET and Tahfiz TVET, to boost the image of TVET in the country and meet industrial demands. Ahmad Zahid added that the high marketability of TVET graduates, at 90.4%, proved that the courses are able to meet labour market requirements. In reply to a supplementary question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) on abandoned outdoor futsal courts, Ahmad Zahid said any MP can directly submit an application to his ministry so that repair works could be carried out. “This is done in collaboration with the Youth and Sports Ministry. MPs, regardless of their political affiliations, can apply directly to me. The unity government will treat all parties equally.” – Bernama M’sia, Indonesia to cooperate on food security KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia will strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security through agrofood trade and agricultural technical collaboration to ensure sustainable and continuous food sources. The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said the matter was discussed during a meeting between its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Hermono at Menara Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang on Tuesday. The ministry said both countries are also ready to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, including collaborating under the Asean regional platform. “Indonesia is the Asean chairman for 2023 while Malaysia is the host of the 45th Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting this year. “As Asean chairman, Indonesia agreed to focus on food security in this region,” the ministry said in a statement. Mohamad has been invited to Indonesia to have a closer look at the successful development of its padi industry, which has reached a 100% self-sufficiency level to cater to the country’s domestic needs. Indonesia is also ready to export corn and livestock products such as meat, milk and eggs to meet Malaysia’s requirements. Also present at the meeting were the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Azah Hanim Ahmad, senior officials as well as representatives of the Indonesian embassy in Malaysia. – Bernama Unsubsidised fuel stations in border states proposed PADANG BESAR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has suggested that more unsubsidised petrol and diesel stations be opened in all border states. Its minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said he would raise the proposal at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow. “This pilot project of supplying (unsubsidised) RON95 petrol and diesel in Perlis is the ministry’s initiative to overcome the issue of leakage of subsidised fuel, which is often smuggled into neighbouring countries. “We suggest that more (unsubsidised) fuel stations be opened in border states, namely Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak,” he said after launching the pilot project yesterday. Salahuddin said the government previously suffered a loss of almost RM150 million a year due to leakage. He said although RON95 petrol and diesel prices are floated, they are low compared with neighbouring countries while at the same time, local petrol station operators still made profits. He added that the ministry welcomes fuel suppliers interested in opening unsubsidised petrol and diesel stations and will help them in terms of obtaining licences. – Bernama Deputy foreign minister on working visit to Hague PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin is on a two-day working visit to The Hague, the Netherlands from yesterday, his maiden working visit abroad since his appointment on Dec 9. The Foreign Ministry said Mohamad Alamin will represent Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir at the Ministerial Segment of the Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Military Domain at The World Forum Convention Centre in The Hague. The summit, co-hosted by the Netherlands and South Korea, will provide a platform for various stakeholders, including states like Malaysia, to discuss and share their views on issues pertaining to the application of AI in the military realm. “The deputy minister’s visit will provide an excellent opportunity for Malaysia to strengthen further its long-standing bilateral relations with the Netherlands as well as explore new areas of cooperation of mutual interest.” He is also expected to engage with Paul Huijts, the secretary-general of the Netherlands Foreign Affairs ministry, on the sidelines of the summit. Malaysia’s total trade with the Netherlands last year amounted to RM48.04 billion, an increase of 33.4% compared with 2021. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 JOHOR BAHRU: Former Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin has been appointed as the Johor Youth Adviser and also to the Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club (JDT FC) board of directors. The Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ), Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, said he held a meeting with Khairy and had agreed to assign the two posts to the former youth and sports minister, reported Bernama. “His vast experience in various fields in the country will provide added value to youth development, and progress the football in Johor,” Tunku Ismail wrote in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. On Jan 28, Tunku Ismail, who is the owner of JDT FC, had hinted at the possibility of offering the posts of JDT FC CEO and Johor youth adviser to Khairy. Meanwhile, Khairy, on a post on his Facebook page, thanked Tunku Ismail for appointing him, adding that he was thrilled to join the club, which is the biggest in Southeast Asia and always performed well every season. “Whatever little experience I have, I will help TMJ in his vision to make JDT FC the top football club in Asia. “In addition, I will also help realise TMJ’s desire to empower the youth of Bangsa Johor through education, training, entrepreneurship, welfare and provide appropriate protection to teenagers and children,” he added. Khairy, who was also former health minister and science, technology and innovation minister, said he would repay the trust put in him and strive relentlessly for the continued excellence of JDT FC and the empowerment of Johor youths. State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Human Resources Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said Khairy’s appointment was appropriate based on his experience when he served as the youth and sports minister from 2013 to 2018. “I welcome Khairy’s appointment and will cooperate with him to ensure the success of the youth development agenda, especially in Johor. “I also hope that Khairy, equipped with experience and capabilities, can provide new and more dynamic ideas to Johor youths as well as for the development of Johor football,” he added. Zahid: Umno confident RoS will approve no-contest motion KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is confident that the Registrar of Societies (RoS) will approve the additional motion passed at the 2022 Umno general assembly for the party’s presidency and deputy presidency to be uncontested at this year’s party polls. President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party had fully complied with all the stipulated meeting regulations in line with the party’s constitution, and had also given the necessary explanation to the RoS. “I am confident that all Umno meeting regulations and Umno Constitution have been fully adhered to. Clauses 9.3 and 9.4 of the party constitution have also been explained to the RoS,” he told reporters at the parliament media centre yesterday. Ahmad Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said this when asked about the latest development on the issue, especially on the 60-day period given by the RoS to Umno to explain the no-contest motion passed at the party’s general assembly following complaints by two Umno members, namely, Muhammad Aizat Fikri Mohd Nasir and Muhammad Fiqri Firdaus Muhammad Rom from Terengganu and Negeri Sembilan, respectively. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said Umno has started receiving nomination papers from those keen to contest in the party polls. “Doors are open for anyone to contest for the posts. I just hope all candidates will adhere to the campaign guidelines issued by the Umno Election Committee chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Samad,” he added. – Bernama Khairy takes up new role as Johor youth adviser oCrown Prince also appoints former Rembau MP to state football club board of directors RTD enhances security features on MyJPJ app, portal KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (RTD) has improved the security and user-friendly features of the MyJPJ application and its portal, which can be accessed starting today. RTD director-general Datuk Zailani Hashim said the improvements include a third-level security using the last eight characters on a users’ driving licence. He said this is in addition to the existing two-level security feature, namely, password and TAC code. “We have also added a function that allows users to retrieve the account using the last eight characters on the driver’s licence.” He added that this is to solve the issue of some new users being unable to register an account after being notified that they have already registered. “This problem occurs when users have an existing account with an RTD partner that is integrated with the RTD system,” he said in a statement yesterday. RTD has also added an email reset function for users who have forgotten the email they used or need to update their email with an additional eight characters from their driving licence. According to Zailani, the improvements were implemented in response to feedback from the public on the use of the MyJPJ application and the JPJ public portal, following the introduction of the digital Motor Vehicle Licence and digital Malaysian Driving Licence. The public can contact the RTD hotline at 03-27242522 or email to [emailprotected] for further enquiries. – Bernama Teachers can opt for offline, hybrid appraisal PUTRAJAYA: Teachers recording and reporting students’ academic proficiency using the Classroom-based Assessment (PBD) for the 2022/2023 academic session have been given the option to do it either offline or in a hybrid manner. The Education Ministry said in a statement yesterday that the new template for the offline PBD reporting of the final examination for the 2022/2023 academic session is being prepared as an alternative for the teachers. “The Education Ministry is committed to reducing the burden of teachers and ensuring their well-being,” the statement added. Earlier, it had been reported that the Integrated Assessment Management System (SPPB) was not functioning well and would be temporarily suspended for upgrading exercises. The move was taken following complaints by teachers about problems accessing the system to record and report students’ academic proficiency. The SPPB is the latest, continuous and comprehensive assessment management system for all types of assessment whether related to students, teachers or educational institutions. – Bernama Johor MB to go for Simpang Renggam JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has offered to run for the Simpang Renggam Umno division chief post in the party polls. Onn Hafiz, who will not be contesting at the national level, said the decision was made after getting the views of various parties, including his family members, friends, leaders, grassroots machinery, especially in the Simpang Renggam division. “I have decided to continue to focus on providing my services to the state of Johor, and God willing will continue to strive to strengthen the administration in developing the state as well as my constituency,” the Macap state assemblyman said in a Facebook post yesterday. Onn Hafiz, 44, is currently Simpang Renggam Umno division vice-chief while Umno supreme council member Datuk Zakaria Dullah has been the division chief since 2018. – Bernama FRESH PICK ... A Malaysian tourist plucking and collecting oranges in a basket at the Orenge Cafe, a tourist attraction, 70km from Satun in Thailand. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN Agricultural sector short of 186,000 foreign workers PUTRAJAYA: Around 186,000 foreign workers are needed to meet the labour demand in the agricultural sector nationwide, said Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin. He said, so far, 3,000 foreign workers have registered with the Labour Recalibration Programme 2.0 to fill vacancies in the sector. “The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is working with several parties, especially the Human Resources Ministry and the Immigration Department, to deal with the current labour shortage in the sector,” he told reporters after attending the Agro-food Industry Dialogue session and special briefing on the Employment of Foreign Workers in the agricultural sector here yesterday. The event was attended by 400 industry players. According to him, the Labour Recalibration Programme has given the industry an alternative on the hiring of foreign workers to help increase agricultural production. – Bernama

4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Singer attributes success to husband oFormer lawyer turned award-winning artiste says she is blessed to have loving, understanding and supportive partner KUALA LUMPUR: As an awardwinning artiste, Kamal Chopra credits her success in the music industry to her family, especially her husband Dr Sunil Chopra, who encouraged her and gave his unconditional support through time, effort and teamwork. She has won numerous awards locally and in the United Kingdom, including Best International Artiste Award in 2019 and 2022. Kamal, who previously worked as a lawyer, left the profession to devote her time and energy to building a career in the music industry. Association reiterates commitment to serve SMEs PETALING JAYA: The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta), which celebrates its 37th anniversary this year, is committed to continuing to support the country’s SMEs by championing their plight to the government and other stakeholders, said its chairman Datuk William Ng. Speaking at the association’s central region Lunar New Year open house in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, he said: “We are committed to supporting the more than one million SMEs in the country. “During the December 2021 floods, we activated the Samenta Central Task Force (CTF), which helped over 200 affected SMEs make police reports, negotiated for a moratorium with banks and sought assistance from various government agencies. “This was appreciated by the affected SMEs, and as such, we are keeping the CTF active in case something similar happens to SMEs in the future.” He said Samenta will continue working to drive up the productivity of SMEs, adding that the main challenge is not a lack of financing or even the labour crunch, but the low margins as a result of low productivity. “We are working closely with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation to help raise the productivity of our SMEs through digitalisation and automation.” Over 300 guests attended the Lunar New Year open house, including Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Saraswathy Kandasami and Peru ambassador to Malaysia, Ricardo Morote. In her speech, Saraswathy congratulated Samenta for its work in supporting SMEs. “As the first and largest SME association in the country, Samenta has been instrumental in helping SMEs over the years by connecting them to global markets. “The ministry looks forward to continuing to work with Samenta to improve the capacity and capability of SMEs in Malaysia,” Saraswathy said. Ministry revising SOP at psychiatric facilities KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is reviewing the standard operating procedures (SOP) for bringing psychiatric patients to health facilities for treatment. Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the matter is important as it involves the safety of other patients. He said the procedures to follow when bringing psychiatric patients in for treatment and while the patients are awaiting treatment are among those that will be reviewed. “What we have noticed is that psychiatric patients become agitated in public places. “So, we need to see which SOP needs to be streamlined, so that when these patients come in for treatment, we know how to deal with them,” he told a press conference after attending the Global Surgery Initiative event in Subang Jaya yesterday. He was responding to queries regarding an incident involving a psychiatric patient who stabbed a bystander at the Selayang Hospital on Tuesday. Noor Hisham also said the incident could have happened anywhere and that the patient was not triggered by overcrowding at the hospital’s emergency department. – Bernama Kamal and Sunil with two of her awards. – PIC COURTESY OF ABDUL AZIZ ISMAIL 300 traders expected at Raya carnival SHAH ALAM: Around 300 traders nationwide, involving 260 booths, are expected to participate in the “Kaloot Fest Raya” to be held on April 14 to 16 at the Setia City Convention Centre. Arena Vision Management managing director Hurriyah Alhusna Mohd Nashim said the traders would include those who sell supplies for the Aidilfitri celebration, including apparel and food items. Hurriyah Alhusna said the organiser is targeting about 200,000 visitors, especially from Shah Alam, Klang and Kuala Selangor. “The selection of the Setia City Convention Centre as the new, more comfortable venue is to allow residents, especially in Shah Alam, Klang and Kuala Selangor, to get Hari Raya supplies away from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur during the festive season.” – Bernama █ BYDHARSHINI GANESON [emailprotected] █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [emailprotected] US climate action exhibition in KL KUALA LUMPUR: “Planet Us”, an interactive exhibit that aims to educate and inspire Malaysian youth to play a more proactive role in tackling the climate crisis, as well as contributing to an environmentally sustainable future, is now here with an exciting line-up of workshops and programmes. US embassy deputy chief of mission Michael Newbill said the exhibit, which visited and engaged with youth in Sarawak, Sabah, Kelantan and Penang since June last year, is expected to reach 5,000 local youths by the end of the campaign. Jointly organised by the US embassy and social enterprise Biji-Biji Initiative, “Planet Us” will run in The Square at Publika Shopping Gallery until Feb 19 and at Taman Tugu from Feb 24 to 26. – Bernama “It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and practise for me to reach where I am today. “I spend hours planning and preparing for my live performances and audio recordings, practising, learning new songs and interacting with my fans on social media. “I am truly blessed to have a husband who is very loving and understanding and supports me physically and emotionally in my music career.” She said from day one, Sunil has been her pillar of strength, as he has always been there when she needed him. “Sunil and I met at a family gathering and later arranged our first date. “We went for a romantic Hindi film and after that, he proposed and I accepted,” said Kamal, who confessed it was love at first sight for the couple. Kamal said she started listening to music when she was about three or four years old and frequently entertained her classmates and was also an active participant in school concerts. She said her classmates remember her more for her singing rather than her academic achievements. “At 14, a classmate and I decided to form a singing duo and we took part in a district-level singing competition in Petaling Jaya. “We emerged second, which was my first win as a singer,” said Kamal, adding that she loved every moment of her fame. At 17 years, Kamal became braver as she convinced her brothers to accompany her for an audition for a TV show, without her parent’s knowledge. She won. “When we eventually told our parents, they were pleasantly surprised to see their daughter on national TV. “But my priorities changed as I grew older. “I was offered a scholarship to read law and completed my University of London external degree. I was called to the Bar in 1993,” said Kamal, who then put her music career on hold, working as a conveyancing lawyer in Selangor. After she married Sunil, the initial years were devoted to their children, but things changed when I gave up my career in 2008. “Sunil was the one who motivated me to take up singing professionally, with singing lessons. “He even set up a complete sound system at home and persuaded me to register with the karaoke club at the Penang Sports Club for more singing exposure. “It was then that I emerged champion in the 5-Clubs InterClub Karaoke Competition in 2012. “This boosted my confidence and that was when my perspective changed.” Kamal then decided that music would no longer be a hobby, but something to be pursued professionally. Sunil then became her adviser. “In the end, it was not about me winning all those international competitions but the love and teamwork of my husband and family that made the whole experience so memorable. “Many women have come up to congratulate me as they feel inspired by my success as a music artiste. “But I did it with Sunil’s support.”

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 Details of ex-AG’s suit classified under OSA KUALA LUMPUR: The terms of settlement of a lawsuit filed by former attorney-general Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the government regarding the termination of his contract as attorney-general, are classified as confidential under the Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA). Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated the civil case had been settled out of court with the consent of the government without any admission of liability. “During the settlement negotiations, the parties particularly the plaintiff (Mohamed Apandi) represented by Messrs Shukor Baljit and Partners, and the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers had agreed that the terms be kept confidential and not to be disclosed to the public,” she said. Azalina was responding to a question from M. Kulasegaran (PHIpoh Barat), who asked Mahathir to state the amount of compensation paid to Mohamed Apandi when the government settled the suit. On April 13, 2022, the High Court dropped the suit after the government agreed to settle the case. On Oct 13, 2020, Mohamed Apandi filed the suit naming Mahathir and the government, as the first and second defendants respectively, seeking, among others, a declaration that the termination of his contract was invalid. Mohamed Apandi had sought special damages of RM2,233,599.36, general and exemplary damages, costs and other relief deemed fit by the court. – Bernama Four teens among 13 on drug charge GEORGE TOWN: Thirteen individuals, including four teenagers, were charged in the magistrate’s court yesterday with drug possession at an entertainment centre in Jalan Burmah on Feb 12. All the accused are Malaysians, namely Mervyn Michael Wong, 47, Chuah Kim Long, 18, Chiew Zhen Yang, 20, Khaw Siang Khai, 27, Teoh Wah Lee, 19, Yeo Thiam Siang, 35, Choong Pek Chooi, 37, Ong Chiew Ying, 20, Koay Sze Chee, 39, as well as four teenagers aged 13 to 17. They all pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before magistrate R. Manomani. According to the charge sheet, they were found to be in possession of ketamine weighing 1.87g at 3.45am on Feb 12 at an entertainment centre in Jalan Burmah. The charges were framed under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, which provides for a fine of RM100,000 or five years in prison or both. DPP Nurnajihatul Idayu Mohd Azuyar offered bail of RM4,000 for each accused, while lawyer Tan Yen Sing, representing all the accused, appealed for a lower bail on the grounds that they earned a low and irregular monthly income. The court set bail at RM2,500 in one surety for Wong, Khaw, Yeo, Choong and Koay. A bail of RM2,000 in one surety was set for Chuah, Chiew, Teoh and Ong, while a bail of RM1,000 in one surety was set for the four teenagers. The court set May 24 for mention. – Bernama Blind weaver creates songket through sense of touch KUALA TERENGGANU: Even after she lost her sight, a single mother of four, Gayah Awang, continues to weave songket, a skill she has had since childhood and which has become her primary source of income. Although it has not been easy to memorise the layout of the threads and maintain the songket pattern, Gayah, 54, is determined to continue the tedious process through her sense of touch. Affectionately known as Mok Su, Gayah, who was widowed at age 34, said she started losing her vision gradually when she was a teenager due to a neurological disorder, which runs in her family. “Five of my seven siblings have vision problems and I am totally blind now. When I am sitting in a bright place, I can only see shadows. “When weaving, I will be groping Gayah showing the process of weaving songket using her traditional machine at her home in Kampung Pasir Panjang in Kuala Terengganu. – BERNAMAPIC oAfter losing sight during her teens, single mother now relies on daughter to prepare equipment and memorises production process Perak closes two relief centres IPOH: Two temporary relief centres in Tanjung Malim and Batang Padang districts, have been closed after the flood situation fully recovered yesterday. The Kampung Sungai Sekiah multipurpose hall relief centre at Batu 7 in Behrang, which housed 10 evacuees, was closed at 9.30am yesterday, said Muallim district disaster management committee chairman Mohamad Fitri Hassan. The centre was opened at 11.30pm on Tuesday to accommodate evacuees from Kampung Sungai Dara. In a separate statement, Batang Padang district disaster management committee chairman Ahmad Redhauddin Ahmad Shokori said Kampung Samy Tapah multipurpose hall, which accommodated 53 evacuees, was closed at noon after they were allowed to return to their respective homes. A spokesman for the Perak disaster management committee secretariat said 260 residents from Taman Permai Slim and Kampung Balun were still housed at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Slim River, which opened at 12.30am yesterday. Various agencies, including the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, police and Social Welfare Department, are monitoring the flood situation as well as the relief centres. – Bernama Appeals court sets aside death sentence on brothers PUTRAJAYA: Two brothers escaped the gallows after the Court of Appeal set aside their conviction and death sentence for trafficking cannabis totalling 986.1g. The three member’s panel comprising justices Datuk Hanipah Farikullah, Datuk Wira Ahmad Nasfy Yasin and Datuk Lim Chong Fong allowed the appeals by S. Rubanraaj and S. Nagaraja after ruling that their appeals had merit. Hanipah said the High Court judge was duty bound to consider all evidence before him but in this case, he failed to comply with Section 182A of the Criminal Procedure Code for not considering the defence case, which amounted to a miscarriage of justice. She said based on the evidence adduced before the High Court judge, the conviction of Rubanraaj, 27, and Nagaraja, 35, were unsafe. Both men were found guilty for trafficking drugs and they were sentenced to death by the High Court on Feb 27, 2020. They were alleged to have committed the offence at a parking area at Prima Bayu Apartment in Klang at 10pm on April 26, 2018. – Bernama as I can’t see anything but I have my daughter to help me arrange the threads and prepare the weaving equipment. Then, I will start weaving by counting the thread strips and rely on my sense of touch to make sure the woven fabric is neat and beautiful,” she said. According to Mok Su, each roll of yarn is marked with rubber bands to enable her to differentiate each yarn colour that would be used for each piece of fabric, Bernama reported. Usually, Mok Su would weave songket bunga dalam, which she says were much easier due to her disability because this method requires not many colours, patterns and flowers. “I don’t take orders directly from customers because with my condition, it will take me a week to complete one piece of songket, while others can have them ready in two days. “Besides, I don’t weave a lot and will take my time to do just enough to earn some money to cover our daily essentials,” said Mok Su. “For more intricate songket bunga penuh, she leaves it to her daughter Nurul Hajar Ismail, 26,” she said, adding that they are still using their ancestral traditional weaving machine, which is made of wood. “Weaving was all I could do to raise my children after my husband died of asthma,” said Mok Su, who completed her Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia and was offered a place at teachers college, which she declined due to her vision loss at 19. According to Mok Su, working as a traditional songket weaver is not easy, but her love for the art, which has been her family tradition, has been her motivation. “I do not want this unique skill of weaving to go to waste so I am passing it down to my daughters. “Hajar is already good at it and she is assisting me full time,” said Mok Su, whose work has received the support of Malaysian Handicrafts Development Corporation Terengganu branch.

6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Tax officials raid BBC India offices after critical documentary NEW DELHI: Indian tax authorities raided BBC’s New Delhi and Mumbai offices on Tuesday, weeks after the broadcaster aired a documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s actions during sectarian riots in 2002. Press freedom in the world’s biggest democracy has suffered during Modi’s tenure, rights activists said while the opposition Congress party condemned the raids, saying there was an “undeclared emergency” in the country. A spokesman for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused BBC of engaging in “anti-India propaganda”, but said the raids were lawful and the timing had nothing to do with the government. “India is a country which gives an opportunity to every organisation as long as you don’t spew venom,” Gaurav Bhatia told reporters. “If you have been following the law of the country, if you have nothing to hide, why be afraid of an action that is according to the law?” In a statement on Twitter, the broadcaster said it was “fully cooperating” with authorities. Police sealed off the BBC’s New Delhi office, which occupies two floors of a high-rise on a leafy avenue in the capital’s commercial heart. A New Delhi-based BBC employee said officials had been “confiscating all phones” during the tax raid. Last month, the BBC aired a two-part documentary alleging that Modi ordered police to turn a blind eye to sectarian riots in Gujarat state, where he was premier at the time. The violence left at least 1,000 people dead. The government blocked videos and tweets sharing links to the documentary – which was not aired in India – using emergency powers under its information technology laws. University student groups later organised viewings of the documentary despite campus bans. Police arrested two dozen Delhi University students after stopping a screening there last month. – AFP Seoul: N. Korean food shortage worsening SEOUL: North Korea’s food crisis appears to have deteriorated, South Korea said yesterday as a newspaper reported that North Korea has cut rations to its soldiers for the first time in more than two decades. North Korea has effectively acknowledged serious food shortages, the South’s Unification Ministry said, referring to a North Korean state media report this month about plans for an “urgent” ruling party meeting on agriculture. “Its food situation seems to have deteriorated,” said the ministry, which handles relations with North Korea, in a statement. North Korea has over recent decades suffered serious food shortages, including famine in the 1990s, often a result of natural disasters such as floods damaging harvests. The country is under strict international sanctions over its nuclear weapons programmes and in recent years its limited border trade was virtually choked off by self-imposed lockdowns aimed at preventing Covid-19. South Korea’s DongA Ilbo newspaper said North Korea has reduced daily food rations to its soldiers for the first time since 2000, citing an unidentified senior South Korean official. The unification ministry said it could not confirm details of the media report but it and other agencies were monitoring the situation. North Korean news agency KCNA reported on Feb 6 that the Workers’ Party of Korea had called a meeting of its central committee later this month for the “very important and urgent task to establish the correct strategy for the development of agriculture”. Last month, US-based monitoring group 38 North said North Korea’s “food availability has likely fallen below the bare minimum with regard to human needs”, with food insecurity at its worst since the famines of the 1990s. “North Korea’s food situation doesn’t seem very good,” South Korea’s Unification Minister Kwon Young-se told parliament. “We’re seeing a number of signs, though it doesn’t yet look like there’s a stream of people starving to death.” – Reuters B R I E F SSTRONG EARTHQUAKE FELT IN WELLINGTON WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s capital was swayed by a strong earthquake yesterday, with residents reporting feeling a sudden jolt and buildings quivering. The US Geological Survey said the quake measured 5.7 on the moment magnitude scale, with an epicentre in the Cook Strait between the country’s two main islands. “A big shake there! (It) was widely felt in the North Island,” said New Zealand’s Civil Defence Agency. There were no immediate reports of damage, and no tsunami warning has been issued. But residents reported feeling the ground shaking for 10 to 20 seconds, likening it to a convoy of giant trucks rolling by. – AFP CHINA TO RESUME ISSUING VISAS FOR SOUTH KOREANS SEOUL: China will resume issuing short-term visas for South Korean nationals on Feb 18, the Chinese embassy here said yesterday. The move follows South Korea’s decision last week to end Covid-linked travel restrictions on Chinese nationals – rules that sparked a tit-for-tat measures from Beijing. From Saturday, the Chinese embassy in Seoul said it and other consulates “will resume issuing short-term visas for Korean citizens to visit China”. China scrapped visa-free transit for South Korean and Japanese citizens last month after Seoul and Tokyo imposed Covid restrictions on travellers from China. – AFP Hundreds rescued from New Zealand rooftops WELLINGTON: Military helicopters winched stranded storm survivors to safety in New Zealand yesterday, after Cyclone Gabrielle killed four people and displaced 10,500 more. With the storm now fading into the South Pacific, rescue teams are finally reaching regions cut off by days of torrential rain and gale-force winds. The military deployed three NH90 helicopters on reconnaissance and rescue flights to the hard-hit Hawke’s Bay area, finding families, pets and workmates clustered on sodden zinc rooftops – surrounded by a sea of murky, debris-filled floodwater. “In some cases, floodwaters were up to the oCyclone kills four, 160,000 households still without power second storey of homes where people were being rescued,” a military spokesman said. The disaster has severed roads, collapsed houses and cut power across a swathe of North Island, home to more than threequarters of the country’s five million residents. The human toll continues to rise. Police said the body of a child was found in a town on the remote east coast, with the youngster “believed to have been caught in rising floodwater”. Three other bodies have also been recovered, including a woman killed when her house was crushed by a landslide and a victim believed to be a volunteer firefighter trapped by a collapsing home. “The devastation is widespread and has taken a toll beyond property and livelihoods to people,” said Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. “There have been four confirmed fatalities and the grief must be unimaginable.” With the cellphone network disrupted, police have received more than 1,400 reports of people who are still “uncontactable”. “We expect the vast majority of these people will be accounted for,” Hipkins said, “but there are several people missing for whom police hold grave concerns.” Emergency Minister Kieran McAnulty said around 10,500 people had been displaced. Officials estimate 160,000 households are still without power. McAnulty hailed the “phenomenal” efforts of rescue workers and military personnel who plucked “roughly 300 people from rooftops” in Hawke’s Bay – a sprawling expanse of lush farmland, rugged mountains and hard-to-reach towns. He said a group of 60 people were rescued from one large building marooned by floodwaters. Aerial images from the area showed a once-bucolic landscape riven with torrents of floodwater, latticed with crumbling roads and scarred by massive landslides. – AFP Stamps featuring Kim’s daughter unveiled PYONGYANG: North Korea has unveiled new postage stamps featuring leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter, in what experts described as another sign of her rise as heir apparent of the nuclear-armed nation. North Korean state media never mentioned Kim’s children for years. But in November, at the launch of the country’s most powerful ballistic missile, Kim was pictured with his daughter in tow. There have since been several high-profile appearances by the daughter, who has never been named by Pyongyang. South Korea’s spy agency believes she is Kim’s second child, called Ju Ae. The state-run Korea Stamp Corporation unveiled a new series of stamps on Tuesday commemorating the Nov 18 missile launch – five of them featuring Kim and his daughter. The corporation described the unnamed girl as Kim’s “beloved daughter” in captions describing the stamps on its website. Some experts said the daughter’s appearances indicate that she is being groomed as the next leader, and that the stamps further cement her place in the cult of personality surrounding the ruling Kim family. The stamps “look like the official start of Kim Ju Ae’s life as her father’s successor”, said defector An Chan-il. – AFP UNWILLING GUEST ... New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens standing among West Papua National Liberation Army fighters in Indonesia’s Papua region, in this undated picture released by the separatists. He was kidnapped after landing his plane in Nduga province. – REUTERSPIC

7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 White House seeks to deflate China balloon worries oThree unidentified objects possibly benign, says official WASHINGTON: The White House sought on Tuesday to take the air out of an escalating diplomatic crisis with Beijing, saying that preliminary evidence suggests three unidentified aerial objects shot down by American jets were not involved in a broader Chinese spy balloon programme. The United States has been in a state of alarm since a huge white balloon from China was spotted tracking over a series of top secret nuclear weapons sites, before being shot down just off the east coast on Feb 4. In the wake of the incident, the US military adjusted radar settings to detect smaller objects and promptly discovered three more unidentified craft that President Joe Biden ordered shot down – one over Alaska, another over Canada and the third over Lake Huron off Michigan. US authorities “haven’t seen any indication or anything that points specifically to the idea that these three objects were part of (China’s) B R I E F SHALEY ANNOUNCES 2024 PRESIDENTIAL BID WASHINGTON: Former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley announced on Tuesday she is running for president, becoming the first high-profile candidate to challenge Donald Trump – her onetime boss – for the Republican nomination. “I’m Nikki Haley and I’m running for president,” said the former South Carolina governor and the child of Indian immigrants in a video statement. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership, to rediscover fiscal responsibility, secure our border and strengthen our country, our pride and our purpose,” she said. The 51-year-old is positioning herself as a changemaker who can reinvigorate a party and country she said have lost their way in recent years. – AFP SCOTTISH FIRST MINISTER TO RESIGN LONDON: Nicola Sturgeon is set to resign as first minister of Scotland after eight years in the job, the BBC reported yesterday, leaving office with no clear successor and with the question of independence unresolved. Sturgeon became the leader of the ruling Scottish National Party in the wake of its 2014 independence referendum when the country voted 55% to 45% to remain as part of the UK. The BBC cited a source close to Sturgeon as saying “she’s had enough”. She suffered a blow in November when the UK’s top court ruled that the Scottish government could not hold a second referendum without approval from the British parliament. – Reuters spy balloon programme or that they were definitely involved in external intelligence,” said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. With Congress, the media and the public speculating over everything from a coordinated Chinese spying offensive to aliens, officials are now stressing that the three new objects appear to be neither Chinese nor involved in spying. Kirby said they “could be balloons that were simply tied to commercial or research entities and therefore benign”. That “could emerge as a leading explanation here”, he said. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged that the ownership of the three objects remains unknown but “we do want to make sure that the American people understand that there’s no need to panic”. Kirby stressed that China is running a “well funded, deliberate programme” to use high-altitude, hard-to-detect balloons for spying on the US and other countries. But whether the three latest objects downed were part of that will not be definitively known until the debris is analysed – and that is taking more time than US authorities would like. “It will certainly help us hone in on that if and when we can get the debris,” Kirby said. But due to “pretty tough” weather and geographical conditions in all three cases, “we haven’t found them yet”, he said. – AFP Erdogan vows to rebuild after quake, rescue work winds down ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan vowed to press on with rescue and recovery efforts more than a week after a powerful quake ripped through his country and neighbouring Syria, with an elderly woman the latest to be pulled from the rubble. The combined death toll in Turkiye and Syria has climbed over 41,000, and many survivors are enduring near-freezing winter temperatures, having been left homeless by the devastation in cities in both countries. “We will continue our work until we remove the last citizen left under the collapsed buildings,” Erdogan said on Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting held at the headquarters of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. Damage assessment of buildings, of which tens of thousands were destroyed, will be completed in a week and reconstruction will begin within months, he said. “We will rebuild all the houses and workplaces, destroyed or made uninhabitable by the earthquake, and hand them over to the rightful owners. ” More than 105,000 people were injured in the quake, he said, with more than 13,000 still being treated in hospital. A 77-year-old woman named Fatma Gungor was pulled alive from the rubble of a seven-storey apartment block in the city of Adiyaman, some 212 hours after the first earthquake, media reports said. Wearing an oxygen mask, covered in a gold foil blanket and strapped onto a stretcher, Gungor was carried by rescue workers down from the ruins of the building to a waiting ambulance, footage from state broadcaster TRT showed. Afterwards, Gungor’s relatives hugged the rescue team, made up of military personnel and members of the disaster management authority. Nine other survivors were rescued in Turkiye on Tuesday as the focus of the aid effort shifted to helping people now struggling without shelter or enough food in the cold. – Reuters UK and US guilty of crimes against humanity: HRW LONDON: Britain and the United States are guilty of crimes against humanity in the forced displacement of indigenous people from the Chagos Islands, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said yesterday. In a 106-report, the US-based rights group added that the UK’s “racial persecution, and continued blocking of their return home”, with Washington’s support, constituted an “ongoing colonial crime”. The two countries should provide full reparations to the Chagossian people, including their right to return to live in their homeland in the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, HRW urged. “The UK is today committing an appalling colonial crime, treating all Chagossians as a people without rights,” said HRW senior legal adviser and lead author of the report Clive Baldwin. “The UK and the US, who together expelled the Chagossians from their homes, should provide full reparations for the harm they have caused.” London decided in 1965 to separate the archipelago from Mauritius, which was then part of the British empire, and set up a joint military base with the US on Diego Garcia, the largest of the isles. It continues to administer them but Mauritius, which became an independent country in 1968, has long fought to return the islands to its territory and has gained international support for its cause. A 2019 International Court of Justice ruling backed its claim and said Britain should give up control of the remote archipelago. Later that year, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favour of a resolution recognising that “the Chagos Archipelago forms an integral part of the territory of Mauritius” and recommended Britain withdraw within six months. London and Mauritius have begun talks over the islands’ sovereignty, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said last month. However, HRW noted that there had been “no clear commitment to meaningful consultation with the Chagossians and to guarantee their right to reparations, including their right to return, in any settlement”. – AFP Aerial view of collapsed buildings during ongoing rescue operations in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras. – AFPPIC Musk: ‘Someone else’ could be running Twitter by year-end DUBAI: Twitter boss Elon Musk said yesterday that a new CEO might be running the online platform by the end of 2023, after a “rollercoaster” since he took full ownership last year. “I’m guessing probably towards the end of this year should be good timing to find someone else to run the company,” he told the World Government Summit conference in Dubai via video. “I need to stabilise the organisation and make sure it’s in a healthy place and that the product roadmap is clearly laid out. I think it should be in a stable position around the end of this year.” Musk paid US$44 billion for his favourite social media platform and exiting day-to-day operations would allow him to deflect criticism that he is neglecting his other ventures, especially car company Tesla, which has seen its share price plummet since he took over Twitter. Musk has given few clues to what type of leader he is looking for. On Dec 21, when he first announced he planned to step down as CEO, he said only that he would limit his own duties to software and server engineering once “someone foolish enough” had taken his place. Since Musk took full ownership of Twitter on Oct 27, the platform has been riven by chaos, with mass layoffs, the return of banned accounts and the suspension of journalists critical of the South African-born billionaire. Musk’s takeover also saw a surge in racist or hateful tweets, drawing scrutiny from regulators and chasing away big advertisers, Twitter’s primary source of revenue. “It has been a rollercoaster,” he told the Dubai conference. – AFP

8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 SPEAK UP S OME people may criticise Malaysia Airlines, but after having flown on many airlines I have a different view. When I worked in the plantations, such as in Sabah, upriver from Sandakan and driving under the oil palm trees in the Labuk Valley, I could hear the plane fly to Kota Kinabalu each morning. I had time to think that my life as a planter was the opposite of the one led by the pilot. He would be miles away on the other coast and I was still where I was. The first time I flew was on MSA’s Boeing 737 from Singapore to Sabah. It was a thrill to see the ground rush below and just before the runway ran out, we were lifted above the grass and heading over the sea, then veering to the east to cross the South China Sea. The wheels went up and the wings’ tips levelled as I watched the white crests of waves below. The speed was something else. Since then, I have noted some things have changed. In the old days when you went on board, the air hostess would offer you cigarettes in small packets of five, including Rothmans and Dunhill. I could even smoke my pipe. Not anymore. For international flights, I could go to the co*ckpit and chat with the pilot if he happened to be a friend from my class at the Royal Military College. I could see, save for some flicker of lights, the land was asleep across India. Then we were past the shorelines and far below were the towers of oil rigs burning their gas in the Arabian Gulf. Further on, as we flew just at dawn over Europe the sky became bright over the snow peaks of the Alps, and it would not be long before we saw the first green fields of England. The crew prepared for landing and with a roar, the wheels were out again just as the Thames and Heathrow came into view. Of course, now we are no longer allowed into the co*ckpit. When in Europe, I was travelling on airlines that now no longer exist. Some did not deserve to be boarded. This would include Sabena, for which passengers had found a full description: “Such a bloody experience, never again.” British Overseas Airways Corporation was busy in the mid-70s with charter flights, selling tickets at a discount. But things did not always go smoothly on board, with poor service. Someone coined the phrase “Better On A Camel”. The first time I went to Africa was on Air Afrique, jointly owned by some West African countries, with its headquarters in Abidjan. As I found out on board after a meal was served and cleared away, the lights were off, we were in the dark and the crew did not appear again. I felt very thirsty and when someone walked past my seat, I thought she was a staff. I snapped at her to bring me a glass of water. After a while, she came back with a glass. I asked her how many hours before we landed. “I don’t know,” she answered. “I am a passenger too.” I was glad that she did not see my face when I realised my mistake. From my office in London, I often went to Africa later on, using the most convenient connections that sometimes got me to board flights by Union de Transports Aériens, which were just as bad as Sabena. It was absorbed by Air France in the 1990s. Another airline that left the skies was Swissair, which was formed in 1931, and was lauded as one of the best-managed airlines, and I liked it in the 1980s for its efficiency in timing. But ten years later it started to show a fall in standards as I tried to board in the rain in Zurich for a flight. I asked for an umbrella, but the ground staff using it did not have one to spare. “We don’t have umbrellas for you.” I did not fly on that airline again and I heard that it did not last long after that. I could also take different airlines to Africa and one of them was Ethiopian Airlines from Dubai to Ghana. It stopped for a while in Addis Ababa. I had read a lot about Ethiopia and felt sorry I had no chance to visit it, but I liked what I saw at the airport. Once I took an Air Nigeria flight. It was a short hop from Douala in Cameroon to Calabar, but it was enough for me not to fly on it again when the air hostess was making light of the safety drill in her demonstration up in front. She was laughing and took her task as a joke. I was glad when we landed safely. My treatment by immigration and customs on the ground is another story. Thai Airways has become better over the years as tourism has increased and the crew knew more about the dietary requirements of Muslim passengers. It was not the case when I was with a group travelling to Bangkok in the early 1990s. We had booked Muslim food earlier but we did not get it on board. The beautiful girl who served us was hostile and we were hungry. And when she passed us the immigration forms before landing, she had the heart to say “Muslim forms!” Unlike some airlines which provided gifts of toiletries, or had combs in the toilet drawers for passengers to take, the airline did not provide this, even in business class. I asked the stewardess if she could give me a comb. “No!” she said. “Use your own!” Some airlines are very good. For example, Singapore Airlines has always been touted to be the best and certainly, things went on like clockwork. But there was something impersonal about the way the air hostesses went about their work, that some passengers would say they had a plastic smile. On the other hand, when I was booked to fly on Malaysia Airlines it was a welcome sight to see the plane at a foreign airport. The aerobridge was fixed and ready for boarding. After some time being away, when I stepped in I felt I was at home. The familiar words, the smile and the warm greetings that followed would take away the anxiety of foreign travel. It was left for the cabin crew to spoil me with the food they gave, the helping of satay arriving first and after the main course, some ice cream and fruits, and I might even get sachets of peanuts. The slim air hostess would answer my questions well and with a smile. Perhaps her mind already knew my next questions, for they were likely to be the same ones asked by other passengers who tend to speak more when in the air and travelling alone. My sleep may not come with the enjoyment of more coffee and movies. Or I could catch up on home news in the papers, and read those business and sports magazines. I was happy with everything. On the other hand, I had heard that the financial results of the airlines were not as good. I was speculating on some of the reasons. My thoughts could get interrupted when the air stewardess came back in the soft light with a form for me to fill out. “What is that for?” I asked. “Head office wants you to say what you think about us on your flight.” I had rejected the forms before. I would ask for another one. “Do you have a similar form for me to fill out about your head office?” She lost her smile and fled back to the galley. Unlike all my previous questions, this one frightened her. Comments: [emailprotected] The planter on a plane “On the other hand, when I was booked to fly on Malaysia Airlines it was a welcome sight to see the plane at a foreign airport. When I stepped in I felt I was at home. Stand united with victims, frontliners I WOULD like to humbly call on all Malaysians to stand in solidarity with the victims of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. It is the least we can do as Malaysians. Keep them in your prayers and thoughts. I hope and pray to see more victims rescued and reunited with their respective families. Please also keep our uniformed frontliners comprising, among others, members of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Civil Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Department and Members of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team. They are faced with their own set of difficulties and challenges but do their best in the line of duty. Social media photos and news reports show weary faces and tired personnel racing against time to rescue as many victims as possible. One can only imagine the hardship they encounter. However, they do all this and more without asking for much. It is the commitment, dedication and, above all, duty to King and country that gives them the strength to soldier on one more day. Please remember that our frontliners on site do not ask for much. They too have families waiting for them back home. Let us unite and channel our prayers and well wishes for them to successfully execute their search and rescue mission, and return home to Malaysia safely. In the same breath, please also keep the Fire and Rescue Department’s tracker dogs Denti and Frankie in your prayers. Let us appreciate and remember their sacrifices, do not take them for granted. We are fortunate enough to be able to count on them in our darkest hours. They truly are Malaysia’s finest who have selflessly upheld duty to God, King and Malaysia. Yeap Ming Liong Associate Captain, Malaysian Civil Defence Force COMMENT by Mahbob Abdullah LETTERS [emailprotected]

9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 HIV treatment, are we there yet? AS embodied by the National Strategic Plan for Ending AIDS (2016 to 2030), the government has highlighted its intention to halt and reverse the AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) epidemic by 2030 on the back of meeting the 95-95-95 strategic targets or objectives – as the means to realise the country’s vision of securing the “Three Zeros”, i.e, zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. These strategic targets or objectives aim for: > 95% of the critical population to have their HIV status diagnosed and to be notified of the results; > 95% of those who have HIV to be started on antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment; and > 95% of these (i.e, in reference to the 95% in the second bullet point – who have started the ART treatment) adhere to treatment with a suppressed/reduced viral load. However, more has to be done to realise these envisioned goals. It’s vital, therefore, for the government to ensure that the National Strategic Plan for Ending AIDS (2016 to 2030) and, by inclusion, the 95-95-95 strategic targets or objectives and, in turn, the “Three Zeros” are implemented holistically and comprehensively – entailing and necessitating a “whole of government, all society (private sector, civil society, communities and families)” approach. To appreciate the overall situation, it’s important to rehighlight the nature of AIDS which is a condition resulting from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) that is originated directly from sexual activities, principally via the exchange of bodily fluids, and is transmitted secondarily via the sharing of needles, exposure to infected blood, or passing on an infection from mother to child when pregnant (MTCT), which occurs during pregnancy, labour, delivery and breastfeeding. The HIV virus attacks and destroys the immune system’s infection-fighting CD4 cells (CD4 T lymphocytes) that coordinate the immune response. In other words, CD4 (white blood cells) play a significant role as a defence mechanism to fight against infections, viruses, etc. The CD4 count for an average healthy person should range from 500 to 1500 cells per cubic millimetre of blood (mm3). However, the number can decrease to 200 cells/mm3 and below in the case of a person with HIV whose condition has progressed or advanced to AIDS – which can vary (dependent variable) among individuals – e.g, as early as within six months or as late as 20 years in absence of ART. The purpose of ART is to suppress the replication/multiplication of HIV (based on the formula of “undetectable equal untransmittable” – U=U – vis-à-vis the viral load). Globally, about 38.4 million people were living with HIV in 2021 and 650,000 died in the same year alone. As maintained by the Health Ministry (MOH), it is projected that 81,942 people were living with HIV (PLHIV) at the end of 2021 and 67,822 (83%) of these individuals were aware of their condition and were informed by the national surveillance system. Whereas only 44,916 were receiving ART 0 which is only 55% of the total. Normally, PLHIV are carriers – including those with AIDS – who continue living because of ART (i.e, longer than if they have not received ART). However, ART for PLHIV increased to 66% last year compared with, for example, 28% in 2015. However, according to Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, “the declines in HIV cases and the increase in treatment coverage is still insufficient for the country to eliminate AIDS by 2030. Inequalities are the obstacle to this effort. Therefore, the availability, quality and suitability of services for HIV treatment, testing and prevention must be improved”. There’s a critical need for an allinclusive and comprehensive HIV treatment. The US National Institute of Health has classified HIV into three main stages (Figure 1): Stage 1: Acute HIV infection (seroconversion illness) This is the initial stage of HIV infection which typically appears two to four weeks after HIV infection. The risk of HIV transmission (i.e, from the carrier to another individual) significantly rises during the acute HIV infection stage due to the extremely high level of HIV in the blood. Stage 2: Chronic HIV infection (asymptomatic /clinical latency) The second stage is where the virus will continue to mutate at this stage albeit at very low levels and the CD4 count will continue to drop if proper treatment is not provided. Stage 3: AIDS Here, the CD4 count will hit less than 200 cells. The body cannot fight off opportunistic infections and infection-related cancers that occur more frequently or are more severe in people with weakened immune systems. Without ART, people with AIDS typically survive for about three years. As reported in the Global AIDS Monitoring Report 2022 by MOH, infected patients are only aware of their condition in the later stages. In 2021, 68% of infected patients with HIV were only diagnosed in the later stages due to a lack of awareness and concomitantly screenings/tests. Beyond issues with late-stage diagnosis, PLHIV-related concerns in Malaysia also include: 0Stigmatisation and discrimination – household, workplace and society Lack of political will to stem disinformation and fear-mongering has resulted in PLHIV being discriminated against and ostracised by family, the workplace and wider society. The welfare of the PLHIV community is also overlooked and neglected by politicians as policymakers. Recently, the Selangor mufti department prohibited the administration of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for hom*osexual couples in the state. PrEP – a preventive medication for HIV transmission – is clinically proven to be able in preventing the spread of HIV by 99% during sex. Notwithstanding, the absence of PrEP medication could increase the number of PLHIV and increase HIV transmission in the state. 0 I n a d e q u a t e coverage of health care services As mentioned, only slightly more than half of the (reported) PHLIV community were receiving ART (in 2021). The rest have not due to insufficient a w a r e n e s s , psychological barriers of the fear of stigmatisation (e.g, family members), financial constraints (especially when it comes to second-line treatment), etc. Thailand, one of the few countries with the highest LGBTQ c o m m u n i t y , incorporated HIV services, including ART, into its universal health care scheme in 2006. As a result of more than three-quarters of the 94% of the PLHIV who are aware of their status have achieved viral suppression, new infections in Thailand have decreased by two-thirds since 2010. Additionally, since 2014, Thailand started providing ART to all PLHIV regardless of their CD4 count. Malaysia should follow suit as well as part of the initiative to provide a holistic and comprehensive HIV treatment that’s inclusive and more equitable, thereby achieving the 95-95-95 strategic targets or objectives and “eliminating” the scourge of AIDS in the country and, thus, realising the ambition of the “Three Zeros”. The following are the policy recommendations proposed by EMIR Research to the relevant stakeholders: 0Bolstering HIV early intervention programmes MOH should bolster the current outreach programmes so that it is more inclusive and expansive – that is, the target should not be only primarily focused on those with a sexually active lifestyle and high-risk communities like sex workers, hom*osexuals (gays and lesbians), drug addicts, etc. But also the wider population inclusive of our migrant labour and the less developed regions too (e.g, Kelantan – the number of PLHIV due to h o m o s e x u a l l y - o r i e n t e d transmission in the state has allegedly increased by 33.2% over the past five years). The outreach programmes should have prevention as their aim alongside early intervention. These include public awareness campaigns which should be run simultaneously with screenings for HIV. At the same time, MOH should identify “hotspot” areas with a high number of HIV-positive people to provide integrated services for detection/screening, diagnosis, and advice/referral. 0Adding special provisions to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (1988) The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (1988) should be complemented and supplemented by special provisions about the achievement of the National Strategic Plan for Ending AIDS (2016 to 2030) together with the 95-95-95 strategic targets or objectives alongside the “Three Zeros”. Towards that end, special regulations or subsidiary legislations should be prepared and implemented to ensure that PLHIV, who are yet to be detected or made aware of their condition report to screening and treatment, including tourists and visitors and our local foreign migrant labour population. This could entail, making it compulsory for employers to periodically require their foreign workers to be subject to screening/testing and submit the results to the MOH, the Human Resources Ministry and Home Affairs Ministry. 0Providing psychological and nutritional services for PLHIV Psychological and nutritional healthcare services are part of the broader HIV treatment regime. It goes without saying that the mental health of an individual is significantly challenged and impacted by HIV. This is in line with, for example, a study which found that almost one in every three people who suffer from a long-term physical medical condition also struggles with a mental health condition. Not only that, having a wholesome, nutritious diet boosts general health and aids in immune system maintenance, which could play a vital role in complementing and supplementing the effects of ART. In addition to having second-line ART and routine check-ups, PLHIV patients should be scheduled for a compulsory consultation session with a psychologist and nutritionist periodically. Thus, PLHIV can be placed on a healthier lifestyle driven by a balanced and highly-nutritious diet alongside mental well-being. 0Providing State-supported health insurance policies for PLHIV PLHIV are not insured with health insurance coverage in Malaysia as HIV does not fall under the category of critical illness. This is due to the lack of awareness by insurance companies of the improvements in the longterm outlook for PLHIV. Even where it’s available, the cost of these policies is high ranged whereby most middle-income and low-income PLHIV would not be able to afford them. As such, the MySalam national health protection scheme should be expanded to include the first two stages of HIV infection. Currently, this scheme only covers a) full-blown AIDS (CD4 count less than 200 cells) and also b) HIV infection due to blood transfusion. In conclusion, while HIV is an incurable infection, the spread of this illness can be stopped, nevertheless, by intervening actions taken by the relevant stakeholders. Jason Loh and Jachintha Joyce are part of the research team at EMIR Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research. Comments: [emailprotected] Figure 1 Source: US National Institute of Health COMMENT by Jason Loh and Jachintha Joyce “While HIV is an incurable infection, the spread of this illness can be stopped, nevertheless, by intervening actions taken by the relevant stakeholders.

10 theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 Residential sector sees continued growth in deals PETALING JAYA: The residential sector is seeing continued positive growth in transaction performance, according to Rahim & Co International Sdn Bhd findings, with primary sales accounting for 18.5% of the transactions, and the remainder being secondary sales due to developers’ cautious and passive approach to new project launches. “With the support of the Malaysian Home Ownership Initiative (i-Miliki) which provides stamp duty exemptions for eligible first-time homebuyers coupled with RPGT exemption for individual owners, the residential sector is expected to be stable in the coming months with a gradual growth expected,” said Rahim & Co research director Sulaiman Saheh. oHowever, office market continues to face saturated situation with high supply against stagnant rental demand: Rahim & Co █ BYNAZMIE M [emailprotected] The challenges and obstacles for the commercial sector meanwhile, he said are in meeting the needs and preferences of today’s consumers and occupiers, whose lifestyle has evolved with the digital and e-commerce trend accelerated by the pandemic. Sulaiman added, “The office market continues to face a saturated environment of high supply against a stagnant rental demand. But the persisting gloom is not a blanket situation for all as decentralised areas with good transportation connectivity and contemporary facilities are more in demand than others.” Notwithstanding rising inflation, he noted that consumer demand for retail has been normalising for the majority of the year, despite supply being under pressure. The removal of social distancing and physical gathering restrictions encouraged shoppers to return to their preferred malls. Additionally, the hotel industry, which was the hardest hit during the pandemic, is expected to take longer to recover to pre-pandemic levels. “However, the sector has been picking up well saved by its lag in supply growth. Although facing difficulties in terms of labour force, rebound in tourism activities has boded well for the sector,” mentioned Sulaiman. In the industrial sector, he said overall transaction performance remained positive. The country received a total net FDI inflow of RM54 billion in the first nine months of 2022, compared to RM29.7 billion in the same period in 2021. “The logistics sub-sector continued to be in the spotlight as new supply have entered the market to meet the contemporary needs of current and future logistic players. Nevertheless, concerns for the sector have slowly crept in especially for new industrial estate developers in fear of fiercer competition amongst new and planned industrial launches,” he added. Mah Sing revises its Budget 2023 wishlist KUALA LUMPUR: Mah Sing Group founder and group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum (pix) is optimistic about property prospects in 2023 as there are signs of a healthy recovery in the real estate market across all segments, said In view of the impending announcement of Budget 2023, he is hoping the government will take additional steps to increase home ownership by reviving the Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) as it has proven to be vital in helping home buyers to secure their home. We also propose other measures including giving a oneoff grant of RM30,000 to eligible first-time home buyers, offering fixed rate financing and stepup financing, and introducing tax exemption for endf i n a n c i n g i n t e r e s t incurred during construction,” said Leong, adding that foreign home buyers make up a small percentage in Malaysia. “ In order to inject some excitement in the foreign property market and attract more foreign home buyers to invest in our country, we hope the government will consider lowering and standardising the minimum threshold for foreign property ownership to RM600,000, as well as incorporating more appealing policies into the Malaysia My Second Home Programme (MM2H) and promote Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP),” he said. He commended the government’s efforts to revitalise the country’s economy to improve people’s well-being, particularly rakyat’s income and social protection, as well as business competitiveness. “We hope that the government will consider waiving or l o w e r i n g taxes and levies on construction m a t e r i a l until prices stabilise, as well as offer attractive incentives for developments that incorporate green features. We hope the government can incentivise developers which use the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM),” said Leong. As the property industry has a critical multiplier effect on more than 140 industries, he added this will have a broader impact on the overall economy. To stimulate more activity in the property sector, he hoped the government will consider implementing additional measures aimed at first-time home buyers, specifically in home financing, to increase home ownership. Leong also urged the government to step-up financing that allows middle-income buyers more time to improve their income during the first few years of home ownership, and higher margin of financing up to 100% for first properties to assist the M40 and B40 groups affected by the pandemic. Among others, he also proposed waiver or reduction of duties on construction materials until prices normalises. MPC, Pemudah laud BNM move to end home loan documentation fees PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and the Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) have welcomed Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) move to abolish documentation fees charged by banks for housing loans. This is following Bank Negara issuing a notice for banks to cease charging loan documentation fees, amounting between RM100 and RM600, for a housing loan. Banks imposed the amount on lawyers who managed real estate transactions and this cost was passed on to housing loan borrowers and house buyers. MPC and Pemudah, facilitated by the Technical Working Group on Public and Private Sector chaired by Datuk Pardip Kumar Kukreja, worked on this issue since 2019 and saw this move as apt and timely in reducing the rakyat’s burden who are now facing high costs of living and increased prices of goods. Meanwhile, National House Buyers Association honorary secretary-general Datuk Chang Kim Loong said the association welcomed the move by Bank Negara to cease this practice as borrowers and homeowners are not supposed to be the losing end of loan agreements. Pemudah co-chair Datuk Dr Andy Seo Kian Haw added on by saying, “Pemuda and MPC applaud Bank Negara’s decision to eliminate the said fees. The amount may not be large, but to some extent, it can reduce the burden of house buyers.” “More importantly, the voice and rights of house buyers are heard and taken into account by the relevant authorities. The documentation fees do not add value to services and transactions in purchasing a house. It is an unnecessary cost borne by the borrower.” Lagenda unit buys land in Kulai for RM398 million PETALING JAYA: Housing and integrated township developer Lagenda Properties Bhd via its 70% owned indirect subsidiary Lagenda Mersing Sdn Bhd has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s wholly owned indirect subsidiary Seriemas Development Sdn Bhd to acquire 1,075.48 acres of land in Kulai, Johor, for a cash consideration of RM398.2 million. The purchase consideration will be satisfied via a combination of internally generated funds and borrowings. Additionally, the group said the acquisition is a step forward towards its aspiration of becoming the preferred nationwide affordable property developer. The land is located within the proximity of multiple industrial parks and Johor Baru, as well as 18km from Senai International Airport with its associated logistics and industrial hubs. Given this, the group plans to develop a large-scale affordable and self-sustaining township on the land upon completion of the Kulai Land acquisition. The township will span over 12,000 residential units accompanied by commercial portions with an estimated gross development value of RM4 billion, which is subject to final planning and approval at a later stage. It is anticipated to benefit future homeowners and the state-based industries. The land is connected to the NorthSouth Highway, Pasir Gudang Highway, Skudai Pontian Highway and the Singapore-Malaysia Expressway. The group said that by taking into account the location as well as accessibility of the land, it is confident that the acquisition will further enhance its reputation as a key player in the affordable housing landscape and property development sector in Malaysia. Managing director Datuk Jimmy Doh said that the acquisition will enable the group to tap into a sizeable property market and its studies showed there is a severe housing supply as well as demand mismatch in Johor, particularly in the affordable landed residential segment. “Affordable homes are currently high in demand but under-supplied, a niche segment that Lagenda presently occupies and has a strong market presence in. The size of this land is comparable to our key established townships in Perak, namely Bandar Baru Setia Awan Perdana and Lagenda Teluk Intan, both of which are above 1,000 acres. He said the group will be ramping up momentum over the next few years to further strengthen its standing as an affordable housing developer in Malaysia. Juwai IQI posts record sales in 2022, expands agent network PETALING JAYA: Global real estate company Juwai IQI registered 38% growth in completed transactions, US$3.1 billion (RM13.59 billion) in sales and the expansion of its agent network to 20 countries and more than 30,000 individuals. Co-founder and group CEO Kashif Ansari attributed the performance to its commitment to Malaysia as its most important single market. Malaysia provides opportunities, with its supportive regulatory environment, entrepreneurial workforce and fast-moving real estate market, he said. “In 2022, Juwai IQI completed 42,912 transactions, which is up 38% from the 2021 total of 31,000. By comparison, Juwai IQI’s completed 22,000 transactions in 2020. “We expanded our IQI global agent network by more than 9,000 individuals over the past 12 months, bringing the total number of agents worldwide to more than 30,000. We opened 11 new offices ... in total we now have 52 offices across 20 countries. Our teams operate in Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australasia. He said that in Malaysia, its agents and real estate negotiators earned commissions totalling US$67 million (RM300 million), demonstrating substantial growth in sales, network expansion, and agent recruitment, as well as the launch of new technologies that will help power its continued growth in 2023 and beyond. In terms of its forecast for this year, the company said that the residential market has started to firm up and believes that transaction activity will increase up to 3%. “Developers tell us they are confident about the 2023 to 2025 period. In the third quarter, developer residential starts and planned new supply both hit their highest levels in at least five quarters. Residential starts soared by 71% from about 18,000 in Q2 to 31,000 in Q3. Meanwhile, developers’ pipelines in terms of new planned supply also jumped 35% to a new high. “This year, attractive new projects will continue to sell strongly. Projects that are poorly designed, marketed or priced will suffer. Demand has firmed up and buyers are coming into the market, but buyers have plenty to choose from and are discriminating,” it added. Juwai IQI opined that the Chinese buyers will be back in greater numbers in the second quarter, but noted that there are fewer flights between China and Malaysia compared with 2019 as well as higher flight cost of about 30%, compared with pre-pandemic levels. It said the global environment is one of high inflation, rising interest rates and lingering supply chain challenges. Malaysia is weathering the difficult global situation in relatively good shape, due to high commodity prices, exports and strong employment, Juwai IQI added.

KLCI 1,488.19 4.22 STI 3,280.82 HANG SENG 20,812.17 SCI 3,280.49 NIKKEI 27,501.86 100.91 TSEC 15,432.89 KOSPI 2,427.90 S&P/ASX200 7,352.20 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [emailprotected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [emailprotected] 5 MOST ACTIVES February 15, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) MYEG 444,050,700 69.5 +7.0 ZENTECH 100,029,100 3.5 +0.5 HONGSENG-WB 96,933,700 1.5 +0.5 ZENTECH-WB 72,255,900 2.0 UNCH HSI-CLH 69,751,900 16.0 -5.0 EXCHANGERATES FEBRUARY 15, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.4275 4.2945 4.2845 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.1060 2.9840 2.9680 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.3300 3.2340 3.2260 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.3130 3.2250 3.2130 1 EURO 4.7610 4.6070 4.5870 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8130 2.7100 2.6940 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.3300 3.2340 3.2260 1 STERLING POUND 5.3980 5.2280 5.2080 1 SWISS FRANC 4.7870 4.6770 4.6620 100 UAE DIRHAM 121.9200 115.6300 115.4300 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.2010 3.9420 3.7420 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 64.8000 62.3000 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 57.0000 54.1800 53.9800 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.4300 5.1000 4.9000 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0302 0.0274 0.0224 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3370 3.2320 3.2220 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.7000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6900 1.5800 1.3800 100 PHILIPPINE PESO N/A N/A N/A 100 QATAR RIYAL 122.7000 116.4800 116.2800 100 SAUDI RIYAL 119.2900 113.2500 113.0500 100 THAI BAHT 13.6300 12.1000 11.7000 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY February 15, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,826.64 +38.88 FBMKLCI 1,488.19 +4.22 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 606.91 +4.16 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 190.71 +1.18 CONSTRUCTION 161.57 +0.06 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,161.06 +4.56 ENERGY 892.64 -4.08 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 602.22 +6.35 HEALTH CARE 1,646.86 +15.20 TRANSPORTATION 946.34 -6.93 PROPERTY 682.71 +1.03 PLANTATION 6,902.90 -13.64 FBMSHA 11,174.01 +62.13 FBMACE 5,710.84 +19.17 TECHNOLOGY 65.98 +0.44 TURNOVER VALUE 3.486 BIL RM2.022 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS February 15, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM PMBTECH-LA 500 26.70 +1.70 PANAMY 9,200 25.56 +0.88 FANG-2XL 10,700 7.66 +0.59 PMBTECH-WA 83,600 4.50 +0.30 SMI 3,113,800 1.46 +0.30 5 TOP LOSERS February 15, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM KESM 56,800 8.51 -0.53 HEXTECH 112,600 26.00 -0.40 HSI-CLO 8,000 0.96 -0.18 BIPORT 19,300 5.13 -0.15 RVIEW 4,000 3.41 -0.15 AmInvest launches syariah-compliant China-focused fund PETALING JAYA: AmInvest has launched a wholesale fund, AmIslamic China Equity Fund, yesterday, which aims to provide capital growth by investing in syariahcompliant equities and syariah-compliant equity-related securities with exposure to China markets. The group said that investors will be able to gain exposure to high quality companies listed in China and Hong Kong, including syariah-compliant securities, listed in other markets with at least 50% of their core business and revenue derived from China. Group CEO Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Tahir said that the awareness and demand for syariah-compliant investments are expected to grow significantly. “With almost US$4 trillion (RM17.57 trillion) in total assets recorded in 2021, which was an increase of 17% from the year before, the Islamic Finance Development Indicator Report estimated the growth for the global Islamic finance industry to reach US$5.9 trillion (RM25.92 trillion) by 2026. Meanwhile, the global Islamic fund assets under management rose 34% to US$238 billion (RM1.05 trillion) in 2021 and are projected to grow to US$416 billion (RM18.27 trillion) by 2026,” he said in a statement yesterday. “Whilst the fund is managed by AmInvest, we have appointed CSOP Asset Management Ltd (CSOP) to be our investment adviser for the fund. CSOP is an industry expert in Greater China equity and fixed income markets,” said AmFunds Management Bhd CEO Goh Wee Peng. Meanwhile, Goh said that while the fund is managed by AmInvest, it has appointed CSOP Asset Management Ltd (CSOP) to be its investment adviser for the fund. CSOP is an industry expert in Greater China equity and fixed income markets. High-income status soon if GDP growth stays at 4-5% PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is on track to become a high-income nation if economic growth remains at around 4-5% and the value of the ringgit is stronger, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. “It means that if economic growth from 2023 to 2025 is around 4-5% and performing well, we can reach the status of a highincome nation as early as 2026. “It would be better (if) our economic growth exceeds 5% within two to three years, the aspiration of reaching high-income country status will be sooner,” he said at a press conference on Malaysia’s economic performance and gross domestic product (GDP) growth 2022 yesterday. oIf economic expansion exceeds 5% within two to three years, target can be reached even before 2026, says minister MISC posts RM1.82b net profit in FY22 KUALA LUMPUR: MISC Bhd registered a net profit of RM1.82 billion in the financial year ended Dec 31, 2022 (FY22), slightly lower than the RM1.83 billion in FY21. Revenue, however, jumped to RM13.87 billion from RM10.67 billion amid higher revenue contributions from all segments. The petroleum and product shipping division revenue surged to RM4.67 billion, 45.8% higher mainly from higher freight rates and earning days, while the offshore business revenue increased 42.2% to RM4.32 billion from higher recognition of revenue from the conversion of a floating, production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO) following improved project progress during the year. Meanwhile, the revenue of the gas assets and solutions segment stood at RM3.11 billion, or 8% higher following higher earning days mainly from lower drydocking activities and the marine & heavy engineering revenue improved 12.6% to RM1.65 billion amid higher progress for an ongoing heavy engineering project and higher dry-docking activities in the marine sub-segment. For the fourth quarter, net profit 37.38 301.59 12.79 221.59 37.74 78.70 He said another factor is foreign currency exchange considering that the level of highincome countries in terms of US dollars is US$15,200 (RM66,000) per capita GDP. “If the value of the ringgit is stronger than the current value of 4.3 against the US dollar in the next one to two years, it will also accelerate the country’s status to reach a high-income country,” he added. Earlier, regarding the economic performance of 2022, Rafizi said Malaysia’s performance in recording an annual GDP growth of 8.7% is encouraging and reflects on the country’s economic resilience. However, he said, good annual growth needs to be seen together with quarterly growth from the first quarter to the fourth quarter of 2022 to give a full picture of the country’s economic performance. “The global economic environment which is expected to moderate and grow at a slower rate of 2.9% in 2023 compared to 3.4% or 2022 will likely affect the country’s economic performance. “In a situation where global economic growth is expected to be slower in 2023 and quarterly growth has been slow for four consecutive quarters in 2022, the government would need to prepare for a more challenging economic environment,” he said. He added that economic programmes that focus on the two main factors of the people’s economy, namely the cost of living and income, will be given the main focus in economic planning. “The Economy Ministry also places these two matters as the focus in improving the country’s economic policies and the people’s economic programmes that take an integrated implementation approach. “Policies related to the employment of the people will be brought to the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) which is chaired by the prime minister so that national policies are aligned towards a comprehensive salary growth target for all workers,” said Rafizi. He said the first meeting of NEAC is expected to be held in March 2023. In addition, he said the Economy Ministry will launch the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat programme which aims to increase the people’s income on Feb 26, the first target of which is the extreme poor and B40 families across the country. – Bernama expanded to RM645 million from RM461.7 million, while revenue increased to RM4.17 billion from RM3.09 billion previously. “MISC delivered a positive financial performance for this quarter, driven by the resilience of our businesses across the group. “We, as a team will remain focused and committed to exploring new prospects, support growth. Nevertheless, it said surging new build prices and tight shipbuilding spaces will be a challenge in meeting new project LNG requirements. “Notwithstanding the above, the operating income for the gas assets and solutions segment is expected to remain strong, underwritten by its portfolio of longterm charters,” it said. MISC added that despite some recent softening, the outlook appears positive with average tanker earnings still relatively high, supported by ongoing shifts in trade patterns following Russia-related European Union sanctions and increasing Asia-bound crude imports due to stronger demand and easing of Covid-19 restrictions. ‘’The recent Opec+ production curbs are expected to keep the oil supply tight throughout 2023,’’ it said, adding that the outlook for the upstream oil and gas sector remains promising given high oil prices, increased capital expenditure spending, and improved global oil demand with China reopening its market, despite concerns on the world economy and potential for a global recession. – Bernama synergistic partnerships, and innovative solutions,’’ president and group CEO Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam said in a statement. In the near term, the group expects prospects to continue to be positively backed by increasing European demand for liquefied natural gas arising from the ongoing Russia-Europe tension; China’s demand recovery; tight vessel availability and growing LNG infrastructure reaching investment decisions, which would further Participation 49.4 29.1 21.5 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 972.3 564.3 486.5 2023.1 Sold RM m 1025.4 614.4 383.3 2023.1 Net RM m -53.1 -50.1 103.2 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) 15/02/2023

12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 SUNBIZ KUALA LUMPUR: Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd unveiled its enhanced strategy plan yesterday which will drive the bank’s growth over the next four years by targeting new market segments and business verticals, regional expansion, championing sustainability as well as driving synergies and value creation through digital innovations and partnerships. The bank’s group CEO Kellee Kam (pix) who took over the helm on Sept 1 last year said, “We are building upon the successes the bank has achieved so far with the strategy focused on business owners, SME as well as the communities they operate in and this strategy was anchored in a challenger bank mindset with a community-centric approach. During that time, we developed many innovative, relevant and effective solutions including those in the digital sphere which were market-leading and helped us build inroads into our chosen market segment.” The bank has built an organisational DNA that is defined by its agility in meeting dynamic market changes while maintaining high standards of service to customers. This is a formula that Kam said has been proven to bring results as evidenced by the bank taking SME market share from the bigger players of the industry even through challenging times. “We will apply this same challenger mindset to the refreshed areas of focus under our new transformation strategy, Acceler8, which are aligned to other high-growth areas in our market, in order to drive the bank’s next phase of growth,” he said. Acceler8 will guide the bank’s growth through to FY2027 and focus on providing fast, convenient and personalised solutions that are relevant to customers even as their needs grow and evolve. With this strategy, the bank aims to launch itself into the top quartile in the industry for return on equity, cost-to-income ratio below 45% and loans growth above the industry average. The bank also seeks to achieve excellence in nonfinancial metrics such as customer service, employee satisfaction and sustainability. Kam said that the bank will expand its consumer banking focus to target the emerging affluent customer segment including over 2.1 million young professionals in Malaysia. “We aim to broaden our consumer product offerings to serve the HENRY segment (High Earners Not Rich Yet) as well as high-net-worth individuals. The HENRYs have growing financial needs which we will be well-positioned to support, being a partner to achieve their life goals and aspirations,” he said, adding that overall, the bank is looking at supporting the needs of businesses and individuals at every stage of their lifecycle. The bank will also be expanding its reach into other business verticals such as the education, renewable energy and healthcare sectors, providing a comprehensive suite of offerings from the bank’s business, corporate, Islamic and consumer banking functions. Additionally, business presence in fast-growing states and secondary cities will be amplified to position the bank to capture the growth opportunities of these economic corridors. The bank will continue to champion ESG adoption among the community, to make a positive impact to society, the economy and the planet. Kam said that Alliance Bank has already started building unique propositions to cater to the needs of those in this segment such as the Halal in One proposition and sustainable financing. Halal in One is the Bank’s one-stop solution that provides businesses with Halal certification advisory, Shariah-compliant financing and Halal market access for SMEs to grow their businesses. Alliance Bank rolls out enhanced growth plan oLender’s strategy for next four years targets new market segments and regional expansion, and champions sustainability Labour market projected to improve, jobless rate to fall to 3.5% this year PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian labour market is projected to improve this year with unemployment rate forecast to decline further to 3.5% this year before strengthening to 3.3% in 2024 as per prepandemic levels, driven by upbeat momentum in domestic economy as well as modest expansion in external sector, according to MIDF Research. It said the recovery of labour market continued as unemployment rate was maintained at 3.6% in December, last year. Based on its feature report “Improving labour market yet structural issues remained”, the research house said that the steady expansion in primary sectors as well as construction and services will prop up more employment opportunities next year, with labour force and employment predicted to expand at the range of 1.6 to 1.8%. “The return of non-citizen workers is expected to boost overall employment and reduce jobless rate. As of the third quarter in the calender year 2022, non-citizens employment is almost 10% lower than pre-pandemic levels. During the pandemic years, we notice close to 300,000 noncitizen workers left the workforce,” it said in a statement yesterday. MIDF added that further improvement in labour market would strengthen consumer spending as wage recipients to employment ratio has reached a new peak at 64.5% in 2021, among others due to the minimum wage salary policy. In line with stronger-than-expected economic performances in 2022, it observed that jobless rate across all age groups improved. “Malaysia’s youth jobless rate remained at double digit rate, 10.7% in 2022 compared with 9.9% in 2019. Looking ahead, we are optimistic that overall jobless rate to descend further this year amid steady domestic economic expansion rate. We believe some of the age group unemployment rate to recede to pre-pandemic levels in 2022,” it said. Referring to 12th Malaysia Plan, it said that tertiary-educated employment is projected to contribute 35% of total workforce by 2025. The current data showed 31.8% is represented by the tertiary group compared with 29% in 2019. “Tertiary-educated employment in 2022 was 14.3% higher than its 2019 level, somehow the pandemic crises had led to strong upsurge in tertiary-educated employment growth particularly 14% in 2020. Primary-educated employment was already in descending trends even before the pandemic hit. The employment of primaryeducated to working population ratio fell from 13.3% in 2017 to 8.8% in 2022. “Employment of primary-educated and without formation education were (-26.3%) and (- 8.4%) lower than its 2019 levels respectively. The low-skilled employment share was close to the 12th Malaysia Plan target of 11% vs. 11.4%. Secondary educated employment remained in steady trend with 7% higher than 2019 level and slightly above the long-term plan target of 54% by 2025,” it said. KUALA LUMPUR: Siemens Energy was awarded Malaysian Digital (MD) status at the soft opening of the Siemens Energy Cyber Security Operations Center Asia Pacific in Cyberjaya, Selangor. As a mark of the highest distinction for digital infrastructure companies, it comes with the opening of the region’s first MDR (Manage Detection Response) OT (operational technology) cyber security operations centre (CSOC), which is the only built-for-purpose facility engineered to monitor, detect and mitigate cyber threats on critical infrastructure such as energy and utilities. This innovative centre harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts to provide monitoring, detection, and timely crisis support to secure businesses’ operating environment 24/7 and ensure operational continuity. Siemens Energy executive board member Karim Amin and Siemens Energy Asia Pacific senior vice-president Thorbjörn Fors officiated the soft opening of CSOC. Also present among others was Cybersecurity Malaysia chairman General Tan Sri (Dr) Zulkifeli Mohd Zin (R). “We are gratified to have Siemens Energy selecting Malaysia as the location of its first CSOC in Asia Pacific. This comes as a strong first step in putting Malaysia on the map as a regional cybersecurity powerhouse,” said Zulkifeli. Karim, meanwhile said, that Malaysia is well positioned in the Asia-Pacific region as a regional hub for cybersecurity talent and investment. For the energy transition to succeed, he added they need to build a more mature energy value chain in the Asia-Pacific region and developing a resilient cybersecurity landscape is an integral part of this. MDEC CEO Mahadhir Aziz said, “We would like to congratulate Siemens Energy on the establishment of its cyber security operations center, here in Malaysia. This represents a strong endorsem*nt of Malaysia’s digital capabilities and capacities as well as being the digital hub of choice in Asean for international investors. MDEC will continue to facilitate more expansions into and within Malaysia in raising the overall digital ecosystem value, in line with the new national strategic initiative, MD.” The Siemens Energy Cyber Security Operations Center Asia Pacific is projected to have an investment inflow of more than €2 million (RM10 million) in the next 2-3 years and up to €3-4 million over the next five years. Thorbjörn Fors receiving the Malaysian Digital status certificate from Mahadhir, marking the official entry of its cyber security operations centre in Malaysia. B R I E F SRENIKOLA SIGNS POWER PURCHASE DEALS WITH TNB FOR BIOGAS PLANTS KUALA LUMPUR: Pure play renewable energy company reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd recenty signed a total of four Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreements (Reppa) with Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) for a collective five megawatts of net export capacity for four biogas plants in Pahang. This follows the group’s winning of four bids by Sustainable Energy Development Authority in the feed-in tariff (FiT) quota application for biogas. reNIKOLA shall build, own, and operate these four biogas plants that will use palm oil mill effluent as the feedstock. Under the Reppa, TNB as the distribution licensee has agreed to purchase the renewable energy from reNIKOLA, who is the feed-in approval holder, for a 21-year period. The basic FiT bid rates secured by reNIKOLA range between RM0.2413 and RM0.2428 per kWh. LAUNDRYBAR’S MUDARABAH INVESTMENT SCHEME PROVIDES CONSISTENT RETURNS KUALA LUMPUR: Laundrybar’s Mudarabah Investment Scheme in 2022 has continued to deliver consistent investment returns even after facing challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic. Investors who continued to place trust in the scheme have received a high return on investment for the year 2022. As per the statement released by Laundrybar, investors received a return of 8% and an added bonus of 0.5%. Laundrybar has consistently delivered high returns on investment and has paid at least 8% along with a 0.5% bonus since 2019. The company is excited to announce even better interim results for 2022. The positive return on investment is a result of the hard work and dedication of all parties involved. Laundrybar group managing director Paul Ang announced the interim result of 8% and the added bonus of 0.5% as a special thank you to the investors for their continued support. The announcement was made by Ng in a ceremony to celebrate 80 investors of the Laundrybar Mudarabah Scheme at Dorsett Hartamas on Feb 11. Siemens Energy secures Malaysian Digital status, opens regional cyber security centre in Cyberjaya

13 * SUNBIZ theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Malaysia Bid Round 2023 launched KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) yesterday launched Malaysia Bid Round 2023 (MBR 2023) themed “Winning the Energy Transition with Our Advantaged Energy”, which saw the participation of more than 50 oil and gas companies, government agencies, foreign trade attachés and energy market consultants. The annual event, streamed live to potential partners in different parts of the world, offers 10 exploration blocks and two clusters of Discovered Resource Opportunities (DRO). The 10 exploration blocks on offer are located within the producing Malay, Sabah and Sarawak basins as Petronas yesterday signed production sharing contracts for nine exploration blocks marketed under MBR 2022. oPetronas offers 10 exploration blocks and two clusters of Discovered Resource Opportunities well as the newly opened Penyu Basin. These blocks cover various geological play settings with sizeable prospects to be explored, providing opportunities for investors looking for “Advantaged Energy” – low-cost, low-carbon energy. Also offered are the Chenang DRO cluster off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the Bambazon DRO cluster off the coast of Sabah. These are shallow water clusters located close to existing producing hubs that will enable quick monetisation. Petronas senior vice president, Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), Mohamed Firouz Asnan said, “Petronas continues to shape the exploration and development strategies to unlock the full potential of Malaysia E&P by promoting investments in focused areas to deliver the ‘Advantaged Energy’ required by our customers. “We continue to provide opportunities to companies with distinctive capabilities – opportunities that are accompanied by the right fiscal terms to maximise shareholder returns for both host authority and investors,” he added. The MBR 2023 virtual data room will be open from until the bid deadline submission on Sept 15. Earlier yesterday, Petronas signed production sharing contracts for nine exploration blocks marketed under MBR 2022 with the winning bidders consisting of four existing and four new investors. The contracts are expected to see investment amounting to RM1.7 billion in exploration drilling capital, particularly in deepwater areas and underexplored formations. Lazada Malaysia launches schemes to bolster online sellers’ earnings PETALING JAYA: Lazada Malaysia yesterday introduced the all-new ‘Everyday Cashback’ and ‘Seller Affiliate’ programmes for sellers to help boost their respective earning potential in conjunction with Lazada University Masterclass 9th Edition. With attractive rebates and cashback earnings for every purchase, the company’s ‘Everyday Cashback’ enables sellers to provide a more rewarding online shopping experience for customers. The ‘Seller Affiliate’ programme provides an additional revenue channel for sellers by allowing them to earn commissions on customer purchases made through an affiliate link. “Building on the success of programmes like Lazada Bonus and LazCoins, we are proud to introduce ‘Everyday Cashback’ and ‘Seller Affiliate’ as all-new offerings that deliver a better, more rewarding, and differentiated online shopping experience. While buyers will enjoy discounts and savings when they shop, sellers will see a greater conversion and retention of customers to their store,” said Lazada Malaysia CEO, Alan Chan. The two new programmes are designed to help both new and existing sellers gain insights and in-depth knowledge about eCommerce from industry veterans and expert sellers. “Together with the curated Masterclasses, we are empowering sellers with the tools to maximise their business and earning potential, as well as improve their business sustainability and resilience,” said Chan. At the event, the company launched a New Seller Package to assist new businesses in getting started, allowing them to begin their online business journey at no cost, whilst enjoying 0% commission fees for three months, exclusive traffic and exposure, free shipping for customers, and free trainings through Lazada University. Solarvest to allocate up to RM1m for startup programme PETALING JAYA: Solarvest Holdings Bhd is expected to allocate up to RM1 million for its Solarvest Innovation Lab 2023 (SIL 2023) startup accelerator programme. Its programme adviser, Gan Teck Hooi, said the majority of the allocation would be towards equity investment for the accelerator funding. “The allocation is mainly for investment, and the amount to be invested depends on the potential of the business idea, which is subject to the approval of the board of directors,” he said in a press conference after launching the SIL 2023 here yesterday. SIL 2023 is a continuance and revitalisation of SIL 2021 initiated in October 2021, which was founded to spur innovation and entrepreneurship development in Malaysia with a key focus on green technology (greentech), financial technology (fintech), and renewable energy. Under SIL 2023, Solarvest is collaborating with a larger group of strategic partners, including Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd, Microsoft Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Pitch Platforms Sdn Bhd, Alta Group Malaysia, and Common Ground Works Sdn Bhd. Solarvest said in a statement that the startup programme comprises two rounds of funding - seed funding and accelerator funding. The seed funding round offers selected candidates RM10,000 to prove a business concept within six months, and candidates with viable business ideas may participate in the accelerator funding round to potentially receive a capital of RM100,000 to execute their ideas within 12 months. “We are not very ambitious when it comes to revenue but at least they have to be selfsustaining after a year. “We are hoping that the amount of investment we funded will allow the start-ups to at least carry on until they commercialise their business,” Gan said. Separately, in a statement, Solarvest executive director and group CEO Davis Chong Chun Shiong said as an industry leader in the clean energy space, Solarvest aims to unearth revolutionary ideas in these key industries of greentech, fintech and renewable energy, which play a crucial role in the clean energy ecosystem. “Hence, further pushing the innovation frontier and bridging the gap between new business concepts and marketable solutions,” he added. – Bernama Launch of Solarvest’s SIL2023 with representatives of strategic partners MDEC, TM, OCBC Bank (Malaysia), Microsoft Malaysia, pitchIN, Alta Group Malaysia and Common Ground. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and the Office of Impact Analysis (OIA), Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of Australia, have agreed to work together to improve assessors’ and trainers’ competency and knowledge of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) and evidence-based policy analysis towards the ease of doing business in Malaysia. This came about after a four-day Capacity Building and Advisory Programme on Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) for government officials dealing with regulatory policy-making session held from Feb 7 to 10. “The Malaysian government mandated MPC as the national oversight body for GRP (good regulatory practice) to promote, facilitate and support GRP implementation by ministries and agencies in improving quality of design and delivery of regulation to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden to businesses without compromising public policy to goals to protect safety, health, environment and public good,” said MPC deputy director-general Dr Mazrina Mohamed Ibramsah. During the session, the OIA provided an overview of the Australian RIA system as well as its expertise, methodology, experience in impact assessment strategic capacitybuilding, promotion of RIA to the public service, core impact analysis, incorporating competition impact analysis, consultation design, regulatory burden measurement, the application of the proportionality principle, and the use of behavioural insights in RIA process analysis. Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Dr Justin Lee noted that Malaysia is Australia’s second-largest trading partner in Asean and the tenth largest in the world, and remarked on the two countries’ longstanding collaboration in this field. He praised the Malaysian government for launching the National Policy on Good Regulatory Practice in 2021, a significant milestone towards regulators’ comprehensive, systematic, and inclusive implementation of GRP. Lee expressed confidence that ongoing collaborations between MPC and OIA would benefit both Malaysia and Australia, particularly in the areas of RIA, trade and investment. MPC collaborates with Australia’s OIA on boosting impact analysis talent

14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 SUNBIZ Thai central bank says there will be further rate increases oNot at normal level yet, pace of hikes will be gradual and not hurt economy: Deputy governor BANGKOK: Thailand’s policy interest rate will continue to rise even though inflation is likely to fall this year, but the pace of tightening will be gradual and will not hurt the economy, a deputy central bank governor said yesterday. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is improving this year and will be even better in 2024, deputy governor Mathee Supapongse told an economic forum. The vital tourism sector is rebounding and increased income is boosting domestic purchasing power, and exports this year may not be as bad as predicted, Mathee added. In November, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) predicted economic growth of 3.7% this year and 3.9% next year. It will update the projections at its next policy review on March 29, when a further rate hike is expected. The BOT has raised the key rate by a total of 100 basis points since August to 1.50%, a tightening cycle less B R I E F SADANI SAID TO BE IN TALKS TO REPAY US$500M BRIDGE LOAN BENGALURU: India’s embattled Adani Group is in talks with lenders to repay a US$500 million (RM2.2 billion) bridge loan facility it had taken to buy controlling stakes in cement companies ACC Ltd and Ambuja Cements Ltd last year, the Economic Times daily reported yesterday. The group is looking to repay the bridge loan with cash this month, the report said, citing people aware of the matter, adding that the loan had a tenor of six months and was part of a larger US$5.25 billion financing package. – Reuters HEINEKEN REAFFIRMS FORECAST OF PROFIT RISE IN 2023 BRUSSELS: Heineken, the world’s second-largest brewer, repeated its forecast of a profit increase this year despite weakness in Europe, as it reported a higherthan-expected 2022 profit on the back of a recovery in beer drinking to pre-pandemic levels. Heineken said its operating profit before oneoffs rose by 24.0% to €4.5 billion (RM21.2 billion) in 2022, compared with an average forecast of €4.43 billion in a company-compiled poll. The brewer sold 6.9% more beer globally than in 2021. Sales in Asia were up by nearly a third. – Reuters aggressive than many of its regional peers as Thailand’s recovery has lagged that of others in Southeast Asia. Mathee said the current policy rate is not yet at a normal level and further rate increases will also help to build up policy space for any future crisis, but there was no need for aggressive hikes like other countries. “Our interest rate is still in the normalisation process. If we stop doing it, people will think we are satisfied with inflation at the moment,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the forum. “But inflation is not back within target yet ... and our rate is not too high to hurt people,” Mathee said. Headline inflation dropped to its lowest rate in nine months of 5.02% in January, but was still well above the BOT’s target range of 1% to 3%. It reached a 24-year high of 6.08% in 2022. Addressing the same event, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said Thailand’s recovery was slow and steady, boosted by tourism, which was rebounding strongly and would remain the key driver of growth this year. He said higher spending in the current fiscal year and the next will also increase investment, adding that the baht strength was reducing import costs but also cutting export volumes. Strength in the baht reduces import costs but also cut export volumes, he added. Monetary policy and fiscal policy must work together to ensure the country’s economic stability, Arkhom said. – Reuters Glencore dishes out US$7.1b to shareholders LONDON: Glencore announced a payout of US$7.1 billion (RM31.2 billion) to its investors yesterday, including a US$1.5 billion share buyback, as strong oil and coal prices helped it post a record annual profit. In preliminary 2022 results, the miner and trader said it cut net debt to US$75 million at the end of the year from US$6 billion at the end of 2021. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose 60% to a record US$34.1 billion, smashing a previous best of US$21.3 billion a year earlier, in line with analysts’ estimates. Glencore chief executive Gary Nagle said the high and volatile commodity price environment driven by factors including the pandemic, under-investment, supply chain vulnerabilities and conflict in Europe had enabled the record result. The company is seen bucking a trend of lower returns among other miners, thanks to strong trading profits that cushioned it from higher costs and lower production. Profit on metals and fossil fuels trading hit a record US$6.4 billion in 2022, up 73%, though analysts see a repeat of that performance this year or next as unlikely. Prices of thermal coal, the most polluting fossil fuel, for example, are around currently half the all-time high they reached last year, as mild weather has softened demand. The company’s strategy is to deplete its coal mines in Colombia, Australia and South Africa producing 100 million tonnes a year by the mid-2040s rather than selling or spinning them off, as other diversified miners have done. Glencore mines battery metals copper, nickel, and cobalt and has said previously it was looking for acquisitions in what it terms “commodities of the future”. The company’s close to zero net debt level does not mean it will go on a spending spree, Nagle told reporters yesterday. “But on the other hand, even if we had higher net debt and the right opportunity came up, with the right returns for our shareholders, we would pursue that as well,” he added. – Reuters S. Korea president calls on banks, telcos to help ease cost of living SEOUL: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol yesterday ordered steps to boost competition in the banking and communication service sectors while calling on those businesses to help curb soaring costs for the most vulnerable people. “I think private sector players need to voluntarily join efforts to share the pain by helping keep prices stable,” he said at a meeting with economic ministers, highlighting the role banks and communications services could play. He also asked provincial governments to refrain from raising utility charges, or spread out the pain of higher bills over time, given expectations that economic hardship will be worse in the first half of the year than the second. Soon after his request, the government of the capital, Seoul, said it would postpone a public transport fare increase planned for the first half of the year until the second. Around half of South Korea’s population lives or works in Seoul and its surrounding cities. The central government said separately it would launch a task force this month to study ways to improve business practices at banks amid concerns in the media about their big profits and generous retirement payouts. The government said in a statement the task force would draw up measures by the end of June to boost competition, improve compensation schemes, strengthen loss-absorbing capability and reduce reliance on interest income in the banking sector. The task force will also aim to come up with ways to expand fixedrate lending and increase banks’ contribution to society, it said. South Korea has 20 domestically incorporated banks and 35 branches of foreign banks, but business has been dominated by a handful. The government in its statement offered no new plan to introduce more competition among mobile phone services, a sector also dominated by a handful of providers. – Reuters Arkhom speaking during an interview on Monday. He told a forum yesterday that Thailand’s economic recovery is slow and steady, boosted by tourism, which is rebounding strongly. – REUTERSPIC Slowdown in UK inflation eases pressure on Bank of England LONDON: Inflation in Britain fell by more than expected in January and there were signs of cooling price pressure in parts of the economy watched closely by the Bank of England (BoE), adding to signs that further hefty interest rate increases are unlikely. Annual consumer price inflation (CPI) cooled to 10.1% last month, the lowest reading since September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said yesterday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast that the annual CPI rate would drop to 10.3% in January, moving further away from October’s 41-year high of 11.1% but continuing to squeeze households’ living standards. Despite the fall, inflation remains higher than in the United States or eurozone, and many forecasters think it will stay higher as a result of Britain’s acute labour shortages and other constraints on the economy such as Brexit. British core CPI – which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco – fell to 5.8% in January from December’s 6.3%. Earlier this month, the BoE said it saw signs that the surge in consumer prices had turned a corner and it suggested it was close to ending its run of interest rate increases. Prices of services, which are also in the BoE’s spotlight, slowed their rise in January, increasing by an annual 6.0% compared with 6.8% in December. “The Bank of England will be pleased to see that services inflation is starting to subside. They will also be reassured by the latest data indicating that private sector wage growth is easing,” said Jake Finney, an economist at PwC. – Reuters

1 6 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 T H U R S D A Y during filming but it wasn’t easy. Dancing erased the lyrics from my mind.” Park: “I always thought I’d try a musical if I’m a good singer. So being a part of this movie was really meaningful. In my previous drama Dance Sports Girls (also known as Just Dance), I was confident I aced there. But I realised it was a big mistake while watching [Oh] Seongwu [her Life is Beautiful co-star]. I felt sorry for making too many bloopers.” Your chemistry in the movie was wonderful. What was it like to work together Ryu: “In reality, we both have children, so it was easy to act like a married couple. I was a fan of Yum Jung-ah since the 1990s and admired her. I was blissful to act with her. Our chemistry while filming was explosive. She’s a star to me, but when we met on-site, she was very friendly. I was disarmed since then and we had so much fun filming.” Yum: “I‘m a fan of Ryu Seung-ryong too, and watched his work Extreme Job several times. His comical acting was unique. He played JinBong so naturally, it helped me to concentrate.” Which scene was the most challenging? Ryu: “Nothing was easy, but all is fun and meaningful. Expressing youth in this body was challenging (laughs). The Director inserted such a scene for theatrical amusem*nt. Acting in the tone and speed as a young man was embarrassing for me but it turned out to be entertaining for the movie.” Yum: “Acting young while dancing to the song Beautiful Woman was difficult for me. I send my utmost gratitude to the CGI team (laughs).” Park: “I had a choreography which my upper and lower body must move separately, but it never worked out (laughs).” Choi: “For me, it’s the final ballroom scene. It was cold and crowded with the ensemble, but Ryu Seung-ryong and Yum Jung-ah acted with a lot of passion and created the moving atmosphere together. While filming the two of them, the cast in the background was crying. That moment was most thrilling and memorable.” You both played different periods of the same character’s life. Did you work out something together to align the unity between both of you? Yum: “First of all, I would like to thank Park SeWan. I started filming first and she followed after. I saw her filming. She was just like me. I didn’t really help her. I’m grateful that she portrayed my youth with such excellence.” Park: “Compliments I received at the site boosted my confidence. I researched senior Yum Jung-ah ’s smiles and laughs a lot. Rather than trying to copy her, I wanted to be her naturally so I was looking at her pictures often.” What message do you hope to convey to the audience watching this movie? Choi: “I directed this movie because the scenario reminded me of my mother. I think the movie is a story of our mothers. Life is Beautiful will remind you of your loved ones. It has specific time periods, so it should appeal more to those who have lived through that period.” Life is Beautiful premieres Saturday, Feb 18 at 10pm on tvN Movies (Astro CH416 & Astro GO | unifi TV CH201 & unifi playTV | tonton). GET ready to break out in song, with the premiere of the Korean musical film Life Is Beautiful on tvN Asia. The film, which is directed by Choi Kook-hee, tells the story of happily married couple Oh Seyeon (played by Yum Jung-ah) and Kang Jinbong (Ryu Seung-ryong). When Se-yeon falls gravely ill, she asks Jinbong to help her search for her first love from high school. Although unhappy with his wife’s request, Jin-bong decides to honour her wishes. Through their journey together, the couple are reminded of the most glittering, beautiful moments of their lives. In this transcript provided by tvN Asia, we hear from Director Choi, Ryu, Yum and Park Se-wan – who plays Se-yeon as a young woman – about their experiences working on this lighthearted and poignant film. There were a lot of songs in the movie. What songs were memorable to you, or were hard to pull off during filming? Ryu: “I like it that famous songs were included in the movie. My favourite is Unpredictable Life as it resonates with life and is touching. It can also be connected to acting and the movie in various ways. Some numbers were difficult as listening and singing were very difficult. Not a single number was easy. I didn’t realise Choi Baek-ho’s When I am in Busan was so hard to sing, it was the hardest for me. Among all the great jukebox songs, my wish-list song is People Change. I think songs like this are suitable as well.” Yum: “None of the songs was easy for me as well. In the later part of the movie, As Time Goes By truly touched me. The hardest song was Lee Seung-chul’s Sleepless Night, which is too highkey for me to sing. The movie doesn’t have any songs by female vocals. So my wish list would be a song by a female singer.” Park: “There aren’t really many options for me as I only sang one song in the movie. Unpredictable Life is so good. The song is memorable as it always encourages me. I came across the song 100m Before Her, the song reminded me of the younger moments and sentiments of the two main characters, so I thought the song will be a good choice to include.” Director Choi, how were the songs selected for the movie? Choi: There were so many songs for a limited number of choices. I didn’t choose them myself. The whole crew discussed which were the most suitable songs and we selected from 30-40 songs. You competed with Oh Seong-wu as ‘Seyeon’’s first love. What did you do to be a good contender? Ryu: “I guess my weapons were my empathy and sense of humour. But seriously, Oh Seongwu is a superb dancer, tall as a tower and has a small face. I can’t fight with him on that, so I choose the sense of humour.” The jukebox musical genre is quite uncommon. How did you select the cast members for the film? Choi: “Musicals requires good singing and dancing. Our superb cast put in a lot of effort for more than a year. They trained hard in vocals and choreography, which I am very appreciative of.” None of you have much experience in musicals. What was it like doing this film? Ryu: “Koreans love singing and have music in their blood. We just naturally sing and dance all the time, so I had pressure. But our movie has familiar, sing-along songs so I focused on delivering lines and the scenarios. We recorded the songs three times – first was an audio guide to play at the filming site, the second was a recording on-site, and lastly, we did the ADR after filming was completed. Singing every note well wasn’t easy, but it felt great accomplishing it.” Yum: “Being in a musical was one of my biggest wishes. I was very excited to participate in this movie. Initially, I was full of confidence, but dancing and singing are actually very challenging. We lip-synced to the audio guide Happy together Yum and Ryu play a couple going on a road trip. – TVN ASIA The musical features numerous songs. – TVN ASIA Park (right) plays a younger Se-yeon. – TVN ASIA oA new Korean musical explores the nature of love through a middle-aged couple’s journey to the past

16 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 NEWJEANS’ Minji on Elle cover NEWJEANS member Minji was recently chosen as the brand ambassador for Chanel, and recently did her first cover photoshoot with Elle Korea for the occasion. The magazine also featured an interview with the 18-year-old artiste, in which she spoke about how things have changed for her since the group’s debut. She said: “It’s really fascinating seeing different sides of myself captured in videos or photos. I think that when more time has passed and I return to look at them again, all of these things will remain as even happier memories.” As for her thoughts on luck, Minji remarked: “I personally think of myself as someone with good luck. A lucky opportunity came to me early, and when those kinds of opportunities came my way, I tried to seize them.” She also said that getting positive feedback from fans after a performance makes her happy, saying: “It makes me feel proud that we were able to convey our energy while actually having fun performing on stage.” – by Anansa Jacob The cover featuring Minji. Chris Evans celebrates V-Day with new lady LIKE every other couple, Chris Evans – best known for his role as Captain America in the Marvel movies – celebrated Valentine’s Day with his girlfriend Alba Baptista. The actor, who was named as People’s Sexiest Man Alive last November, shared a photo montage kind of confirming that he is in a relationship with his beautiful partner. He posted photos of the two posing in front of a waterfall. It appears that they went to a rocky hill with rushing waterfalls streaming down amidst tall green trees. Chris posted numerous images of them together, in which the pretty Baptista looks happy and smiling in all the photos. His dog, Dodger, even makes an appearance in some photos. He also shared an Instagram Story with the title: “I introduced her to Mario Bros. 3 (she hates this video, but I LOVE it) [sic].” Born in Lisbon, Portugal, the 25-year-old actress began her career as an actress in a series titled Jardins Proibidos in 2014 in Portugal, before acting in other series and films. She has also starred in the Netflix series Warrior Nun, her first English-language series. – by S. Tamarai Chelvi Evans and Baptista on their hike. – INSTAGRAM The way of the future MARVEL Studios president Kevin Feige recently got down for an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly as Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ushers in Phase 5 of the MCU this weekend. In a discussion on what is to come, Feige said that as things develop, the formula may need to be adjusted. The discussion about Ant-Man and why Quantumania was the ideal film to launch Phase 5 and introduce Kang the Conqueror was the opening of the interview. Feige claims that the primary factor in Marvel choosing to cast Jonathan Majors as the main antagonist in the MCU was due to his performance in The Last Black Man. Feige discussed the Multiverse Saga’s phases 4,5, and 6 as well. He said it acts as a classification scheme for the attentive audience and a record of how the parts come along together. Feige talked about striking a balance between coherence across all MCU projects. Timeliness can get cumbersome after several movies and TV episodes. The difficulty doesn’t phase Feige. But there are several difficulties in pleasing both loyal followers and casual viewers. Feige dropped more details about upcoming MCU films. – GETTY/MARVEL oMarvel Studios head Kevin Feige talks about Quantumania and how it leads into Phase 5 He said: “I’ve also realised that a lot of people like to do the homework. A lot of people find the fun in the homework and the continuity and the connectivity. But it is a balance of always trying to do both.” The Marvel Studios president also revealed that he is very proud of Kamala Khan’s introduction in The Marvels, the studio’s sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel. He stated: “She essentially steals The Marvels. It makes me excited that people will, I hope, see that movie and then go back and revisit those shows on Disney+.” Feige provided extensive details about several important films, including Thunderbolts, Blade, Daredevil, Tom Holland’s upcoming Spider-Man film and more. He also mentioned that the Fantastic Four served as the model for all subsequent comics that they want for it to continue to be a major tenet of the MCU moving forward, just as it has for the past 50 or 60 years in the comics. – by Thashine Selvakumaran Jeremy Renner promotes new show AFTER the terrible accident on New Year’s Day that left him with “30 plus broken bones” and spending multiple days in an ICU unit, Jeremy Renner seems to have made significant progress in recovery. Alongside a behind-the-scenes photo of his upcoming Disney+ series, Rennervations, he assured followers that the project is “coming soon”. “Thank you for your patience. I am in the shop now, working on me,” Renner joked on Instagram. Though first announced in December, the upcoming four-part series is scheduled to debut early this year. “Behind the scenes on #rennervations coming soon on @disneyplus around the world!” he wrote in the post’s caption. “We are cueing up now @disney and @disneyplus to launch this amazing new show.” Shortly after his release from the hospital last month, he began teasing the show’s upcoming debut. Alongside another behindthe-scenes shot on Instagram, he wrote: “As soon as I’m back on my feet, we are coming to YOU, all across the globe … I hope you’re ready!!!” According to the show’s synopsis, viewers will be given a glimpse at the actor reimagining unique purpose-built vehicles to meet a community’s needs. “Behind the big screen, Jeremy is a construction aficionado, and he is heavily invested in the highly creative fabricator culture that exists across the globe and hopes to change lives with these skills and inspire others to do the same,“ the official press kit reads. Renner’s co-star and friend Paul Rudd revealed that he spoke with the recovering actor on the same day as the Los Angeles premiere for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. “He’s doing all right (and well),“ Rudd told Entertainment Tonight earlier this month. – by Mark Mathen Victor Renner is already back at work. – REUTERS Renner shared this photo from his new shows. – INSTAGRAM

17 ENTERTAINMENT theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Four upcoming concerts in KL GET ready to sing, dance, scream, and be entertained at the upcoming concerts by popular international singers, right here in Kuala Lumpur City this year. Some of the biggest names in the music industry are stopping by Malaysia as a part of their world tour, and they will be singing charttopping songs from their best-selling albums. So, here we have listed the four concerts you would not want to miss out on, so be the first to book the tickets before they fly out. One Republic One Republic is an American pop rock band with a list of popular songs and their recent hit is I Ain’t Worried About It, which was featured in Top Gun: Maverick. The group will be performing on March 1, at Hall 5, KL Convention Centre. The group comprising Ryan BLACKPINK’s Born Pink concert. – PR WORLDWIDE oBig stars will be arriving to Kuala Lumpur this year to entertain us all █ BY S.TAMARAI CHELVI In the mood for love a planned heist on Bank Tenggara by a violent criminal gang known as Azazel, seemingly led by a man called Umar. As Iman closes in on the gang, her team is caught in a standoff, leading to shocking revelations that will leave her faced with an impossible choice. Get ready to feel inspired by Iman and her partner Sara, as they navigate a world that is often unfair to women. Ejen Ali Season 3 Part 2 Part Two of Season 3 picks up in the aftermath of Rizwan’s surprise appearance during the chaos at the Cyberjaya Science Centre. As the Arena competition continues to evolve, Ali struggles to adapt yet again while the remaining competitors eye the top four spots in the final challenge. Meanwhile, the shadowy figure, Cero quietly sets his play into motion and unleashes the Numoros’ explosive attack on M.A.T.A. Celebrate platonic love as you watch how Ali and his friends grow and motivate each other to be their best selves. Mendua Mendua, the Indonesian adaptation of Doctor Foster, starring Adinia Wirasti, Chicco Jerikho and Tatjana Saphira, tells the story of a happily married woman of 15 years who suddenly begins to suspect that her husband may be having an affair. But what starts off as a fleeting thought becomes an obsession. Revenge Of Others. – ALL PIX VIA DISNEY+ HOTSTAR Sting - My Songs. – PR WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE love, tragedy and solidarity this February with Disney+ Hotstar. Whether you are looking for an epic romance, a sisterly love, or a heart-wrenching tearjerker, here is a list of shows to celebrate this special day with your loved ones. Call It love Sent into a downward spiral after discovering her father’s infidelity, Woojoo’s situation goes from bad to worse when her father unexpectedly dies and his mistress kicks her out of the house. While she plans her revenge, Woojoo has no clue that she will fall in love with Dongjin, the son of the woman who ruined her life. Catch Call It Love on Disney+ Hotstar from Feb 22. Beauty and the Beast: 30th Anniversary celebration In honour of the 30th anniversary of the animated classic, this animated and live-action blended special showcases the fan-favourite movie, along with new musical performances by Josh Groban as the Beast and H.E.R. as Belle, sets and costumes inspired by the classic story. Special Force: Anarchy An exceptional police officer in every sense, Iman is recruited to join an elite anti-corruption special forces team led by her father, Commander Qabil. Specially created to solve only the most dangerous criminal cases, Iman’s entry into the team sees her uncover album, Born Pink. Sting – My Songs Legendary rocker Sting is coming to Malaysia to perform on March 20 at the Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre. Sting, who was the main singer for the group The Police from 1977 to 1986, is known for the vocals behind the popular hit track Every Breath You Take. The song earned the group the Song of the Year award at the 1983 Grammys. As the frontman of the group and a solo artist, Sting has sold millions of albums and earned 17 Grammy Awards. He will be performing songs from his latest album, My Songs. Sting is also an activist who founded the Rainforest Fund to protect rainforests and indigenous people living in the forest. Louis Tomlinson’s Faith in the Future World Tour Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson debuted his studio album Walls in 2020 with singles like Two of Us, Kill My Mind, We Made It, and Don’t Let It Break Your Heart. In 2022, Tomlinson came back with a new album, Faith in the Future, with the lead single Bigger Than Me released in November 2022. Tomlinson will perform songs from the album at Plenary Hall in Kuala Lumpur on April 26. Revenge Of Others Following the suspicious death of her twin brother, Ok Chanmi, a shooting athlete, takes the extraordinary step of transferring to her brother’s school in an attempt to uncover the truth and find out why the police and school authorities seem to have covered up his death. Driven by her love for her brother and a need to understand what happened, Chanmi will partner with another student, Ji Suheon, to exact revenge by proxy on those who bully others. One Republic. – PR WORLDWIDE The Faith in the Future World Tour. – LIVENATION Special Force: Anarchy. Beauty and the Beast: 30th Anniversary Celebration. Tedder, Zach Filkins, Drew Brown, Bretn Kutzle, Eddie Fisher, and Brian Willett became famous with the song Apologize in 2007. Other popular songs include Counting Stars, I Lose Myself, and so many others. Born Pink World Tour One of the most anticipated concerts in Malaysia is K-pop girl group BLACPINK’s Born Pink World Tour in Kuala Lumpur on March 4. The concert, the group’s second in Malaysia, will be held at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil. Fans of the Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa can groove to their smash hits like Pink Venom, How You Like That, Pretty Savage, and Whistle from their latest and best-selling

18 FOOD theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 Delectable creations DURING the holy month of Ramadan, EQ’s famed Malay Chef Muhammad Hajral Lisarni will be your guide to the gastronomic splendour that is traditional Malay fare at Nipah. Chef Hajral has planned a lavish spread of evergreen flavours that are true to the traditional methods of Malay food preparation, with the hopes of bringing back fond memories of passionate slow cooking and the pleasure of sharing a meal with friends and family. Citarasa Nipah’s buffet this year will feature both the traditional and innovative take on Malaysian favourites. One of the most emblematic dishes of Malaysian cuisine, EQ’s signature satay, will also be featured prominently. The carvery Chef Hajral has planned a lavish feast for guests this Ramadan. oCitarasa Nipah at EQ is back with an outstanding showcase of Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage Diners can expect a diverse selection of evergreen flavous. Go on a culinary adventure with Nipah’s offering of carefully curated Malaysian dishes. features kambing golek as an additional meat option (roasted whole lamb). Chef Hajral’s signature Nasi Beriani Kambing Batu Pahat, which will be served with nasi biryani and vegetable dhal, also features lamb as a main ingredient. The other foods in the reserve will be dishes like Gulai Lemak Cili Padi Daging Salai, Sambal Tumis Udang Harimau, Ayam Goreng Mamu, Tulang Rawan Gulai Kawah, Kerabu Daging, and Popia Basah Ala Nipah. Lompat Tikam Sago and Som Som Gula Melaka, a sweet local dessert, will be featured. Chef Hajral maintains that native Malaysians will always miss the authentic tastes of their home, despite the prevalence of modern, simplified versions of some classic Malay dishes. For this spread, the recipes have been used for decades and handed down from a bygone era, before the invention of time-saving kitchen appliances. Chef Hajral explains that the secret to the success of these recipes is that they were passed down from generations of women who spent hours slaving over the stove to achieve the coveted “trifecta” of tenderness, richness, and consistency. Making a resplendent return, Citarasa Nipah now offers the widest variety of delicious kerabu (local salad) prepared by Chef de Partie Saadiah, another fanfavourite from last year! Chef Saadiah is a kerabu expert who has modernised our humble yet traditional kerabu and elevating it to new gastronomic heights that are bound to tickle even the most discerning palates. She promises that each day there will be a good amount of sampling of the 41 different kerabu; no two days will ever be alike. She whips up special sauces, flavoured with aromatic oil and sambal belacan that is certain to get us hooked yet again. Usual favourites like freshly shucked oysters, mussels, tiger prawns, baby scallops, and more will be among the fresh seafood on ice. Gerard Walker, General Manager of EQ Kuala Lumpur, believes the Nipah spread is the kind of thing that will make people nostalgic for simpler times. “It’s true that people’s priorities change over time, but they’ll always appreciate a good outing and an opportunity to catch up with friends in none other than our charming restaurant, where you can enjoy Chef Hajral and Chef Saadiah’s delectable creations?” he adds. Opening Hours Citarasa Nipah is available at Nipah from March 23-April 21, from 6.30pm-10.30pm Early Bird Vouchers RM188+ per adult Redemption Period: March 23-26 and April 19-21 Group Vouchers RM208+ per adult Minimum of 12 vouchers required Redemption Period: March 23- April 21 Buffet Dinner March 23-April 21 RM228+ per adult | RM114+ per child aged 6-12 Pamela Anderson is set to host a plant-based cooking show JANUARY’S Veganuary challenge may now be over, but cooking without animal ingredients is still very much on the agenda. A year ago, the triple-Michelinstarred chef Dominique Crenn took to the streaming platform Masterclass to prove that elegant gourmet dishes can be made without a single ounce of meat. And, since then, culinary tips and ideas to better understand plant-based cooking have been on the rise. Now, the vegan culinary repertoire has found a new ambassador to further its cause, in Pamela Anderson. The Baywatch star has been signed up to host a new TV show in Canada focusing on plant-based cuisine, according to the British newspaper The Guardian. Pamela Anderson, who has been a vegetarian since childhood and vegan for three decades, has long been known as an advocate for animal rights. She has worked alongside the animal rights organization PETA, including posing for campaigns helmed by the NGO. In 2016, the American-Canadian actress also addressed France’s parliament to support an amendment to ban the force-feeding of geese and ducks. A year earlier, she had written to Vladimir Putin in an attempt to intercept a ship carrying whale meat between Japan and Iceland, the Guardian reports. This new television project will take the form of a series commissioned by Food Network Canada. The star will allow cameras into her home in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, in order to film her endeavors in the kitchen. She will be supported by chefs who will accompany her in cooking the various dishes. The show will be called Pamela’s Cooking With Love, a title that’s reminiscent of that of the Netflix documentary, Pamela, A Love Story, released Jan 31. Through the diaries of the star, the streaming site’s documentary looks back over the many events and scandals that marked her career, including the sex tape featuring her with Tommy Lee, which was widely shared on the Internet in 1995. Beyond the vegan cause, Pamela Anderson is far from being the first global celebrity to try their hand at TV cookery. However, these efforts have sometimes met with a lukewarm response from viewers. The cooking show hosted by Paris Hilton on Netflix, entitled Cooking with Paris, proved one such flop, and was cancelled last year after one season. The heiress had, however, surrounded herself with stars who usually draw an audience, such as Kim Kardashian or Demi Lovato. And this was not Paris Hilton’s first foray into kitchen-based content, as the star encountered an avalanche of mockery after cooking on her YouTube channel a few years ago. – ETX Studio Pamela Anderson has been advocating for animal rights for more than 30 years. – AFP

19 WELLNESS theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 The device is also paired with the OMRON Connect mobile app, which automatically records and keeps track of blood pressure readings. The app allows you to monitor trends and changes to your readings to give you valuable insights about your blood pressure, and can be programmed to give reminders for your medications. Your health data can easily be uploaded, stored and shared with family members or doctors, ensuring that you will always have the information you need at your fingertips. For more information, visit www.omronhealthcare-ap.com/my. Registered under Act 737 Medical device registration number: HEM7142T1 (GB7742021-80178) Advertisem*nt Approval Number: MDAMD 0009/2022 WORKING from home has undeniable advantages, including the ability to better manage the work/life balance. Many also see the elimination of the daily commute as a positive thing, especially in big cities, where workers can soon find themselves spending more than 50 minutes on public transport or in the car. Remote working can make for considerable time savings day to day, while also relieving the stress of commuting. But things might not be so simple, according to a recent study conducted in the United States. According to this research, commuting to and from work may actually act as a kind of transition phase between professional and personal life, a decompression chamber that allows the brain to “mentally shift gears,“ ultimately helping relieve the stress built up during the day. To reach this conclusion, the study authors first conducted a meta-analysis on the topic of commuting, taking into account two specific factors: psychological detachment from work demands, and psychological recovery from work, ie, replenishing the mental energy reserves used during work. The researchers then conducted a detailed analysis of the commutes of 80 university employees in the United States. The participants were interviewed over the course of a week about the characteristics of their commutes, their ability to detach from work and relax during the commute, and their emotional stress when they returned home. Long commutes aren’t all bad According to the researchers’ findings, most participants reported using the commute to begin recovering psychologically from their workday. The greater the distance between the office and home, the greater the level of disconnection from work, and the more relaxed people reported being once they arrived home, the study notes. So to avoid taking the mental burden of work home at night, researchers recommend using this time to disconnect and think about something else: for example, by reading a book, listening to music or a podcast, or calling a friend. And if you don’t want to (or can’t) give up working from home, why not try something like going out for a walk, for at least 15 minutes, at the end of your workday? – ETX Studio Knowing your BP reading can save your life WHEN it comes to our health, knowledge truly is power. The more information we have, the better prepared we will be when it comes to making crucial, often life-changing decisions. Sadly, for many people, it usually takes a major health scare before they finally learn the importance of taking better care of themselves, and they can then begin engaging in behaviours that promote good health, such as improving their lifestyles through exercise or a healthier diet. For others, however, this realisation can come too late. Amir (not his real name) was a young man in his 30s who led a fairly active lifestyle, when he suddenly experienced a stroke, which left him partially paralysed. His family were shocked, as they did not know how the condition could have struck someone as young as Amir. Doctors soon discovered that the stroke was the result of previously undiagnosed hypertension; unbeknownst to everyone, Amir had been living with high blood pressure for some time. The excessive pressure within his arteries had caused them to harden, decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen throughout his body. SILENT, BUT DEADLY The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes hypertension as “a silent killer”, because most people with the condition are unaware that they have it, as there can be little to no warning signs or symptoms. The WHO adds that when symptoms do occur, they can include “early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears”. Severe hypertension can also cause “fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors”. Besides stroke, hypertension can lead to other serious health conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and blood clots. Besides consulting a physician, the only way to detect hypertension is either by regularly measuring blood pressure at home at least once or twice a day. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), and for most, a normal reading is 120/80 mm Hg. In general, hypertension is considered to be present with a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher, although it may vary from person to person. TIPS TO MEASURE BLOOD PRESSURE AT HOME Make it a part of your daily routine to measure your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. To ensure that you get an accurate reading, it is important to remember a few simple rules: Take readings at the same time each day. Your blood pressure can vary throughout the day, and the readings you take in the morning can be significantly different from your readings at night, especially after a day of activity. Ensure you are well rested. Wait for at least 30 minutes after exercising, eating, smoking, drinking alcohol or bathing before taking readings, as these activities can affect your blood pressure. You should also sit quietly with both feet on the ground for at least 5 minutes before taking your reading. Take multiple readings for better accuracy. Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results, which can provide a timely and more accurate assessment of your ongoing health status. EASY AND CONVENIENT Blood pressure monitoring is made even easier with OMRON Healthcare’s connected blood pressure monitor HEM-7142T. This device has been tested and clinically-validated to ensure that it meets the highest standards of precision and reliability. This is a crucial feature, as the accurate measurement of blood pressure is essential for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. Could work commutes help us mentally decompress? Commuting establishes a mental boundary between work and personal lives. – ETX STUDIO

20 FOOD theSun LYFE ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 K-POP stars BTS drink it. It appears in K-dramas. Fans are so dedicated to consuming it year-round they’ve coined a new South Korean proverb: “Even if I freeze to death, iced Americano!” The humble coffee – shots of espresso served over ice, topped up with water – has become South Korea’s unofficial national drink, outselling its hot counterpart even during the depths of winter, Starbucks data shows. Office worker Lee Ju-eun, clad in an anklelength puffer jacket, shivered on the pavement in downtown Seoul as she clutched her iced coffee during a polar Vortex cold snap in January, when temperatures hit minus 17°C. “I only drink this. Iced Americano is easier to drink and also tastier, so I enjoy drinking it even in winter,” she told AFP, gingerly holding the edge of her frozen plastic cup. “I’m cold but it’s okay. I can endure it,” she said. Accountant Lee Dae-hee told AFP he drank iced Americanos exclusively because it was a faster and more efficient caffeine hit, essential in South Korea’s hard-driving “ppalli-ppalli” – hurry-hurry – work culture. “I quickly drink iced Americano to wake up and work,” Lee said as he tried to shield his large cup of coffee from the driving snow while rushing back to his office after lunch. “It doesn’t make me cold because I go straight to the office and I don’t spend much time outside,” he said. A cup of ‘Ah-Ah’ South Koreans take their coffee seriously. The average South Korean drinks 353 cups per year, more than double the global average, according to a 2019 study by the Hyundai Research Institute. Coffee culture has even spawned its own language. Iced Americano is known as “Ah-Ah” and its die-hard drinkers are known as “Eoljuka”, a contraction of a new proverb proclaiming they’d freeze to death for their drink. The trend has been noticed by corporate coffee giant Starbucks Korea, which ran an “ice challenge” promotion where “Eoljuka” got a free size upgrade when they ordered in late January’s sub-zero temperatures. Iced drinks accounted for 76% of total sales at Starbucks stores in South Korea in 2022, the company said. Even during January’s cold snap they sold more iced Americanos – 54% – than hot ones. “People’s tendency of consuming goods, food and beverages regardless of the weather seem to have become a new trend,” Park Han-jo from Starbucks Korea told AFP. Independent coffee shops said their data showed the same thing. Kim Bum-soo, who owns a cafe in downtown Seoul, said around half his coffee sales were iced Americanos, all year round. “It does seem that Koreans prefer cold drinks,” Kim told AFP, adding that foreign tourists, especially Chinese, tended to order warm tea even in summer. Consuming cold water and iced beverages is forbidden in traditional Chinese medicine. However, “Koreans just drink whatever they want, regardless of whether it’s cold or hot outside,” Kim said. Cold noodles One reason Seoul office workers love iced Americanos could be that their workspaces are too hot and stuffy, cafe owner Kim said. Self-confessed “Eoljukah” Jeong Jae-won, 30, agreed. “It’s warm inside the office so I’m going to drink it there,” she said. It’s not just office workers who love the beverage. K-Pop megastar Suga of BTS is frequently photographed with an iced Americano in hand, despite telling fans he was trying to cut back on caffeine. Foreign K-pop fans have discussed at length in online forums NCT Dream’s Jaemin’s preferred version of “Ah-Ah”: eight shots of espresso served over ice. South Korea’s “Ah-Ah” addiction could be linked to its cuisine, said Jang Jun-woo, a food columnist who runs a tapas wine bar. Food such as the cold noodle dish naengmyun, which is served with ice cubes in the broth, is an integral part of local tradition but rarely seen elsewhere. “Even in Japan people don’t actually put ice in their cold udon noodles,” Jang told AFP. “The degree of cold food culture is more extreme in Korea and that may explain the popularity and prevalence of iced coffee here.” – AFP Latvian stuns world sommelier championships A COMPETITOR from non-wine producing Latvia has caused a stir at this year’s Best Sommelier in the World contest, trouncing the entrant from France and claiming the top prize with his dizzying “thirst for knowledge”. Raimonds Tomsons beat another contestant from northern Europe, Denmark’s Nina Jensen who was runnerup for the second consecutive edition of the triennial competition. Reeze Choi from Hong Kong finished third. “I can’t believe it,“ said Tomsons on the stage after the final, which took place in public last week at the La Defense Arena just outside Paris. To the presenter who asked him, in a joking tone, if there were vineyards in his country which he confused with Lithuania, the neighbouring Baltic country, Tomsons replied: “Let’s rather enjoy Latvian beers”. Less artistic and relaxed, but more precise, Tomsons beat Jensen who had impressed spectators with her confidence, in the online comments of the competition which was broadcast live. At the semi-final on Friday, Tomsons told AFP that not growing up in a winemaking culture had been “an advantage”. “We don’t have a history and our minds are freer,“ he said. “In Latin America or classic countries like Spain and Portugal, they find it harder to open up to the wines of the world, because they are very proud of their own,“ he said. French competitor Pascaline Lepeltier failed to qualify for the final and came fourth. “In France, we are spoiled children. The new countries that discover wine have such a thirst to learn and share -- they have this incredible enthusiasm and they go very fast,“ she told AFP after the semifinal. – AFP Coffee of another class AT an eye-popping US$140 (RM614.70) a pop, one cafe in Melbourne, Australia is serving up no ordinary cup of joe. Melbourne has long been famed for its coffee culture, with Italian and Greek migrants infusing the city with all things bean and cup since the 1940s. And for those looking for a next-level experience, one cafe is selling a cup at 50 times the price of a regular flat white or espresso. The coffee – hailed as one of the world’s finest – is grown in Panama’s Chiriqui region. Dubbed “Black Jaguar”, the beans came first at the prestigious 2022 Best of Panama auction in the Natural Geisha category, scoring 96.5 out of 100. They sold for over US$2,000 (RM8,781) per pound (450g). Only 100 pounds were up for grabs and Australian cafe group Proud Mary snapped up a pound. “I had an out-of-body, enlightened kind of tingle. It was really clearly a special cup of coffee, taste-wise, character-wise,“ said Proud Mary owner Nolan Hirte, who was on the judging panel. “It was right in your face, so expressive and so clear. “There’s something about it that’s just ‘wow’.” The Black Jaguar is the most expensive coffee Proud Mary has ever bought. They made 22 cups available in Melbourne, and a limited amount was stocked at their cafes in Austin and Portland in the United States. One connoisseur flew two hours from Sydney to buy the deluxe drop, which is served as a pour-over. Melbourne is one of the richest cities in one of the richest countries in the world. Even so, US$140 is well above what most people would pay for a cup of coffee. But cinematographer Jake Reeder, a self-described “massive coffee nerd” who won a taste of the Black Jaguar in a competition, said he would have no qualms paying for it. The 27-year-old described it as a “moving experience”. – AFP Office worker Lee Jueun holding an iced Americano. – AFP The Proud Mary cafe in Melbourne offered US$140 cups of coffee made from Black Jaguar beans from Panama. – AFP Tomsons on his way to winning. – AFP So cold, it’s hot oSouth Koreans have developed an enduring love of iced Americano

21 * SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 DALAM PERKARA MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI MELAKA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO. MA - 28NCC – 3 - 01 / 2023 DALAM PERKARA SEKSYEN 465 (1) (e) AKTA SYARIKAT, 2016 DAN DALAM PERKARA MAHAJAYA PETROLEUM SDN. BHD. (NO. SYARIKAT 201001002613 [887193-P]) ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (NO. SYARIKAT 196501000672 [6463-H]) … PEMPETISYEN DAN MAHAJAYA PETROLEUM SDN. BHD. (NO. SYARIKAT 201001002613 [887193-P]) … RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 10 Januari 2023, dikemukakan oleh PUBLIC BANK BERHAD. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di hadapan Mahkamah yang bersidang di Melaka pada pukul 2.30 petang pada 7 April 2023 secara sidang video. DAN mana-mana pihak Pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu Perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah kepada manamana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat berdaftar Pempetisyen adalah di Tingkat 27, Menara Public Bank, 146, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Taye & Co. yang beralamat di No. 23F, Taman Harta Pertama, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka. ....................t.t.................... TETUAN TAYE & COMPANY Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen PERINGATAN : Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Pempetisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan atau menghantar dengan pos kepada Peguamcara Pempetisyen tersebut di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya begitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 tengahari pada 6 April 2023. (Ruj : ALT/MST/127/2020(1)) 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA PETISYEN PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO: JA – 28NCC – 21 – 02 / 2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 464 dan 465 Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai LANPRO TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD.(No. Syarikat: 199501042983/372188-D) Antara TETUAN TAY L.E. & CO Peguambela & Peguamcara (Mendakwa sebagai sebuah firma) …PEMPETISYEN DAN LANPRO TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (No. Syarikat: 199501042983/372188-D) …RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Petisyen Penggulungan terhadap Syarikat tersebut di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi ini telah pada 6 Februari, 2023 dikemukakan kepada Mahkamah Tinggi ini oleh TETUAN TAY L.E. & CO Peguambela & Peguamcara (Mendakwa sebagai sebuah firma) dan bahawa Petisyen ini telah diperintahkan untuk di dengar di hadapan Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Johor Bahru pada 3 April, 2023 dan sebarang Pemiutang atau Penyokong Syarikat tersebut yang berhasrat untuk menyokong atau membantah satu Perintah Penggulungan dikeluarkan di atas Petisyen, boleh menghadirkan diri pada masa pendengaran samada secara sendiri atau melalui Peguam untuk tujuan tersebut dan sesalinan Petisyen akan dibekalkan kepada Pemiutang atau Penyokong syarikat tersebut yang menghendakinya oleh mereka yang menandatangani di bawah setelah membayar caj teratur untuk sedemikian Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Peguamcara Pempetisyen adalah Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara, No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor. …………………………. Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguamcara Pempetisyen Nota:- Sesiapa yang mempunyai niat untuk menghadiri pada pendengaran Petisyen mesti menyerah atau mengeposkan kepada Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., yang bernama di atas satu notis bertulis akan niatnya untuk berbuat demikian. Notis tersebut mesti mencatit nama dan alamat orang tersebut, atau sekiranya ia adalah satu firma, nama dan alamat firma tersebut atau peguamcaranya (sekiranya ada) dan mesti diserahkan atau sekiranya diposkan dalam jangkamasa yang munasabah supaya ia sampai kepada yang dinamakan di atas tidak lewat pukul 11:00 pagi pada 2 April, 2023. Iklan Petisyen ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara, No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor. Tel : 07 - 331 4455 Fax : 07 - 332 4455 (Ruj : TLE/2349/LTSB/W-UP/ L/22/#hd4/M) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR (BAHAGIAN DAGANG) NO. PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT.: WA-28NCC-94-01/2023 Dalam perkara Addekoh Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat: 911964-H) Dan Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1)(h) Akta Syarikat 2016 Dan Dalam perkara Kaedah-kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA LEE LENG CHAN (NO. K/P.: 570219-01-6715) … PEMPETISYEN DAN 1. ADDEKOH SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 911964-H) 2. KOH SIONG CHOON (NO. K/P.: 600701-01-5299) 3. WONG SOH LING (NO. K/P.: 680817-10-6654) …RESPONDEN-RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 31 Januari 2023 dikemukakan oleh LEE LENG CHAN. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya didengarkan di hadapan Mahkamah Tinggi yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada pukul 9.30 pagi pada 5 September 2023. DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguamcaranya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di No. 60, Persiaran Puteri, Tiara Puteri, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang beralamat di A3- 3-6, Block A3, Solaris Dutamas, No.1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Chong + Kheng Hoe …………………..………… Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe Peguamcara Pempetisyen NOTA - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos kepada Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang dinamakan di atas, suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangka masa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 tengah hari pada 4 September 2023 (sehari sebelum tarikh yang ditetapkan untuk perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut). IKLAN PETISYEN ini diisukan oleh Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe, peguamcara Pempetisyen yang dinamakan di atas yang beralamat di A3-3-6, Solaris Dutamas, No.1 Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 03-6205 3928 E-mel: [emailprotected] Rujukan: 22081617] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP PETITION) NO.: WA-28NCC-958-12/2022 In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) read with Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of the Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972; And In the matter of Ace Private Equity Sdn. Bhd. (Company No.: 891019-H) BETWEEN BAYU AKSARA TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO.: 1360283-H) …PETITIONER AND ACE PRIVATE EQUITY SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO.: 891019-H) …RESPONDENT NOTIS IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS dengan ini adalah diberi bahawa satu Petisyen untuk menggulungkan Syarikat tersebut di Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur telah pada 5.12.2022 diperserahkan di Mahkamah oleh Bayu Aksara Technology Sdn. Bhd. DAN Petisyen tersebut diarahkan untuk didengar oleh Mahkamah yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada 18.07.2023 pukul 9:30 pagi dan manamana Pemiutang atau Pencarum Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau membantah Perintah di dalam Petisyen itu boleh hadir pada waktu perbicaraan dengan sendirinya atau melalui peguamnya bagi tujuan tersebut dan sesalinan Petisyen akan diberikan pada mana-mana Pemiutang ataupun Pencarum Syarikat tersebut yang mengkehendakinya oleh penandatangan di bawah dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan untuknya. Alamat Pempetisyen ialah di D-31-1, Menara Suezcap 1, Gerbang Kerinchi Lestari, No. 2, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Roshan beralamat di Suite 7-01, Blok B, Tingkat 7, Kelana Square, 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. TETUAN ROSHAN NOTA – Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada hari Pendengaran Petisyen mestilah menyerahkan pada ataupun melalui Pos kepada Tetuan Roshan secara bertulis niatnya untuk berbuat begitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat orang tersebut atau jika ianya sebuah firma, nyatakan nama dan alamat firma itu dan mesti ditandatangani oleh orang tersebut atau firma tersebut atau peguamcaranya atau peguamcara mereka (jika ada) dan mestilah diserahkan ataupun jika diposkan mengikut tempoh supaya sampai kepada penama di atas tidak lewat dari pukul 12:00 tengahari pada 17.07.2023 (sebelum hari yang ditetapkan bagi pendengaran Petisyen tersebut). [RS.CIVL.5.11.22.BAYUAKSARA] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BH CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (198301011785 (107177-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of BH CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. (198301011785 (107177-H)) on 13 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhammad Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BH CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (198301011785 (107177-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 16 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator BH CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (198301011785 (107177-H)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 16 February 2023 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO.: BAA72NCVC-1592-12/2022 ANTARA TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD [No. Syarikat : 199001009294 (200866-W)] …PLAINTIF DAN AZIK BIN KHALID [NO. K.P. : 770819-08-7011 (A3688654)] …DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada, AZIK BIN KHALID [NO. K.P. : 770819-08-7011 (A3688654)] D-Vida Business Park Centre 1-G-03, Jalan Bazar U8/101 Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam 40150 Selangor Darul Ehsan. Dan/atau AZIK BIN KHALID [NO. K.P. : 770819-08-7011 (A3688654)] No. 91, Jalan Keramat Tanjong 45000 Kuala Selangor Selangor Darul Ehsan. Dalam perkara Writ yang dikeluarkan pada 5 haribulan Disember 2022. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan Writ telah dikeluarkan terhadap Defendan dalam Mahkamah Majistret di Shah Alam dalam Guaman No. BA-A72NCVC-1592-12/2022 oleh Tenaga Nasional Berhad [No. Syarikat: 199001009294](200866-W)] di mana tuntutan Plaintif ialah untuk jumlah RM7,689.89, faedah ke atas jumlah RM7,689.89 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh pemfailan saman sehingga tarikh penghakiman, faedah ke atas jumlah RM7,689.89 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan kos dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa sesalinan Writ bertarikh 5/12/2022 dan Penyata Tuntutan bertarikh 5/12/2022 disampaikan kepada kamu melalui Penyampaian Ganti iaitu dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ dan Penyata Tuntutan tersebut di Papan Notis Mahkamah Shah Alam, ditinggalkan di alamat D’Vida Business Park Centre, 1-G03, Jalan Bazar U8/101, Bukit Jelutong , 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan No. 91, Jalan Keramat Tanjong, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor Darul Ehsan serta mengiklankannya sekali (1) dalam surat khabar ‘The Sun’ dan saya percaya bahawa penyampaian itu menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup ke atas Defendan tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh pengiklanan atau penampalan tersebut. Sekiranya kamu berhajat untuk membuat pembelaan terhadap tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah diwakili oleh Peguambela kamu di hadapan Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam pada 6/3/2023 (secara E-Review), jam 9.00 pagi. Sekiranya kamu gagal berbuat demikian maka Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 16 haribulan Februari 2023 …..….………tt…….…….. Tetuan Sandosh Anandan Peguamcara bagi Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti Bentuk Iklan ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Sandosh Anandan, Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit A502, Blok A, Kelana Square, No. 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: 03-78065819 / 03-7804607 Fax: 03-78807409 (Ruj: SA/L/TNB/AZIK/1846/2022/SA) 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF UPDIC ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD. 198001000031 (53814-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At the General Meeting of the members of Updic Enterprise (M) Sdn. Bhd. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) duly convened and held at the Registered Office of the Company, No. 1135-B, Ground Floor, Jalan Syed Abu Bakar, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak Darul Ridzuan on Wednesday, 8 February 2023, the following resolutions were duly passed:- THAT the Company will be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding-up AND THAT Ms Ng Yuet Seam of 47A Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets AND THAT the Liquidator be hereby indemnified by the Company against all losses, damages, causes of action, claims, demands whatsoever, whether at law or in equity, including legal fees, incurred or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duty as liquidator and in relation thereto. By Order of the Board THEEBAH D/O KANDIAH (MIA 18795) Secretary 16 February 2023 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 18 March 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and names and addresses of their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at 47A, Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by its solicitors, to come in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. NG YUET SEAM Liquidator 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PUNCAK NURI SDN BHD (199301011225 (265962-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of PUNCAK NURI SDN. BHD. (199301011225 (265962-K)) on 13 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Mohd Fauzi Bin Talib Director Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PUNCAK NURI SDN BHD (199301011225 (265962-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 16 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator PUNCAK NURI SDN BHD (199301011225 (265962-K)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GAGASAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301003669 (258406-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of GAGASAN KENCANA SDN. BHD. (199301003669 (258406-M)) on 13 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhamamd Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GAGASAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301003669 (258406-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 16 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator GAGASAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301003669 (258406-M)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BH MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (198501014219 (146675-T)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of BH MANAGEMENT SDN. BHD. (198501014219 (146675-T)) on 13 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Azman Hanafi Bin Abdullah Director Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BH MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (198501014219 (146675-T)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 16 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator BH MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (198501014219 (146675-T)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 16 February 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 DALAM PERKARA MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI MELAKA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO. MA - 28NCC – 3 - 01 / 2023 DALAM PERKARA SEKSYEN 465 (1) (e) AKTA SYARIKAT, 2016 DAN DALAM PERKARA MAHAJAYA PETROLEUM SDN. BHD. (NO. SYARIKAT 201001002613 [887193-P]) ANTARA PUBLIC BANK BERHAD (NO. SYARIKAT 196501000672 [6463-H]) … PEMPETISYEN DAN MAHAJAYA PETROLEUM SDN. BHD. (NO. SYARIKAT 201001002613 [887193-P]) … RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 10 Januari 2023, dikemukakan oleh PUBLIC BANK BERHAD. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di hadapan Mahkamah yang bersidang di Melaka pada pukul 2.30 petang pada 7 April 2023 secara sidang video. DAN mana-mana pihak Pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu Perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah kepada manamana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat berdaftar Pempetisyen adalah di Tingkat 27, Menara Public Bank, 146, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Taye & Co. yang beralamat di No. 23F, Taman Harta Pertama, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka. ....................t.t.................... TETUAN TAYE & COMPANY Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen PERINGATAN : Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Pempetisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan atau menghantar dengan pos kepada Peguamcara Pempetisyen tersebut di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya begitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 tengahari pada 6 April 2023. (Ruj : ALT/MST/127/2020(1)) 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA PETISYEN PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO: JA – 28NCC – 21 – 02 / 2023 Dalam perkara mengenai Seksyen 464 dan 465 Akta Syarikat, 2016 Dan Dalam perkara mengenai LANPRO TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD.(No. Syarikat: 199501042983/372188-D) Antara TETUAN TAY L.E. & CO Peguambela & Peguamcara (Mendakwa sebagai sebuah firma) …PEMPETISYEN DAN LANPRO TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (No. Syarikat: 199501042983/372188-D) …RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu Petisyen Penggulungan terhadap Syarikat tersebut di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi ini telah pada 6 Februari, 2023 dikemukakan kepada Mahkamah Tinggi ini oleh TETUAN TAY L.E. & CO Peguambela & Peguamcara (Mendakwa sebagai sebuah firma) dan bahawa Petisyen ini telah diperintahkan untuk di dengar di hadapan Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di Johor Bahru pada 3 April, 2023 dan sebarang Pemiutang atau Penyokong Syarikat tersebut yang berhasrat untuk menyokong atau membantah satu Perintah Penggulungan dikeluarkan di atas Petisyen, boleh menghadirkan diri pada masa pendengaran samada secara sendiri atau melalui Peguam untuk tujuan tersebut dan sesalinan Petisyen akan dibekalkan kepada Pemiutang atau Penyokong syarikat tersebut yang menghendakinya oleh mereka yang menandatangani di bawah setelah membayar caj teratur untuk sedemikian Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Peguamcara Pempetisyen adalah Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara, No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor. …………………………. Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguamcara Pempetisyen Nota:- Sesiapa yang mempunyai niat untuk menghadiri pada pendengaran Petisyen mesti menyerah atau mengeposkan kepada Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., yang bernama di atas satu notis bertulis akan niatnya untuk berbuat demikian. Notis tersebut mesti mencatit nama dan alamat orang tersebut, atau sekiranya ia adalah satu firma, nama dan alamat firma tersebut atau peguamcaranya (sekiranya ada) dan mesti diserahkan atau sekiranya diposkan dalam jangkamasa yang munasabah supaya ia sampai kepada yang dinamakan di atas tidak lewat pukul 11:00 pagi pada 2 April, 2023. Iklan Petisyen ini telah difailkan oleh Tetuan Tay L. E. & Co., Peguambela & Peguamcara, No. 50A, Jalan Abiad, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor. Tel : 07 - 331 4455 Fax : 07 - 332 4455 (Ruj : TLE/2349/LTSB/W-UP/ L/22/#hd4/M) DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR (BAHAGIAN DAGANG) NO. PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT.: WA-28NCC-94-01/2023 Dalam perkara Addekoh Sdn Bhd (No. Syarikat: 911964-H) Dan Dalam perkara Seksyen 465(1)(h) Akta Syarikat 2016 Dan Dalam perkara Kaedah-kaedah (Penggulungan) Syarikat 1972 ANTARA LEE LENG CHAN (NO. K/P.: 570219-01-6715) … PEMPETISYEN DAN 1. ADDEKOH SDN BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 911964-H) 2. KOH SIONG CHOON (NO. K/P.: 600701-01-5299) 3. WONG SOH LING (NO. K/P.: 680817-10-6654) …RESPONDEN-RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 31 Januari 2023 dikemukakan oleh LEE LENG CHAN. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya didengarkan di hadapan Mahkamah Tinggi yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada pukul 9.30 pagi pada 5 September 2023. DAN mana-mana pihak pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguamcaranya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah ini kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat Pempetisyen adalah di No. 60, Persiaran Puteri, Tiara Puteri, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang beralamat di A3- 3-6, Block A3, Solaris Dutamas, No.1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Chong + Kheng Hoe …………………..………… Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe Peguamcara Pempetisyen NOTA - Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan, atau menghantar dengan pos kepada Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe yang dinamakan di atas, suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangka masa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 tengah hari pada 4 September 2023 (sehari sebelum tarikh yang ditetapkan untuk perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut). IKLAN PETISYEN ini diisukan oleh Tetuan Chong + Kheng Hoe, peguamcara Pempetisyen yang dinamakan di atas yang beralamat di A3-3-6, Solaris Dutamas, No.1 Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. [Tel: 03-6205 3928 E-mel: [emailprotected] Rujukan: 22081617] IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) COMPANIES (WINDING-UP PETITION) NO.: WA-28NCC-958-12/2022 In the matter of Section 465(1)(e) read with Section 466(1)(a) of the Companies Act 2016; And In the matter of the Companies (Winding-Up) Rules 1972; And In the matter of Ace Private Equity Sdn. Bhd. (Company No.: 891019-H) BETWEEN BAYU AKSARA TECHNOLOGY SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO.: 1360283-H) …PETITIONER AND ACE PRIVATE EQUITY SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO.: 891019-H) …RESPONDENT NOTIS IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS dengan ini adalah diberi bahawa satu Petisyen untuk menggulungkan Syarikat tersebut di Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur telah pada 5.12.2022 diperserahkan di Mahkamah oleh Bayu Aksara Technology Sdn. Bhd. DAN Petisyen tersebut diarahkan untuk didengar oleh Mahkamah yang bersidang di Kuala Lumpur pada 18.07.2023 pukul 9:30 pagi dan manamana Pemiutang atau Pencarum Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau membantah Perintah di dalam Petisyen itu boleh hadir pada waktu perbicaraan dengan sendirinya atau melalui peguamnya bagi tujuan tersebut dan sesalinan Petisyen akan diberikan pada mana-mana Pemiutang ataupun Pencarum Syarikat tersebut yang mengkehendakinya oleh penandatangan di bawah dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan untuknya. Alamat Pempetisyen ialah di D-31-1, Menara Suezcap 1, Gerbang Kerinchi Lestari, No. 2, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Roshan beralamat di Suite 7-01, Blok B, Tingkat 7, Kelana Square, 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. TETUAN ROSHAN NOTA – Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada hari Pendengaran Petisyen mestilah menyerahkan pada ataupun melalui Pos kepada Tetuan Roshan secara bertulis niatnya untuk berbuat begitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat orang tersebut atau jika ianya sebuah firma, nyatakan nama dan alamat firma itu dan mesti ditandatangani oleh orang tersebut atau firma tersebut atau peguamcaranya atau peguamcara mereka (jika ada) dan mestilah diserahkan ataupun jika diposkan mengikut tempoh supaya sampai kepada penama di atas tidak lewat dari pukul 12:00 tengahari pada 17.07.2023 (sebelum hari yang ditetapkan bagi pendengaran Petisyen tersebut). [RS.CIVL.5.11.22.BAYUAKSARA] IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BH CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (198301011785 (107177-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of BH CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. (198301011785 (107177-H)) on 13 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhammad Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BH CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (198301011785 (107177-H)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 16 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator BH CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD (198301011785 (107177-H)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 16 February 2023 322 Notices DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA GUAMAN SIVIL NO.: BAA72NCVC-1592-12/2022 ANTARA TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD [No. Syarikat : 199001009294 (200866-W)] …PLAINTIF DAN AZIK BIN KHALID [NO. K.P. : 770819-08-7011 (A3688654)] …DEFENDAN NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI-BENTUK IKLAN Kepada, AZIK BIN KHALID [NO. K.P. : 770819-08-7011 (A3688654)] D-Vida Business Park Centre 1-G-03, Jalan Bazar U8/101 Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam 40150 Selangor Darul Ehsan. Dan/atau AZIK BIN KHALID [NO. K.P. : 770819-08-7011 (A3688654)] No. 91, Jalan Keramat Tanjong 45000 Kuala Selangor Selangor Darul Ehsan. Dalam perkara Writ yang dikeluarkan pada 5 haribulan Disember 2022. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan Writ telah dikeluarkan terhadap Defendan dalam Mahkamah Majistret di Shah Alam dalam Guaman No. BA-A72NCVC-1592-12/2022 oleh Tenaga Nasional Berhad [No. Syarikat: 199001009294](200866-W)] di mana tuntutan Plaintif ialah untuk jumlah RM7,689.89, faedah ke atas jumlah RM7,689.89 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh pemfailan saman sehingga tarikh penghakiman, faedah ke atas jumlah RM7,689.89 pada kadar 5% setahun dari tarikh penghakiman sehingga tarikh penyelesaian penuh dan kos dan adalah diperintahkan bahawa sesalinan Writ bertarikh 5/12/2022 dan Penyata Tuntutan bertarikh 5/12/2022 disampaikan kepada kamu melalui Penyampaian Ganti iaitu dengan menampalkan sesalinan Writ dan Penyata Tuntutan tersebut di Papan Notis Mahkamah Shah Alam, ditinggalkan di alamat D’Vida Business Park Centre, 1-G03, Jalan Bazar U8/101, Bukit Jelutong , 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan dan No. 91, Jalan Keramat Tanjong, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor Darul Ehsan serta mengiklankannya sekali (1) dalam surat khabar ‘The Sun’ dan saya percaya bahawa penyampaian itu menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup ke atas Defendan tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh pengiklanan atau penampalan tersebut. Sekiranya kamu berhajat untuk membuat pembelaan terhadap tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah diwakili oleh Peguambela kamu di hadapan Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam pada 6/3/2023 (secara E-Review), jam 9.00 pagi. Sekiranya kamu gagal berbuat demikian maka Penghakiman Ingkar boleh diberikan terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 16 haribulan Februari 2023 …..….………tt…….…….. Tetuan Sandosh Anandan Peguamcara bagi Plaintif Notis Penyampaian Ganti Bentuk Iklan ini dikeluarkan oleh Tetuan Sandosh Anandan, Peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit A502, Blok A, Kelana Square, No. 17, Jalan SS7/26, Kelana Jaya, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: 03-78065819 / 03-7804607 Fax: 03-78807409 (Ruj: SA/L/TNB/AZIK/1846/2022/SA) 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF UPDIC ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD. 198001000031 (53814-P)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At the General Meeting of the members of Updic Enterprise (M) Sdn. Bhd. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) duly convened and held at the Registered Office of the Company, No. 1135-B, Ground Floor, Jalan Syed Abu Bakar, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak Darul Ridzuan on Wednesday, 8 February 2023, the following resolutions were duly passed:- THAT the Company will be liquidated by way of members’ voluntary winding-up AND THAT Ms Ng Yuet Seam of 47A Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan be appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets AND THAT the Liquidator be hereby indemnified by the Company against all losses, damages, causes of action, claims, demands whatsoever, whether at law or in equity, including legal fees, incurred or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duty as liquidator and in relation thereto. By Order of the Board THEEBAH D/O KANDIAH (MIA 18795) Secretary 16 February 2023 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the abovenamed Company which is wound up voluntarily, are required on or before 18 March 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and names and addresses of their solicitor (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at 47A, Jalan Chung Ah Ming, Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by its solicitors, to come in and prove their said debts and claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts or claims are proved. NG YUET SEAM Liquidator 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PUNCAK NURI SDN BHD (199301011225 (265962-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of PUNCAK NURI SDN. BHD. (199301011225 (265962-K)) on 13 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Mohd Fauzi Bin Talib Director Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF PUNCAK NURI SDN BHD (199301011225 (265962-K)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 16 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator PUNCAK NURI SDN BHD (199301011225 (265962-K)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GAGASAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301003669 (258406-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of GAGASAN KENCANA SDN. BHD. (199301003669 (258406-M)) on 13 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Muhamamd Nor Bin Saliman Director Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF GAGASAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301003669 (258406-M)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 16 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator GAGASAN KENCANA SDN BHD (199301003669 (258406-M)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BH MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (198501014219 (146675-T)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to Section 439(2) of the Companies Act, 2016, the Special Resolutions as set out below were duly passed by the members of BH MANAGEMENT SDN. BHD. (198501014219 (146675-T)) on 13 February 2023:- 1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 and that Ms. Chong Ai Ling of SOHO Suites @ KLCC, Block A2, Level 32-3A, No. 20, Jalan Perak, 50450 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Chong Ai Ling, the Company’s Liquidator, be and is hereby authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind any surplus assets of the Company as she shall think fit to the contributory of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. Azman Hanafi Bin Abdullah Director Dated this 16 February 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BH MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (198501014219 (146675-T)) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Creditors of the abovementioned Company, which is being wound up voluntarily, are required, to send in their names and addresses on or before 16 March 2023, with particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to:- The Liquidator BH MANAGEMENT SDN BHD (198501014219 (146675-T)) SOHO Suites @ KLCC Block A2, Level 32-3A No. 20, Jalan Perak 50450 Kuala Lumpur and, if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, or by their solicitors or personally, to come in and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice, or in default thereof, they will be excluded from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Chong Ai Ling Liquidator Dated this 16 February 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 Gunning for No. 1 Alcaraz eager to reclaim top ranking from Djokovic A NEAR four-month stint on the sidelines saw Carlos Alcaraz lose the world No. 1 ranking to Novak Djokovic and as the Spaniard prepares for his return to the court at the Argentina Open today, he says he is determined to get it back. Alcaraz climbed to the top of the ATP rankings in September after winning his first Grand Slam title at the US Open but a torn abdominal muscle during the Paris Masters in November put the 19-year-old out of action. After 20 weeks at the top, Alcaraz slipped to No. 2 in January when Djokovic won the Australian Open, an event the Spaniard had to skip due to injury. “It has been a long time (I spent) at No. 1,” said Alcaraz, who begins his season in Buenos Aires against Serbian Laslo Djere in the second round. “Now it’s a goal for me to recover No. 1 and try to do my best in these tournaments to be back on that number. I’m looking for that.” The teen knows the road to accomplishing that feat will not be an easy one to travel. Djokovic has been at the top of the sport longer than any other man in history. Alcaraz looks forward to embracing the challenge of chasing the Serbian, for whom he has great respect. “He has no weaknesses. Every shot, it’s amazing,” Alcaraz said. “His physical condition is amazing, his mental condition is amazing. “He’s like a god and I admire him over the years staying at the same level, staying at the top. It’s really, really difficult and I admire that.” Alcaraz did not want to put too much expectation on himself in his first tournament since November. “I’m feeling great. I’m getting used to these conditions, to play with the best players, so at the moment I’m feeling well,” he said. “It’s tough to play my first tournament after a long time for me, after four months. “So it’s going to be really, really tough to win the tournament or be close to winning. My hope is to feel that I am okay with the injury, with my body and try to play well.” – Reuters/Agencies JAMES ANDERSON and Stuart Broad have the chance to eclipse Australian greats Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath as the most prolific bowling partnership in Test history this week, after England captain Ben Stokes confirmed they would play together overseas for the first time in over a year. Warne and McGrath took 1,001 scalps in 104 games together, a record that once looked as though it might stand forever but is now on the verge of being taken by Anderson and Broad. They have racked up 997 dismissals between them in 132 Tests in tandem and will fancy themselves to crack the four-figure barrier after being announced in the XI for today’s day/night clash against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui. It is 13 months since the duo last shared a foreign field, producing a determined lastwicket stand in Sydney to salvage the kind of stoic draw that Stokes has all but eradicated from the team’s cricketing vocabulary. Since then, the pair’s unexpected axing in the West Indies and the arrival of Broad’s first child have kept them apart for seven successive away Tests, but their performances last summer meant England were not tempted to call on back-up seamers Olly Stone or Matthew Potts at the Bay Oval. For Stokes, who has veered away from the idea of succession planning in favour of picking his strongest side wherever possible, there is nobody better to crack the code of the pink Kookaburra. “The team we’ve picked, especially with the ball, has all the bases covered, especially in these type of conditions,” he said. “The bowling group have been great together. They have been discussing what they feel is working. People like Jimmy and Broady, who have played quite a few of these pink-ball matches, are still coming to terms with it. “Some balls swing, some balls don’t, then they will try to bowl the same ball and it will react differently. “But they have bowled really well together and discussed how they feel is the best way to bowl with the pink ball.” – The Independent Anderson, Broad on verge of more Test history Alcaraz

22 theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 SPORTS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME 5597/2023 15/02/2023 (WED) 5846 5874 0320 4960 5242 5096 3981 4362 5115 7506 4060 2258 8105 8429 0848 0321 1169 4381 7680 8165 4727 2206 2558 6,953,455.54 5846 5846 5846 0320 0320 5874 0320 0320 5874 5874 5846 5874 584,014.31 5846 5874 0320 DRAGON 12473 37454 7454 454 61102 5 4 0 3 126803 26803 6803 803 12680 1268 126 1 2 3,657,708.50 2,119,324.54 23 24 27 39 41 47 333,848.87 2 19 37 38 43 50 10 14 29 37 38 45 24 9,654,843.20 RM11,662,823 Toto 4D Jackpot 1 (i-System) won on 12/02/2023 ! 458 420 + TIGER 937 475 +MONKEY 297 903 + BOAR Draw Date: 15/02/23 (Wed) Draw No: 5544/23 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 8420 7475 7903 5407 + 2297 8459 + 8012 2027 + 1778 5906 + 9382 4916 + 0833 3513 + 2934 8218 + 5044 2921 + 9199 1650 + 0269 5860 + 2637 RM3,922,700.10 8420 + 7475 7475 + 8420 8420 + 7903 7903 + 8420 7475 + 7903 7903 + 7475 RM104,071.00 RM2,176,002.90 RM1,051,666.60 RM2,235,972.10 785 407 892 297 948 459 848 012 182 027 831 778 985 906 629 382 104 916 330 833 603 513 722 934 448 218 755 044 872 921 579 199 681 650 900 269 005 860 262 637 420 475 903 RM908,941.40 420 + 475 + 903 475 + 903 + 420 420 + 903 + 475 903 + 420 + 475 475 + 420 + 903 903 + 475 + 420 1+3D Jackpot 2 RM619,433.50 won on 12/02/2023! I play to win, says Woods T Bullish Tigers reveals target on return to competitive golf IGER WOODS was in typically bullish mood ahead of his return to competition as he targets a record 83rd PGA Tour title in the Genesis Invitational. Woods has not played an event without the use of a cart since last summer’s Open Championship, when he missed the cut at St. Andrews. The 15-time major winner had intended to play the Hero World Challenge in the first week in December but withdrew after developing plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Later that month he did play a made-for-TV exhibition over 12 holes and the PNC Championship with his son Charlie, although in both events he was allowed to ride in a cart. Carts are not allowed on the PGA Tour, where Woods shares the record for most wins, 82, with Sam Snead. “I’m excited to be able to compete and to play here at Riviera, where basically it all started,” Woods, who made his PGA Tour debut as a 16-year-old amateur at Riviera, told a pre-tournament press conference. “I would not have put myself out here if I didn’t think I could beat these guys and win the event. That’s my mentality and even though I’m very rusty, I’ve come off rusty situations before and done well. “If I’m playing, I play to win. I know that players have played and they are ambassadors of the game and try to grow the game. “I can’t wrap my mind around that as a competitor. If I’m playing in the event I’m going to try and beat you. I’m there to get a W (win).” Woods was recovering from a fifth back surgery when he crashed his car in Los Angeles two days after the Genesis Invitational in February 2021, suffering multiple fractures of his right leg and ankle. After being sidelined for 14 months, Woods returned to action in the 2022 Masters and made the cut at Augusta National and in the following month’s US PGA, but withdrew following the third round. The 47-year-old said he has yet to walk and play 18 holes for four days in a row as his ankle continues to cause him problems, but is already looking forward to competing in the Masters at Augusta. That will be where he comes into contact for the first time with some of the players who have joined LIV Golf and Woods admitted he was unsure how the atmosphere will be at the traditional Champions Dinner. “I don’t know what that reaction’s going to be,” Woods said. “I know that some of our friendships have certainly taken a different path, but we’ll see when all that transpires. “We as a whole need to honour Scottie (Scheffler). Scottie’s the winner, it’s his dinner. “So making sure that Scottie gets honoured correctly but also realising the nature of what has transpired and the people that have left, just where our situations are either legally, emotionally, there’s a lot there.” – The Independent Late cheer for Cardiff TWO late goals gave Sabri Lamouchi his first victory as Cardiff City manager as they ended their run of 14 games without a win at St Andrew’s. In a game of few chances, Perry Ng’s brilliant free-kick put Cardiff ahead. The Bluebirds extended their lead in stoppage time when substitute Callum Robinson scored a solo effort to earn Cardiff a first win since Nov 5. “It feels incredible. I’m so happy for my players, happy for the fans, but especially for the players. What a win, what a game, what a performance,” Cardiff boss Sabri Lamouchi told BBC Sport Wales. “I’m happy for them as they didn’t deserve to be in this situation. They lost confidence but what we’re doing in training with the quality, I know I have a good squad. “At the same time, I know it’s just one victory but the last one was in November which was a long time ago. “They deserve to enjoy it with the fans, to be happy in the dressing room, but we now need to think about Reading in the next game.” In other matches, Championship leaders Burnley fell short of a club record 11th successive league win, but did salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Watford thanks to Michael Obafemi’s equaliser deep into stoppage time. Joao Pedro gave the away side the lead after Clarets goalkeeper Arijanet Muric made a mess clearing a long ball over the top. Burnley’s unbeaten home record this season looked to be coming to an end until Obafemi scrambled in from close range from a 95th minute corner. Vincent Kompany’s men move eight points clear of Sheffield United at the top of the table and 18 ahead of third-placed Middlesbrough with the top two being automatically promoted to the Premier League. The point is enough to edge Watford into the playoff places at Millwall’s expense after they were beaten 1-0 at Coventry. Sunderland moved up to fifth thanks to a 3-0 win at QPR and Norwich are knocking on the door of the top six after coming from behind to beat Hull 3-1. – AFP/Agencies █ PHIL CASEY Cardiff City’s Connor Whickham (right) vies for the ball with Birmingham City’s Auston trusty.

23 * SPORTS theSUN ON THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2023 /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME 833/23 15/02/2023 2241 0083 8908 8238 0227 6360 2548 6545 7686 7807 0357 5362 4100 8071 5375 9342 9413 3718 4135 3225 6665 0143 8786 RM4,802,285.64 RM125,198.92 2241 + 0083 0083 + 2241 8908 + 2241 2241 + 8908 0083 + 8908 8908 + 0083 1 2 12 17 21 23 33 36 15 35 RM8,403,237.12 RM155,427.27 4 1 8 3 0 8 4 1 8 3 0 1 8 3 0 8 4 1 8 3 8 3 0 8 4 1 8 3 0 8 4 1 0 8 8 3 0 2 Hope springs eternal PSG manager Galtier confident of turning around Bayern deficit after lame display PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN coach Christophe Galtier said he was hopeful his side could still qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League despite losing 1-0 at home to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last 16 tie yesterday. “It might seem a banal thing to say but tonight nobody is through and nobody is out. I am daring to hope that we will be fresher in three weeks and if we can play the way we played in the last 25 to 30 minutes then we can beat Bayern,” said Galtier. Kingsley Coman scored the only goal of the game in Paris against his former club, finishing from an Alphonso Davies cross eight minutes into the second half. PSG were poor for long spells but improved towards the end after Kylian Mbappe came off the bench on his return from a thigh injury and injected pace and direction into the Parisian attack. Mbappe twice had goals disallowed for offside, with his second attempt eight minutes from the end from a Nuno Mendes cutback only being ruled out because of a highly marginal call. “The return leg will be in three weeks so we can hopefully get more players back for then and be fresher,” added Galtier, who had to contend with Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi coming off hurt at halftime. “We can’t say how long he will be out. Achraf had an intense World Cup where he played on through the pain and it was already difficult at Monaco (a 3-1 defeat on Saturday) where he couldn’t start,” he said. “We took the risk this time but he developed a muscle problem early on. “Unfortunately we conceded just as we were preparing for Kylian to come on. We had two or three chances and sadly it was not enough but the last half an hour gives us hope.” The second leg will be played at the Allianz Arena on March 8. “We are at a disadvantage but we saw that we were capable of causing them problems and now we just need to make sure all our players are in good health and we will go there to try to qualify,” added Mbappe. Coman, who started his career in Paris, did not celebrate his goal but it was a case of history repeating itself – he had been the match winner when Bayern beat the Qatar-owned club in the 2020 final in Lisbon to become European champions for the sixth time. “It was a bit strange. I grew up at this club, in this city, I was born here, so it was difficult to celebrate but at the end we are really pleased with the victory,” Coman said. His second-half volley squirmed under the body of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. “(My goal) was something we work on in training and I got it just right,” Coman said. “A victory away from home is always good, we could have had more but in the end we were delighted with 1-0,” he added. – AFP Hendo optimistic of Reds top-four hopes LIVERPOOL captain Jordan Henderson accepts it is the players’ responsibility to kickstart the charge for Champions League qualification. A 2-0 victory over Everton in the 242nd Merseyside derby was the club’s first Premier League win of 2023 and while it still leaves them nine points adrift of fourthplaced Newcastle, there is renewed optimism. Jurgen Klopp’s side have the perfect chance to reduce that deficit further when they head to St James’ Park on Sunday (1.30am Malaysian time), and with a match in hand over the Magpies there remains a realistic opportunity of rejoining the race for the top four. But after under-performing for six weeks Henderson knows they cannot now allow things to drop off again. “Only we can make that happen. We get a good feeling from this win, definitely, but the next game is a big test at Newcastle,” he told LFC TV. “They are flying this season and are unbeaten in a long time. It’s a really tough place to go and play but if we can perform like we did against Everton and more, then you never know what can happen. “We need to be ready like we were against Everton and if we do that then we have a chance.” Goals from Mohamed Salah and January signing Cody Gakpo’s maiden strike for the club from close range were enough to see off their neighbours, who failed to hit the heights of their victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal the previous match. The result was hugely important for Liverpool’s ambitions and Henderson said the significance was not lost on the players. “I thought the overall performance was top from start to finish. Everyone was at it, we knew it was a big game for us,” he added. “We delivered. It doesn’t make up for the last few weeks in terms of our performances but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. It was more like us. “It was a big week for us internally. Training has been very good and we took that into the game, and that’s the most pleasing thing.” – The Independent Arteta takes swipe at VAR official Mason MIKEL ARTETA has accused video assistant referee Lee Mason of not knowing his job after his error led to Brentford being wrongly awarded an equalising goal at Arsenal on Saturday. Mason, who operates as a fulltime VAR official for the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), has been stood down from duty for the next round of Premier League games following his gaffe. He did not investigate the play immediately leading to Brentford’s equaliser at the Emirates Stadium when Christian Norgaard appeared to be in an offside position before he hooked the ball across goal for Ivan Toney to cancelled out Leandro Trossard’s opener, leading to a 1-1 draw. “We ended the game, after analysing all the evidence that we’ve had with the images, with a huge anger and disappointment,” said Arteta. “That wasn’t a human error, that was a big not conceiving and understanding your job and that’s not acceptable, I’m sorry. “That costs Arsenal two points that’s not going to be restored. We’re going to have to find those two points somewhere in the League. “It’s not for me to judge. It’s not about someone making a mistake and then let’s crucify him. It’s trying to do the best that we can together to have a fairer sport and make the decisions clearer and better. Hopefully that will help because of what happened last weekend.” Asked if he was satisfied with the apology issued by the PGMOL, Arteta replied: “I will only be satisfied if they give me the two points back, which is not going to be the case. “I appreciate what I think were really sincere, open and genuine apologies and explanations which is really good. But it doesn’t change the fact that we have two points less on the table.” – The Independent █ CARL MARKHAM █ MARK MANN-BRYANS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16 1ST LEG: Paris Saint-Germain 0 Bayern Munich 1 (Coman 53), AC Milan 1 (Diaz 7) Tottenham Hotspur 0. ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP:QPR 0 Sunderland 3, Norwich 3 Hull 1, Coventry 1 Millwall 0, Birmingham 0 Cardiff 2, Burnley 1 Watford 1, Reading 2 Rotherham 1. Top 5 P W D L F A Pts Burnley 31 20 9 2 62 27 69 S. United 30 18 7 5 51 24 61 Midd’sbrough 31 15 6 10 50 36 51 Luton 30 13 10 7 38 30 49 Sunderland 31 13 9 9 46 33 48 Arsenal must win title this year, says former manager Wenger ARSENE WENGER has told Arsenal that they must win the Premier League title this year, urging his former club to not “miss this opportunity”. It is now nearly 19 years since Arsenal last won the league, with Wenger’s “Invincibles” winning a third and final crown of the Frenchman’s long tenure in north London. Having seen title challenges come infrequently during the rest of his 22-year tenure at the club, Wenger has stressed that the club must capitalise on the struggles of other more regular challengers and make the most of their chance. “You win it when you can win it and you don’t care too much about all the rest, you let other people talk and you take the title,” Wenger told beIN SPORTS. “Maybe the conditions next year will not be as favourable as they are now, so let’s not miss this opportunity. Arsenal has 51 points after 21 games which is remarkable. “I feel the usual threats are all out of the race. The only threat is City and even City are not as dominant as they were last year or two years before and I feel since the start of the season City have been more vulnerable defensively than before.” – The Independent RESULTS & STANDINGS Bayern Munich’s Joao Cancelo (right) vies for the ball with Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes. – AFPPIX

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [emailprotected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [emailprotected] ANTONIO CONTE (pix) hailed Tottenham youngsters Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr for their performances that left him “satisfied” despite their 1-0 defeat to AC Milan yesterday. Spurs will need to overturn a narrow deficit in their home leg in a month’s time after losing the first 90 minutes of their last-16 knockout tie, but Conte declared himself happy with the duo’s display. Conte was forced to deal with a series of injury problems after first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and key midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur were ruled out with long-term injuries in the past week. But the Italian was left with a midfield crisis after Yves Bissouma required surgery on his fractured ankle, leaving him with only two fit centre midfielders. Skipp, 22, was making his first start in the Champions League after four substitute appearances as was Sarr, 20, who has only recently found his way into the first team. But both players, despite their relative inexperience at this level, coped with the occasion well inside the San Siro. And Conte, who publicly backed the pair to impress before the game, doubled down with words of praise after the game, backing the duo to become important players for the club as they deal with Bentancur and Bissouma’s injuries. When asked for his verdict on their displays, Conte told BT Sport: “I’m really satisfied, Sarr and Skippy played a really good game and showed the trust we have for them, I repeat this. “We know we may have to continue with three midfielders for the rest of the season and to have this type of performance leaves me more relaxed, because I know we can count on them 100% and Pierre to come back, is an important player and is a good player for us.” Tottenham know they have to score at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the return leg on after Brahim Diaz’s early header proved to be decisive. But the alternative could have been a lot worse, with Charles de Ketelaere and Mallick Thiaw missing golden chances to pile on the misery. A philisophical Conte considered the one-goal defeat to be progress after their dreadful display against Leicester at the weekend, although the 53- year-old was disappointed with the manner of how his team conceded so early to Milan. “I think it was better today and high intensity and I think we played against a good team and don’t forget Milan last season won the league in Italy,” he added. “I think that to concede the first goal we can do much better. Instead we concede a goal after maybe only 5 minutes. “Then we try to lead the game and create a situation to score but I think Milan defender very well. “We created the chances to score but in the end we are talking about a defeat, a loss.” The Spurs boss admitted the atmosphere was daunting for his side with an estimated 80,000 fans inside. But he is confident the team can produce a similar display with the backing of their own fans in the second leg. “For qualification you have to play two games. It is the first game away and the atmosphere was fantastic. I know the San Siro and I know the difficulty to play with this atmosphere. “In the second game we have to play at our stadium and our fans will create the atmosphere to help us overcome the Milan obstacle.” Conte knows he will be without Lloris and Bentancur for the remainder of the season, but the Italian tactician will have Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg back from suspension after the Dane missed the first leg due to picking up three yellow cards in the group stage. Eric Dier will be ruled out of the second leg after he picked up a caution in Milan, but Conte at least has several defenders able to deputise in Davinson Sanchez, Ben Davies and Japhet Tanganga. – Express Newspapers THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 16, 2023 Barcelona, Man United clash headlines Europa League playoffs BARCELONA host Manchester United tomorrow (1.45am Malaysian time) in a matchup which has twice graced the Champions League final but this week has the relative ignominy of taking place in the Europa League playoff round. The Catalans crashed out of Europe’s premier competition at the first hurdle, while Manchester United finished runners up in their Europa League group, leading their paths to cross. Despite the tie’s diminished stature, both fallen giants are on the rise and among the teams in the best form across the continent. Barcelona and Manchester United are both building under exciting coaches in Erik ten Hag and Xavi Hernandez and aiming to return to Europe’s elite imminently. The teams last met in 2019 when United’s harsh decline in the barren decade after Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign was in full swing and Barcelona’s deep slide was about to begin. Five-time Champions League winners Barca won the quarterfinal clash 4-0 on aggregate, but their only player from their starting line-ups then likely to face United at the Nou Camp is goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Barcelona have gone through a profound squad renewal since – with their spending last summer increasing the criticism they received after dropping into the Europa League. In Robert Lewandowski the Catalans signed a lethal striker, while Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen have established themselves as key elements of Europe’s best defence. Barcelona have conceded just seven goals in La Liga this season, keeping 16 clean sheets from 21 matches, and Xavi’s side are unbeaten in 16 games across all competitions. The coach, who starred for Barcelona in midfield in their 2009 and 2011 Champions League final victories over Ferguson’s Red Devils, is returning his side to their former glory. Barcelona beat Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup in January and will face their eternal rivals in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Last season he took over in November and led the team from mid-table to a second-place finish. Barcelona have not won La Liga since 2019 but stretched their lead over rivals Real Madrid in the current campaign to 11 points on Sunday. “It’s over a year now since Xavi came and many things have changed, probably also the mentality and the way we defend,” said Ter Stegen this week. “(Xavi) has a plan, maybe it’s taken longer than he expected, but you see results step by step. We have a better idea of what to do on the pitch and this is key to success.” Manchester United, who signed Real Madrid’s defensive midfield lynchpin Casemiro in the summer, along with Ajax duo Antony and Lisandro Martinez, have rapidly improved under coach Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach started work at Old Trafford last summer and after a rocky start, including a 4-0 thrashing by Brentford and a fractious relationship with club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, has turned things around. The Portuguese forward parted ways with United during the World Cup and Ten Hag’s side have only been beaten once in their last 17 matches – a 3-2 defeat by Premier League leaders Arsenal. Ten Hag has helped striker Marcus Rashford find his best form, with 13 goals in his last 15 games, and the team has climbed to third in the table. “The manager’s a joy to work with,” said Rashford in October, even before his spectacular run of form began. Ten Hag also guided Manchester United into the EFL Cup final and the FA Cup fifth round, maximising their chances of earning their first silverware since winning the Europa League in 2017. Bruno Fernandes, who has also recovered his best form, also praised Ten Hag’s impact. “The idea of the manager is (imprinted) on the team, you can see it,“ explained the midfielder. “Confidence was low (before) and that creates uncertainty but obviously I think this season the main thing is the results. You get more confident.” – AFP Conte satisfied Spurs boss hails two young stars despite defeat against Milan Source: UEFA Pictures: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS Shakhtar Donetsk UKR Ajax NED Salzburg AUT Juventus ITA Sporting Clube POR Bayer Leverkusen GER Sevilla ESP UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE Rennes FRA Union Berlin GER Roma ITA Nantes FRA Midtjylland DEN Monaco FRA PSV NED - - - - - - - UEFA Europa playoffs 2022-23 Match highlight Group stage runners-up play third-ranked teams from UEFA Champions League Qarabag AZE Trabzonspor TUR Bodø/Glimt NOR Sporting de Braga POR Lazio ITA AEK Larnaca CYP Sheriff Tiraspol MDA Ludogorets BUL UEFA EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE Gent BEL Basel SUI Lech Poznań POL Fiorentina ITA CFR Cluj ROM Dnipro-1 UKR Partizan SRB Anderlecht BEL - - - - - - - - Group stage runners-up play third-ranked teams from UEFA Europa League KNOCKOUT ROUND, 1ST LEG – FEB 17 European form W D L Form Goals for / against Passes Corners Possession 12 / 12 10 / 3 BARCELONA vs MAN UTD Camp Nou Head-to-head Won 6 Drawn 4 Won 3 34 37 3390 40 62.5% 92 Total shots / Shots on target 3328 37 61.8% 112 Team statistics (6 matches) Marcus Rashford Manchester United forward in superb form, with 13 goals in 15 matches since FIFA World Cup